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If you are a dog owner you will know how distressing and uncomfortable (if not painful) fleas and ticks can be for dogs. When left untreated they can lead to further complications including skin infections and loss of fur. And so keeping on top of flea and tick treatments is very important, particularly in the summer months when fleas and ticks thrive. With all of my terriers, I have always used Frontline for dogs to keep fleas and tick off.
What is Frontline for Dogs?
There are two different forms of frontline spot on that is applied directly onto the back of your dogs neck – Frontline and Frontline plus. Frontline and Frontline plus come in pipette form which is applied directly onto your dogs fur by his or her neck. The other option is a Frontline collar, but we have always found the spot on effective enough to keep fleas and ticks away. Thew active ingredient in Frontline is fipronil, an insecticide, which is used to treat and prevent fleas, ticks and lice in dogs and cats.
What we use for our Patterdale Terrier
The one that we use with our Patterdale Terrier Blake is the Frontline spot on for dogs 2-10kg and it works really well.
- KILLS FLEAS - Fleas jumping onto your treated dog are killed within 24 hours, preventing infestations from building up
- KILLS TICKS - Ticks latching onto your treated dog are killed within 48 hours, helping to reduce the risk of disease transmission
- TRIED AND TRUSTED - FRONTLINE's original vet-strength formula has an exemplary safety profile and can be used on puppies weighing more than 2 kg, from 8 weeks of age
You need to ‘top up’ your dogs Frontline treatment every 4-6 weeks – preferably every 4 week during the summer and if your dog has an infestation. If your dog does have an infestation remember that you will need to wash and treat his bedding as well, and any other soft furnishings that your dog regularly comes into contact with.
What I love about Frontline is that it comes with stickers to put in your diary to remind you when your dog’s Frontline treatment is due!
How do you use Frontline Spot on for Dogs?
With Frontline Spot on, you will need to apply the liquid contents of the pipette to the back of your dogs neck directly onto his skin between the fur. Here’s how to do it…
- Remove your dogs collar so that you can access the skin on the neck more easily.
- Snap the end off the pipette but make sure that you hold it secure and upright to avoid any spillage.
- With one hand, separate the hair on the back of your dogs neck to reveal his skin.
- With the other hand apply the liquid directly to his or her skin.
- You may need to do this two or three times to get rid of the whole pipette.
- Do it in two or three different places on the neck if you prefer, but it should be applied directly to the dogs skin rather than fur.
What is the difference between Frontline and Frontline Plus?
Frontline Plus is an improved version of Frontline; it has an additional active ingredient called methoprene, which kills the eggs and larvae of fleas and ticks. Frontline kills only adult fleas and ticks, but Frontline Plus eradicates both adult and young fleas and ticks. So Frontline Plus is the best option to go for if you can, particularly if you are aware of an infestation.
Choosing the right Frontline for your dog
First, you will need to decide whether to go fro Frontline or Frontline plus (recommended if there is an infestation on your dog or you want to eradicate young fleas and eggs also). Then you will need to make sure that you choose the right size pack for your dog – they all go by weight so that your dog gets the correct amount of treatment for his size.
The Frontline Plus ‘Small’ is perfect for Daschunds, Bichon Frises and small most terriers including Patterdales.
- FRONTLINE Plus Flea & Tick Treatment for Small Dogs 2-10 kg- 3 Pipettes
- Product type: PET PEST CONTROL
- Brand: FRONTLINE
If you have a medium sized breed such as a Springer Spaniel or Collie then this one should be right for you:
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Then you have the large breed Frontline plus suitable for dogs such as Boxers and Great Danes.
- Frontline PLUS Spot On Large Dog, 6 pipettes
- Product type: PET PEST CONTROL
- Brand: FRONTLINE
The regular Frontline comes in the same sizes, so choose what is right for your dog according to his or her weight.
Frontline Tri-Act
If you are in an area where your dog can also be bitten by Mosquitos and sandflies then you might like to go for the Frontline Tri-Act which has been specially developed for this. It effectively kills mosquitoes, biting flies and sand flies.
- Frontline Tri-Act Flea Treatment starts killing fleas in just 5 minutes and kills newly arriving fleas and ticks on your dog within 6 hours.
- Has a unique formula that kills faster and repels more disease-carrying biting insects.
- Also kills mosquitoes, biting flies and sand flies.
Do you need a Flea Collar?
I’ve been asked whether you still need a flea collar when using Frontline. In my experience – no, you do not. The active ingredients in Frontline are strong enough for you not to need a flea collar as well.
What are the alternatives to Frontline?
Some dog owners prefer to give their dogs tablets rather than apply something directly to the skin. If this is the case you may want to consider Simparica for dogs. It is recommended that you seek your vets advice before deciding on any kind of treatment for your dog.