Zoetis Simparica Tablets for 20–40 kg Dogs: Full Dosage, Safety, and Usage Guide

Fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance—they are dangerous parasites capable of spreading serious diseases in dogs. For pet owners, especially those with medium to large breeds weighing between 20–40 kg, choosing the right monthly protection is critical. Zoetis Simparica Tablets provide a modern, veterinarian-trusted solution for keeping your dog safe from a variety of external parasites.

What Are Zoetis Simparica Tablets?

Zoetis Simparica is a chewable tablet given once a month that provides broad-spectrum protection against fleas, ticks, and mites. Designed for dogs of various weights, the Simparica 40 mg dosage is specifically intended for dogs weighing 20 to 40 kilograms.

It is flavored for easy administration, which improves compliance in even the pickiest eaters.

Manufacturer: Zoetis

Zoetis ranks among the leading global manufacturers of veterinary pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Known for innovative, research-driven solutions, Zoetis has positioned Simparica as a frontline oral antiparasitic product.

Key Features of Simparica Tablets

• Long-lasting: One tablet provides full protection for 35 days
• Convenient: Oral administration means no messy topical application
• Palatable: Liver-flavored chew is easy to administer
• Broad spectrum: Effective against fleas, ticks, and mites
• Vet-recommended: Proven track record in clinical and field studies

Active Ingredient: Sarolaner

Simparica contains Sarolaner, a potent isoxazoline compound that targets the nervous systems of ectoparasites. This action is selective for insects and arachnids, meaning it is safe for dogs when used as directed.

Indications for Simparica Tablets (20–40 kg Dogs)

Simparica is indicated for the treatment and prevention of infestations with:

1. Fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.)

• Begins killing fleas within 3 hours
• Prevents flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in allergic dogs

2. Ticks

• Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Brown Dog Tick)
• Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog Tick)
• Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star Tick)
• Ixodes scapularis (Black-legged Tick)
• Ixodes ricinus (Castor Bean Tick)

Simparica kills ticks before they can transmit deadly infections such as Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis.

3. Mites

• Used for the treatment of demodicosis (caused by Demodex canis)
• Effectively treats both otodectic mange (ear mites) and sarcoptic mange

How to Use Zoetis Simparica Tablets for 20–40 kg Dogs: Dosage and Directions

Product Strength

Each Simparica tablet for 20–40 kg dogs contains:

• Active Ingredient: Sarolaner 40 mg
• Tablet Form: Flavored, chewable, single-dose tablet
• Packaging: Available in packs of 1, 3, or 6 tablets for monthly dosing

Weight-Based Dosage

Note: Dogs weighing over 40 kg should receive the appropriate combination of tablets to match their body weight (e.g., 1 × 40 mg + 1 × 10 mg = 50 mg for a 45 kg dog).

Dosing Frequency

• One tablet every 30 days
• Provides continuous protection for 35 days, allowing slight flexibility
• Year-round protection is recommended, even during winter months

How to Administer Simparica

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove the tablet from its blister packaging.
2. Offer it directly by hand or hide it in a treat or small amount of food.
3. Ensure your dog consumes the entire tablet. Do not split or crush it.
4. Can be given with or without food. Food intake does not impact effectiveness.

Most dogs readily accept Simparica due to its liver-flavored chewable format.

Pro Tips for Successful Administration:

• Create a monthly alert on your phone or calendar to stay on schedule.
• Use a treat pouch or hide the tablet in peanut butter for fussy eaters.
• Choose a fixed day each month for administration to maintain consistency.

Important Reminders

• Do not give to dogs weighing less than 20 kg — use a lower-dose Simparica product instead.
• Not intended for cats — Sarolaner is toxic to felines and should never be administered to them.
• Store tablets in their original blister packaging, protected from light, heat, and moisture.

 Precautionary Information and Safety Guidelines – Simparica for 20–40 kg Dogs

Simparica (Sarolaner) is generally well-tolerated in healthy dogs. However, like all veterinary medications, it must be used responsibly and according to veterinary guidance.

General Safety Guidelines

• Age & Weight Requirement: Safe for dogs 8 weeks of age and older, weighing at least 1.3 kg. The 40 mg tablet is specifically formulated for dogs in the 20–40 kg weight range.
• Frequency: Administer once every 30 days. Stick to a regular dosing schedule to keep your dog protected year-round.
• Administration: Give the chewable tablet by mouth, with or without food. Do not crush or divide the tablet.
• Indoor & Outdoor Dogs: Safe for both; parasite exposure can occur in any environment.

