Additional information
| Customer Reviews: | 37,887 ratings |
|---|---|
| Best Sellers Rank: | #5 in Dog Flea Drops |
| Item model number : | 86315092 |
| Department : | Pet Supply |
| Date First Available : | June 12, 2010 |
| Manufacturer : | Elanco US Inc |
| ASIN : | B004QN0M2S |
| Country of Origin : | Germany |
| Product Dimensions : | 7.75 x 1 x 4.25 inches; 1.6 Ounces |
| Target Species | Dog |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : | No |
| Brand | K9 advantix |
| Item Form | Topical |
| Age Range (Description) | 7 weeks and older |
| Item Weight | 0.1 Pounds |
| Active Ingredients | Imidacloprid, Permethrin, Pyriproxyfen |
| Item Volume | 1 Quarts |
| Allergen Information | Allergen-Free |
Darren M. –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stop the Bite!
Our SAR K9, Zydeco, takes oral medication for fleas and ticks, as well as heartworm.However, these systemic oral medications do NOT deter the insect from biting the dog, thus enabling the spread of disease.So I use this medication to PREVENT ticks from biting and latching on, in hopes of preventing Lyme Disease and other illnesses.Zydeco is a 45lb Australian Cattle Dog mix that is training for FEMA SAR/HRD K9 certification. We take him camping in tick-infested Missouri, as well as running him through tick-infested woodland, grassland and thick brush.After applying a month ago, we did find a tick after camping at Eisenhower State Park in Missouri. The tick had had several unknown hours to find a juicy spot to sink its pinchers and mouth into for a bloody feast. But no, the tick was still migrating through the fur and easy to remove.Just two months before starting the topical treatment I had found a tick only a few hours after SAR training. This one had dug in deep. After removing and killing the tick, he left behind a large welt and hard knot below the epidermis. After about six weeks the subcutaneous knot slowly resolved and thankfully Zydeco did not display any ill effects.UPDATED 06/30/2023After using this product for 3 months we have had no ticks ATTACH to our K9. We have found 2-3 around on his skin, but they were either dead, nearly dead or had not bitten him.Our new vet does not sell this product (as it is over-the-counter, I presume). He suggested FRONTLINE Gold for Dogs. No where on the package or their website did it mention REPELLING Ticks, Flies or Mosquitoes. I called the 1-888 # to verify directly from FRONTLINE; indeed it was confirmed that FRONTLINE does NOT repel ticks. It is only effective after they bite, and by that time it’s too late as disease could be transmitted.Needless to say, I will be returning the FRONTLINE Gold and purchasing more ADVANTIX II
17 people found this helpful
Brian W –
4.0 out of 5 stars
never saw any critters on her
never saw critters on my girl when using it
Timothy A Dotson –
5.0 out of 5 stars
It works
I rarely use this for hot summer months when diatomaceous earth isn’t cutting it anymore. These gave my previous dog cancer and he died,but he was also old. It boils down to risking end of life cancer or your dog being miserable with fleas their whole life. The ladder option is best. That said,always try diatomaceous earth first. It works great 99% of the time and kills fleas but sometimes if the fleas are super bad that year the earth won’t be enough. Top it off with this product and your dog will be flea free
gatosmom –
4.0 out of 5 stars
The most important thing to know? it works.
I have been using a less expensive, flea and tick topical repellent on my dog for a year, and it just didn’t seem to be doing any good. I have used canine Advantix in the past and decided to go back to it. Within the span of 48 hours, my sweet dog has nearly ceased all scratching. She still does a bit but not as badly as she did before. I have run my fingers through her fur and checked her out all over and I haven’t seen a single flea. I have heard reports that some dogs have issues with it, but it works for my dog.
15 people found this helpful
Lauren White –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ticks be gone!!
I moved to another state for several months where ticks were rampant. I had not dealt with so many ticks before on my dog. I had my doubts about this product working but it was truly like magic. I never saw a tick again once I started using this. It is important to stick to the monthly schedule though in order to keep the pests from coming back.
