by Bridie Cavanaugh

Created on: February 21, 2010

Fleas and ticks are a common problem for cats and dogs.  These pests are not only uncomfortable for your pet but an infestation of these pests can cause illness and potentially even death. Tick borne diseases include lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fleas can lead to flea allergy dermatitis, anemia, tapeworm, rickettsiosis, plaque and cat scratch disease. Some of these diseases are transmittable to humans. It is important to keep fleas and ticks under control.

Check your pets on a regular basis for any signs of fleas or ticks. Fleas can be spotted by running a flea comb through your pet’s hair and looking for small black spots left behind in the combs teeth.  You can also brush your pet over a white paper towel. If small black dots are found on this paper this may be a sign of fleas. Regular grooming and daily petting will help you spot any ticks that have landed on your pet.  If the tick has already embedded itself into your pet, it should be removed as soon as possible. Call your veterinarian.  Never remove a tick with your bare hands. Use tweezers to slowly pull it out and place it in a small sealed container. Bring this container with you to the veterinarian’s to help them identify the tick species.

Frontline Plus is a product of Merial Limited.  It is a topical application designed to kill fleas and ticks and then destroy the lifecycle of fleas and ticks on dogs and cats. This long lasting waterproof product continues to kill fleas and ticks for up to one month after application. It is considered safe to use for puppies and kittens over 8 weeks of age.  It is also safe for use on breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs and cats. Frontline Plus is easy to apply and should be applied monthly for appropriate flea and tick control maintenance.

Instructions to apply Frontline Plus:

1.  Remove the Frontline Plus applicator from the childproof packaging. Pull off the plastic tab located at the top of the applicator to expose the foil. Peel the foil in a downward motion to expose the applicator.

2.  Hold the applicator so that the thin portion is pointing up. Snap off the top of the applicator at the perforated point. Be careful not to splash any of the contents into your eyes or nose.

3.  Part your pet’s fur between the shoulder blades.  Place the applicator tip on the skin and squeeze the entire contents onto one spot.

4.  Repeat the process monthly for flea and tick protection.

5.  Consult a veterinarian if your pet has an adverse reaction to Frontline Plus.  Wash your hands completely after handling the product. 

 References:

http://frontline.us.merial.com

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