Fleas and other skin parasites invariably cause a lot of trouble for pets and their owners. Fleas are not just for stray animals. Quite often, domestic cats and dogs become infected with them while walking or playing with their relatives.
In addition to the discomfort that parasites cause to animals, they can be carriers of a number of serious diseases and cause allergic reactions in pets. There are a number of medications with varying effectiveness for eliminating different types of skin parasites in animals. Among them, it is worth highlighting Frontline for cats and dogs. It can be classified as a highly effective new generation drug.
Various types of the popular Frontline product for cats and dogs
Overview of the features of the Frontline action
Frontline refers to products used to eliminate and prevent the appearance of ectoparasites in cats and dogs. The drug has a superficial effect. After use, the components of the drug do not enter the blood, but are distributed over the surface and accumulate in the sebaceous glands. From these, the drug is gradually applied to the skin in the amount necessary to destroy parasites. Thus, after a single treatment, the effect of the drug remains for a fairly long period.
Fleas on a cat
Frontline destroys the following types of skin parasites:
- fleas;
- ixodid ticks;
- cheilitels;
- otodexodes;
- lice eaters;
- lice.
Life cycle of a dog flea
Frontline is produced in several forms, allowing you to choose the one that will be convenient to use for the animal owner.
Frontline composition
The main substance that provides the insecticidal effect of the drug is fipronil. In addition, in various forms of release, Frontline can be supplemented with several substances to enhance effectiveness. Among them:
- butylated hydroxyanisole;
- ethanol;
- butylated hydroxytoluene;
- excipient.
Chemical formula of finpronil
Pharmacology
Fipronil, which is the basis of the drug, affects insect receptors, disrupting the movement of impulses. This causes paralysis and subsequent death of the arthropods.
Frontline is active against almost all common skin parasites of animals. Accumulating in the hair follicles, epidermis and sebaceous glands, fipronil enters the animal’s skin along with the secretion. The effect occurs after 24-48 hours. During this time, the parasites present on the animal die, and the drug is completely absorbed into the skin. The protective properties last for a period of 15 to 45 days. The duration of exposure largely depends on the size of the animal, characteristics of care and accommodation.
The structure of a dog's skin
Contraindications and side effects
After the studies, no obvious side effects or contraindications to the use of the drug were identified. The manufacturer recommends refraining from treating kittens weighing up to 1 kg with the universal product to avoid overdose. If there is a need to process them, it is better to use Frontline, created for small animals. The concentration of the active substance in such preparations is significantly lower than in products for adults. They have a gentle effect on the still fragile body.
Treatment of a kitten with Frontline, created for small animals
It is also recommended to avoid using the product on animals with damaged skin. Multiple wounds can lead to penetration of the active substance into the blood. This will not cause any negative effects on your pet, but may cause minor short-term deterioration in well-being.
Instructions for use and precautions
Treatment is carried out outdoors and indoors with open windows or a ventilation system that provides a good flow of fresh air. It differs for different release forms.
Drops are applied to the animal’s withers, after spreading the fur. You need to try to get the liquid directly onto the skin. Sprays are sprayed against hair growth. Tablets are given orally.
Before applying the drug, you need to part the animal's fur.
When treating ear scabies, a few drops are instilled directly into the animal's ear. After this, the ear is folded in half and lightly massaged for better penetration of the substance. When applying the composition, it is necessary to avoid getting it into the animal’s mouth or eyes. To do this, before using the spray, moisten the area around the eyes, nose and mouth with clean, cool water. If trouble cannot be avoided, you should rinse off the remaining substance with plenty of water to relieve your pet of the tingling sensation caused by the substances included in the composition.
Treating a cat with a spray
After the product is applied, the animal is held until the fur dries. This will avoid the transfer of active substances to pieces of furniture. You should also isolate the animal from contact with children for a day. At this time, it is better to refrain from playing with your pet and stroking it.
Treating a cat for fleas
The maximum effect is achieved one day after application. It is allowed to wash your pet no earlier than 48 hours after the end of the procedure.
If there are several animals in one apartment, it is better to carry out preventive procedures for all on the same day. For prophylaxis, Frontline is used every 4 weeks. If the animal is bathed daily, it is recommended to reduce the time interval between treatments.
If the drug comes into contact with exposed skin of the person carrying out the treatment, the stained area should be washed with plenty of running water. Empty Frontline bottles are strictly prohibited from being reused for storing any substances or for other household purposes. After use, the empty container is tightly closed with a lid, packed in a plastic bag and thrown into the trash.
Video - Techniques for treating animals against fleas and ticks
Owner reviews
Tamara, Pumice
“I noticed that the dog began to itch frequently, it turned out to be fleas. I don’t know where he could have picked them up, but the parasites appeared, so he had to look for a way to get rid of them. The veterinary pharmacy recommended an expensive and, as I was told, more effective remedy - Frontline Combo. On the second day after use, I found two dead fleas on the dog’s body and decided that I was done with them. But the dog did not stop itching, and after a couple of days I saw live fleas, I conclude that the money was wasted. I had to go to the vet clinic. The doctor recommended another remedy that relieved the pet of parasites.”
