Advocate vs Frontline Plus
A detailed comparison of Advocate and Frontline Plus for dogs. Which is the better choice? We compare ingredients, dosing, price, and side effects.
Advocate
Monthly spot-on that provides broad-spectrum protection against fleas, lungworm, roundworm, and ear mites. Does not cover ticks.
Frontline Plus
Monthly spot-on that protects against fleas and ticks. Does not cover any worms.
Save on Advocate or Frontline Plus at a UK pharmacy
UK registered pharmacies dispense the same prescription medications as your vet, often for less. Ask your vet for a written prescription, then fill it online.
Affiliate links to The Pharm Pet Co., a UK registered veterinary pharmacy. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Always follow your vet's guidance on medication choice and dosing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Advocate | Frontline Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Imidacloprid + Moxidectin | Fipronil + (S)-Methoprene |
| Form | Spot-on pipette | Spot-on pipette |
| Frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Species | Dogs | Dogs |
| Price Range | £8–£16/month | £4–£10/month |
Key Differences
Coverage spectrum
Advocate covers fleas + worms (incl. lungworm); Frontline covers fleas + ticks.
Tick protection
Frontline Plus kills ticks; Advocate does not.
Worm protection
Advocate covers roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and lungworm; Frontline has no worm activity.
Prescription
Advocate is POM-V (prescription only); Frontline is NFA-VPS (no prescription).
Best for
Advocate suits dogs in lungworm risk areas; Frontline suits tick-exposed dogs on a budget.
Pros & Cons
Advocate
Pros
- Covers fleas AND worms (roundworm, lungworm)
- Lungworm prevention — increasingly important in the UK
- Also treats ear mites and sarcoptic mange
- One product replaces flea treatment + wormer
Cons
- Prescription only (POM-V)
- Does NOT cover ticks — may need additional product
- Does NOT cover tapeworm
- More expensive than Frontline
Frontline Plus
Pros
- Covers both fleas and ticks
- No prescription required
- Cheapest option available
- Very widely available in shops and online
Cons
- No worm coverage at all — need separate wormer
- Growing flea resistance to fipronil
- Greasy application site
- No lungworm protection
Compare Prices & Save
Both Advocate and Frontline Plus may be cheaper from a licensed online retailer than from your vet. Ask for a written prescription and compare prices.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting, stopping, or switching your pet's medication. Prices shown are typical UK ranges and may vary by product size, weight band, and retailer.
Alternative options to consider
Retailers we earn a commission from. It costs you nothing and never changes what we show.
VetBox Flea & Worm Protection for Dogs
Vet-founded monthly parasite subscription. Flea, tick and worm protection delivered to your door. Founded by Dr Will Woodley, protecting 30,000+ pets.
Pet Wormers at Pharmacy2U
Drontal, Milbemax and own-brand wormers dispensed by the UK's largest online pharmacy.
Flea & Tick Treatments for Dogs
Vet-strength flea and tick treatments at pharmacy prices. Frontline, Advocate, Bravecto, Nexgard and more.
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.