Grateful –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Put on full dose & made my 38lb dog sick. Next time in small doses over several days. No fleas!Yay!
Flea prevention
2 people found this helpful
awriternot –
5.0 out of 5 stars
First time using it
We have been using Front Line Plus for years but decided to give this one a try. So far so good. I do like the dispensing tube much better.
Glenda –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Works like Frontline
I bought this to try it out since it had a discount. It works like Frontline so after 3 weeks your pet will have fleas and ticks again.
One person found this helpful
MBruton –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Actually working!
I ordered enough only for a month just to see if it would work and my dog was covered with fleas but by the next day I didn’t even see one. I will definitely be ordering more of this. Thank you!
One person found this helpful
Rosetta Moore –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Questionable
After applying for 1 month, today I found 2 live ticks. Maybe not enough time to work yet.
2 people found this helpful
Scott B. Brown –
5.0 out of 5 stars
No more ticks
No more Ticks
Teresa Northup –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic product
I only ordered a single does to try it. well worth the cost. Killed even the hard to kill fleas.
Marilyn –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Contact with cats in question.
Newer reviews said dog could be around cats as soon as product dried.Box said separate dog and cats for 24 hours.Thought perhaps newer testing allowed for “dryness” instead the time restraint so I called the safety number on the box.The service said they has no other info than the 24 hour separation requirement.It was a lot of work to keep only one pet in bed with us so I got the cat and the sofa and washed all the bedding just in case. Also took the dog on a day trip. Now time for second dosing! UGHRemoved four surface ticks after trip to high grass park once but none next 3 times.
connies352 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice
Good value
Charles Wesoloski –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Whether it works
C convenience and it does seem to work
KENNY –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Flea free
Product works very well
Pam –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Product
This product was easy to apply. I love that it takes care of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Lolliann –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not enough for my dog
The label states that each tube should be enough for a dog 21lbs to 55lbs… my dog is 25 lbs and there wasn’t enough to go to the middle of his back… there should have been enough to go to his tail… I’ll have to use both tubes to cover him… plus the box was open, however since both tubes was in the box, I didn’t make a huge deal about it… but to pay over $30 for this product, and was supposed to last 2 months, I didn’t get what I paid for… and will now have to buy another “2 month” supply… SUPER ANNOYING!
One person found this helpful
Anthony Jones –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works
Worked well for my herding dogs. He loves being outside and doesn’t have any fleas or anything.
One person found this helpful
Chip –
5.0 out of 5 stars
works great
works great and easy to use
Nicole –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Love the brand but photo shows 2 bxs you only get one bx a2pk very misleading
Bought a two pack photo showed two boxes of two -two packs of doggy flea tick control but instead got one box of a two pack not two-two packs I found this to be very misleading because the photo in ad showed two-2 packs so if same seller be aware you are not getting what is in the photo. The brand itself is excellent
11 people found this helpful
Peasaint –
5.0 out of 5 stars
IT WORKS WHEN OTHERS FAILED
We’ve got 3 large dogs and a flea problem. Have used products in the past being “Pet-Armor” over the past 2 years, however this year (summer) it stopped working and our Mountain Cur pup was miserable, being eaten alive. Figured the fleas and eggs had adapted to the chemicals in the Pet-Armor so I elected to get a product with a different working ingredient and when with this. It’s worked very well on all 3 so far. ITS BEST to use a genetic treatment on the fleas in addition to treating your pets. I’ve used the mixable formula that makes a solution for spray, but didn’t get to it this summer. That product can be found on Amazon also, and IT WORKS by disrupting the life cycle be rendering adult fleas sterile, and produce not-hatching eggs. There is never an easy solution to fleas once inside one’s home.The Cons of This Product:1) It’s quite runny and can spill from its applying capsule if not careful, wear latex gloves.2) It has an odd smell, nothing that is intolerable.3) The pet CANNOT get wet for 24 hours after application.The Pros of This Product:1) It works for the time as stated on the box2) Not expensive when considering the need of the pet, and one’s own sanity.BTW: Our dogs are over 50 pounds in weight. We have a Mountain Cur, a Boxer and a Golden Retriever, all handled it very well. Follow the dosage guidelines and if unsure, use a smaller dosage as a trial.
