Frontline for dogs - a complete analysis of the line of drugs

Summer is in full swing, which makes the owners and their four-legged companions happy: swimming in ponds, wallowing in the grass, long walks... But you know that there is a factor that can darken all the warm days for your pet. These insects are parasites that love to live in animal fur. We are talking about fleas, ticks, mosquitoes. They suffer many unpleasant illnesses, which makes them doubly dangerous. Should I use Frontline products for dogs when fighting insects? We’ll talk about this in detail in this article, asking experts and just owners of shaggy friends.

Description and composition

Frontline is a whole series of drugs for cats, dogs and ferrets from the international brand Merial (located in Lyon, branded by Boehringer Ingelheim). The company also produces vaccines and anti-worm medications, cosmetics and much more.

Repellents for Frontline are available in several forms:

• Spot-on (disposable pipettes);
• Pills;
• Spray;
• Combined drugs against several types of parasites.

The active ingredients in the products are different. These can be fipronil and S-methoprene, afoxolaner, permethrin. All of them are safe and do not cause allergies in animals.

How do drugs work?

Attention! Before use, consult a specialist.

You need to choose a product based on your pet’s problems and taking into account what parasites live in your region.

Frontline Act Three

It acts on 18 species of flying insects, and not only repels them, but also has an insecticidal effect. Thus, the product prevents many diseases, including piroplasmosis, Lyme disease, leishmaniasis, etc.

Frontline NexgarD tablets

Used to combat ticks and fleas. It works faster than drops and is suitable for both adult dogs and puppies. The effect of the tablet lasts about a month.

Frontline spot-on

Suitable for those animals that cannot walk in a collar or do not recognize the spray. Can be used every month. Fights otodectosis in animals.

Frontline combo

Can be used not only for dogs, but also for cats and ferrets. It destroys ticks in two days, fleas in a day. It is water resistant.

Frontline spray

It works quickly (as soon as it dries on the fur), but is not very suitable for large animals. Does not cause local allergic reactions.

Drug safety studies

The instructions indicate that, according to GOST 12.1.007-76, medicines from the Spot On, Tri-Act, Combo and Spray lines belong to the 3rd hazard class (moderately hazardous substances), and NexgarD and Spectra - to the 4th class ( low-hazard substances). These results are confirmed by research from the manufacturer.

For the experiment, 4 primary groups were formed. The first was not treated with medication, the second received the drug in a single dosage, the third in a three-fold dosage, and the fourth in a five-fold dosage. The condition of the animals was monitored using clinical tests, skin biopsy, and histological studies.

The results of the analyzes showed that there were no differences in the well-being and condition of the pets of different control groups.

Additionally, a similar analysis was carried out on puppies. It was found that in some kittens, the antiparasitic agent leads to increased discharge from the eyes and the formation of dandruff. But in general, children tolerate the medication well.

Today, the results of pharmacological research continue. Over the entire period of the program, Frontline has treated over 3 million animals of different ages, sizes and breeds. Only isolated cases of treatment regarding side effects were recorded. However, all of them were not directly related to the use of the drug - it could only influence the occurrence of negative reactions indirectly.

However, a number of breeders claim that the medication has a mutagenic effect. In particular, there have been cases of puppies being born with conjunctivitis and dermoids of the eyelids from parents who previously gave birth to healthy litters. These data have not been clinically confirmed, but they should be taken into account by nursery owners.

Mechanism of action of drugs

The drugs contain different substances, their mechanism of action is different. But the main thing is that in complex preparations the active substances do not neutralize each other’s work.

1. Fipronil, entering the insect's body through the skin, blocks the transmission of nerve impulses, and this disrupts the functioning of the nervous system and leads to paralysis. Insects die in about 8 hours.
2. S-methoprene does not allow chitin to develop correctly, therefore it stops the development of fleas that are in the egg, pupa or larvae stage. Penetrates the shell of eggs that have been recently laid.
3. Afloxaner is a GABA-dependent receptor blocker, disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses and provokes the development of paralysis in insects.
4. Permethrin inhibits the polarization of nerve cells in insects, which also leads to paralysis.

Release form

Not only the active ingredients, but also the release forms differ among Frontline products.

