Are Flea and Tick Treatments Safe?

Yes. Flea and tick treatments, including K9 Advantix and Frontline Plus, are incredibly safe. Not only are they veterinarian recommended,  but they are also backed by the United States Environment Protection Agency.

Just like with parenting, worry is a constant emotion among pet owners. It is normal to want your dog to be happy and healthy. Therefore, adding any new or foreign substance to your pet’s diet or health regime can be concerning. However, rest assured that mainstream flea and tick products have earned the safety seal of approval. 

Safety First

Both Frontline and K9 Advantix are spot-on treatments that are applied to the back of your dog, between their shoulder blades, and down to the base of the tail. Within 12 hours of application, fleas start to die off until their life cycle is completely broken. 

The product also works to kill off flea eggs and larvae, along with mosquitoes and other blood sucking insects. Since the medication works with your pet’s hair follicles, it is imperative that you do not wash or groom your dog during the 48 hours after application. After that, the product will be in full effect with your dog’s sebaceous glands, working to both kill current infestations and prevent future flea and tick issues. Both Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix are waterproof and effective for up to 30 days so both you and your dog can run and play worry-free.

Spot-On Side Effects

While Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix are both safe and approved by the U.S. EPA, there are still side effects that can occur. Some pets can react badly due to skin allergies or sensitivity. Common side effects include hair loss, itchy skin and redness. If these symptoms persist after the first 24-48 hours, your dog may need a different form of flea and tick prevention such as oral tablets, shampoos, dips or flea collars, like Seresto. The options are vast and all are just as safe and effective.