Frontline Products for Dogs: How to Choose the Right One

Veterinary pharmacies offer a variety of flea and tick treatments for dogs from well-known brands. Manufacturers strive to make their formulations easy to use and suitable for different categories of pets, depending on their age, size, and health status. For example, Merial has developed the Frontline line, which includes treatments for fleas, ticks, and other parasites "for every occasion."

Why choose Frontline products?

Frontline products are produced by Merial, the largest manufacturer of veterinary products for various purposes:

• antiparasitic agents against fleas, ticks and worms;
• vaccines and medicinal preparations for cats, dogs, horses, pigs, birds.

Merial has over 15 years of experience and holds over 15% of the global veterinary products market share. The range is designed to ensure that every dog ​​owner can find a solution to their pet's problems in various situations.

Among Frontline products, you will find one that is suitable for your dog.

You can choose a product from the Frontline line even under the following conditions:

• the dog suffers from allergic reactions to most drugs;
• the dog is aggressive (it is difficult to approach and handle);
• the dog weighs little (less than 1 kg);
• This is a newborn puppy;
• the dog is in constant contact with water (this reduces the effectiveness of many flea and tick repellents).

Merial is trusted by pet owners worldwide. Since its launch, Frontline products have been used for over 1.5 billion tick and flea treatments. This means that Frontline is applied to at least three pets every second!

Frontline Antiparasitic Drug Review

Frontline tick control for dogs is:

• chewable tablets against ticks and fleas;
• drops (Spot On);
• spray.

Frontline Nexgard tablets

These delicious chewable tablets combat fleas and ticks. They are also used to treat and prevent the following diseases:

• aphaniptiosis;
• babesiosis;
• acarosa;
• allergic dermatitis.

The tablets work by injecting the active ingredient (afoxolaner) into the puppy's or dog's bloodstream, causing bloodsuckers (ticks and fleas) to receive a dose of the toxic component when they bite the animal.

Afoxolainer works at the molecular level, poisoning parasites

Afoxolaner acts on the nervous system of parasites, causing hyperactivity, overexcitation and subsequent death.

Using tablets to control ticks and fleas in dogs is a relatively new but promising method. Compared to the more popular drop form, it offers several advantages:

• ease of use - just give your pet a tablet; the medicine has a pleasant beef flavor, so your dog will like it;
• fast and long-lasting effect - just four hours after taking the active substance reaches the required concentration in the blood plasma, and the effect of one tablet lasts for a month;
• The drug's safety has been confirmed by clinical trials. When used as directed, it has no side effects: the concentration of the active ingredient is so low that even exceeding the dose by 80 times will not have any adverse effects.

The only contraindications to the use of Nexgard tablets are individual intolerance and impaired renal function in dogs.

Photo gallery: instructions for use of tablets

The tablets are available in different dosages of the active substance depending on the weight category of dogs (from 2 to 50 kg).

The tablets are available in four types, suitable for different weight categories of pets.

Table: Correspondence between pet weight and tablet size

This product is relatively new, and reviews of its effectiveness are limited. Dog owners are wary of this new product, preferring more traditional flea and tick treatments. However, those who have used Nexgard tablets have noted their effectiveness and ease of use. Some customers warn of the possibility of an allergic reaction.

I started giving Frontline Nexgard to my dog ​​in 2015. I was initially skeptical, then, after several dog owners I knew were already giving it to their pets, including those with stomach issues, for about 4-5 months, I bought it too. My dog ​​weighs 25 kg, so I give him tablets for 25.1-50 kg. Sobakin eats them himself; apparently, they smell delicious to him. And here's another thing: ALWAYS put the tablet in his bowl. Why? If he chews the tablet over his bowl, any pieces that might fly across the floor or roll somewhere unnoticed will end up in the bowl and will eventually be eaten. This is very important! Because a tablet that doesn't work can be caused by not eating it completely, and the active ingredient isn't enough for the dog's weight—the protection wears off sooner than expected. And although I trust the manufacturer, Merial, more than I don't, I must say the following: no current tick repellent provides 100% protection, so comb your pets with a fine-toothed comb, combine two products during peak tick activity, and feel them with your fingers; ticks can be easily found.

I debated for a long time whether to try tick tablets, scouring forums and researching the topic. I decided to start with Frontline Nexgard because it's more short-acting. I have two dogs—a small one, up to 10 kg, and a medium one, 30 kg, both mongrels. The small one ate it herself, no side effects, but I had to take the other dog to a 24-hour clinic a few hours later—he was so itchy he was running back and forth around the apartment, all night long, despite a prednisone injection at the maximum possible dose. Overall, it was a nightmare. I don't recommend it. An allergy to drops (you just wash him with shampoo) is one thing, but an allergy to a medication that takes a month to clear from the body (thank goodness not three). Take care of your dogs!

Frontline drops

The company "Merial" offers three types of drops on the withers against parasites:

• Frontline Spot On is a classic version of drops against fleas and ticks;
• Frontline Tri-Act is effective against fleas, lice, chewing lice, ticks, and sarcoptic mites. A key feature of the product is its repellent effect on blood-sucking insects (mosquitoes, stinging flies).
• Frontline Combo is effective against fleas; lice Felicola subrostratus, Trichodectes canis; ticks (all stages of development); sarcoptic ticks; the drug can be used on cats and ferrets.