NexGard

Anti-tick and flea medicine in the form of tablets with veal flavor. The active substance is afloxaner. Suitable for pets aged from two months and weighing from two kg. Effective against mature insects, larvae and eggs. The action begins half an hour after administration. Ticks die in two days, fleas in 6 hours. It is very important to follow the dosage:

• A dog weighing up to 4 kg needs 11.3 mg of active ingredient. This is 0.5 g of the drug;
• Animals weighing up to 10 kg need 23.3 mg of afloxaner. This is a tablet weighing 1.25 g;
• Pets weighing up to 25 kg need 68 mg of active ingredient. The weight of the tablets is 3 g;
• With a weight of up to 50 kg, give 6 g of the product. This is 136 mg of afloxaner.

The product is effective for flea allergic dermatitis. Give once a month. If the dog does not eat the tablet, crush it and give it with food.

Nexgard tablets can be purchased in the Beethoven online store, they cost from 1200 to 2000 rubles.

Spot-on

A classic remedy for ticks and fleas in the form of drops. More effective against many types of ixodid ticks at different stages of development, fleas and lice-eaters. Toxic to fish, other aquarium animals and rabbits. Destroys insects within a day, lasts about 4 weeks.

After using the product, you should not bathe your pet for about two days. Available in pipettes of different volumes, and 1 ml of the drug is 1 mg of fipronil. One pipette – one dose for a dog. Available in several different dosages:

• 0.67 ml for dogs weighing up to 10 kg;
• 1.34 ml for animals weighing up to 20 kg;
• 2.68 for a dog weighing up to 40 kg;
• 4.02 for a pet weighing up to 60 kg.

The minimum price for Spot-On drops is 550 rubles.

Frontline spray

Medicine for the smallest pets. Can be used for animals that are 2 days old. The active ingredient is fipronil. The composition contains purified water, isopropanol, copovidone. The dosage is calculated based on the length of the coat. For 1 kg of dog or cat weight you need from 3 to 6 ml of spray. If the volume of the bottle is 100 ml, when pressed, 0.5 ml of spray is sprayed, if the volume is 200 ml, 1 ml of spray is sprayed.

A 250 ml spray costs from 1,500 rubles.

Combo

Combination of fipronil and S-methoprene. Effectively destroys ixodid ticks, fleas and lice. Kills ticks in 24 hours and fleas in 48 hours. Valid for up to 12 weeks (for fleas up to 4 weeks). Dogs need to be treated once a month. It is applied to the withers, after which the drops spread throughout the dog’s entire body. Available in pipettes of several volumes. One pipette – one dose of medicine:

• S – for dogs weighing up to 10 kg (0.67 ml);
• M- for animals weighing up to 20 kg (1.34 ml);
• L – for dogs weighing up to 40 kg (2.68 ml);
• XL – for dogs from 40 kg (4.02 ml).

Combo drops cost at least 498 rubles.

Three Act

Effective for all insects that fly. One pipette (0.5 ml) contains 33.8 mg of fipronil and 252.4 mg of permethrin. The dosage is slightly different from other drops:

• Dwarf breeds weighing up to 5 kg need 0.5 ml of the product;
• Weighing up to 10 kg – 1 ml of product;
• Up to 20 kg – 2 ml;
• Up to 40 kg – 4 ml of product;
• Up to 60 – 6 ml of product.

Needs to be processed every month.

For puppies and small breeds, Frontline spray is effective, but drops can be used in a minimal dosage. Tri-act is used for puppies from 8 weeks. The spray is used from two days of age. Nexgard and Spot-on are acceptable from two months of age and for animals weighing over 2 kg.

What is Frontline for dogs?

Frontline drops are a new remedy for ectoparasites: insects and their larvae. Due to its effectiveness, the medicine is widely used in medicine, veterinary medicine, and horticulture. The drug works due to a special substance – fipronil. It blocks receptors on nerve cells of parasites. Fleas, ticks of various types and other pests that parasitize domestic animals are susceptible to the influence of this insectoacaricidal drug. Fipronil is harmless for dogs.

Compound

Frontline medication is available in the form of drops, tablets, and sprays. All of them contain fipronil and permethrin as active substances. The tablets additionally contain afoxolaner. Excipients: butylated hydroxytoluene, miglyol 812, N-methylpyrrolidone, copolyvidone, isopropanol and distilled water as a solvent. Country of origin: France. Delivery is carried out regularly throughout the country.

Release forms

As already noted, Frontline is produced in liquid (drops, sprays) or solid form (tablets). Frontline drops are a transparent, colorless or yellowish-brown liquid with a specific odor. They are produced in the form of a ten percent solution for spot use, packaged in polyethylene pipettes. Tablets are available in three or six pieces in blister packs. Frontline spray is packaged in 100 and 250 ml bottles of appropriate capacity with a spray head.

