subject: Beating Back Fleas and Ticks - What Can Frontline Medication Do For You? [print this page] Beating Back Fleas and Ticks - What Can Frontline Medication Do For You?
When it comes to keeping your dog or cat free from prolific scads of blood-sucking parasites like fleas and ticks, a proven flea killer like K-9 Advantix or Frontline Medication is not only warranted, it's recommended by veterinarians.
In fact, many veterinarians sell these flea and tick products through their offices. But, the truth is you don't need a prescription. You can get K-9 Advantix, Advantage for cats, or Frontline medication online at a discounted price and with free shipping. It can be a much cheaper way to go.
How do these flea medications work?
Let's take the example of the Frontline Medication. The active ingredient is a nerve paralytic for fleas and ticks. You simply take the applicator and apply a few flea drops to the back of your pet's head and along his spine (read package instructions carefully, as this may vary by product and animal type and size). The medicine can stop fleas biting within three to five minutes, and 98-100% of the adult flea population is killed within 12-24 hours.
However, it's not enough to just kill the fleas once. We all know that fleas, ticks and other parasites lay eggs that pay already be in your carpet or furniture, your back yard, or just in the outdoor areas you and your pet frequent. That's why one-time application products like flea dips or shampoos work once, but the fleas don't "stay gone" for long...
With a product like Frontline medication, the active ingredient will actually stay in the pet's skin (stored in the subcutaneous layer of fat) and will continue to kill these biting insects for up to one month per application. That's why it's important to reapply the Advatage, Frontline, etc. (whatever flea meds you're using) monthly, according to package instructions. This will help break the flea and tick life cycle and keep your pet parasite free, permanently (or as long as you use the product and/or your pet does not get reinfected).
The proper dosage is important.
Also, when you are buying the flea medication, make sure you choose the right dosage for your pet. For example, for cats, some products have a size-break at nine pounds... you get one product for cats under that weight, and another product for cats over that weight.
With the Frontline medication, you can get:
Frontline Plus Orange - For dogs up to 22 lbs.
Frontline Plus Blue - For dogs 23-44 lbs.
Frontline Plus Purple - For dogs 45-88 lbs.
Frontline Plus Red - For dogs 89-132 lbs.
With all these options, it's important to make sure that you get the right type for your pet.
Expect Great Results, Even If You Have to Be Persistent.
As with any topical medication, keep an eye on your pet after you use it the first time and call your vet if you notice any adverse reactions at the application site, or on the skin. Try to avoid your pet licking the area or bathing within the first 24 hours after the product is applied. That's why the medicine is applied to the back of the head and/or spine - these are areas that are difficult for the pet to reach with his mouth. After 24 hours normal licking or grooming behaviors won't harm your pet.
If you do experience a problem, talk to your pet's doctor, and consider switching to a product with a different active ingredient. Some pets are more sensitive than others, and you can still get great flea relief in another flea and tick spray, so your pet won't have to suffer. Frontline medication has different active ingredients than Advantage and K-9 Advantix so if your pet has a bad response to one, it might be a good idea to test using another.
