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Application
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Pests controlled
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Waterproof?
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Recommended age of application
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Advantage II
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Effective 1 month; kills fleas within 12 hours
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Adult fleas, flea larvae, and eggs; chewing lice
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Yes
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7 weeks and older
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Frontline Plus
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Effective 1 month; kills pests within 24 hours
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Adult fleas, flea larvae, and eggs; chewing lice; ticks
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Yes
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8 weeks and older
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Advantage to Frontline?
It's generally safe to switch from Advantage to Frontline or vice versa. Both Advantage and Frontline are effective against fleas and ticks, but they have different active ingredients and modes of action. Advantage contains imidacloprid, which kills fleas on contact, while Frontline contains fipronil, which spreads through the oils of the skin and hair follicles to kill fleas and ticks. So, switching between the two products may be useful if your pet develops resistance to one of them. However, according to the manufacturer's instructions, Frontline products should not be used in conjunction with Advantage or Advantix products, as it can lead to overdosing and potential adverse effects on your pet's health. Additionally, it's recommended to wait at least 24 hours after applying any flea or tick treatment before giving your pet a flea bath or using other flea and tick control products.
Why do I still see fleas after using Frontline?
The active ingredient in Frontline, fipronil, works by affecting the nervous system of fleas, making them hyperactive before dying. After treatment, dying fleas often rise to the top of your pet's hair coat, which can make it seem like there are still fleas present. However, this is a sign that the product is working, and the fleas will eventually die and fall off your pet. It can take up to 24-48 hours for Frontline to kill fleas, and newly hatched fleas can continue to jump onto your pet even after treatment. Even with regular treatment of your pet with Frontline, there may still be fleas in your pet's environment, such as in carpets, bedding, or other areas your pet frequents. These fleas can jump onto your pet, leading to re-infestation. Also, Flea eggs can remain dormant in your pet's environment for several weeks and then hatch all at once, leading to a sudden increase in the number of fleas on your pet. This is why it's essential to continue using Frontline regularly as directed to prevent new flea infestations. In rare cases, fleas may develop resistance to Frontline or other flea and tick prevention products, making them less effective at controlling flea infestations.
Can fleas live in human hair?
Fleas are primarily external parasites of mammals and birds, and they feed on blood to survive. While fleas typically infest pets, they can also bite humans and feed on their blood. However, fleas do not live on human hair, as human hair is not a suitable environment for them to live and reproduce. In rare cases, fleas may jump onto a human's hair to feed, but they will quickly jump off after obtaining a blood meal. Unlike pets, humans do not have the dense fur or hair coat that fleas need to live and breed.
Why is Frontline not prescription?
Frontline is classified as an over-the-counter (OTC) product, which means that it can be purchased without a prescription from a veterinarian. This is because the active ingredient in Frontline, fipronil, is considered safe and effective when used as directed and is unlikely to cause harm to pets or humans when used appropriately.
What is the generic brand for Frontline?
Fiproguard is a generic flea and tick prevention product that contains fipronil as its active ingredient, just like Frontline. Fiproguard is available for both dogs and cats, and it is sold over the counter without a prescription. Like Frontline, Fiproguard works by killing fleas and ticks through their nervous system, preventing them from feeding on your pet and reproducing. Fiproguard is applied topically to your pet's skin, typically between the shoulder blades, and it provides protection for up to 30 days. While Fiproguard and Frontline contain the same active ingredient, it's important to note that there may be differences in their inactive ingredients and formulations. Additionally, different pets may respond differently to different flea and tick prevention products, so it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before switching to a new product.
More on Fleas and Ticks
25 Startling Flea and Tick Facts
Understanding Fleas and Ticks
Get Rid of Fleas In 8 Steps - Infographic
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
