Fleas and ticks not only cause itching and skin irritation, but they can also transmit diseases such as tapeworm and Rickettsia, among others. Tick and flea control products like Frontline do a great job in preventing your dog from this parasite. Unfortunately, there have been some claims on different dog forums concerning this Tick and flea control products with some pet owners claiming they led to the death of their beloved pet. It is very sad to lose a pet for whatever reason. In this article, we will help you understand more about Frontline and answer many questions related to its use.
What is Frontline for Dogs?
Frontline is a well-known over-the-counter tick and flea treatment and preventive used on dogs. (There is also a Frontline formula for cats.) The drug is administered topically to the dog’s skin between the shoulder blades and comes in a liquid form. Fipronil, the main ingredient in Frontline, interferes with the neurological receptors of insects. Frontline kills chewing lice, some mites, fleas, and ticks.
Use the proper medication for your pet’s species and size because some medications are dosed differently by weight in dogs. Serious issues, such as ineffectiveness or an overdose might arise when administering cat drugs to dogs or vice versa.
History Of Frontline
Fipronil, the primary active component of Frontline Plus, was created as a general-purpose insecticide by Rhone Paulenc AG between 1985 and 1987. In 1993, it was released onto the market.
Since then, it has been included in a wide range of products, including “pesticide products, granular products for grass, gel baits, spot-on pet care products, liquid termite control products, and products for agriculture,” according to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC).
Frontline is manufactured and owned by Merial, the animal subsidiary of Sanofi, a worldwide pharmaceutical firm. Frontline Plus also contains S-methoprene, a chemical used since 1977 to prevent juvenile insects from maturing into adults.
Merial also manufactures Heartgard, a heartworm preventative, NexGard, a chewable flea and tick poison introduced in 2013, and a range of cat vaccines.
Frontline Plus’s Active Ingredients and How They Work
Fipronil and S-Methoprene are the two active chemicals used by Frontline to kill insects. Its composition is composed of 81.4 percent inert components and 9.8 percent fipronil and 8.8 percent S-methoprene. Pets typically become flea-free 24 hours after application and stay that way for the following 30 days.
How Fipronil Works
After being applied, fipronil gathers in your pet’s skin oils and hair follicles where it releases slowly over the course of 30 days while guarding it against parasites. Fipronil affects the neurological system of the insect, making it incapable of relaxing its muscles. It eventually passes away entirely paralyzed. If your pet has fleas, you should anticipate seeing a lot of them on his topcoat shortly after treatment rather than on his skin.
How S-Methoprene Works
S-methoprene functions similarly to insect hormones. It is formally referred to as an “insect growth regulator.” Frontline contains this ingredient, which inhibits fleas and ticks from breeding on your pet by interfering with natural reproduction. While it is used in a variety of pesticides, you have most likely unknowingly consumed it in food products. This is due to the fact that S-methoprene is used on crops and livestock such as corn, cereals, peanuts, and cattle. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, S-methoprene appears to be noncarcinogenic and is quickly eliminated from the body when taken.
Frontline Killed My Dog
Belo are some reasons why a dog can die after taking administering Frontline;
Allergic Reaction
While most pets have tolerated Frontline well, there are still some possible negative effects. Some dogs have shown allergic signs like swelling at the application site, itching, hives, or breathing issue. Despite the rarity of these occurrences, they emphasize the importance of closely monitoring your pet after giving them any medications.
Underlying Health Conditions
Some reports of severe side effects or fatalities following the use of Frontline may be caused by underlying medical conditions. An older dog with a compromised immune system or one that already has a disease, for instance, might respond to the medication differently from a young, healthy dog. As a result, a thorough physical examination and veterinary consultation are necessary before beginning any new treatment.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions could be a factor in Frontline-related adverse effects. You must notify your veterinarian if your pet is currently on any other medication, whether for a chronic illness like diabetes or an acute issue like an infection. Certain pharmaceutical combinations can cause complications, amplifying the negative effects of either medication.
Overdosing
Overdosing is one of the most serious risks associated with the use of Frontline or any other pet drug. This can occur when pet owners misinterpret the dosage requirements or administer more than is required. Overdose symptoms can range from mild (vomiting and salivation) to severe (seizures, loss of muscle control, and death in extreme cases). Always adhere to the veterinarian’s recommendations and contact them if you have any concerns.