The pipette contains exactly the amount of substance needed for a single use.

After applying the drops to the animal's skin, the active ingredients begin to spread throughout the fur, providing a long-lasting insecticidal effect. Fleas are killed within the first 24 hours after treatment, and ticks and lice are killed within 48 hours. The protective effect against re-infestation by parasites lasts for a month.

Table: composition and principle of action of drops

Each product comes in different dosages. Choose the correct packaging based on your pet's weight.

Photo gallery: varieties of Frontline Spot On drops

All types of Frontline drops belong to hazard class 3.

Photo gallery: instructions for use of drops

Video: Using Frontline Tri-Act Drops

It is important to follow these guidelines when using drops:

1. Do not use drops if your dog has any infectious diseases.
2. After application, do not bathe the animal for 48 hours.
3. Limit the animal's tactile contact with people, especially children (do not pet the dog).
   

   After applying the drops, do not allow the dog to interact with children.

4. For personal safety, use rubber gloves when handling.
5. It is prohibited to treat puppies under eight weeks of age and small dogs (up to 2 kg) with Frontline Spot On drops.
6. Avoid contact of the drug with mucous membranes.
7. After using the product, dispose of the pipettes; they cannot be used for other household purposes.
8. Do not use multiple products at the same time.

Here in Russia, we probably only have two reliable medications: Frontline drops and Stronghold. I always use Frontline on my cats and take them to the dacha. I haven't seen any ticks on my cats.

I started treating my dogs in March. Frontline has never let us down. It's a very good flea and tick repellent. Just be sure to follow the directions for using Frontline exactly. On the veterinarian's advice, I treat every three weeks. I buy drops that are specifically designed for the dog's weight, from 2-10 kg. I apply them to the withers and near the tail. I also always have Frontline spray with me; I use it to treat the dogs' paws. I mark the treatment date on a calendar and, three weeks later (two days earlier), repeat the treatment.

Frontline in spray form

A water-based spray with a low concentration of fipronil (compared to drops)—0.25%. The product is effective against adult parasites. The spray format allows for individualized dosage adjustments. The key feature of the drug is its ability to be used to treat puppies from the second day of life, as well as pregnant and lactating dogs.

The drug is available in spray form, allowing for individual dosage selection.

How to use the spray:

1. Frontline spray is used externally as an aerosol.
2. Animals are treated outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
3. Before treatment, shake the bottle thoroughly and, pressing the spray head, direct the aerosol torch from a distance of 10–20 cm onto the animal’s body against the direction of hair growth.
4. The bottle should be held vertically, spraying the animal's body, including the stomach, neck and limbs with the preparation so that it evenly and sufficiently wets the skin and hair. After this, to speed up its penetration into the skin, the preparation should be lightly rubbed in (it is recommended to use rubber gloves).
5. To prevent the drug from getting on the mucous membranes of the eyes, the drug is applied around them with a moistened cloth.
6. When treating long-haired animals, lift the fur with your hand, directing the aerosol torch against the direction of fur growth.

Table: drug dosage

Video: Treating a Dog with Spray

I learned about it from the breeder I bought my Chihuahua from, so I'll tell you. If you have small dogs or cats, I recommend the 100 ml spray—it's enough for two seasons, maybe even three. The thing is, the drops cost 450 rubles per pipette, which is more than enough for a 3 kg dog. But you won't be able to save them because they'll spoil once opened. Therefore, the 100 ml spray is ideal. The calculation is: 500 grams of weight equals one spray, so my dog ​​weighs 2 kg, so 4 sprays (but I used a little more, about 6 sprays). Repeat the procedure after 1.5 months, and your pet will be healthy and happy. Also, be sure to check the expiration date so that it can serve you for 2 years, i.e. buy “fresh” and the barcode, checking it with a reader on your phone, or look at the French barcode number (there are a lot of counterfeits now).

I once needed to deworm two small puppies (3 weeks old). They were infested with fleas. I searched many stores for the right product. I tried numerous products from different companies, carefully read all the instructions, and nothing worked. But finally, I was lucky – I found Frontline. Of course, they also offered herbal and essential oil-based drops, but from experience, I can say that these drops provide minimal protection, and they are especially ineffective at removing existing fleas. Yes, Frontline is not cheap (I paid about 1,000 for a bottle back then, and it's even more expensive now), but it's an excellent product, and I trust it very much after that incident. I dewormed the puppies without any harm to their health. Last year, I periodically treated my adult cat and dog with it – the results were excellent: fleas and ticks did not bother them. This year, I will most likely use this spray as well.

Recommendations for choosing a product

When choosing the right tick repellent, you need to consider your dog's health, weight, allergies to any of the ingredients, and affordability.

Table: advantages of different Frontline tools

Frontline makes it easy to find the perfect product for your four-legged friend. Just remember to consider your pet's individual needs. Before using antiparasitic medications, consult your veterinarian and carefully read the product information. The effectiveness and safety of the products generally depend on strict adherence to the instructions.