Dog Community

Another frontline question

Posted : 7/8/2008 11:38:46 PM

As I mentioned in another post, we're going to yosemite next month and I am trying to decide when to apply Rory's frontline plus. I usually only apply every other month, but I know this place has ticks and fleas and stuff, so I want to make sure she's super protected. How soon before we go should I apply it? 4 days, a week, would two weeks beforehand still be safe? I know it lasts 30 days for ticks, but I'm trying to be cautious here. Suggestions?

willowchow

Posted : 7/8/2008 11:47:20 PM

It has to be one month after the last dose. It's not supposed to be applied early. I also wouldn't count on her being "super protected" with it either, ticks still attach so you've got to look for them.

jenn52

Posted : 7/8/2008 11:54:14 PM

It will be applied over month since the last dose. Just trying to decide when i should do the next one.

willowchow

Posted : 7/9/2008 12:44:21 AM

I'd try to make it about 48 hours before you leave for the trip.

Honestly, I don't think it makes much difference other than don't do it early so that you are almost ready for another monthly dose because sometimes it tends to not work as well when it's almost time for another dose. But, again, I'm not finding it all that reliable period this year. So, you might want to look into some type of natural repellant to also apply if you will be in heavily wooded areas. I've been using the Sentry Natural Defense spray--it's a combination of oils that smells really nice. It makes the dog a bit greasy so I spray her outside, but it kills and repels.

calliecritturs

Posted : 7/9/2008 9:01:53 AM

48 hours usually distributes but also remember you have to wait 2 days after the last bath to apply (so you may really have to 'forward plan';)

The other thing to remember -- in a year when it is really horrific, it kills on contact with the chemical (not instant contact either - it takes a bit of time but I don't know specifically). But if there are SO MANY fleas and ticks (like if they walk thru where there has been a hatching) you may see *tons* of parasites and think it's not working. It is, but it's just having to deal with sheer numbers of parasites.

It's not like the old Raid commercial where the bug screams "RAIIIIDDDD" and then flips over on its back. Sometimes people think when they SEE fleas on the dog that it's not working. There can be a resistance to Fipronil but usually it's not so much as real resistance but rather that there are just SO MANY pests that it takes a while for them to die.

If you're using the "Plus" then even if a pregnant flea manages to lay eggs, those eggs won't develop into viable babies because they won't be able to form that outer shell that fleas require to sustain life.

According to my vet it's not "the best" to reapply within a month but it's not injurious to do so. I also use the Frontline Spray and he's told me I can do that every 2 weeks if truly warranted on an occasional basis.