Side Effects Of Frontline For Fleas & Ticks
After administering Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control, the following symptoms may necessitate veterinary attention.
Skin Irritation
One of the most common adverse effects of Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control is skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity at the application site. This is a minor side effect. Some animals, however, may attempt to scratch at the application site until the drug penetrates the skin. This frequently spreads the drug to other parts of the body, including the face and eyes. Seek veterinary help if your pet has a rash, swelling, or has gotten medication in his or her eyes.
Appetite Loss
Animals frequently attempt to lick the inflamed application site. Although they cannot reach the application site, it is possible that an animal will inadvertently consume some of the medicine. This will result in a loss of appetite and an unsettled stomach. Make sure the pet gets plenty of water to assist alleviate these symptoms.
Excess Salivation and Drooling
Dogs who have licked or ingested Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control will have excessive salivation and often uncontrollable drooling. To avoid excessive salivation and drooling, apply the topical treatment above the shoulder blades, where the animal cannot reach it, and keep a watch for the next 24 hours.
Diarrhea and vomiting
If a dog experiences significant adverse effects like vomiting and diarrhea, it is probably he overdosed on the medication. These signs, combined with hostility, breathing issues, seizures, and trembling, indicate that the animal is in discomfort and should be treated as soon as possible.
How to avoid side effects when using Frontline Plus
Follow all of the Frontline safety precautions provided by your vet. Apply it topically and exclusively between your dog’s shoulder blades. Using this application site should keep your dog from licking the product.
If possible, use an Elizabethan collar to keep the product from licking while it dries. Other pets may lick the Frontline off your dog while playing or grooming, so keep an eye on them. If your pet ingests the Frontline, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Wear gloves when administering Frontline and carefully wash your hands afterward for your safety. Keep the product away from children and pets.
Why is My Dog Acting Weird After Taking Frontline?
After receiving flea medication, most dogs won’t have any weird symptoms. With just a few exceptions, it is typically extremely safe and endorsed by vets. But occasionally, when using the pipette, a mistake could be made or an issue could arise:
Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to just about anything. Food, cleaning supplies, and other household goods may include allergens. Even the incorrect allergy treatment can harm pets. In most cases, we won’t know if a dog is sensitive to an allergen until they have encountered it. Some dogs may be allergic to the components of flea medications, and this could explain why they are acting strangely.
Wounds: It’s possible that the toxicity may result in a reaction if the dog has a wound on their skin close to the area where the pipette was administered. The drug penetrates the dog’s skin, but if it comes into contact with an open cut, it may enter the bloodstream.
Wrong flea treatment: A dog receiving the incorrect kind of flea medication may experience strange side effects. Giving a small dog flea treatment meant for large dogs could have disastrous consequences. The veterinarian should determine each course of treatment based on the patient’s unique health situation, size, weight, and age. Giving your dog the incorrect flea treatment could poison him. Always pay close attention to the recommendations of your veterinarian.
Consumption: If the flea medication has been applied in the wrong location, it is possible that the dog would lick the area and unintentionally consume it. Even if the dog won’t want to eat it, they could think they need to get rid of it so they can groom themselves.
Treating flea medicine toxicity in dogs
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from Frontline toxicity, you should take them to the veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the dog, make an accurate diagnosis, and begin therapy. However, you can assist the dog recover until then by doing the following:
Maintain your cool: losing control will hinder you from thinking clearly. Furthermore, the dog is going to sense your stress, which will make them even more scared.
Don’t give cooking oil or milk: It has not demonstrated any effectiveness and might even be harmful. It could speed up the poisons’ absorption and exacerbate their reaction.
Don’t induce vomiting: Unless your veterinarian instructs you to, you shouldn’t try to make the dog vomit. If they do, they might advise administering a hydrogen peroxide and water solution, but if done incorrectly, this can be quite deadly.
Allergic skin reaction: clean the affected region but do not bathe the dog if the poisoning was brought on by contact with the skin. According to research, shampoos and soaps can hasten the pipette’s entry into an animal’s skin.
Provide comprehensive information: Keep in mind to carry the product’s box with you when you see the vet. Additionally, describe what occurred and any symptoms that may have arisen.
