Frontline Plus for Dogs: How It Works & How Often to Use
Fleas and ticks can be difficult to manage once they become established around a dog. Frontline Plus for Dogs is a topical spot-on treatment designed to target fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. It contains two active ingredients, fipronil and (S)-methoprene, and comes in different doses based on a dog's weight.
Understanding how to apply it, how often to use it, and which dose is appropriate can help you use the treatment correctly.
What Is Frontline Plus for Dogs?
Frontline Plus for Dogs is a topical treatment applied directly to a dog's skin. It contains 9.8% fipronil and 8.8% (S)-methoprene. Fipronil targets adult fleas and ticks, while (S)-methoprene affects the development of flea eggs, larvae, and pupae.
It is also used against chewing lice and helps control sarcoptic mange infestations.
How Does Frontline Plus Work?
After application, the solution spreads from the application site across the dog's hair and skin surface. It also collects in the sebaceous glands, which release the active ingredients onto the skin and hair coat over time.
Fleas, ticks, and chewing lice are killed when they come into contact with a treated dog. The treatment begins killing adult fleas, ticks, and chewing lice within a few hours of application.
The two ingredients have different roles. Fipronil targets adult fleas and ticks, while (S)-methoprene interrupts flea development. This allows the treatment to address both adult fleas and earlier stages of the flea life cycle.
How Often Should You Use Frontline Plus?
Frontline Plus should be applied once every month. Use no more than one application per dog during a one-month period. Applying it around the same date each month can make the schedule easier to remember.
One application is intended to provide protection for up to 30 days.
How to Apply Frontline Plus to a Dog
Frontline Plus is applied to the skin rather than given orally.
Step 1: Expose the Skin
Have your dog stand comfortably. Part the fur between the shoulder blades until you can see the skin.
Step 2: Open the Applicator
Remove the pipette from its foil packaging and open the applicator tip. Place the tip directly against the exposed skin.
Step 3: Apply the Dose
Squeeze the pipette until all of the solution has been applied to the skin in one spot. Let the area dry completely.
Keep your dog dry for 24 hours after application.
Which Frontline Plus Dose Does Your Dog Need?
The correct applicator depends on your dog's weight.
The different applicators contain the same active-ingredient concentrations, with the amount of solution adjusted for the weight range.
Dogs weighing less than 5 lbs or puppies younger than 8 weeks should not receive the treatment. For dogs weighing more than 132 lbs, do not use two applicators.
What Parasites Does Frontline Plus Target?
Frontline Plus is intended to target several flea and tick-related pests, including:
Adult fleas
Flea eggs
Flea larvae
Flea pupae
Ticks
Chewing lice
Sarcoptes mites
The treatment also covers several tick species, including brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and deer ticks.
What Should You Do After Applying It?
Allow the application area to dry completely before allowing children or other pets to handle or play with the treated dog. Avoid touching the treated area while it is wet.
Wash your hands after applying the treatment. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling it. If the solution gets into a pet's eyes, flush the eyes with plenty of water and contact a veterinarian.
The treatment is intended for dogs and should not be used on rabbits or other animals.
Can Frontline Plus Be Used on Puppies?
Frontline Plus can be used on puppies 8 weeks of age or older that meet the applicable weight requirements. The available sizes begin with dogs weighing at least 5 lbs.
It can also be used on breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs. For aged, convalescing, or debilitated dogs, consult a veterinarian before treatment.
Is Frontline Plus Waterproof?
Yes. Frontline Plus is described as waterproof. However, the dog should remain dry for 24 hours after application.
Giving the application area time to dry is an important part of the application process.
Is Frontline Plus a Chewable?
No. Frontline Plus is a topical spot-on treatment. The solution comes in a pipette and is applied directly to the dog's skin.
Does Frontline Plus Kill Ear Mites?
No. Frontline Plus is not intended to kill ear mites.
If your dog is showing signs of an ear problem, a veterinarian can determine the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should Frontline Plus be applied?
Apply Frontline Plus once a month. Do not use more than one application per dog per month.
How long does Frontline Plus take to work?
It begins killing adult fleas, ticks, and chewing lice within a few hours of application.
How long should my dog stay dry after application?
Keep your dog dry for 24 hours after applying Frontline Plus.
What are the active ingredients in Frontline Plus?
The active ingredients are fipronil and (S)-methoprene. The listed concentrations are 9.8% and 8.8%, respectively.
What size should I use for my dog?
Choose the applicator according to your dog's weight: up to 22 lbs, 23–44 lbs, 45–88 lbs, or 89–132 lbs.
Can Frontline Plus be used on puppies?
Yes, it can be used on puppies from 8 weeks of age that meet the applicable weight requirements.
Is Frontline Plus intended for ear mites?
No. It is not intended to kill ear mites.
Final Takeaway
Frontline Plus for Dogs is a monthly topical treatment containing fipronil and (S)-methoprene. It targets fleas, ticks, chewing lice, and certain mites, with different applicator sizes available according to a dog's weight.
For proper use, choose the appropriate size, apply the full dose directly to the skin, use no more than one application per month, and keep your dog dry for 24 hours afterward.
Learn more about Frontline Plus for Dogs.
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