15 people found this helpful
Annette M Tilson –
3.0 out of 5 stars
May work in climates other than the south
I used this product through the winter months without issue, but once spring and summer came, the fleas here in Florida seemed immune to it. I ended up having to purchase an oral treatment from our veterinarian.
Monroe Conely –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worm Medicine
My dog have been using this medicine since 2011, it easy once a month down his back.
2 people found this helpful
muffie5450 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A BEAGLE is a “Large Dog”
Be sure to ALWAYS look at these drops and buy them by the WEIGHT of your dog, not the SIZE of your dog. We have a Beagle, which I would think is a medium size dog, but he weighs 35 pounds, so he is considered a LARGE dog. READ the LABEL or you could end up with expensive drops that will not work on your dog. Also be aware that deer ticks are everywhere, even in the suburbs. Your dog needs protection from them. I never thought it was necessary because we did not live in the country, UNTIL both of our dogs came down with Lyme disease. Please BEWARE.
10 people found this helpful
Christina Volli –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best flea and tick treatment!
This is by far my favorite flea and tick treatment.. It works great has never failed me.. even completely repells ticks for 2 weeks but lasts for a month….only thing that stopped my pups from tracking the ticks inside…plus those pill form flea treatments are very dangerous for pets…
3 people found this helpful
Elle –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Advantix 2 works great. It truly repels as advertised especially the mosquitos …
Advantix 2 works great. It truly repels as advertised especially the mosquitos which is good since those are the thing to worry about heartworm. Frontline is getting tolerant, I always have far better results from Advantix 2.For anyone looking for full 4 weeks of perfect coverage, it just doesn’t exist. Any topical solution will weaken as you near the 4th week but I have found Advantix 2 to be GREAT. This is a great Seller and cannot beat the price. This is my second time purchasing from this seller on Amazon for price but also quality of product not sold nearing expiration. Expiration doesn’t MEAN BAD it means Weaker.OK… SO! What about Irritated Skin!?Don’t BUY IT if your worried about that! Some dogs are extra sensitive or ALLERGIC. DONT buy a topical solution if that is a huge concern. IT DOESN’T MAKE THIS A 1 STAR product because your dog is allergic or sensitive. For god sakes, you are putting poison on them and that includes in any brand unless your getting a prescription for a Pill. Then there are other possible side effects. Accept That. Anything you choose has Pro and Con’s.My dog has sensitive Skin. She will get a little pink when I use ANY topical solution. However Advantix 2 is well known for being kinda strong. So how do I manage it for my Furbaby??? Easy. Take the time to put the solution on in several places. NOT JUST ONE BLOB, because you’re too lazy.I skip the base of the tail. I never understood this. My dog can lick there all she wants. But I go from base of head at the back of the skull and ever couple inches I squirt a little down till I get between the shoulder blades and even so much as a little bit below that on her back.This helps spread it out and not irritate her and make her itchy. Then again, my pup has allergies and she’s on Zyrtec daily. But when I use to not spread it out she would seem uncomfortable, now she is fine with it. She is just sticky for a day. A Con is Advantix 2 is a little greasier and you get More of it. But frontline barely gives any and never seems to work past 2 weeks. So take your pick!After a day, I brush her out and there is no more sticky. I wait a week instead of 48 hours to bath her. I don’t notice any lack of flea control after a bathing.I really think this product works for anyone in areas where Frontline is losing its effectiveness. Also, heartworm is a billion dollar scare tactic. The idea of it is terrifying however, it is also expensive and for anyone struggling to spend that kind of money per month on their pup. Or those who are concerned with the drug’s effect on the body long term, or those that are allergic. Advantix 2 has that added benefit of the mosquito repellent if you’re religious in your re-applications.So… yeah. You’re going to see pictures of Poor Pink or Red skin. Statistically, there will ALWAYS be a % of animals that have an allergic reaction to inactive ingredients. However, as an owner of a dog with skin problems. Just be smart about spreading out the application and don’t go putting detergents on your dog “washing it clean” because their skin got a little pink or irritated. THAT is what worsens the situation.And I have gone through skin and fur issues with my pup to know this. My dog is allergic to the grass. I know skin irritation. Or should I say She Knows.
