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Original poster

Frontline

15 replies

RedZuleika · 04/02/2006 15:32

I've just changed vets and the new one has given me a box of Frontline for my dog. Can't remember what I was using before, but it had a cat, dog and rabbit on the box, containing four small vials, to be used monthly. The Frontline I first applied in December and have just done another dose today.

When I applied it in December, he went ballistic, became very agitated and started to snap at my hand. He does become a bit hysterical if you try and do something to him (like clean his ears, say, or get burrs out of his fur) but he never used to react to the old flea treatment like this.

Initially I thought that I had inadvertantly got him on the spot into which he'd just had his booster jab, so I thought it was my fault. However, he's just done exactly the same thing today.

So - has anyone else had this?? Does Frontline give a burning sensation on the skin or something??

Thanks.

OP posts:
cod · 04/02/2006 15:42

Message withdrawn

ntt · 04/02/2006 16:15

Yep, my dog did this too - it's quite potent stuff and probably doesn't feel very nice. We started giving him garlic instead which seems to keep any little pests at bay.

Squarer · 04/02/2006 16:34

I have heard of worse reactions so I think you got off lightly! And don't give him any more!!

I would speak to your vet too as Cod says. Apart from anything else, he may need to know in case of adverse reaction to any other medication he might prescribe.

Original poster
RedZuleika · 04/02/2006 16:41

What kind of worse reactions???

Given that he's a hairy beast, it's obviously quite difficult to see if there's any reaction on the skin itself - which would be interesting to know.

You'd think if a reaction to Frontline was not uncommon, the vet might have mentioned it...

OP posts:
Original poster
RedZuleika · 04/02/2006 16:44

By which I mean that he might have thought to mention a possible reaction (before the little $%"*&&% took my hand off...), rather than that I'm saying there's no point calling the vet.

If you see what I mean.

OP posts:
WigWamBam · 04/02/2006 16:56

I don't know about dogs, but I have read that Frontline shouldn't be used on white cats or cats with sensitive skin because it can burn. I assume it's the same for dogs.

batters · 04/02/2006 17:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BadHair · 04/02/2006 17:52

Our cat hates Frontline. He doesn't have a lasting reaction to it, just an initial squeal and lunge, and settles down within 10 mins.

Check your dog's skin 15-30 mins after application. Does it look red, sore, inflamed? If so then call the vet, but otherwise I guess it's just a quick sting, perhaps like when you put iodine on, or something like that.

ntt · 04/02/2006 19:52

I've just remembered that shortly after I last used Frontline, which was a few years ago, on our dog he had a terrible reaction and could not stop scratching himself and as a result was covered in dandruff. This lasted ages, he was so uncomfortable, and that's why we started to use the garlic. I can honestly say he's never had a flea since.

Squarer · 04/02/2006 20:31

My dog got dandruff from it too.... ewwwwwww!

The worse one I heard of was as bad as it gets, but I think it sparked an unrelated pre-existing condition. It may of course be one of those Urban Myths but perhaps not, as an insecticide that coats the skin and lasts 3 months isn't nice stuff! Of course, I do use it on my dog if he actually gets fleas, who refuses to sleep in his bed the night after application and spends the night sulking instead as it is very good at what it does.

Have to say though, if my dog had any other reaction than sulking, I would consider the garlic!

FWIW I don't apply it as a matter of course - I only used it/use it on the cat/dog when I spotted flea evidence. Since the cat died () the dog hasn't had a single flea () Sounds like your dog is sensitive to it in any case RZ. Does he automatically pick up fleas without it being used? I would drop it and try another treatment only when you see flea evidence (unless you go garlic ). IMO the 24/7/365 treatment is over the top and is a marketing thang (based on our horror of the potential of a flea infested pit of course)

Hope you find a solution

Squarer · 04/02/2006 20:33

I'll try again with correct punctuation/stuff...

Of course, I do use it on my dog if he actually gets fleas (who then refuses to sleep in his bed the night after application and spends the night sulking instead) as it is very good at what it does.

miggy · 04/02/2006 21:06

Frontline reactions in dogs are really really rare in my experience (actually never had one reported to me!) Cats sometimes object but think thats more the alcohol smell.
Try garlic by all means but probably wont do any good (unless of course you dont have fleas anyway!)
Best advice is to treat the cats on a regular basis and the house once a year-every one flea you see on the dog-99 eggs and larvae in the carpet! Cats often show no signs and are the more likely culprits for acquiring them.
for what its worth, I think frontline is much safer then a lot of other insecticides, esp those in head lice medication and I treated my children with it once, never seen a louse since!

ntt · 04/02/2006 21:12

you put Frontline on your kids!!!! ROFL

ntt · 04/02/2006 21:13

you put Frontline on your kids!!!! ROFL

Squarer · 04/02/2006 21:56

PMSL Miggy. You should have posted on the recent nit threads - see what reaction you got!!!

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