Learn about Frontline flea treatment for dogs. There are definitely pros and cons to the topical flea medication that pet owners should know and discuss with their veterinarian.
Frontline states their medication is safe, even in long term use. It's also safe for pregnant and nursing dogs and puppies over the age of eight weeks. Providing the medication is used properly on a healthy dog, you shouldn't have problems, even with long term use. If your pet has an underlying illness, talk to your veterinarian before administering the topical medication.
Ingredients in Frontline Flea Treatment for Dogs
To better educate yourself on the possible dangers involved with use of flea treatment for dogs, you should understand the active and inert ingredients.
Frontline's ingredient list includes:
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Ethanol
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Polyvinlpyrrolidone
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Butylhydroxytoluene
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Carbitol
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Butylhydroxyanisole
Frontline Plus adds methoprene to that list.
Potential Dangers to Ingredients in Frontline
In 1996, the EPA approved a new pesticide called fipronil that would become the key ingredient in Frontline products. To gain approval, 96 dogs were given up to 3 to 6 ml/kg. When the product was approved in an insecticide spray, the biggest concern involved a dog that developed a corneal ulceration within seven days of the spray accidentally reaching his face. The warning about not getting fipronil in an animal's eyes or mouth appear because of it.
Tests were also performed using a topical form of fipronil. In this study, a number of pets had skin irritation and rashes following the application. This led to the warning about temporary skin irritation.
Some dogs are allergic to fipronil, so if you suspect your pet is, call your vet. Stop use of the medication and find a flea treatment that uses a different ingredient.
Butylhydroxyanisole and Butylhydroxytoluene are antioxidants commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Previously, Butylhydroxytoluene was used as a food additive until some studies found it to increase your risk for cancer. Both have been found to have an anti-viral effect, so they're available as a health food supplement and inert ingredient in some medications.
Carbitol, or diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, is actually used to dry the skin rapidly to allow for quicker absorption of the medications within Frontline. Overdose is unlikely if you follow the dosing instructions. In rare cases of overdose, suppression of the nervous system and coma occur.
Ethanol is an inert ingredient in Frontline flea treatment for dogs. It's only dangerous if the dog consumes it in large quantities, which is very unlikely with a topical medication.
Side Effects with Frontline Flea Treatment for Dogs
The only real risk with Frontline flea treatment is the possibility for skin irritation. The redness will diminish within a few hours. If it doesn't, call your vet.
If your pet ingests any of the medication, he may drool excessively. Do not let your cat groom your dog after applying the topical medication. If this does happen, contact your vet.
Overdosing Your Pet with Flea Medications
If you make a mistake administering the topical flea treatment to your dog, do not administer another dose. This will cause an overdose.
In addition, once Frontline is administered to your dog, do not add a flea collar or use a flea shampoo. This, too, can lead to an overdose in flea medications.