Frontline
Published: 29th July, 2014 in: Health Advice News
What is Frontline?
Frontline is a medicine that is put onto the skin of your cat or dog to treat your pet against ticks and fleas as well as preventing them. Different packs are offered depending on the size of your pet, and you can either buy a pack of 3 or 6 pipettes.
How does Frontline work?
Frontline Spot On does not kill parasites through the blood stream, but on contact. You simply put the Frontline on a spot where your pet can’t lick, behind the shoulder blades is perfect, and from there it will spread all over their body. You may notice more fleas after you start to use Frontline. This is because dead parasites rise to the top of your pet’s coat.
What are fleas?
Fleas are parasites that feed on blood, making the life of your pet miserable. They cause itchiness, and the scratching can then result in hair loss.
Pets with fleas can go on to develop other issues such as Flea Allergy Dermatitis, which is when your pet is allergic to flea saliva – this needs to be diagnosed by a vet.
Pets pick fleas up from infested environments, which can be anywhere as infested animals leave eggs behind wherever they go. The new fleas then jump onto you pet when they sense the warmth, carbon dioxide and vibration.
What are ticks?
Ticks are dangerous for humans as well as pets, as they transmit infectious diseases to both. They can cause irritation, lead to an abscess, and even transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.
Ticks are picked up by waiting for a “host” to go past. Once a pet brushes past it, the tick transfers itself onto your pet and stays there by biting into the skin.
How often do I need to use Frontline?
Preventing ticks:
Frontline should be used once a month on both cats and dogs.
Preventing fleas:
Cats will need application every 5 weeks, whereas a dog would need another application after 2 months.
How do I apply Frontline?
- Take off the pet’s collar and any accessories
- Apply on a spot that cannot be licked by your pet; between the shoulder blades is perfect
- Do not touch the area whist wet
- Do not bath your pet or allow it to swim for 48 hours
- Each pet needs their own, full dose
- Always ensure Frontline is applied directly to the skin
- Let the pet have access to all areas of the house – fleas will want to bite the animal instead of you
- Vacuum well, especially around the edges of the room