107 people found this helpful
Daydream Believer –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Works but caused reaction
The good news is it seems to be repelling the ticks. The bad news is my pitbull mix had a reaction and is extremely itchy around the application site. Thankfully no signs of redness or hives but her skin was really sensitive and you could see all her back and side muscles clench if you touched her back or sides. It has lessened to being really itchy, especially near her tail but I won’t be using the second dose for her, especially if her reaction worsens. It’s been a week now and she’s still reacting to it, even after wiping down her fur and skin. Hopefully a deep clean bath will help!
Justine Piatt –
5.0 out of 5 stars
functional and easy
easy to apply and appears to protect my fuzzy girl as I have not seen any stow-a-aways
D –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very effective against ticks.
I buy this K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick repellent on a regular basis for our dogs. It has been the most effective tick repellent that I’ve used so far. I live in Pennsylvania where we have a significant tick problem, including a very high concentration of black-legged deer ticks which carry the Powassan virus and Lyme disease. Our dogs spend a significant amount of time outside in the brush as well as hiking on a regular basis. Since we started using K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick repellent a few years ago, I have not found a single tick on them. I’ve found ticks on me, but none on them so far.The product is applied to the dogs back. The ONLY reason that I didn’t give it 5 stars is due to the fact that it is a mild skin irritant. I love the product and recommend it but be aware that it makes their backs itchy for the first 24 hours after application. To counter this, I make sure to take them out and play with them hard and run them to tire them out so they spend most of the evening sleeping hard. It works.
11 people found this helpful
def –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great product
I have used this product on 2 dogs now. My little Sophie went over the rainbow bridge 2 years ago now and she was 13. I always used it on her and I now use it on Remy who I have had for 2 years now. I don’t have a problem with fleas, ticks and it also repels mosquitoes! I highly recommend it!
4 people found this helpful
Marty Nemko –
5.0 out of 5 stars
It works
I like that it’s been around for quite a while so it’s proven and rarely causes side effects in dogs. I’ve used it for years now and my dog never has a flea on it. And while it’s absurdly priced for something that no doubt costs just pennies to make, it’s at least better priced and available without a prescription as opposed to a number of the more “modern” flea medications.
5 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Always use.
Always use this brand every month for all my dogs I’ve owned in my lifetime. Never had any issues ever!
4 people found this helpful
I don’t like to brag or complain, but… –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seems to work
Although, I didn’t find any fleas, my dog was scratching profusely until I put this product on her… So it seems to work well for not only fleas but whatever little bugs may be bothersome to your pup.
2 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worked good
Seemed to keep the fleas off my dog
One person found this helpful
perrier52 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works Great!
I buy this every year for my dog.
One person found this helpful
Darlene –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Tick repellent
Was using this stuff this year but it’s nowhere strong enough for the amount of ticks that we have this year.
One person found this helpful
nashua –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Overall good
Good product for the price but I did have to use a dose back to back two weeks apart to get all the fleas out.
Jim Browning –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to use!
I recently purchased K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for my large dog and have been extremely satisfied with its performance. The product is easy to apply and provides long-lasting protection against fleas, ticks, and other pests. It’s also water-resistant, so my dog can swim and play in the rain without losing its effectiveness.One of the things I appreciate about K9 Advantix II is that it’s safe and effective for use on large dogs. It’s also veterinarian-recommended and has been trusted by pet owners for years.Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention to any pet owner with a large dog. It’s a reliable and effective product that provides long-lasting protection against pests and is safe for use on large dogs.