Indications for use

Frontline is prescribed to dogs for the treatment and prevention of entomosis, acarosis caused by ixodid and sarcoptic ticks, complex therapy of allergic dermatitis caused by fleas and lice eaters. Contraindications for use are increased sensitivity of the animal to the components of the drug, severe dysfunction of the liver and kidneys.

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Processing technique

When applying drops, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves. You cannot bathe your pet for two days before treatment and for the same amount of time after it. Drops should not be used if the animal has an infectious disease and is weakened. The next day after treatment, you should not pet the animal or allow it near children. You should not eat, smoke or drink during surgery. Healthy pets also need to be treated.

The drugs are not used if there are injuries on the skin or if the fur or skin is damp. Apply to dry and clean skin. We do not combine drops with other insectoacaricidal agents. Do not use drops if you yourself suffer from allergies, respiratory or dermatological diseases. We apply it like this:

1. Before applying, remove the dog's collar, accessories, and clothing;
2. We spread the fur at the withers (where the dog cannot lick it);
3. We drip onto the skin. We don't rub it in. Do not touch until the wool is dry.

When applying the spray, you also need to follow the rules. We put a muzzle on the pet, a neck collar, and fix the jaws. Do not remove until the wool is dry. Apply to dry skin and coat. We put on gloves.

We spray anti-hair spray all over the dog's body. If the hair is long, lift it. We cover the dog's eyes when treating the ears and chest. Lightly rub the spray into the areas around the eyes and nose with your fingertips. If the spray causes vomiting, muscle tremors and salivation in the animal, rinse with plenty of water. We also treat the bedding with a spray. We do not allow the dog near the fire for an hour after the procedure.

Updated generation of insecticides

New generation drugs include Frontline Nexgard and Nexander Spectra. The first effectively fights blood-sucking parasites, and the second cleanses the body of helminths.

These two products are produced in the form of tablets, but not ordinary ones, but chewable ones, with a pleasant smell and taste.

Benefits of the insecticide:

• ideal for animals that require frequent bathing and shampooing;
• used for pets with skin diseases;
• can be mixed into food or given separately;
• thirty minutes is the time during which the tablet completely dissolves;
• as soon as the medicine takes effect, you can safely contact your pet and let him near other puppies and children;
• One dose of medication is enough to cleanse the dog’s body of parasites;

There are four dosage options for the drug:

• for animals weighing 2-4 kilograms, the dose is 11.3 milligrams;

• 4.1-10 kilograms – 28.3 milligrams;
• 10.1-25 kilograms – 68 milligrams;
• 25.1-50 kilograms – 136 milligrams.

If your pet's weight exceeds 50 kilograms, you can calculate the dose yourself: 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of weight.

The drug is contraindicated for puppies less than two months old or weighing less than 2 kilograms.

Frontline anti-tick tablets can be given to pregnant and lactating animals without restrictions.

Contraindications, side effects

All products from the Frontline line, except for the spray, are approved for use during pregnancy and nursing puppies. The spray is not recommended for productive animals. The drugs are contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to fipronil, afloxaner, S-methoprene and permethrin. Tablets are contraindicated in case of problems with the kidneys, liver, or stomach. Tablets with drops are not used for animals weighing less than 2 kg and less than 8 weeks old.

Sometimes an allergic reaction develops to drugs. You need to fight it with antihistamines. Allergies make themselves felt in the form of vomiting, muscle weakness, drooling, and trembling limbs.

The drugs are not prescribed to dogs that are weakened after illness, suffer from infectious diseases, after surgery, or with skin damage.

What danger do ticks and fleas pose to dogs?

Dog fleas are carriers of deadly diseases such as salmonellosis, brucellosis, and plague. Parasites can infect pets with worms. At the same time, fleas easily move onto humans, carrying with them such dangerous diseases as anthrax and encephalitis. The movement of fleas through the animal's fur causes itching, which can lead to skin problems and the appearance of allergic dermatitis and anemia.

Ticks are no less dangerous blood-sucking parasites, which are primarily carriers of piroplasmosis, which has fatal consequences. When infected, fever, anemia, and dark-colored urine appear. The dog refuses to eat and behaves lethargically. By identifying symptoms early and seeking veterinary help, your pet can be saved.

Therefore, when insects appear on an animal, it is necessary to urgently begin to combat the parasites.

Breeders reviews

Reviews of Frontline products are positive and not so positive. Here are some opinions from breeders.

