Frontline Plus for Dogs: Keep Fleas and Ticks Away

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Fleas and ticks can be real pests for your dog, causing itching, hair loss, and disease. That's why veterinarians recommend regular preventive medications for your dog to stop pests before they cause problems. Frontline Plus may be one option to consider.

Frontline Plus for dogs at a glance

What is Frontline Plus for dogs, and how does it work?

Frontline Plus for dogs is a brand of flea and tick prevention manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. It's a phenylpyrazole antiparasitic agent that contains two medications: fipronil and (s)-methoprene.

Fipronil works to kill fleas, ticks, and chewing lice by interrupting their GABA-regulated nerve channels. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that causes a calming effect. Blocking GABA causes neurologic overexcitement and death in insects, ticks, and lice.

(S)-methoprene is an insect growth regulator. It targets flea eggs and larvae. This interrupts their life cycle and prevents new adult fleas from developing.

What is Frontline Plus used for in dogs?

Frontline Plus for dogs is used to kill fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. The product is applied to the skin. It collects in the oils of your dog's skin and hair, which allows for continued release of the medication. This provides a 30-day period of flea and tick protection.

Even after 20 years, Frontline Plus is still considered effective at controlling fleas and ticks in research studies.

How is Frontline Plus given to dogs?

You'll need to give your dog a new dose of Frontline Plus every month for the medication to keep pests away.

Frontline Plus comes in different dose sizes depending on your dog's weight:

• 5 lbs to 22 lbs

• 23 lbs to 44 lbs

• 45 lbs to 88 lbs

• 89 lbs to 132 lbs

It is important to use the right dose size based on your dog's most recent weight. If you're not sure about your dog's weight or the correct dose, ask your veterinarian. Frontline Plus should not be used for dogs younger than 8 weeks old or weighing less than 5 lbs.

Frontline comes in vials. You apply it to your dog's skin right where the base of the head meets the top of their neck, in front of the shoulders. Here's what to do:

• Cut or break off the tip of the vial with scissors.

• Part your dog's fur to expose the skin over their neck.

• Apply the medication evenly in a line on your dog's skin.

Don't wash or let your dog into water for the first 24 hours after they take Frontline Plus. After 24 hours, the product will not be affected by bathing or swimming.

What are the common side effects of Frontline Plus in dogs?

Side effects from Frontline Plus are uncommon in dogs when the medication is used correctly. The most common side effect is skin irritation at the application site.

What are the most serious risks of Frontline Plus for dogs?

More serious skin reactions in dogs taking Frontline Plus are rare but possible. These include redness, irritation, or hair loss at the application site.

You can manage this by bathing your dog with a gentle soap and rinsing with lots of water. Doing this will remove the medication from your dog's skin and limit the irritation. Dawn dish soap is a good gentle soap brand to choose to remove Frontline Plus from your dog.

Any lasting or worsening signs of skin irritation require veterinary care.

If your dog accidentally licks or consumes Frontline Plus, it may cause a bad-taste response including:

• Drooling

• Nausea

• Vomiting, though rarely

These side effects are typically short lived.

True toxicity from ingestion of Frontline Plus is rare in dogs. But if it happens, more serious signs, in addition to the ones listed above, may include:

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Ataxia (difficulty walking)

• Rigid limbs

• Increased or decreased activity

• Vocalizing

• Aggression

You can prevent ingestion by applying Frontline Plus to the correct area on your dog's neck (in front of the shoulders at the base of the head). Your dog cannot lick the medication off in this location.

Does Frontline Plus interact with any other dog medications?

As a topical product, less than 1% of Frontline Plus is absorbed into your dog's body. This means Frontline Plus does not interact with other medications absorbed by the body. It also means Frontline Plus is less likely to interact with many other medications your dog takes.

You should not apply any other topical flea or tick products within 30 days of applying Frontline Plus, unless your veterinarian directs you to do so.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Frontline Plus?

You should give Frontline Plus to your dog once every 30 days. The best way to remember a dose is to mark your calendar to apply the medication on the same day each month.

But if you do forget to apply Frontline Plus to your dog, do so as soon as you are able to. Then mark your calendar for the next 30 days when the dose will be due again. Whenever you remember to give the medication, it's important to wait 30 days before giving the next dose.

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