Flea Control
Fleas and ticks
Help protect your pet from unwelcome guests.
It can happen. Fleas and ticks can silently invite themselves onto your pet and into your home. These pests then harm your pet and make your home, well… less comfortable.
Frontline Plus can help. Frontline Plus kills fleas and ticks on your dog or cat and prevents re-infestation.
Understanding fleas and ticks, how they can affect your pet's health and what to do about them, can help you address a current flea or tick problem and prevent a future one.
Fleas and your pet
1. Egg stage:
It's a good idea to check pets for fleas on a regular basis. It is especially important to check if your pets seem unusually nervous or grumpy, or if they're scratching more than seems natural.
The average life of the egg stage is 10 days.
2. Larval stage:
After hatching, the larvae find a dark place in your home and feed on flea feces. They grow, molt twice and spin cocoons where they grow into pupae.
The average life of the larval stage is 12 days.
3. Pupal stage:
Pupae spend 8-9 days in their cocoon growing to adulthood, then wait for signals that it is time to emerge.
The average life of the pupal stage is 4 - 5 months. Many pupae are present in the household before adults are seen.
4. Adult stage:
Adult fleas detect a host from inside their cocoons at which point they leave the cocoon, hop onto a host, find a mate and start the cycle again.
The average life of an adult flea is 50 days.
The adult fleas you see on your pet represent approximately 5% of the total flea population, and are only the tip of the infestation iceberg.
Ticks and your pet
1. Egg stage:
Female ticks lay 100 to 6,000 eggs at a time (depending on species) in secluded areas of dense vegetation. Eggs hatch in about 2 weeks.
2. Larval stage:
After hatching, larvae search for their first blood meal. This could be on you or your pet. They latch on, feed on blood and then drop back into the environment.
3. Nymphal stage:
After feeding on their first blood meal, larvae molt into a nymph and search for another host. Nymphs are difficult to detect, increasing the chance of disease transmission.
4. Adult stage:
Nymphs feed then molt into adults. Adult females feeding on a host can grow up to 100 times their original weight. The female will then fall off and lay eggs – beginning the cycle again.
Understanding the life cycle of ticks will help you put up a stronger defense.
Diseases caused by fleas
Scratching is just the beginning.
Excessive scratching may be the first sign that your pet has an annoying flea problem. But it may also indicate a larger health issue. Fleas can cause a wide range of diseases that deprive your pet of energy, cause sores and affect overall health, such as:
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Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD):
Excessive biting or scratching around
the tail, groin, backside, neck or back possibly producing
scabs or bumps. -
Anemia:
Pale gums, weakness and lethargy.
-
Tapeworm:
Intense anal itching or tapeworm segments around
the anal area or in the feces. -
Rickettsiosis:
Infected cats may not have clinical signs or
show symptoms but the disease can be passed to humans. -
Plague:
High fever, dehydration and enlarged lymph nodes.
-
Cat Scratch Disease:
Few symptoms in cats, but can be
passed on to people.
How to check for fleas
It's a good idea to check pets for fleas on a regular basis. It is especially important to check if your pets seem unusually nervous or grumpy, or if they're scratching more than seems natural.
When checking for fleas, look for black specks (flea dirt) on your pet or on its bed. There are two easy ways to do this:
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Run a metal comb (available from your vet or pet store) through your pet's coat making sure that you touch the skin below. If the comb gathers black specks you may have found flea dirt.
-
Place a white paper towel beneath your pet and rub your hands across its fur. If black specks fall on the towel, it may be flea dirt.
If you find live fleas with either of these methods, drown them in soapy water before they can jump back on your pet.
What to do about fleas
Say no to fleas
Fleas are a health hazard for pets and a nuisance for you. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure your pet and your home are protected.
Begin with Frontline Plus. It kills fleas already on your pet and helps prevent new fleas from settling in.
It's also important to:
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Vacuum frequently, especially carpets and other soft coverings where your pet tends to lounge. Don't forget your car.
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Wash your pet's bed, blanket, toys and other soft items in the hottest water possible.
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Mow the lawn and rake any clippings or leaves.
Diseases caused by ticks
Ticks must be taken seriously.
Ticks can transmit diseases that actually threaten your pet's life. Frontline is an important defense against ticks. Lyme disease, probably the best known tick disease, can be treated well with antibiotics if diagnosed. Other tick related diseases are more dangerous. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms:
-
Lyme disease:
Lameness, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes. Infects dogs and people.