Antonina, owner of two bulldogs:

“My favorite drug from Frontline is Tri-Act drops. They are cheaper than other effective drugs. The drops do not enter the bloodstream and are harmless to the dog. For the fight against ticks, this is the most effective remedy: it contains components that do not give life to ticks. They saved us not only from ticks. Once I myself brought fleas home while feeding the cat in the basement. The insects immediately settled on the dogs. I had to quickly treat them with drops. Nobody was itching. But it is important to treat dogs regularly: if you wash them with shampoo, then more than once a month. I drip once every 21 days.”

Gennady, retriever breeder:

“I don’t give fleas and ticks any chance, I carry out regular prevention. My favorite product is the classic Frontline Spot-on. The drops are safe, do not circulate in the blood, and are difficult for them to enter the dog’s mouth. And they act immediately. But I process dogs starting in April and finish in November. The advantage of Spot-on drops is that they act against several types of parasites. I don’t kill two birds with one stone, but ticks, fleas, and lice eaters. I don’t plan to change the drug yet.”

Angelina:

“When I had one poodle, I used a flea collar. But now I have two of them, and I also have a little son. The collar is not suitable, it causes allergies in the child. I also read that if there are several dogs, they bite each other’s necks with collars. And this is poisoning.

Now I have switched to drops. My favorite is Frontline Combo. They are effective, but there are a few caveats. It’s good if more than three days have passed since swimming. The drops spread quickly over oily skin. There is a second point. The drug paralyzes insects, but they die slowly. If you see a barely alive flea on an animal’s body, this does not mean that the drops did not work. Pests may die slowly. Be sure to check your pets after every walk.”

Alena, owner of the Yorkie:

“I used drops and spray from Frontline. The products are good, but not cheap. If I find ones that are just as effective, but cheaper, I’ll switch to them. For now, only Frontline.”

Main characteristics of Frontline Nexgard chewable tablets

There are a large number of veterinary drugs for animals created specifically to repel and destroy blood-sucking parasites, in particular fleas and ticks. Frontline Nexgard chewable tablets with meat flavor are considered an innovation on the veterinary market.

Composition, toxicity and principle of action

Frontline Nexgard is manufactured in France by Merial. The package contains three brown tablets, which can be rectangular or oval. The drug is presented in four dosages (0.5g, 1.25g, 3g, 6g), designed for dogs of different weights (from 2 to 50 kg).

The main active ingredient in the tablet is afoxolaner, which is effective against fleas and ticks. Belongs to toxicity class 4 (low-hazard substances). There are no breed restrictions.

Also included are:

• corn starch - 25%,
• soy protein flour - 20%,
• additive with the aroma and taste of stewed beef - 20%,
• povidone K30 – 2.7%,
• macrogol 400 – 7.1%,
• macrogol 4000 – 6.3%,
• macrogol 15 hydroxystearate - 3.1%,
• glycerol - 10%,
• medium triglyceride - 3.1%,
• potassium sorbate - 0.3%.

The mechanism of action of afoxolaner is to block arthropod receptors, excite neurons, and disrupt the conduction of nerve impulses, which causes paralysis and death of parasites.

The drug is effective against two types of fleas (dog and cat) and ixodid ticks. It also prevents the laying of eggs and the proliferation of parasites. The speed of action of the drug allows you to protect animals from such terrible diseases as piroplasmosis (babesiosis) and borreliosis (Lyme disease), which are carried by ticks.

The medicine passed laboratory and natural tests, as a result of which the safety of the drug was revealed, as well as the absence of accumulation of the active substance in the body of dogs with constant use.

Advantages and disadvantages of the drug

Advantages of Frontline Nexgard tablets:

• meat taste: the dog perceives the drug as a tasty treat and eats it with appetite,
• begins to act after half an hour, and the pet’s protection lasts 4 weeks,
• After the reception, bathing the animal is allowed,
• does not come into contact with human skin upon contact with a dog, unlike drugs applied to the skin and fur of an animal,
• the principle of active action is that as a result of a bite the parasite receives a lethal dose of poison and dies without having time to transmit dangerous infectious diseases to the dog,
• suitable for different breeds of dogs, puppies from 2 months of age, and under the supervision of a veterinarian - even for pregnant and lactating bitches,
• Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin who experience irritation when using collars or sprays, as it does not come into contact with the surface of the animal’s body.

After using the drug, you can find parasites in the animal’s fur, either dead or still alive (if they did not manage to bite the dog).

