Frontline for dogs: instructions, purpose and effectiveness in the fight against ticks

Today, many different types of products have been developed to combat fleas, ticks and other types of insects, but drops are especially popular due to the combination of high efficiency and ease of use. The drug "Frontline" is one of the modern options for the comprehensive destruction of most varieties of parasites.

The features of this tool will be discussed in detail in this article.

Types and benefits of the drug

Drugs from the Frontline series are selected depending on various factors: age, weight and general health are taken into account.
The company produces flea medications in the following forms:

nexgard - tasty chewable tablets for dogs;
oil drops;
aerosol sprays;
solutions.

Antiparasitic products produced in France can be purchased at:

stores where animals are sold;
online stores;
clinics;
veterinary pharmacies.

Frontline tablets for controlling fleas and ticks in dogs are a product that poisons ectoparasites at the molecular level. Afoxolaner (the active ingredient) enters the dog's circulatory system. If the parasite bites an animal, it receives a poisonous dose of the substance and dies.

To treat cats and dogs against fleas, drops (Spot On and Combo) and spray are used. Spot drops act only on the animal, starting the process of migration of blood-sucking parasites from the fur. Sometimes flea pupae (nymphs) survive, so a second treatment after 8 weeks is appropriate to avoid re-infestation.

For kittens up to 8 weeks and pets that do not tolerate contact with various chemicals, Merial offers flea spray from the Front Line series.

Drops are able to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin, providing complete protection. The spray acts superficially and is distributed only over the coat.

Spot series It is often used for pets from 8 weeks and females during the period of bearing cubs and feeding. If the animal weighs less than 1 kg, do not rush to treat it with this product, it is better to consult a veterinarian.

Flea medications are available in solutions according to weight category, indicating the permissible dosage (10, 20, 40 and 60 kg). After treatment, the animal cannot be bathed or let out for a walk; contact with children must be limited.

Flea spray is typically used for smooth-coated breeds, babies under eight weeks of age and weighing less than 2 kg, and for pets with severe allergic reactions to the drops.

The manufacturer warns that Frontline is highly toxic when wet.

Frontline Combo is an enhanced product that can kill even nits and nymphs. Available in the form of a pipette with dosed pressure - 1.5 ml of active substance in one pressure.

The drug will relieve itching after flea or tick bites, prevent flea dermatitis, and also prevent infection of the apartment. The drops are capable of killing most types of ticks. Combo is a moisture-resistant product, so your pet can be bathed 48 hours after treatment.

Operating principle

Fipronil is the base substance present in all Frontline flea products. Let us describe the principle of action: nerve structures are blocked, the blood-sucking animal loses motor functions and dies.

Frontline flea drops for cats and kittens after a single treatment help rid the animal of parasites within 2 days. The protective effect against insects lasts about 2 months, against ticks - up to a month.

Advantages of the active substance fipronil: a small percentage of entry into the circulatory system ensures a long-term contact effect. The component is released along with sweat and moisturizes the coat.

Is it worth paying more?

With all the hype and popularity of the drug, one should not forget what made it so powerful. Yes, yes, it's all about the active substance. In the drug "Frontline" it is fipronil, obtained quite recently. The essence of its action is that it affects the GABA channels of insects, interfering with the passage of chlorine ions. As a result, the pest's nervous system collapses and it dies. At the same time, it does not harm the mammal. According to official data and reviews, Frontline can cost from four hundred to one and a half thousand rubles, depending on the characteristics. But the prices for other drugs with the active ingredient fipronil are much more affordable: from one hundred rubles.

Composition and release forms of the drug

The French company Merial produces several types of insectoacaricidal drug called Frontline. The main active ingredient of the drug is fipronil. Depending on the form of release, the active substance is found in different concentrations, or in combination with other potent substances, providing an integrated approach to the destruction of ticks and fleas.

The drug is released in several forms:

Frontline Combo;
Frontline Spot On;
Frontline NexgarD;
Frontline Spray.

The main active ingredient in any form of the drug (except NexgarD) is fipronil, which is the strongest contact and intestinal insecticide. It has a broad spectrum of action, suppressing the activity and destroying lice, fleas, lice, ixodid ticks, cheyletiella and mites that cause ear scabies.