Irina, Moscow
“I chose Frontline Combo because I saw on the packaging that it destroys not only adult parasites, but also their larvae. The price, of course, is steep, but nothing is a pity for your beloved pet. I bought it and applied it to the withers. After two days, I noticed that the dog stopped itching and generally began to look noticeably more cheerful. In general, the medicine helps against fleas well. I recommend!”
Types of Frontline
Table 1. Main types of the drug Frontline.
Name of the drug | Release form | Purpose of the drug | What animal is it intended for? | Mode of application | price, rub. |
Frontline Tri-Act | Pipette with drops | To eliminate and prevent the appearance of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes. | Dogs | External | from 600 |
Frontline NexgarD | Chewable tablet | To eliminate and prevent the appearance of fleas, ticks, lice. | Dogs | Orally | from 1500 |
Frontline Combo | Drops | To eliminate and prevent the appearance of fleas, ticks, lice, lice. | Dogs, cats, rodents | External to withers | from 500 |
Frontline Spot-On | Pipette for topical (drop) application | To eliminate and prevent the appearance of fleas and ticks. | Dogs, cats. | External to withers | from 450 |
Frontline Spray | Spray | To eliminate and prevent the appearance of fleas, ticks, lice, lice. | Dogs, cats (including puppies and kittens) | External for complete treatment of the skin surface | from 1500 |
The drug is distinguished not only by its release form, but also by its adaptation for different pets. With the help of Frontline you can protect not only cats, but also dogs, puppies and even ferrets and rats from insects.
Treating a rat with flea spray
Frontline for cats and cats
For cats and kittens, use the universal drug Frontline combo . This is an effective external product that is easily dosed and applied directly to the skin. Frontline combo is suitable for killing skin parasites in cats, dogs and ferrets. Available in the form of a disposable bottle with a pipette. There are marks on the surface of the bottle that make it easy to calculate the amount of product depending on the weight and length of the animal’s hair. The package contains 6 bottles of 0.5 ml each.
Frontline Combo for cats
Before use, cut off the upper part of the cap and, pushing back the hair on the withers with your fingers, apply a few drops to the skin. There is no need to rub the preparation or distribute it over the surface. Over the course of 24 hours, it will be absorbed into the skin on its own and spread over its entire surface.
Treating a cat with drops
It will take 24 hours to kill fleas; ticks will die after 48 hours. After killing the insects, it is advisable to wet clean the house, vacuum and clean the bedding on which the pet sleeps.
Cleaning bedding from fleas
The protective properties of Frontline combo last from 30 days to 1.5 months. After this time, it is necessary to repeat the treatment in order to prevent the appearance of parasites.
Frontline spot It is a classic and is also designed to combat blood-sucking insects in cats. This type of drops is adapted for animals weighing more than 1 kilogram, and can be used for pregnant and lactating cats. Release form: drops on the withers.
Frontline Spot On for cats
Excellent for protecting against fleas and ticks for those animals that react restlessly to treatment with a spray or wearing an anti-flea collar. Frontline spot It retains its protective properties for a month and can be used to treat otodectosis. Recommended for use on animals older than 1 month.
Applying the drug to the cat's withers
Frontline for puppies and kittens
Frontline spray, as the name suggests, comes in spray form. The drug was created to get rid of skin parasites and protect puppies and kittens from 2 days old. The spray makes it possible to more accurately select the dosage of the product for small animals and does not harm the growing body.
Frontline spray
Frontline spray also used for small smooth-haired animals and pets who have previously had an allergic reaction to flea drops.
Spray the preparation on top of the pet's fur, slightly moistening it. In long-haired animals, the fur is slightly lifted by hand. After spraying, no additional manipulations are required; you just need to wait for the product to dry completely. The protective properties of Frontline spray appear as soon as the animal's fur dries.
Spraying a dog
Table 2. Spray dosage depending on the weight of the animal.
Pet weight, kg | Frontline spray, number of sprays | |
Short-haired animals | Long-haired animals | |
0,5 | 1 (1.5ml) | 2 (3ml) |
1,0 | 2 (3ml) | 4 (6ml) |
3,0 | 6 (9ml) | 12 (18ml) |
5,0 | 10 (15ml) | 20 (30ml) |
10,0 | 20 (30ml) | 40 (60ml) |
20,0 | 40 (60ml) | 80 (120ml) |
30,0 | 60 (90ml) | 120 (180ml) |
40,0 | 80 (120ml) | 160 (240ml) |
Frontline Tri-Act for dogs of all breeds
Frontline Tri-Act was created only to protect dogs. Can get rid of more than 18 types of skin parasites. The main active ingredient finopril is supplemented with the reinforcing component permethrin. Thanks to this combination, the drug not only destroys insects on the skin of dogs, but also protects against the bites of mosquitoes, mosquitoes and other flying blood-sucking invertebrates. In addition, Frontline Tri-Act significantly reduces the likelihood of your pet becoming infected with various diseases that appear as a result of exposure to fleas and ticks.