The main disadvantages of using tablets (including the Frontline Nexgard brand) are:

• the price is quite high, on average you will have to pay from 1400 to 2000 rubles for a package of three tablets,
• individual intolerance to components,
• incorrect choice of dose,
• The drug cannot always be combined with other medications.

Reviews from veterinarians

Valentina B. (St. Petersburg):

“When dealing with insects in dogs, prevention is important. Examine your dogs after a walk, carefully look for ticks, fleas, lice eaters, and other insects. Frontline preparations provide protection against parasites and prevent diseases carried by ticks, lice eaters, fleas, and mosquitoes. Use medications strictly according to instructions. I consider drops and sprays less dangerous than tablets. They will not get into the oral cavity and will not cause poisoning. But the spray must be used with caution. There is no need to be afraid of these funds. The risk of poisoning is low, drops, spray, tablets are harmless"

Precautionary measures

As mentioned above, the medication is one of the drugs that is low-risk for the body of dogs. Complies with GOST standard 12.1.007.76. However, when working with Frontline, as with any medicine, precautions should be taken:

1. Strictly observe the dosage of the drug.
2. Do not use in conjunction with an anti-parasitic collar.
3. Observe age restrictions on the use of the product.
4. Use with caution on weakened and older dogs.
5. Use with caution for pregnant and lactating individuals. If possible, during these periods, avoid any chemical exposure without special indications.
6. Be sure to check with your veterinarian about possible interactions between fipronil and other medications.
7. Before use, you should make sure that the dog does not have an individual intolerance to the components of Frontline.

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Analogs

Fipronil is a popular remedy for ixodid ticks. There are many analogues containing it:

• Palladium Ultra Protect (drops);
• Bravecto;
• KRKA Fiprist;
• Sentry FiproGuard Max (contains cyphenothrin);
• Dana-Ultra from Api-San;
• Vet Agro Fiprex spray;
• Centrovet Rexolin;
• Bars-Forte;
• Barrier-Super.

Permethrin is also popular for insect control. Here are analogues with its content:

• Canigard SpotOn;
• Vectra 3D;
• Neostomasin;
• Drontal plus;
• Prazicide;
• Sentry.

S-methoprene is contained in Fipren, Certifect, Rexolin, Profi Line drops, Palladium Pet Line.

FAQ

The instructions answer most questions about the drug, but they still arise. There are important points.

At what age can Frontline be used for puppies?

Tablets and drops are recommended from two months, spray - from two days.

How long does Frontline last on a dog?

The effect of drops, tablets, sprays is one month. If you often bathe your pet, external preparations “work” for three weeks.

Are dogs allergic to the drug?

Yes, it happens (rarely). If symptoms occur, rinse the coat. Contact your veterinarian and have him prescribe antihistamines.

Terms of use

Frontline drops against fleas
Instructions for using Frontline drops for dogs are extremely simple, but certain rules must be followed:

1. Dog animal processing is allowed indoors, but it must be well ventilated.
2. You should work with drops using rubber gloves. Immediately after the procedure, wash your hands with soap.
3. After treatment, the dog should not be allowed outside in rainy weather for at least 2 hours.
4. It is forbidden to pet the dog for two days.
5. If an allergic reaction occurs on the skin, you need to wash off the drops with water and soap. An alkaline environment neutralizes the action of the insecticide.

Important!

Dogs should be re-treated for fleas after 3 months. It is forbidden to reapply drops if the owner thinks that the drug did not work.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Frontline series products are safe and of high quality. Each of them has its own characteristics.
2. The spray is used from two days of life. Not suitable for large dogs. Effective for dwarf breeds.
3. Tablets are not recommended for diseases of the liver, stomach, or kidneys.
4. Drops are the safest drug.
5. To make sure Frontline medications work effectively, follow the instructions.

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Other products in the series

There is a whole series of “Frontline” medications; we will consider each drug separately.

Frontline Nexgard

Delicious (beef flavored) chewable tablets that help quickly get rid of parasites. The tablet begins to act within half an hour after use. One application is enough to forget about ticks/fleas for a whole month.

Frontline Spray

This product is for puppies, kittens and small breeds of animals weighing less than two kilograms. The substance is safe and can be used from the second day of life. The drug is economical and easy to use.

Frontline Triact

For use on dogs only. Helps get rid of mosquitoes, flies, sand flies, fleas and ticks. It acts quickly, fleas begin to die within 5 minutes after application, and ticks die within six hours.