Use with Caution in Certain Dogs

• Dogs with Neurological Disorders: Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures, tremors, or ataxia. A small percentage of dogs treated with isoxazoline-based products like Sarolaner have shown neurologic side effects.
• Breed Sensitivities: Collies, Australian Shepherds, and other herding breeds may have MDR1 gene mutations, potentially increasing drug sensitivity. Consult your vet before use.
• Concurrent Medications: Inform your vet if your dog is on other treatments, including heartworm preventatives, anti-epileptics, or antibiotics. No known major interactions, but caution is advised.

Do Not Use In:

• Cats: Sarolaner is toxic to cats. Never use Simparica in felines or allow cats to ingest it.
• Dogs under 1.3 kg or younger than 8 weeks: Risk of overdose or side effects increases.

Adverse Effects – What to Watch For

Although generally well tolerated, mild to moderate reactions have been observed in rare instances:

Note: If your dog vomits within 2 hours of administration, contact your veterinarian to determine if a re-dose is necessary.

Veterinary Advice Recommended For:

• Puppies transitioning to adult dosing
• Dogs with underlying health conditions (e.g., liver, kidney, or neurological disorders)
• Households with multiple pets, especially if you own both dogs and cats

Additional Precautionary Tips

• Continue monthly treatment year-round, even in colder seasons
• Continue to check your dog routinely for fleas and ticks, even during Simparica treatment
• Do not double dose—accidental overdoses may increase the risk of side effects
• Always use the correct weight-based dosage

Veterinarian Tips for Using Simparica

• Combine Simparica with a broad-spectrum dewormer and heartworm preventive for comprehensive protection
• Administer Simparica throughout the year—fleas and ticks can thrive indoors, even during winter
• Conduct regular skin exams for early detection of reinfestation or other issues
• Use in a multi-pet household with a coordinated parasite control plan

Scientific Studies and Proven Effectiveness

1. Flea Control Study (Zoetis Internal, 2016)

• Design: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial
• Subjects: 90 dogs with natural flea infestations
• Result:
  • 100% flea kill at 24 hours post-treatment
  • Delivers prolonged parasite control with 99% effectiveness for 35 days
  • No flea egg production observed from day 1

2. Tick Control Study (Zoetis, 2016; J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2017)

• Study Design: Multi-site field trial conducted in North America and Europe
• Result:
  • Over 96% tick efficacy against Ixodes, Rhipicephalus, and Dermacentor
  • Prevented disease transmission within tick transmission windows

3. Mite Infestation Trials

• Demodicosis Study (N = 30): 90–100% resolution by week 4–6
• Sarcoptic Mange Study (N = 15): All dogs mite-free by week 4 post second dose

Published Research References

• Snyder DE et al. (2017). Six RH et al. (2016). Efficacy of sarolaner against Ixodes scapularis on dogs. Veterinary Parasitology, 222, 67–69.
• Six, R. H., Everett, W. R., Young, D. R., Carter, L., Mahabir, S. P., & Honsberger, N. A. (2016).
• Shoop WL et al. (2014). “Discovery and mode of action of isoxazoline parasiticides…” ACS Med Chem Lett. 5(7): 820–825.

Conclusion

Zoetis Simparica Tablets for 20–40 kg Dogs are a reliable, fast-acting, and palatable option for keeping medium to large dogs safe from fleas, ticks, and mites. Backed by robust clinical data and trusted by veterinarians globally, Simparica makes monthly parasite control simple and effective.For dogs in the 20–40 kg range, a single Simparica 40 mg tablet offers full-spectrum protection for a month. By preventing infestations and reducing the risk of serious tick-borne diseases, Simparica improves your dog’s quality of life—and your peace of mind. For medium to large dogs weighing between 20–40 kg, Zoetis Simparica Tablets offer a powerful, convenient, and scientifically proven solution for protecting against fleas, ticks, and mites. With its rapid onset of action, long-lasting protection, and broad-spectrum efficacy, Simparica stands out as one of the most trusted monthly oral treatments available on the veterinary market today.