[labby]

I'm heading to someplace next Friday where there are ticks and fleas. I don't normally have them so I don't usually use Frontline. When would be the best time to apply it before I leave? TIA.

 

[HersheyK's Dad]

According to the manufacturer, it is good for 30 days. My vet says I can use it at 45 day intervals. Dogs should not swim for 3 days after application. Also, if the dog is going to be touch a lot, the 3 days should be observed to prevent the stuff from getting on skin while still wet. So the short answer is 3 days minimum before you leave.

PS: I don't believe that I just answered a question from Labby. It has always been the other way.

 

[kiddsmom]

Did you know that Frontline contains the same ingredient used to kill fire ants?

 

[labby]

What else can I do, Betsy? I don't like the stuff, but I don't want fleas and ticks either.

 

[justine]

I would say at least 3 days in advance.. maybe 5 just to be safe. No swimming for them right when you put it on, though!

 

[HersheyK's Dad]

Did you know that Frontline contains the same ingredient used to kill fire ants?

Frontline is a poison, as is Heartguard. Given in measured amounts to prevent a result that could be much more severe.

HKs favorite activity is going off to the dog parks. We have nice ones here, large, wooded, lots of tall prairie grasses, great places to run and play with other dogs. Oh! I should not forget, even greater places for ticks, and lots of other wildlife that aid in spreading them around.

 

[labby]

I hate chemicals and don't like to use them on the dogs or even the horse, but sometimes the consequences if you don't are worse.

 

[kiddsmom]

I had a post about REVOLUTION a while back. Maybe that would be an option.

 

[talleyJudy]

I would suggest Monday - 5 days ahead - too: then there is time to vet if a dog has an "adverse reaction", time to get into the dogs' systems and begin working, and then there is the 3 day no swimming (getting wet) to consider too.

Hope you have a safe and fun trip.

 

[bacatherine]

I think 3-5 days before would be good I only use it when I know we'll be at mom and dad's for a while since there are more woods around and I know they have had fleas on the barn cats.

 

[nellies mom]

I've stopped using anything because of Nellie's cancer but we are going to the beach which is infested with ticks so i will treat her about 5 days before we leave. The vet suggested this.

 

[patm]

I use Frontline Plus on mine during the spring and summer because we have just tons of ticks. I would put it on as soon as possible to it has time to "work". I'll warn you too , that it doesn't really keep the tics off of them completely. They don't "bite" as much, but tend to hang around on the outside of their hair, waiting to jump on - YOU! So be careful.

 

[YellowJakesMom]

I'd try to get it on a week to five days in advance, if you choose to go the frontline route...

Since it's just for a few days and you don't need it for the rest of the 45 days the Frontline is all over them, could you go with an oral flea medication like Capstar (nitenpyram) for the days you're there? It kills adult fleas once they bite the dog. And then check over them for ticks each night or use a Preventic collar that can be removed once you're done? We live in a tick infested area and I've had good luck with nightly checks when we're in the woods.

Capstar info: http://www.capstar.novartis.us/dogs/qa.htm

 

[labby]

If there is concern with Frontline which is applied ON the dog, I sure as heck won't give poisons orally. Plus flea collars are known to cause reactions.

I've used Frontline with Jakey when he's gone to Potomac with me and he did fine. I just wasn't sure when to apply it.

 

[bearsdad]

Laura. I think they say 24 hours before they get can get wet. but since the stuff works by migrating through the skin to the fat layer, I think it probably a few days before it reaches maximum effectiveness

 

[labby]

Thanks Eric and everyone.

 

[YellowJakesMom]

Preventic collars use amitraz for ticks, but won't do squat for fleas Just trying to give some options if you didn't want the chemicals on the dogs for a month or more.

Have fun on your trip! Is just Jake going?

 

[Dani]

I've always done it 48 hours before going places.

 

[myfavoritedog]

I use Frontline and use it monthly. We have alot of tiocks around here and as much as we go hiking and stuff like that I don't want them getting lyme disease or worse.

 

[Jefferson'n'Ted]

I use Frontline Plus on my two from March until November. They pick up ticks and fleas just in my suburban back yard, much less if we go to the lake.
So far, no adverse effects.