Frequently Asked Questions about Frontline Plus
What is Frontline Plus and how does it work?
Frontline Plus is a monthly, topical flea and tick preventative for dogs and cats that are older than 8 weeks of age. You apply it to your pet's skin every 30 days where its two ingredients--Fipronil and (S)-methoprene--go to work killing fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. The oils in your pet's hair and skin distribute Frontline Plus all over your pet's body for one month.
What are the side effects?
Individual animals may have sensitivities to any pesticide product. Some pets may experience minor, temporary irritation at the site of application. If signs persist or worsen over the next few days, seek immediate veterinary care. If your pet has an unusual reaction to the initial application of Frontline Plus, consult with your veterinarian before using the product again. Also, certain medications can interact with Frontline Plus, so consult with your veterinarian first if your pet is on medications, debilitated, or aged.
What should I do if my pet is showing signs of an overdose or if I accidentally gave them a double dose?
If you suspect an overdose in your pet, you should seek veterinary care immediately. If you accidentally gave your pet a double dose of Frontline Plus, you should contact your veterinarian.
Does this product need a prescription?
No. Frontline Plus is an over-the-counter product and does not require a veterinary prescription.
How long does Frontline Plus take to kill fleas?
Studies have shown that Frontline Plus kills 100% of adult fleas within 24 hours. It also kills all ticks on your pet within 48 hours.
Which Frontline Plus should I buy for my dog?
Frontline Plus for Dogs is sold in four different sizes for dogs of the following weights: 0-22 lbs. (Orange), 23-44 lbs. (Blue), 45-88 lbs. (Purple), and 89-132 lbs. (Red). If your dog weighs more than 132 lbs., use the appropriate combination of products to equal their weight. Feline Frontline Plus can be used on cats of all sizes.
VetDepot sells all sizes of Frontline Plus in 3 month, 6 month, and 12 month supplies.
Do fleas and ticks have to bite my pet for Frontline Plus to work?
No. Frontline Plus kills fleas and ticks that come in contact with it on your pet's haircoat.
Can I use Frontline Plus if my pet is on medication?
Ask your veterinarian about possible drug interactions before applying Frontline Plus to your cat or dog.
Can I use Frontline Plus if I've already used another flea and tick control product on my pet?
Before using another flea and tick preventative, consult with your veterinarian.
How does Frontline Plus kill fleas before they can lay eggs on my pet?
Adult fleas require 24 to 36 hours on your pet before they can lay eggs. Because Frontline Plus kills adult fleas within 24 hours of application, they will die before they can lay eggs.
I just applied Frontline Plus, so why am I seeing more active fleas on my pet?
The Fipronil in Frontline Plus works on the fleas' nervous systems. By blocking certain stabilizing ions, the fleas die of hyperstimulation, and as they die, they rise to the top of your pet's haircoat. If you start seeing more fleas after treating your pet with Frontline Plus, this is a good thing.
I already treated my pet with Frontline Plus. Why am I still seeing fleas in my home?
The fleas you're seeing most likely came from flea eggs that were deposited in your home before you began using Frontline Plus. Using Frontline Plus monthly will help break the indoor flea's life cycle. If you have a heavy flea infestation in your home, you may need to use indoor flea control products like Adams Plus Foggers or Virbac Knockout ES Area Treatment.
How long after applying Frontline Plus can my pet take a bath or go swimming?
Frontline Plus is effective for 30 days, even after swimming or bathing. After applying Frontline Plus, make sure you wait 24 hours before allowing your pet to get wet. If you need to apply this product right after a bath, make sure your pet is completely dry first.
Does Frontline Plus kill any other pests besides fleas and ticks?
Frontline Plus for Dogs & Cats also kills chewing lice.
Can I use Frontline Plus on other animals besides cats or dogs?
No. Only use Frontline Plus on the animal specified on the packaging. Do not use a Frontline Plus product for dogs on a cat because the products are based on the species of animal as well as its weight.
Can I use Frontline Plus on myself to treat fleas?
No. Frontline Plus is formulated only for cats and dogs. Do not use on humans.
Can I reapply Frontline Plus before the 30-day interval is up?
Do not reapply Frontline Plus before the 30-day interval has passed. This product is designed to keep working for the full 30 days.
What if my dog is still growing? Can I give them a higher dose?
You should consult with your veterinarian about what Frontline Plus weight range they'd recommend for your pet. If you use the higher dose, it could result in an overdose.
Do I still have to use a flea preventative during the winter months?
Even in colder climates fleas are a threat year-round. Flea pupae are able to survive very cold conditions, and many areas in the United States do not get cold enough to completely wipe out adult fleas. Fleas are also able to hide in the cracks and corners of your home. If just one of those fleas lays eggs on your pet, a new infestation can begin. It's much simpler and safer to continue using products like Frontline Plus all year.
Does this product repel mosquitoes?
No. Frontline Plus does not repel mosquitoes. A similar product, K9 Advantix II, does repel mosquitoes, but it is only for use on dogs.
Can I use Frontline Plus with Trifexis?
While Trifexis is used to protect against heartworms, it also offers protection against fleas. You should consult your veterinarian before switching your pet to or from Trifexis and should not use Trifexis and Frontline Plus together without your veterinarian's approval and instructions.
Can I use Frontline Plus with Diatomaceous Earth?
You should consult your veterinarian before using Diatomaceous Earth and Frontline flea control together.
Does Frontline Plus have an expiration date?
The manufacturer, Merial, reports that Frontline Plus will not expire as long as you keep it at room temperature and sealed in its original packaging.
Will Frontline Plus work on ear mites too?
No. Frontline Plus does not treat ear mites in dogs and cats. We carry products like Sentry HC Earmite Free and Otomite Plus to treat your pet's ear mites.
Will Frontline Plus get rid of bed bugs?
No. Frontline Plus is not formulated to repel or kill bed bugs.
Can Frontline Plus make a dog drowsy?
Drowsiness is not one of the reported potential side effects. Consult with your veterinarian.
Is this product waterproof?
Yes. Frontline Plus is still effective even after swimming or bathing. Make sure to wait 24 hours after application before your pet gets wet.