Use care when determining which medications are safe for use in pregnant dogs. Always check with your veterinarian, even if the package information says the product is safe for use on all dogs. Science is evolutionary and things change on a daily basis. Your veterinarian would have more up-to-date information than a product package on the safety of a specific product. Frontline has been determined to be safe for pregnant dogs.
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What is Frontline?
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Frontline is the brand name of a drug called "fipronil," a product that stops flea infestation on dogs and cats. Most often used as a topical flea treatment, Frontline comes in three varieties: Frontline Top Spot, Frontline Plus and Frontline Spray.
Frontline works by a process called translocation. Drops of the product are placed near the animal's neck where he cannot lick it off. The body's natural oils then transport the medicine throughout the skin. When the fleas and flea eggs come in contact with the Frontline, they are killed. Since this product works by systemically killing the fleas, it does come in contact with the dog's bloodstream.
Frontline Plus, Spray and Top Spot
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Frontline Plus contains not only the ingredients to kill external parasites like fleas and ticks, but also internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. Frontline Top Spot is for younger puppies and older dogs. It does not contain the extra ingredient for the control of internal parasites. Frontline Spray is used as an all-over coat conditioning flea treatment that is recommended for younger dogs, as it is a diluted form of the droplet treatment.
Frontline's Position
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According to the Frontline website, Frontline Plus, Top Spot and Spray products are safe for use on pregnant dogs. However, veterinarians are divided on whether the dog's health is jeopardized by their use. Most veterinarians would agree that the use of any unnecessary chemicals on pregnant, lactating and nursing bitches does represent a risk to the dog's health.
However, since fleas present a medical problem of their own (anemia, flea allergies), you must take the risks and benefits into consideration; this is where a frank discussion with your veterinarian is crucial to your dog's health.
Check with Your Vet
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Since each animal is different and the health of the dog before the pregnancy is a factor, check with your own veterinarians before making a definitive decision on whether to use Frontline on your pregnant dog.
Natural Methods
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Those who are truly concerned about the safety of Frontline with their pregnant dog may want to try more natural methods of flea control such as commercially prepared cedar sprays, gentle shampoo baths and flea combs.
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