About Frontline Tick & Flea for Dogs
Many different flea and tick products are on the market for dogs that kill only fleas, only ticks or both. Frontline is a brand that kills both fleas and ticks. Although the company that manufactures it, Merial Limited, sells directly only to veterinarians, it is available online from other sources. Frontline also kills chewing lice and helps control sarcoptic mange.
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History
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Older forms of flea and tick control chemicals were more toxic to dogs and people. Newer products, such as Frontline, target the pests and are less toxic. The original Frontline spray formula became available in 1996. The new flea and tick products were beneficial as fleas were becoming resistant to older chemical treatments.
Types
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Frontline is available in three types for dogs. Frontline original is a spray formula. Frontline Top Spot and Frontline Plus are available in packets for applying to one or two places on the dog's skin. All three types kill adult fleas and ticks. Frontline Plus prevents juvenile fleas, eggs, larvae and pupae from maturing. Frontline Plus and Top Spot are available in dosages depending on your dog's weight. Frontline spray has directions for how many sprays to use per pound of body weight.
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Application
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Frontline for dogs may be used on puppies that are eight weeks or older and for dogs of any weight. Pregnant and nursing bitches may use Frontline Plus and Top Spot. Dogs should not be wet or washed for 24 hours after application. After 24 hours, the product will not wash off.
Function
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Frontline products contain fipronil, which kills adult fleas and ticks by attacking their nervous system. Frontline kills deer, American dog, brown dog and lone star ticks. According to Merial, most fleas die within 12 hours and ticks die within 48 hours of contact with the product. Frontline Plus also contains S-methoprene, a chemical that prevents fleas from maturing so they cannot breed. The Top Spot and Plus versions spread over your dog's body through its skin oils and collects in the hair follicles. It takes about 24 hours for the product to spread completely. The product controls ticks and chewing lice for 30 days and up to three months for flea control.
Side Effects
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Some dogs have skin irritation or allergic reaction to the product. Frontline does not interact with medications or other flea or tick products, according to Merial. However, you should wait 24 hours before applying Frontline after you have used another flea or tick product. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, all flea and tick spot-on products may cause side effects including death. The EPA found that smaller dogs were more at risk of side effects due to overdosing. Your veterinarian should evaluate any serious reaction or a reaction that continues or worsens.
Considerations
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Exposure to your dog is necessary for Frontline to work. For complete flea and tick control, it is necessary to treat your home and yard to prevent reinfestation. For sarcoptic mange, your veterinarian may recommend a more frequent application of Frontline.
Warning
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Use the product only as directed. Frontline is hazardous for humans. Contact poison control or your doctor if it is swallowed by a person.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit english mastiff portrait image by Joy Fera from Fotolia.com
