The Differences of Frontline Plus & Frontline Top Spot

Merial is the manufacturer of Frontline Plus and Frontline Top Spot. Both formulas are topical pesticides for the treatment and prevention of flea and tick infestation in dogs and cats. Frontline Plus, unlike Frontline Top Spot, attacks flea eggs and larvae along with fleas and ticks. Both products are waterproof through bathing and swimming and claim to kill fleas within 12 hours of application.

  1. Frontline Plus

    • Frontline Plus for both dogs and cats contain 9.8 percent of the active ingredient Fipronil. Frontline Plus also contains an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) Methoprene or (s) Methoprene. The IGR is the ingredient that kills fleas in all stages of life. Frontline Plus for dogs contain 8.8 percent (s) Methoprene. Frontline Plus for cats contain 11.8 percent.

    Frontline Top Spot

    • Frontline Top Spot for both dogs and cats contain 9.7 percent of the active ingredient Fipronil. And, unlike Frontline Plus, Frontline Top Spot does not aid in controlling fleas in the environment. Frontline Top Spot is generally less expensive and more economically priced because it does not kill fleas in their egg or larvae stage. However, like Frontline Plus, this pesticide is safe to use on puppies and kittens eight weeks or older and is approved for use on breeding, nursing and pregnant females.

    Where To Buy Frontline Products

    • Frontline is available from your veterinarian and through online pet pharmacies such as Doctors Foster and Smith and PSCPets. Although there may be a few cents difference, the price for Frontline Plus and Frontline Top Spot as of May 2011 is about $12 for a single dose for both dogs and cats.

    Considerations

    • Merial's company policy is that only veterinarians can sale Frontline pet medications because they believe that the pet owner's veterinarian should see the animal prior to taking either product. However, online pet pharmacies such as Doctors Foster and Smith advertise Frontline as an over-the-counter medication that does not require a prescription from your pet's veterinarian.