The action of fipronil is aimed at blocking GABA-dependent receptors of parasitic organisms. Under the influence of an insectoacaricide, the transmission of nerve impulses in ectoparasites is disrupted, which ultimately leads to complete paralysis and death.

When applied to the skin, fipronil is practically not absorbed, being evenly distributed over the surface of the body within 24 hours. The duration of action of the drug is due to the fact that it is able to accumulate in the sebaceous glands of mammals.

Note! As part of Frontline, fipronil is present in such dosages that it does not have a pronounced toxic effect, without causing mutations and deformities, which makes it possible to use the drug to kill fleas and ticks on the body of pregnant females.

Pharmacological effect

The effectiveness of the drug is based on the action of the active component afoxolaner, an insectoacaricide of the isoxazoline group, which has a systemic effect on ectoparasites. This substance causes blocking of nerve endings, disabling the nervous system of harmful organisms, as a result of which they die.

Oral administration ensures ease of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and speed of penetration into the systemic circulation. Bioavailability indicator – 74%. The active substance has a slow metabolism and is partially excreted by the liver and during urination.

According to GOST, the level of exposure of Frontline NexgarD is defined as low-hazard for the body of four-legged human friends; if the dosages recommended by the manufacturer are followed, no teratogenic, embryotoxic, mutagenic effect or local irritant reactions are observed.

Frontline Combo

Frontline Combo is a drug intended for external use; it consists of drops that must be applied to the cat’s withers.

In addition to the main substance fipronil, Frontline Combo contains:

S-methoprene (an analogue of juvenile hormone, controls the growth of insects and parasites, suppresses the development of immature forms of parasites at the stage of eggs, larvae and pupae);
polysorbate (a surfactant that improves gliding and softens the skin);
polyvidone (binds toxic substances circulating in the bloodstream from parasites and removes them from the body)

Frontline Spot On

It is also available in the form of drops, which must be applied to the animal’s withers. This is the classic form of the drug, which works as a result of the accumulation of an insectoacaricidal agent in the sebaceous glands of the animal, allowing to protect the pet for a period of up to 30 days.

Frontline Spot It is available in blue pipettes and contains, in addition to fipronil, the following substances:

butylated hydroxytoluene (E 321, antioxidant);
ethanol (ethyl alcohol);
butylated hydroxyanisole (E320, an antioxidant that suppresses oxidation processes);
excipient (an excipient that does not have pharmacological or immunological effects, used for better mixing of components).

Frontline Spray

Available in the form of a solution, packaged in polyethylene bottles of 100 and 250 ml.

In addition to fipronil, the drug contains:

copovidone (systemic detoxifier);
isopropanol (alcohol-based organic solvent);
purified water.

Efficiency

The effect of drops against ticks in dogs lasts 1 month, in cats - 3 weeks, against fleas - 2-3 months. After the specified period, re-processing is required. After application, Frontline is completely absorbed and begins to act within 24 hours. But before visiting places dangerous for animals, it is recommended to carry out the treatment 2-3 days in advance.

On a note!
The effectiveness of Frontline is not affected by rain or hot weather, but the properties decrease with frequent use of detergents. You should bathe your pet no more than once a week. Otherwise, dogs should be re-treated for ticks after 2 weeks, and cats – 10 days.

Contraindications

According to the instructions for use, Frontline for cats is a harmless drug if applied correctly. It has few contraindications. This is why anti-parasite drops and sprays are popular with many owners of fluffy cats. The main obstacle to the use of any form of Frontline (Spot On, Combo, spray) is individual intolerance. If your cat develops symptoms of allergies, irritation, or changes in behavior under the influence of the medication, you should show it to the veterinarian and change the drug.

It is recommended to use the drug with extreme caution for weakened or sick animals. There is another temporary contraindication – deworming. It is not advisable to combine two procedures in one day. At least 10 days must pass between them so that the body does not suffer from the single action of a large amount of toxic substances. This warning applies to any flea and tick product.

Is Frontline suitable for pregnant cats and kittens?