-
Babesiosis:
Fever, loss of appetite and anemia. This is a serious disease that can result in coma and death.
-
Ehrlichiosis:
Fever, depression, lameness and loss of appetite.
-
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever:
Fever, loss of appetite, coughing, bruising, lameness, depression, vomiting and diarrhea. Infects dogs and people.
How to check for ticks
Because ticks can be dangerous, it's a good idea to check your pet thoroughly every day. Build it into your regular routine. Look for ticks as you brush, pet and play with your cat or dog. Examine as much of your pet's body as possible paying particular attention to the head, neck and paws because that's where ticks prefer to attach themselves. You may feel a tick bump before you see the tick. Contact your vet immediately if you believe your pet has a tick. If you remove a tick, do so slowly using tweezers (never use your hands), save it in a bottle and bring it to your vet so that they can determine the species.
What to do about ticks
A two-prong approach to tick control.
The battle against ticks must be fought on your pet and in your environment.
On your pet, Frontline kills ticks at the larval, nymphal and adult stages of their life cycle. Approved for cats and dogs, it controls ticks continuously.
In your environment, minimize the threat of ticks with two simple tactics:
- Make your yard unfriendly to ticks by keeping your grass short, bushes trimmed and minimizing mulch or leaf litter.
- Avoid tick breeding grounds like tall grass and brush when you are out on walks.
- And, of course, check your pet for ticks regularly.
Products: General info
Frontline
#1 veterinarian-recommended flea and tick protection.
Take good care of your pets. Help keep them healthy and happy by protecting them against fleas and ticks.
Start with Frontline – the #1 choice of veterinarians when it comes to combating both fleas and ticks. FRONTLINE is an easy-to-use treatment that is proven effective.
Why Frontline?
- Proven protection. Frontline Plus killed 100% of fleas within 12 hours of application.
- Long lasting: continues to kill fleas and ticks all month long.
- Approved for use on puppies and kittens 8 weeks of age and older and on breeding, pregnant or lactating cats and dogs.
- Waterproof: effective even after swimming, bathing and grooming.
Frontline Plus breaks the flea and tick life cycles to deliver continuous protection
to you and your pet.
How Frontline works
Works fast…and lasts.
Frontline Plus killed 100% of fleas within 12 hours of application and continues to provide fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick control. Frontline Plus also breaks the flea life cycle to prevent future infestations.
When you apply Frontline, fipronil, the active ingredient, is stored in the oil glands under your pet's skin. It is then distributed continuously to the skin and hair of your pet through the hair follicles.
This way, Frontline Plus:
-
Offers continuous protection for an entire month
-
Is waterproof even as your cat grooms and your dog swims
-
Breaks the flea and tick life cycle
Frontline Plus is easy to use and proven effective.
How to apply Frontline
Frontline Plus and Frontline Top Spot can be applied in one easy application:
-
Remove an applicator from the child-resistant package and cut or lift off the plastic tab to expose the foil. Peel down.
-
Hold the applicator upright and snap the tip away from your face and body.
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Place the applicator tip through your pet's hair to the skin between the shoulder blades. Squeeze the applicator and apply the entire contents in a single spot onto your pet's skin.
Frontline Spray is typically used by a veterinarian to treat a severe infestation quickly.
For Frontline Spray:
- Wear household latex gloves.
- Hold bottle in upright position. Ruffle your pet's coat with one hand while applying spray mist to back, sides, stomach, legs, shoulders and neck. For head and eye area, spray Frontline Spray on a gloved hand and rub gently into your pet's hair.
FAQs
Answers to important questions.
How quickly do Frontline Brand Products kill parasites?
Our research data shows Frontline Brand Products will kill fleas within 12 hours of contact with your treated pet. Ticks will die within 48 hours of contact with your treated pet.
How do Frontline Top Spot and Frontline Plus spread over a pet's body?
How long does this take?
Frontline Top Spot and Plus spread over the pet's body by a process called translocation. When applied, these products are gradually dispersed by the pet's natural oils, collecting in the oil glands in the skin. It is then "wicked" onto the hair over the next 30 days. The translocation process can take up to 24 hours to complete.
Do fleas and ticks have to bite my pet for Frontline Brand Products to work?