One person found this helpful
Nadine T –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good product
Works
One person found this helpful
Correctgoose –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Puppies are covered
Works great
Stephanie Hernandez –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Still a work in progress
I applied it on her a week ago but haven’t seen much improvement. I’m sure it’s a work in progress so I’m still waiting for results
One person found this helpful
Olivia –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Probably won’t ever stop using this!
I typically don’t go for name brands since generic is often the same product for less, but in this case it is actually cheaper. You may be able to find a comparable price in the stores (Walmart maybe) but the automatic prime subscribe and save I have for this is well worth it for me. I never forgot her medicine it was just a nuisance to remember to order every other month.My dog couldn’t use Nexgard because she has a sensitive stomach and threw it up, and Bravecto isn’t effective against ticks or mosquitos after the first month, just fleas, unless you give them sooner, and if you’re giving it to them every month it can get very costly ($40+ a month). So I left the ingestibles and switched her back to topical flea and tick prevention.I started her on Frontline (or something similar, I got an off brand at Walgreens that was supposed to be exactly like it), but it made my dog itchy. I noticed toward the end of the month she got itchier and even found a flea! Three weeks in, the treatment should still have kept going. I went searching for better brands and found this.This is two doses which is a great deal for the price, making it cheaper per dose than a lot of brands to start. Many of the other brands don’t cover nearly as many insects and biting things as this one does, usually just standard flea and tick. Mosquito protection is important, and of course month long flea protection is important as dogs can get diseases from fleas (if a dog ingests an infected flea they can get tapeworm for instance… something which happened on one of the other brands, back when we first adopted her), which not all brands do. Some go 3-3.5 weeks. That’s hard to keep up with. This one goes the whole month. My dog isn’t a fan at application time…I don’t smell it but she might, or it irritates her skin…she doesn’t itch beyond a day or so after. However, it works really well the whole month long, even in the hot, southern summers. She has dry skin and is often itchy, and while she experiences some itching on this, it’s not nearly as bad as the Frontline was.Probably won’t ever stop using the K9 Adventix, it’s more affordable and effective than the ingestibles and even other topical brands, and covers a broader spectrum of insects. Hope they one day come out with a sensitive skin line, but for now I’m grateful for the full protection.
51 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
That it works
This is a great product. My wife and I take our dog out hiking 4 or 5 times a week and not once has he come home with a flea or tick problem.
2 people found this helpful
Salty –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Works well
Pro: no tics or fleas when using, even last a couple weeks longer then a month. Con: getting my dog to stay still while separating her thick hair to find skin. Remembering to apply each month.
2 people found this helpful
Lori –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Product
Prevents fleas. No skin irritation on pet
Lisa Goodman –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Montly flea treatment for my dog
It’s works
Amazon Customer –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Effective.
Good price. Works great.
One person found this helpful
ADAN MONSALVO –
5.0 out of 5 stars
My dog’s health.
Easy to use and seems working good.
David overeem –
3.0 out of 5 stars
As advertised
Dog does not have fleas or ticks. So must work.
Cheryl Godine –
5.0 out of 5 stars
All in one medicine
I’ve used K9 Advantix II for as long as I can remember, with every dog I’ve owned. My dogs never had side effects with it. For my dogs, it really did prevent fleas, ticks, flies & mosquitoes from feasting on them. I trust it so much that I had my fiance switch from the topical he was using to Advantix II. Now I don’t have to worry about her being outside getting chewed up by bugs. It really is an all in one topical preventative.
2 people found this helpful
Laura Jeffcoat –
5.0 out of 5 stars
I was using Frontline and had Fleas. Advantage II killed them.
I used Frontline and had a flea infestation in Texas. I bought Advantage II for the next month and my dog is finally free of fleas.
2 people found this helpful
Pamela Strange –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this stuff
I love this stuff! I’ve always use this on my furbabies and I have never had any problem with fleas, ticks or mosquitoes. I will only use this on them.