Fipronil and S-methoprene belong to the group of low-toxic substances. They do not penetrate the bloodstream, but accumulate only in the dermis. The drug does not have a teratogenic or mutagenic effect. Therefore, the product is allowed to be applied to the body of pregnant cats and kittens.

A very small kitten should be treated for fleas and ticks only if absolutely necessary. For example, if he was picked up on the street. If the cub is breastfed, then you should remember that traces of medicine from its fur can enter the body of the mother cat when licked. Therefore, it is worth assessing the feasibility of treating a baby with Frontline.

Indications for use Frontline

The action of the drug Frontline in various forms of release is aimed not only at the complete destruction of ectoparasites, but also at preventing the reproduction and further development of parasites in the house.

The advantages of Frontline are:

elimination of ticks, fleas and lice eaters on the animal’s body within 24 hours;
protection for 30 days after one-time treatment;
safety for all types of cats, regardless of coat thickness and age.

Indications for the use of Frontaline are:

elimination of temporary ectoparasites – fleas;
protection against ticks and lice;
elimination of lice and ear scabies pathogens.

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"

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.

How it works

The action of Frontline depends on the form of release. Thus, drops on the withers (Spot On, Tri-Act, Combo) and spray almost do not penetrate the body and do not enter the systemic bloodstream. After application, the active components spread over the entire surface of the skin, accumulate in the cells of the epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, from where they are released along with the secretion.

But drugs in the form of tablets (NexgarD and Spectra) work systemically. The active substances included in their composition are absorbed by the walls of the stomach and intestines, enter the systemic circulation and accumulate in the plasma. Their maximum concentration is observed in the body after 30 minutes or 2-4 hours, and the elimination period ranges from 1.5 days to a month (depending on the type of component).

The effects of the components vary depending on their type:

Fipronil. It disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses in insects, leading to their paralysis and death. Included in Spot-On, Combo, Spray, Tri-Act.
S-methoprene. Inhibits the growth of blood-sucking parasites by disrupting chitin synthesis and prevents insects from reaching sexual maturity. Contained in Combo.
Permethrin. It has an insectoacaricidal (deadly) and repellent (repellent) effect. Used in Tri-Act.
Afoxolaner. Blocks insect receptors and the transmission of nerve impulses, which causes paralysis and subsequent death. Active ingredient: NexgarD and Spectra.
Milbemycin oxime. Works against all forms of nematode development, as well as heartworm larvae. Increases the permeability of cell membranes, which causes paralysis and death of helminths. Used in Spectrum.

The duration of the protective effect also varies among different forms:

Spot It prevents infection by ticks for up to 35 days, fleas - 4-12 weeks;
The combo works: up to 28 days against ixodid ticks, 4-12 weeks against other insects;
The spray works: 3-5 weeks against ixodid ticks, 1-3 months against fleas;
Three-Act destroys fleas within a day, and within two days – lice-eaters, sarcoptic and ixodid ticks, the preventive effect lasts 4-5 weeks, during this period it also repels mosquitoes, mosquitoes and burn flies;
NexgarD begins to work half an hour after administration, destroys fleas in 6 hours, ticks in two days, remains effective for a month, gets rid of parasites before egg laying - this prevents re-infestation and the spread of insects in the house;
Spectra is similar in action to NexgarD, only it gets rid of ticks 2 times faster - within 24 hours.

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 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.

Mode of application

Frontline flea control drops and spray are applied in different ways.

Procedure for applying Frontline Combo:

break off the tip of the tube;
push back the fur;
Apply drops to the withers area.

On a note! Before the procedure, it is advisable not to wash the four-legged dog for 3 days.

Spot On Frontline drops are applied once to dry, intact skin. The tip of the tube is broken along the notch line, the fur is pulled apart in the area of the shoulder blades and the medicine is applied in the dosage specified in the instructions.

Additional treatments are carried out no more than once every 4 weeks.

If there are several animals living in the house, it is necessary to treat each one in accordance with the instructions. Rugs are replaced or disinfected.

If your pet needs to be treated with Frontline spray, it is better to do it outside or in a well-ventilated area. If there are aquariums with fish, then they are covered first, and it is better to remove feathered pets from the room altogether.

