Have you ever seen the Looney Tune Cartoon where the flea makes his home on the back of a dog? Ouch! When we humans get bitten by a flea it is not pleasant, but at least we can smack and knock off the offending creature. Imagine how miserable it is for a dog, with a coat of fur and limited reach, to be constantly tortured by fleas. For this and other very important reasons, finding a flea and tick spray for my dogs was of paramount importance. Being indoor dogs with lots of outdoor exposure, finding an effective spray was even more difficult.

I have two different breeds of dogs with a size difference of 35 pounds. I tried the Hertz collars (don't even bother), and various over-the-counter flea remedies from shampoos and powders to the little drops you put between the dog's shoulder blades (not Frontline brand). Not only did these products not work at all, but after properly applying the drops to my pomeranian, she was obviously uncomfortable, rolling around the floor and "squeaking." Only after a vet trip and a warm bath with creamy anti-itch medicated shampoo, did she get relief from the drops. But something good did result from our visit to the vet, my vet recommended Frontline.

"Dr. T" explained to me that Frontline is not only good for any size dog, but it is also safe and effective for cats. Being the owner of two dogs and a cat, who could ask for more. But how effective is it? I was skeptical, especially when she told me the cost ($36 for 17.02 oz!). However, I already had a sizable sum invested in non-working remedies and now a vet visit, so what else could I lose?

It is important to use rubber or latex gloves when applying Frontline. Spray a small area, and rub it in (for application to the head and face, spray on your hand and rub onto the head and surrounding area). This is in order for the main ingredient, Fipronil, to be absorbed into the natural oils of the animal. This is an added plus because after the 2-3 day waiting period, your animal can get wet and not hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. I sprayed my larger (and more docile) dog first. The odor of the spray was not pleasant, but not lingering either. Treating the Pom was a little more tricky, but only because she's a little more tricky and squirmy. In any case, she did not experience the side effects of some of the over-the-counter treatments I had tried.

The next day I searched my dogs for any sign of "campers." Nothing. What a thrill! This was a first for me. I have been a dog owner for many years, and this was the first time I have used such an effective flea treatment. This was three years ago, and I have never regretted nor been disappointed in this product.

Frontline is a tremendously effective product. However, it is important that it be used in conjunction with the directions, as with any drug or chemical. Frontline is effective for up to three months for dogs, and one month for cats.

I would highly recommend this to any dog or cat owner as a continuing flea and tick prevention program.


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