Frontline Flea Medicine Information

Fleas are the bane of many pet owners. Fleas not only cause itching and sometimes allergic reactions in pets, but they can also lead to worms if ingested orally. Fleas can also infest all parts of your home. Keeping Fluffy or Fido free is easy, thanks to the wide variety of flea products on the market. Frontline is among the more commonly recommended flea medications.

  1. Definition

    • Frontline is the brand name of various flea medications for puppies, dogs, kittens and cats. Frontline works to kill fleas and ticks and repels new ones so they don't jump onto your pet and kills those that do.

    Function

    • Fipronil, the active ingredient in Frontline products, gets stored in the oil glands of animals' skin. Over time, it gets dispersed throughout all the skin and fur follicles through the process of translocation. Fleas and ticks that come into contact with the substance will die, whether or not they bite your pet. Fipronil kills the fleas before they can lay eggs, thus breaking the flea reproductive cycle.

    Use

    • Frontline can be used on puppies and kittens that are at least eight weeks of age. It can also be used on cats and dogs that are pregnant or lactating. The product is a topical solution that comes in a small tube. The medication is applied to the back of the neck by parting the fur. While Frontline is waterproof, animals should be kept out of water for about 24 hours after an application.

    Effectiveness

    • Frontline is the number one veterinary-recommended flea and tick protection product, according to Merial, its manufacturer. Frontline kills 100 percent of fleas within 12 hours of application and ticks within 48 hours. It continues to kill fleas and ticks that jump onto your pet's fur for an entire month.

    Considerations

    • Like most flea medications, Frontline products may result in certain side effects. Most commonly, pets may experience temporary but mild irritation at the application site. Rarely, some pets may experience a sensitivity to the product. If signs of irritation persist or become worse within a few days after application, consult your veterinarian.