Protect the animal from getting the drug inside by wearing a protective collar or muzzle. The bottle is shaken before use and kept in an upright position when applied. Spraying is carried out at a distance of 10-20 cm.

The entire body of the pet is treated with Frontline spray against hair growth, as well as the ears and chest. The medicine in the eye and nose area is applied manually, wearing gloves. 20-30 minutes after the procedure, the pet’s fur is combed. Until the fur is dry, it is prohibited for the animal to be near heating devices or open fire.

Price

The cost, as always, depends on the type of medicine and the number of pipettes. So 1 Frontline Combo pipette will cost 380-427 rubles, a 100 ml spray will cost 900-1100 rubles, a 250 ml Frontline Merial spray will cost 1500 rubles, Frontline (Merial) Spot-on will cost 350-450 rubles.

Sprays for the destruction and protection of fleas and ticks

Frontline flea spray is available in polypropylene bottles of 100 and 250 ml, equipped with a spray head. The cost, respectively, is 859-1161 rubles and 1496-1901 rubles, depending on the seller’s pricing policy.

The spray is a colorless liquid, the active substance in which is fipronil. In 100 ml its share is 25 g. The product destroys fleas, ticks, lice, and protects the pet from subsequent infection. The duration of protection depends on the type of animal and insect:

dogs are protected from ticks for 3-5 weeks, from fleas for 60-90 days;
cats from ticks for 28 days, from fleas for 30-40 days.

Frontline flea spray can be used even on small pets that are only two days old. Contraindications are illness or weakness of the animal. It is not recommended to bathe a cat or dog two days before treatment and 2 days after.

Spray Frontline

Rules of use:

Treatment should be carried out outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Use of personal safety equipment. For a person, it is necessary to have rubber gloves and a respirator, and for a pet, a neck collar or muzzle is required to avoid licking off the product.
The dose of Frontline spray depends on the weight, length and thickness of the pet’s fur and can range from 3 to 6 ml per 1 kg. One click on a 100 ml bottle corresponds to 0.5 ml, on a 250 ml bottle – 1.5 ml.
The product is applied to the entire body, avoiding contact with the eyes. To ensure better penetration, the hair is parted with hands and the spray head is directed against hair growth.
At the end of processing, the wool should be slightly damp.
In the first days, it is important to ensure that the pet is not subjected to water treatments or gets wet in the rain.
Prevent contact of the treated animal with children and other pets.

On a note!
Frontline flea spray is not suitable for all animals; reviews repeatedly confirm this fact. If you have thick and long hair, it is very difficult to correctly predict the dose of the product, which leads to either an overdose or an insufficient amount of active ingredients on the pet’s skin.

In this case, you can purchase other drops that have also proven their effectiveness:

Barrier;
Dana Ultra Neo;
Blokhnet;
Inspector;
Leopard;
Celandine.

Advantages of the drug

The drug Frontline for treating the skin of cats and kittens is considered the most effective means for combating parasites.

The main advantages of the drug include high quality, reasonable price, effectiveness and lack of toxicity. The advantages of this product also include the absence of contraindications, the possibility of use during pregnancy and lactation, and the possibility of using the drug to treat kittens starting from two months of age.

Another advantage of the antiparasitic agent is the duration of the protective effect. After treatment, the cat will be protected from parasites for 21 days, and from fleas for about 1.5 months.

A spray is considered a popular and economical option. One bottle of Frontline is enough for a year of regular use. This drug is a frequent choice of cat breeders, as well as owners with more than one pet.

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:

Before applying, remove the dog's collar, accessories, and clothing;
We spread the fur at the withers (where the dog cannot lick it);
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.

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.

Are Frontline drugs safe?

If the doses and rules of use are followed according to the instructions, the drug Frontline can rarely cause a negative reaction in the cat’s body, except in cases of individual intolerance to the components of the product in animals.
However, when using the spray, the animal may experience short-term shortness of breath due to the large amount of liquid entering the animal's lungs.
A double dose of the product, which the pet owner can use to enhance effectiveness, can harm the cat. The active component fipronil, in overdose, can cause tremors, convulsions and ataxia.
If a kitten is treated with a single dose, there is a risk of developing intoxication.
To prevent the drug from getting inside, it is recommended to put a protective collar on the animal, at least for a few hours.

