Frontline Spray (Fipronil)

What is Frontline Spray?

Frontline Plus is a veterinary medication which provides fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick control for cats and dogs. Frontline Plus works by direct contact with parasites and not via your pet’s bloodstream. The active ingredients found in Frontline Plus are fipronil and S-methoprene. Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole antiparasitic agent and S-methoprene is an insect growth regulator. Frontline Plus not only kills adult fleas, but also breaks the flea life cycle by preventing the development of their eggs and larvae. Fipronil kills adult fleas while S-methoprene kills eggs and larvae. Regular Frontline contains only fipronil as the active ingredient. Frontline Plus begins to kill ticks on contact. Ticks may still be able to attach to your pet but they will die within 24 to 48 hours. Frontline Plus kills all life stages of ticks. Frontline plus acts against all stages of the brown dog tick, the American dog tick, lone star tick and deer ticks. The active ingredients of Frontline Plus work by interfering with the central nervous system of insects, resulting in death. Research shows that Frontline Plus kills 100% of fleas on dogs within 18 hours of application and 100% of ticks within 48 hours of application. Once applied, Frontline Plus quickly dissolves into the natural oils of your pet’s skin and then spreads all over the animal’s body and into the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin. The sebaceous glands act as a “storage unit” or reservoir for Frontline Plus. The Frontline Plus is replenished throughout the month onto your pet’s skin from the sebaceous glands. For several weeks after application your pet’s skin and hair is continuously coated with Frontline Plus. This unique mechanism of storage and replenishment from the sebaceous gland is what makes Frontline Plus waterproof and long-lasting. For best flea and tick control Frontline Plus should be applied once a month all year long. Frontline Plus is supplied in packages of 3,

How to use Frontline Spray

For best results, it is recommended that Frontline Plus be applied once a month year round. Frontline Plus is supplied in packages containing 3, 6 or 12 once-a-month applicators. To apply Frontline Plus, first remove the applicator from the child-resistant packaging. Next, open the Frontline Plus applicator by holding the applicator upright (tap the applicator to make sure the contents are in the lower main reservoir of the applicator) and snapping the applicator tip away from your face and body. Finally, place the applicator tip through the animal’s hair to the skin level between the shoulder blades (you may wish to part the coat until the skin is visible). Squeeze the applicator and ensure that the entire contents of the Frontline Plus applicator is applied to the animals skin in a single spot. The reason that Frontline Plus is applied between the shoulder blades is so that it is in an area where the animal can not lick it off. For cats it is suggested that you apply one portion of Frontline Plus for Cats at the base of the skull and then a second portion of the applicator 2 – 3 cm further back. Use only one applicator per treatment. Do not repeat more than every 30 days. Try to avoid excessive wetting of the hair with the Frontline Plus liquid as this can cause a sticky appearance at the application site. Frontline Plus is safe to use on breeding dogs, pregnant dogs and lactating dogs.

Frontline Spray warnings and precautions

Frontline Plus should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. Do not bath your pet within 1 hour before treatment or within 2 days following treatment with Frontline Plus. Do not handle your pet until the application site is dry. Frontline Plus is for the treatment of cats and dogs only. The product should not be used on rabbits as adverse reactions and even death could occur. Frontline Plus should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. Frontline Plus is for external use only. Do not use Frontline Plus on animals that are sick or debilitated. Do not use on kittens weighing less than 1kg or puppies weighing less than 2kg Do not use Frontline Plus more often than every 30 days. Do not use Frontline Plus on puppies or kittens less than 8 weeks of age. Avoid contact with the animal’s eyes. Be sure to apply the Frontline Plus to an area where the animal cannot lick it off. Keep Frontline Plus away from heat and open flame as the product is flammable. Product can cause eye irritation. If Frontline Plus comes in contact with the eyes flush eyes with plenty of water. Contact doctor of eye irritation persists. Frontline Plus is harmful to humans if swallowed. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling Frontline Plus. Do not smoke, eat or drink during the application of Frontline Plus. Dispose of empty packaging and any remaining Frontline Plus product in the household garbage.

What do I do if I have missed a Frontline Spray dose?

It is important to try to apply Frontline Plus as close to a 30-day interval as possible. If you miss applying a dose at your scheduled 30-day interval, apply it as soon as possible and then start your new 30-day interval from that new application date. In the event of an overdose with Frontline Plus contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Overdose is rare and no adverse effects have been reported even up to 5 times the dose.

Frontline Spray interactions

Consult your veterinarian before treating your dog or cat with Frontline Plus if they are currently being treated with other medications or pesticides.

Frontline Spray side effects

One of the most common side effects with Frontline Plus is temporary irritation at the site of product application. If the irritation becomes more severe you may wish to contact your veterinarian. There are reports of some cats and dogs being allergic to Frontline Plus. Contact your veterinarian if you notice an allergic reaction.