An effective treatment for fleas, ticks and lice is the medication Fipronil. This is a type of poisonous material that has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use on dogs and cats. Fipronil comes in the form of a spray.
How Fipronil Works
When Fipronil is sprayed on a dog it mixes with the dog's natural body oils and within 24 hours it had covered the entire body with a type of protective coating. Within 24 hours after the dog's body is completely covered with Fipronil 100 percent of the fleas, ticks and lice that has attached themselves to the dog have been killed. This medication will remain covering the dog and controlling the pest problem even after bathing and swimming. Fipronil collects in the hair follicles and is released over the course of about a month. The dog's shedding will also help to control the pest problem by disposing of the larvae that has adhered to the hair and fur follicles but will not have any effect on the potency of the medication.
Fipronil Ingredients
Frontline Plus is the name of the product that Fipronil is the main ingredient of and is marketed by a company called Merial. You may also find the product listed as Frontline Top Spot or just Frontline. Fipronil is the generic name for the product and may not be accessible under that term.
Application of Fipronil
The application process is to pump 1 to 2 sprays if using the 250 milliliter bottle or 3 to 6 sprays if using the smaller bottle of 100 milliliter bottle. The amount of concentration of the medication should be increased to account for dogs with longer or more dense coats. The most effective method of treatment is when the dog's coat is damp or wet. To protect the dog from ingesting or inhaling the product when applying to the face first spray onto a latex glove and rub the solution onto the face. Apply Fipronil once per month over the course of tick season to control an infestation of ticks and every 2 to 3 months to control fleas. In warm climate areas apply the product year round, although in the northern states apply when the weather gets warm and through the spring and summer seasons.
Fipronil Side Effects
There are certain side effects that may result from the use of Fipronil. They are:
- The use of Fipronil may cause toxicity levels to rise within the dog and could result in vomiting or possibly lead to seizures.
- The animal may experience allergic reactions to the medication.
- Red blotches may be visible on the dog's skin or their may be irritation to the touch.
- If the dog happens to lick and ingest the product drooling may be a residual effect.
Puppies under the age of eight weeks should not be exposed to Fipronil.