Since it looks like winter is pretty much on the outs (at least here in New Jersey), I gave my dogs Frontline today.
Frontline is a flea, tick, and lice control for dogs and cats from drug maker Merial. Given once a month, Frontline controls (okay, that’s a nice word for “kills”) fleas, several types of ticks, and chewing lice. The main ingredient is fipronil, which actually collects in the natural skin oils and hair follicles for a continuous release. So even after the dose dissolves into the skin, it keeps working for a month.
Here in central Jersey, I don’t usually give them Frontline during the winter. In six years of dog ownership in New Jersey, I’ve been lucky enough to never run into a deer tick. When we were living in Vermont, well… that was a different story. They got Frontline year-round up there; I spent too much time picking icky engorged ticks out of their skin to risk them going around without protection.
One great thing about Frontline is that it’s waterproof. About three days after you apply the medicine, it’s there for the month. Need to give your stinky dog a bath? The Frontline will still be there. Sudden rainstorm? No problem. Spontaneous swim? No need to reapply Frontline!
Ah, chewing your own leg. One of life’s great pleasures!
Another great thing about Frontline is the range of ticks it fights. Brown dog ticks, lone star ticks, American dog ticks, and the infamous deer ticks — those are the ones that can carry Lyme disease. Frontline is deadly to ticks in all stages of life. And if your pup or kitty has sensitive skin and flea allergies, Frontline is a great way to control fleas. The fipronil takes care of adult fleas on your pet before they can lay eggs.
Frontline is quick and easy to use. For me, the hardest part is getting Lally to stand still! Open the package, snap off the tip of the applicator, and squeeze out the liquid. It is best to apply the Frontline between the shoulder blades, where your pets can’t lick it off. Part the fur (the applicator is good for that) and squeeze the liquid onto the skin. As it absorbs, you may notice that your dog or cat is sporting a faux Mohawk for a few days. It’s just a passing phase! After two or three days, you’ll never know the Frontline is there.
If you do touch the liquid with your bare hands (or touch the animal in the Mohawk zone), you will want to wash off immediately. Yes, Frontline is gentle enough for pregnant and nursing mothers, BUT that doesn’t mean you want to lick the applicator yourself.
Ask your vet about flea and tick prevention at your pet’s next checkup — chances are you’ll be bringing home Frontline. Frontline is also available from various internet pet pharmacies, but the dose is based on your pet’s weight. If you don’t know your pet’s exact weight, you’d best start with your vet. They’ll get the weight AND the correct dose.