Fleas and ticks do not have to bite your pet for Frontline Brand Products to work. Frontline Brand Products kill fleas and ticks if they simply come into contact with your pet's haircoat. The fleas will die within 12 hours of contact with your treated pet, and ticks will die within 48 hours.
Why am I seeing more fleas on my pet after applying a Frontline Brand Product?
After the application of a Frontline Brand Product, you may see more fleas, but this is an indication that the Frontline Brand Product is working. Frontline Brand Products make fleas hyperexcited, drawing them to the top of the haircoat before dying. This will make them more visible to you.
I treated my pet with a Frontline Brand Product, but I still see fleas in my home. Why?
The fleas you see most likely started as flea eggs that were deposited in the environment before you began using Frontline Brand Products. Consecutive monthly applications of a Frontline Brand Product to your pet will assist with the elimination of an indoor flea life cycle. In some geographical regions in the United States, it may be required to use the product year-round.
How do Frontline Brand Products kill fleas before they can lay eggs on my pet?
Once new adult fleas jump on your pet, they must be present on the host for at least 24 to 36 hours before they can lay eggs. Our research data indicates that Frontline Brand Products, when used monthly, will kill your pet's fleas within 12 hours of application - before they can lay eggs.
Do Frontline Brand Products have an expiration date?
Frontline Brand Products do not carry an expiration date. We recommend storing Frontline Brand Products at room temperature and keeping them sealed in their original packaging. If stored under these conditions, Frontline Brand Products will not expire.
How long after application can my pet be bathed or go swimming?
Frontline Brand Products remain effective for 30 days, even if a pet swims or is bathed. After application, keep the dog or cat from getting wet until the application area appears dry, usually 24 hours. If a Frontline Brand Product is to be applied after a bath, make sure the pet is completely dry before application.
Can I use Frontline Brand Products if my pet is on medication?
Frontline Brand Products are not systemically active and have no known adverse interactions with systemic medications.
Can I use Frontline Brand Products if I have already applied another
flea and tick control product?
There are no known interactions between Frontline Brand Products and any other flea and tick control products. However, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours between applications.
Do the Frontline Brand Products have any additional label claims?
Effective May 2003, Frontline Plus and Frontline Top Spot were approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be used on pregnant, lactating and breeding dogs and cats. Frontline Spray is not approved to be used on pregnant, lactating and breeding dogs and cats. In addition, Frontline Plus small size that was initially labeled for 11-22 lb dogs has now been approved for the use on any size dog up to 22 lb.
Frontline Brand Products are now approved for the rapid elimination of chewing lice infestations on dogs and cats and as an aid in control of sarcoptic mange infestations on dogs.
Also, any Frontline Brand Product may be applied to dogs and cats as young as 8 weeks of age and older.
Which Frontline Brand Product is right for my pet?
Frontline Brand Products are available in three formulations to make it easy for you to provide your pet with the flea and tick control that is best for them. Frontline Plus is a convenient once-a-month topical product offering long-lasting, complete control for adult fleas, flea eggs and larvae, and all four major species of ticks. Frontline Top Spot and Frontline Plus provide fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick control for dogs and cats. Frontline Spray offers quick elimination of existing flea and tick infestations. Ask your veterinarian which Frontline Brand Product is the best choice for your pet.
Can Frontline Brand Products be used on pets other than dogs and cats?
No. Frontline Brand Products are intended for use on dogs and cats only. It is not recommended for use on other species.
Can Frontline Brand Products be reapplied before the 30-day treatment interval is up?
Research results show that Frontline Brand Products control fleas and ticks for a full month, so reapplication is unnecessary within 30 days.
Where can I buy Frontline Brand Products?
Frontline Brand Products for dogs and cats are available from your family veterinarian.
Are there any side effects when using Frontline?
Individual sensitivities, while rare, may occur after using any pesticide product. Since Frontline Brand Products are topical some pets may experience temporary irritation at the site of product application. If signs persist, or become more severe within a few days of application, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Why are Frontline Brand Products only available through my veterinarian?
It is Merial's sales policy to sell our small animal products only where a veterinarian/client/patient relationship exists. Merial believes that the veterinarian is the only professional qualified to serve the health care needs of pets, the concerns of their owners and the appropriate use of our small animal products such as Frontline Brand Products.
How old does my pet have to be to apply Frontline Brand Products?
All Frontline Brand Products may be applied to dogs and cats as young as 8 weeks of age.
For more information, visit http://frontline.us.merial.com/index.asp
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