Frontline flea medicine is highly effective in reducing fleas, but the product is mostly recommended in adult dogs and puppies over the age of 12 weeks. Frontline contains an insecticide that can kill fleas and prevent reinfestation with external parasites.
Frontline for Canines
Frontline is one of the most widely used flea solutions for dogs. The product contains an insecticide, known as fipronil. This insecticide will affect the nervous system of parasites such as fleas or ticks, and will lead to the death of the parasites and their inability to reproduce. The product is applied topically and will be waterproof. However, the product needs a daily application, until the parasites are completely eliminated. It may take up to 24 hours for the solution to kill the fleas. The treatment has to be continued for 4 more weeks, so that the fleas won't return.
When used as a preventive measure, the solution is only applied for a few days. The insecticides will be stored in the dog's oil glands and secreted along with other skin oils for a number of weeks, keeping the fleas at bay.
Frontline Flea Medicine for Puppies
Puppies can benefit from Frontline flea medicine, but puppies less than 12 weeks of age will not be able to receive this type of treatment. The insecticides may be toxic for the puppy. Most vets recommend against the use of any types of insecticides in puppies less than 12 weeks old, while some will say that puppies more than 8 weeks old can receive such treatments.
Side Effects of Frontline Flea Medicine
Frontline side effects may be more common in puppies:
- Skin reactions such as rashes and swelling
- Eye inflammation when the solution accidentally touches the eyes of the pet
- Anaphylactic shock to fipronil, only in rare cases
If other side effects occur, a vet should be consulted immediately.
Removing Fleas in Puppies Less than 12 Weeks
As mentioned earlier, puppies that are less than 12 weeks of age should not receive any treatment that contains insecticides, because they can be toxic and dangerous for the puppy's health. Consequently, Frontline may not be used in puppies.
However, puppies under the age of 12 weeks may be affected by fleas, which can cause severe problems that include anemia or even death. It is important to manage a flea infestation in young puppies. The fleas can be removed in a number of steps as follows:
- Bathing the puppy using only a mild detergent or a hypoallergenic soap, and rinsing him with an oatmeal solution.
- Combing the fur, which can eliminate both fleas and flea larvae. When combing the pet, make sure that all debris falls on a newspaper and make sure you dispose of it. Alternatively, you can keep a glass of bleach close by and when you find fleas, you can drop them in the glass, as the bleach will kill them.
- Use a cream that contains lavender, which is considered a natural flea repellent and won't be toxic for the puppy.
- Use home flea repellents and clean the dog's environment, making sure to eliminate the fleas.