Spot-on anti-parasite treatments have become very popular. They consist of practical pipettes containing a few drops of liquid, which act as a repellent against dog parasites.
If of good quality, they can eradicate fleas and ticks at any stage of their life, thus freeing both us and our four-legged friends from an annoying (and dangerous) seasonal problem.
But how do you apply spot-ons, and how do you choose the best one for our companion?
In this blog post, we will explain how to apply Frontline to your dog in a few simple steps and will resolve all your doubts about this useful product.
How do you apply Frontline?
It's not difficult. To apply Frontline to your dog, just follow these simple steps:
Opening the pipette
Remove one of the pipettes from the package, keep it away from your face (or common use surfaces, such as the kitchen table), and snap off the tip with a quick twist of your hand (or cut it with scissors).
Where to apply Frontline
The product must be applied in a very specific spot, namely in the middle of the dog’s shoulder blades.
The anti-parasitic must be applied where the dog cannot lick itself, and that is the safest point.
How to apply Frontline to the dog
Find the midpoint between the shoulder blades and part the hair until the skin is exposed.
Empty the contents of the pipette onto the skin (never on the fur, it must come into contact with the skin) and make sure to empty the entire vial.
Do not touch the dog's fur, do not try to spread or penetrate the liquid: it's not necessary, the product penetrates on its own.
Dispose of Frontline residues
Throw the pipette in the trash, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and remove any traces that may have fallen on a household surface.
Note the date of application
Immediately mark the date you applied Frontline to the dog: it's important to apply it again after about 4 weeks, to ensure maximum protection.
Avoid wetting the dog
Do not bathe or let Fido swim for the next 48-72 hours. Wetting the dog would cancel out the effects of the anti-parasites, and your faithful companion would not be protected from dangerous blood-sucking predators.
When Should You Apply Frontline to Your Dog?
To know when to apply Frontline to your dog, or any other spot-on anti-parasite treatment, simply read the instructions on the package.
Generally, anti-parasites should be applied every 4 weeks, but this can vary from product to product.
When Should You Start and End Frontline Treatment for Your Dog?
The start and end of the treatment depend on where you live, and the presence of parasites: for summer parasites, you can generally start the treatment in May and end it in October.
Your trusted veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best timing for the region where you live.
If, however, the dog is at risk of catching fleas all year round, the administration can be extended.
When Can You Touch the Dog After Applying Frontline?
You should not touch the animal until the liquid on its back has completely dried.
Ideally, wait 24 hours, or apply the product in the evening and do not touch the dog for the entire night.
What Happens If the Dog Licks Frontline?
If you have applied it between the shoulder blades, the dog will hardly be able to lick it, but it could happen that other dogs might.
It would be better if this didn’t happen, but in case you should know that Frontline is only dangerous if consumed in large quantities.
If possible, try to monitor the animals to prevent them from licking each other after application, throw empty pipettes in a safe place and keep new ones away from dogs and children.
How Long Does It Take for Fleas to Die with Frontline?
This anti-parasite treatment acts quickly: it kills fleas within just 24-48 hours and ticks within 48-72 hours.
Which Frontline to Use for Dogs
First, you should choose the dosage indicated for your animal's weight and strictly adhere to the instructions.
As for the type of Frontline, it's best to ask your veterinarian, who will be able to recommend the ideal product for your dog.
On the Frontline website, there are many different products, but a consultation with your vet will resolve any doubts.
What Happens If I Apply Too Much Frontline?
An excess of Frontline (or any anti-parasite treatment in general) can cause toxic effects in the dog.
Possible side effects include:
In the most severe cases of poisoning, death can occur, but fortunately, spot-ons are dosed based on weight.
Try to stick to the indicated doses; the effects of the product are guaranteed exactly with those doses, and there is no need to use it in larger quantities or to repeat the application more frequently than indicated on the package.
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Disclaimer
The information on our site is of a general nature and does not in any way replace the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts. For any doubts, always turn to your trusted veterinarian.
