The Side Effects of Frontline Flea & Tick Prevention

Fleas are bad - very bad - and ticks are even worse! Fleas don’t just irritate cats and dogs, driving them barking (or meowing) mad with excessive itching and biting, they also spread diseases which can transmit to people. Ticks, especially the paralysis tick, can be fatal.

Fleas have a four-stage life cycle: adult, egg, larva and pupa. These nasty little parasites bite, feed and breed on your pet. An adult female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day. Once your pet and home is infested, it is difficult to banish fleas entirely.  

Brown ticks and paralysis ticks are dangerous to pets of all ages. Tick saliva has toxins that are passed on when they suck blood from your pet. These toxins irritate your pet’s skin, cause dermatitis and anaemia and can even lead to paralysis or death. Ticks also carry Lyme disease. Therefore, it is essential that you regularly protect your pet from fleas and ticks.  

Frontline is a very fast acting and effective prevention for fleas, flea eggs and larvae, biting lice and ticks. On fleas, Frontline acts on three important reproductive stages, therefore successfully destroying their lifecycle. The ingredient fipronil affects adult fleas, lice and ticks, and methoprene affects the flea eggs and larvae. Frontline begins woking immediately to attack the parasite’s central nervous system, paralysing then killing them. Frontline can also be used to treat Flea Alergy Dermatitis. 

There are a range of Frontline products suitable for cats and dogs that can be applied either monthly or bi-monthly. The dosage for dogs is dependent on the dog’s weight. The treatment comes in pipettes which is squeezed through your pet’s hair directly onto their skin between the shoulder blades where it can’t be licked. Avoid getting Frontline in your pet’s eyes or allowing them to ingest it. Frontline Plus and >Frontline Combo are different brand names for the same product. 

After 24 hours, Frontline is distributed entirely over your pet’s skin and hair via their oil glands. Once spread, Frontline is water resistant though it is advised that you do not shampoo your pet for 48 hours after treatment. For paralysis tick control, you should continue to carefully check your pet for infestation, particularly during tick season. You may need to apply treatment every two weeks during this time. Refer to instructions on the packaging.  

Side Effects

Frontline is a tested and safe treatment for cats and dogs. When used as directed, dangerous side effects are rare. It is intended for use on kittens and puppies over 8 weeks of age and can be used on pregnant or lactating animals. You will need to talk to your vet prior to use if your pet is on medication, has a weakened immune system, is sick, aged or if you are already using other pesticide.

There may be temporary redness or skin irritation at the site of application for 1-2 days which will cause your pet to itch or scratch. Some lack of appetite and diarrhoea may also occur. Your pet may drool if they lick the treatment before it has dried. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it could be a sign of an allergy so consult your vet.  

Any adverse reactions or side effects using Frontline are usually due to incorrect administration or dosage. However, all pets are individuals and may be hypersensitive or allergic to the ingredients. If you notice any of the following side effects take your pet to the vet immediately:  

• Swelling particularly of the face, lips and tongue
• Rash or hives
• Lethargy
• Vomiting or severe/lengthy diarrhoea
• Excessive salivation
• Uncoordinated movements
• Seizure  
• Unresponsiveness or coma

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