Frontline

[Mitzi50]

I've been using Frontline as per instructions but my dogs are covered in fleas following a stay in kennels. The woman in front of me at the vets tonight had exactly the same problem and the vet nurse said the fleas seemed to be developing a resistance as they'd had several people in recently with the same issue.

IMO it's a complete waste of money plus it cost me £60 at the vets for a different flea treatment and spray for the house. I'm having to boil wash my bedding and will have to spend tomorrow hoovering and spraying ð??¡ð??·

[Backforthis]

Frontline isn't that effective anymore.

[midlifehope]

Also it's really toxic to dogs - one of mine had a tumour after using it

[wotoodoo]

I rang the manufacturer and they did not believe me when I said the fleas were still there. They said it would be a new infestation. Rubbish! It woud be good if everyone rang them and the vets that supply Frontline to let them know that this product no longer works.

[wotoodoo]

They said no one else had complained

[Lilcamper]

I haven't bothered with Frontline for years. I use Advantix or Advocate and a bit of CSJ Billy No Mates.

[beachyhead]

When we got a flea infestation after taking in our new rescue dog, we dosed them far more regularly using Practic (which is what we use anyway). The vet gave us advice and we were dosing them weekly, then fortnightly, until they were clear. Along with all the spraying and hoovering. Also buy your drugs online - it's so much cheaper..... the vet can give you a prescription to use.

[Mitzi50]

That's interesting wotoodoo. I've e mailed them requesting a refund - everyone should contact them if they've had a problem. I've got some advocet now but that 's not really the point.

[Mitzi50]

That's horrible midlifehope - your poor dog. Is the tumour treatable?

[toboldlygo]

IMO a lot of people use Frontline incorrectly and then blame the resulting infestation on resistance.

The over the counter Frontline (blue pipette) works on adult fleas but offers no environmental control so should be used in conjunction with a household spray. Without it the pet will be constantly re-infested from the environment with newly hatched fleas.

The prescription only Frontline Combo (green pipette) contains an insect growth regulator so performs the same job as the household spray.

There's also a weirdly pervasive belief that it only needs to be applied every three months, not sure where that has come from but I've heard it frequently. Some combination of these factors often explains 'resistance'

[Backforthis]

It's not misusing it. Our vet said that it used to be considered the gold standard but just isn't that effective now. It may be due to fleas becoming resistant as has happened with nits and some older hair treatments.

[midlifehope]

Yes she had the tumour removed. I've heard that a friends dog temporarily lost the use of his back legs after using it. It's nasty stuff!