Bio-Spot Vs. Frontline

Bio Spot and Frontline are both over-the-counter flea and tick medications designed prevent flea infestations and kill existing fleas. Bio Spot is generally available at large chain stores and anywhere animal products are sold, whereas Frontline is available only via a veterinarian's office or vet supply company. Even though these treatments are available without a prescription, it is a wise idea to consult your veterinarian before starting your pet on any type of flea-control routine.

These products both contain insect growth regulators that kill flea eggs. They both repel ticks and have some effect on lice and mosquitoes as well. The differences lie in the ingredients, as well as the price, with Frontline being the more expensive of the two.

  1. Bio Spot Products

    • Bio Spot is available in rub-on droplet, spray, shampoo, dip and collar forms. These Bio Spot products are available for fully grown dogs. Bio Spot for puppies includes the same line of products, with the exception of the chemical dip. Bio Spot for cats and kittens contains the same types of products as Bio Spot for dogs. There are also Bio Spot brand foggers, carpet sprays and carpet powders for indoor use as well as a spray intended for outdoor use.

    Frontline Products

    • Frontline, manufactured by Merial, is a spot-on flea and tick control product available for dogs and cats. Frontline comes in two different varieties: Frontline Plus and Frontline TopSpot.

      There is also a Frontline spray available only to veterinary medical professionals. Frontline Plus and Frontline Top Spot are all over-the-counter and available without a prescription but are generally obtainable only through a veterinarian's office or pet medication warehouse or website.

    Canine Bio Spot Ingredients

    • Bio Spot's Spot On droplet application formula for puppies and dogs contains permethrin and (S)-methoprene. The amount varies depending on whether the formula is for a puppy or an adult dog, and also by weight of the adult dog, but the percentages of these active ingredients are the same, affording the dog the same amount of protection in a proportionate amount.

      Bio Spot collars contain the active chemical propoxur.

      Bio Spot's spray-on formula contains (S)-methoprene, pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide and N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide.

      Bio Spot dog shampoo contains permethrin, piperonyl butoxide and pyriproxyfen.

      Bio Spot dip contains pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide and di-n-propyl isocinchomeronate.

    Frontline Ingredients

    • Frontline Plus for Dogs contains the active ingredients fipronil and (S)-methoprene. Frontline Top Spot contains only fipronil. The ingredients are the same for the feline versions of these topical medications, but they come in different concentrations.

    Warnings

    • Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the minimum age and weight of the animal for which the product is designed. Use on pregnant and nursing animals varies by product, and you should take care when using these products on ill, immune-compromised or otherwise sickly animals.

      Side effects are rare when these products are used correctly, but may occur. They include excessive salivation, lethargy, dizziness and ataxia. If a severe adverse reaction arises, seek emergency veterinary medical attention immediately.