Dan –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Flea and tick
We live in the country and it does was it’s supposed to. No complaints
One person found this helpful
Shawn –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Does the job
I have been using this product for over a year and no fleas, so it’s doing the job! No weird smell, dog is t bothered by it.
rt –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works Great
We live where there are a lot of ticks and this keeps him tick free without getting ill from it. Great product.
Anthony Ling –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worked Immediately
My pup was having some itching that I was concerned about. He hasn’t had any flea prevention done since he was a bit younger so I decided to try out K9 advantix. The reason for it was how much it covered. The rainy season has given some concern for mosquitoes. This worked pretty much immediately on him. He no longer has any itchiness.
3 people found this helpful
A. Waldron –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worked well for Fluke
I recently moved from the cooler, mountainous region of SC to the warmer climate of middle GA to attend graduate school. I had been using Comfortis for two and half years on my dog, Fluke, without any problems. However, about two weeks ago, I felt a lump on her neck, and upon inspection, I discovered a tick. I began looking all over her body for more of these little pests, and found four more of them. Fortunately, Fluke is a rescue from a vet, and I don’t have to bear the burden of expensive vet bills when something like this situation occurs. I was told that the Comfortis does not necessarily guard against ticks, and while it may have been effective in SC, the tick population in the heavily wooded river area in which I live now might be too much for the tablet to protect against for Fluke. I bought this product because it proffered to prevent ticks from attaching to the dog, and thus far, it has proven quite effective. Fluke, as her name suggests, is an unusual 25 pound lab/pit mixture. I purchased the product in the larger size because she is in between the medium and large dosing sizes, and I wanted to be sure that she had adequate protection. Fluke has been her usual happy self since I applied it to her. The directions indicated that you should apply in four to six spots on the dog, and I chose to apply to six, as to not have too high of a concentration in any area. I know that some people have reported having adverse reactions upon applying this product on their dogs, but I have noticed a trend in the reviews: most of the reviews are concerning smaller dogs. It might be that the formula is just too much for a smaller dog, but I’m not anywhere near an expert on the topic, just something that I have noticed. I am of the opinion that what it boils down to is this: all dogs are different, and what works well for one dog does not necessarily work well for others; the same could be said of medications for people, too. I’m just happy to have chosen a product that works well for Fluke. On another note, if you only need flea prevention, Comfortis is amazing, and much less messy than the topical products. While searching for more ticks, I never did find a flea on her! I hope that my review could be of some help, even though it is not very specific.UPDATE AS OF JULY 2013: I have brought home a 4 pound Pomeranian since my original post. I stand by what I stated in my previous post: this product works well for fleas, ticks, and mites in the warmer climate of middle Georgia in which I live. Barnaby, my little Pomeranian, has not had an adverse reaction to this medication, and Fluke, my lab/pit mixture, remains free of fleas and ticks, all the while not exhibiting any negative symptoms. For my little Pomeranian, I applied the medication to 4 separate places along his back, again to not have too high of a concentration in any one area. I purchased the smallest dose currently on the market, and although it was a little high for his small stature, it did not seem to phase him in any sort of negative ways. I wait, at a minimum, 72 hours before bathing my dogs, and I also do not bathe them for at least 5 days prior to application of the medication, as the oils within a dog’s skin distribute the topical treatment. My dogs tolerate this medication well, and I have not found a flea or tick on either of them since I began using this product; however, I still will caution potential purchasers of this product: this product may not work well for your dog, just as some medications may not work well for you. Please, before you condemn the product as unsatisfactory, try to determine, and this may require the aid of a veterinarian, what your particular dog requires based upon breed, climate, and tolerance to topical flea prevention. I can only relate that this product works well for my larger dog and also my smaller dog within the area in which we currently live. Again, I hope that my update as to the effects of this product upon my smaller dog is helpful in your search for the right fit for your dog.
18 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seems to work well.
We barely notice any ticks on our dog after using this product. We live in a wooded area and he used to bring in a ton of ticks. Now maybe 1 per season.
Craig –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good bye ticks
Keeps my dog tick free
One person found this helpful