Your dog should get better if you take prompt, appropriate action. Poisoning can be frequent, although flea treatment toxicity death is rather uncommon. Give your dog the best protection possible by using deworming medications correctly and adhering to your veterinarian’s recommendations.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home
Flea treatment is more than just getting rid of the fleas on your dog. If a treatment only provides short relief, fleas may be living someplace in your home and infecting your pet following treatment. Here’s what you can do if you discover fleas in your home.
Vacuum your house
Fleas and their eggs can be removed with a vacuum. Pay special attention to locations where your dog usually spends more time. You should mainly focus on carpets, furniture, and wood flooring cracks where fleas love to hide. If the infestation is severe, you should vacuum at least once a day.
Steam clean the carpets
If you have a severe flea infestation in your house, you may need to steam clean your carpets. This will kill adult fleas but may not kill all of the eggs. Multiple cleanings may be required.
Use hot and soapy water to clean the dog bed
If your dog sleeps inside, you should wash their bedding in hot, soapy water. This will eliminate the fleas. If your dog routinely sleeps in other beds, you should do the same for them.
How to Test for Flea Dirt
How can you know if the black flecks on your dog’s coat are merely dirt or flea droppings? There is a simple way to find out. Gather the dirt and place it on a damp paper towel. If the dirt “bleeds” and turns red when brushed, you have flea droppings, which are formed of digested blood. If the color remains constant, you are most likely dealing with dirt or particles.
Brushing your dog with a flea comb and looking at what you collect is another great approach to catching fleas and flea dirt if your dog has long hair. You can find live fleas or evidence of flea dirt. In this situation, put the live fleas in a bucket of water and drown them.
Alternatives
Advantage II is a topical product that is effective against adult fleas. It prevents them from biting after five minutes and kills them after 12 hours. The insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen inhibits fleas from progressing to the next stage.
K9 Advantix is a topical flea, tick, lice, and fly repellent. The product’s imidacloprid and permethrin paralyze and kill adult fleas, while pyriproxyfen stops the flea from progressing to the next stage.
Comfortis is one of the most powerful flea-killing solutions on the market. It’s an oral medication that not only kills fleas but also keeps them from maturing into adults. It is only given to dogs once a month.
Program is an oral tablet that prevents flea reproduction. It prevents flea egg development. If adult fleas are to be killed, it must be used in conjunction with a flea adulticide.
Capstar is an oral medication that has 90% efficacy against adult fleas in dogs, killing them in four hours. It has no effect on fleas in the dog’s environment.
Vectra 3D is a topical insecticide that kills adult fleas and other bothersome parasites. It contains pyriproxyfen, which keeps fleas from progressing to the next stage.
FAQs
Why, after using Frontline, do I now notice much more fleas on my pet?
Fipronil, the active ingredient in FRONTLINE, makes fleas hyperactive before killing them by damaging their neurological systems. After treating your pet, the presence of visible fleas is a sign that the product is working because these dying fleas frequently ascend to the top of your pet’s hair coat.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that the majority of fleas live in the environment. A flea infestation may exist somewhere in the home if you are still noticing a lot of fleas a few days after beginning treatment.
Why is my pet still rubbing itself?
Just before it is killed, a flea that has been exposed to Frontline may become hyperactive and bother your pet as it runs about its coat. But scratching could indicate a variety of skin issues, so if you’re worried about your pet’s skin, we recommend contacting your veterinarian for further information.
How long does Frontline take to work?
It may take up to 24 hours after application for Frontline to spread across the entire body surface and begin working. After that, fleas die after 24 hours and ticks die after 48 hours.
Which is best Frontline or Frontline Plus?
Both Frontline and Frontline Plus kill fleas and ticks on your pet; Frontline Plus, however, is a more advanced formulation that also prevents flea eggs from hatching and infesting your home, protecting both your pet and your home from fleas.
How often should you flea a dog with Frontline?
Frontline is effective for 4 weeks. Therefore, you should treat your dog with Frontline every 4 weeks for the best flea and tick protection.
Do I need to treat my pet for fleas and ticks even in colder months?
Yes. Fleas can survive outdoors for considerably longer in milder winters. Our warm homes allow flea life stages to continue to develop indoors. Therefore, it’s crucial to continue protecting our pets all year long.
Storage
Frontline® products should be kept in a cool, dry place. Store away from heat and open flames. To preserve the medication from moisture and light, keep it in the specified container until ready to use.
Keep away from children and pets.