Frontline Tri-Act
After proper use, fleas die within 5 minutes, and ticks die after 6 hours. The drug is available in 5 versions adapted for dogs of different weights. For animals weighing more than 60 kg, it is recommended to use 2 pipettes designed for large dogs.
Applying drops to the dog's withers
Apply the composition dropwise onto the head, approximately between the ears and at the withers. Frontline Tri-Act is not dangerous and can be used during pregnancy and lactation of the bitch. The product was developed specifically for treating dogs; it is not recommended for use on cats or ferrets.
What to do if a tick bites into your dog
Frontline Nexgard is a newer version of a well-known product from the manufacturer. The composition is based on a completely new substance - afoxolaner. Created to treat and protect dogs from skin parasites. Produced in the form of chewable tablets. For ease of use, the developer produces meat-flavored tablets. Thanks to this, the dog eats the drug with pleasure, perceiving it as a treat.
The main effect begins 30 minutes after the animal swallows the tablet and lasts for at least a month. The drug is adapted for puppies and adults without restrictions on breed.
Nexgard tablets against invertebrates parasitizing on dogs
Drug safety studies
Frontline is a unique composition for animals, the safety of which is confirmed by the results of studies in France. During the testing of the drug, more than 3 million treatments were carried out on dogs and cats of different weights, ages and breeds.
Original pipette
The studies were conducted in three categories:
- cats;
- dogs;
- puppies and kittens.
During testing, animals were treated with the maximum recommended doses of the product for a long period. After completing the treatment cycle, blood tests, skin biopsies and a full clinical examination were performed. The results obtained were compared with the material from the control group of animals that were not treated with the drug. The data from the studies of the two groups did not have any significant differences, which allowed the scientists to make an authoritative statement about the safety of the drug.
Puppies in the Frontline-treated group showed a slight increase in eye tearing. During the research, it was also discovered that getting the drug into the animal’s mouth or accidentally swallowing it causes a temporary increase in salivation. Based on the results of the studies, it was found that Frontline is well tolerated by animals of any age and does not cause side effects.
After completion of the treatment cycle, a skin biopsy and a full clinical examination were performed
Contraindications
The drug Frontline is not toxic to cats, so the list of contraindications for using the drug consists of only two points:
- Individual intolerance to the drug in animals;
- The age of the kitten is 1 day after birth.
Possible side effects:
Hypersalivation.
Important!
If side effects occur, you should immediately stop using Frontline and wash it off your pet's fur. In case of severe allergic reactions, it is necessary to consult a veterinary doctor for help and administer anti-allergy drugs.
In addition, when choosing a particular product, it is important to pay attention to what age or weight of the animal it is intended for. The product range of this manufacturer allows you to select suitable drugs for both adults and kittens. This is especially convenient for those owners who have not one cat, but several pets of different ages.
This is especially convenient for those owners who have not one cat, but several pets of different ages.
In the range of the series you can find:
By the way, Frontline drops and sprays intended for cats can also be used for ferrets, which are increasingly found as pets. What are the specific features of certain Frontline tools?
Advantages of Frontline
All Frontline products have passed the certification procedure in Russia and hold a leading position in safety and effectiveness among products used to combat skin parasites. Among the obvious advantages of Frontline are:
- ease of use provided by various release forms;
- maintaining effectiveness even after several baths;
- protecting your pet for a long period of time;
- protecting the apartment from the appearance of insects carried by animals from the street;
- ease of application;
- the ability to use for animals prone to allergic reactions;
- high degree of safety even if the composition enters the esophagus;
- a huge range of action providing protection against fleas, mosquitoes and various types of ticks;
- safety when treating lactating bitches and newborn puppies;
- superficial action without penetration of the drug into the bloodstream makes it possible to treat pregnant animals;
- the effectiveness of the drug ranges from 98 to 100%;
- suitable for animals that react nervously to a flea collar;
- safe for people.
Indications for use
All drugs in the Frontline series are prescribed to cure parasites and prevent their infection. So, they help from:
- fleas;
- lice eaters;
- ixodid ticks;
- scabies (sarcoptoid) mites – Spray, NexgarD and Spectra do not work against them;
- lice;
- mosquitoes
The Tri-Act form also has a repellent and insecticidal effect against dipterous insects: mosquitoes, burner flies, mosquitoes. And NexgarD Spectra destroys the larvae of heartworms and gastrointestinal nematodes: toxocara, hookworm, trichocephalosis.
Any medicine from Merial is indicated for:
- entomosis – diseases caused by insects;
- acaroses – pathologies that arose due to mites;
- otodectosis - ear scabies;
- allergic dermatitis caused by fleas (in complex therapy).
If, in addition to these conditions, there is a risk of contracting dirofilariasis, NexgarD Spectra is prescribed.