Side effects, overdose

Scientific research has proven that even with a threefold overdose, no side effects are observed. However, in some cases, salivation may be present, which is a reaction to the filler that is part of the product (an alcohol solution is used as a filler).

Frontline spray usually does not cause side effects, but if you are hypersensitive to the components of the drug and signs that accompany allergic reactions are detected, further treatment should be stopped and the applied drug should be washed off with water. If necessary, animals are prescribed antihistamines.

How to distinguish the original Frontline from a fake?

Frontline is a sought-after and popular drug, sold in many countries around the world. Like other effective medicines, it is also often counterfeited for profit.

You can distinguish an original from a fake if you know certain differences between them.

Even single doses of the product are packaged in individual cardboard boxes. If a pet pharmacy offers to purchase a separate plastic pipette, explaining this as a wholesale purchase from the store in order to reduce the cost of products, it is advised to refuse the purchase.
The original Frontline drops have their logo (on the dropper).
The original box contains an indication of the batch number and the specific date, as well as the expiration date. The lot number must be indicated on the plastic applicator.
Each package contains an insert with detailed instructions for use and information on first aid for your cat if side effects occur.
The applicator is additionally sealed in plastic to protect it from children.
There are no holograms or stickers on the packaging.
On the back of the applicator you can find the name of the manufacturer Merial, the name and shape of the product, a note stating that the drug is for external veterinary use only, the concentration of the active component, and the amount of solution in the pipette.

Products imported to the Russian Federation from France (the drug is manufactured in France) may bear the PCT mark. The appearance of paper boxes from different batches may differ; in particular, manufacturers change the color design and photographs of cats.

Precautionary measures

When working with insecticides, important rules should be observed:

use rubber gloves;
to avoid breathing toxic fumes, wear a medical mask;
give up food, drinks and smoking;
wash your hands with soapy water;
Do not allow children to play with the animal during the day;
In some cases, the drug may come into contact with the body or eyes. If this happens, immediately remove the product with warm water;
keep medications out of the reach of children;
used pipettes must be disposed of;
do not throw the drug into water sources, as it is quite toxic;
Before using the substance for kittens, consult a veterinarian;
Expired Frontline medicine is not suitable for use.

Recommendations

There is no need to bathe the animal 2 days before and 2 days after treatment. Until the fur is completely dry, you need to make sure that the animal does not lick the drug. Also, do not allow it near heating devices or open fire. Young children should be excluded from contact with the animal for 24 hours. During this time you cannot pet him. To avoid re-infestation and prevent fleas from breeding, the bedding should be replaced. In addition, the following rules must be observed:

after applying the spray, you should wash your hands with soap;
when applying the product, do not eat, drink or smoke;
the drug should be stored out of the reach of children.

High effectiveness of the drug is achieved by following the recommended regimen of its use. When using the product, you should not use other insectoacaricidal drugs.

Analogues of the drug

When choosing analogues of Frontaline, it is necessary to note the effectiveness, as well as the smallest number of side effects that occur when treating cats.

Potential analogues of Frontline are the following insectoacaricides:

Advantix drops (Bayer, Germany);
Bolfo spray (Bayer, Germany);
Ultra Guard drops (Hartz, USA).

Before starting to use any type of antiparasitic medication, you should always consult with a veterinarian.

Sources

https://dezplan.ru/vopros/frontlayn-ot-bloh
https://vashipitomcy.ru/koshki/lechenie_i_profilaktika/frontlajn-dlya-koshek-instrukciya-po-primeneniyu/
https://www.parazitty.ru/kleshi/frontlajn-tabletki-ot-kleshej-dlya-sobak/
https://apest.ru/kleshhi/sredstva-ot-kleshhej/frontlajn-ot-kleshchej/
https://usobaki.com/frontline-for-dogs/
https://PetGuru.ru/zdorovie/frontlajn-dlya-sobak
https://apest.ru/blohi/sredstva-ot-bloh/frontline-ot-bloh/
https://okotikah.ru/preparaty/frontlajn-dlya-koshek.html
https://101kote.ru/stati/frontlayn-dlya-kotov-i-koshek.html

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