Fleas and ticks plague both pets and their owners every summer and, in some regions, even all year round. These parasites transmit disease and can make life really impossible for cats and dogs. An infestation can occur in the house even when the presence of these insects is not carefully controlled, which, undisturbed, are free to multiply. Frontline, a commercial product against fleas and ticks, has been shown to be effective in killing these insects at every stage of their life. You can apply it to cats and dogs to prevent or treat an infestation.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Apply the First Dose
Step 1. Purchase the correct type of Frontline
You can get it from pet stores or pharmacies; sometimes it is also available in some supermarkets. However, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian or pharmacist as they are certainly able to point you to the right product.
- The Frontline brand produces pesticide treatments suitable for dogs and cats; make sure you are using the specific medication for your pet.
- The dose varies according to the weight of the animal. Check the directions on the package and use the appropriate dosage for your furry friend's weight.
Step 2. Remove the applicator from the package
The product is sold in different plastic applicators, which resemble small bottles; each applicator contains a single dose of medication.
- Each applicator is individually packaged. The individual packages are stuck together and to separate them you have to tear or cut along a perforated line.
- Be careful during the procedure, you have to make sure not to tear the applicator and not to disperse the dose of Frontline.
Step 3. Snap the opening of the single-dose vial
Each of these has a small tip that is easily removed with minimal effort. You must detach the tip in order to apply the product on the dog or cat.
- Remember to keep the medication away from your face as you go, to prevent a few drops from accidentally falling into your eyes.
- If the tip doesn't come off easily, you can use scissors to cut it.
Step 4. Locate the application site on the pet's back
The Frontline should be placed on your furry friend's back, directly between the shoulder blades. This product is safe in contact with the skin of the animal, but must not be ingested; the dog or cat is unable to lick between the shoulder blades and therefore cannot accidentally take the drug.
Step 5. Apply Frontline to the animal's skin
Separate the hair strands to see the epidermis, this step is very important. In order for the active ingredient to work properly, it must be absorbed by the skin; for this reason, you have to let it fall on the skin and not on the hair.
- Place the tip of the applicator on the skin of the dog or cat.
- Crush the single-dose vial to release all liquid; make sure it does not come into contact with the fur.
Part 2 of 3: Caring for the Pet Later
Step 1. Let the medicine be absorbed on its own
Avoid rubbing it or spreading it on the animal's skin, because it penetrates quickly even without your intervention; a short time after application, you can let go of the animal.
If your hands come into contact with the Frontline, wash them quickly with soap and water
Step 2. Let your dog or cat stay dry for 48 hours
You have to make sure that the product is properly absorbed by the skin; the water could eliminate the sebum from the animal's epidermis, which is however necessary for the diffusion of the active ingredient. Your furry friend shouldn't get wet for 48 hours after applying.
- Don't bathe him after putting the Frontline on him; the drug should be effective against fleas and ticks without using additional baths and treatments.
- Do not allow the animal to swim for 48 hours after treatment.
Step 3. Put the Frontline on a second time if necessary
This product is effective for 8 weeks on dogs and for 6 weeks on cats. Write down the date of the first application on the calendar and repeat it after 6-8 weeks.
It is important to use the drug regularly; even if the infestation has been eradicated, tick and flea larvae may still be present in the home. You must be sure that the pet is always protected
Part 3 of 3: Take Safety Precautions
Step 1. Read all instructions and warnings
This is a good habit to keep with all medications. You shouldn't apply Frontline before reading the leaflet.
If your pet is suffering from any health problems, you should seek advice from your veterinarian, as well as read all the instructions
Step 2. Make sure you are using the correct type of medicine for your pet
Frontline for dogs is different than Frontline for cats. Many people think they are interchangeable, but they are not; check not to use the product for dogs on cats and vice versa.
- If you have accidentally used the wrong type of Frontline, call your vet immediately, as the pet may be experiencing an adverse reaction.
- If you want a pesticide suitable for both dogs and cats, try Frontline spray.
Step 3. Do not use the same applicator on multiple animals
Each vial contains a dose of medicine that you should not split between multiple copies; if you do, none of your furry friends get enough dose and Frontline is not effective.
Warnings
- If you wash your pet after putting Frontline on it, do not use a specific shampoo against ticks or fleas. Mixing different chemicals or exposing the animal to excessive doses of the same substance can cause intoxication.
- Do not bathe your dog or cat before putting Frontline on them. Your body's natural sebum must be present to facilitate drug distribution and absorption.
