We’ve come a long way in the fight to protect our dogs from fleas! Topical medications like Frontline have made the battle so much easier. But what if you have multiple dogs of different sizes? Will the same medication in the same dosage work for any dog?
Can you use Frontline for big dogs on small dogs? Yes, but only by administering the exact amount according to your smaller dog’s weight. Anything more than that could prove fatal! Today you’ll learn exactly how to do that, plus so much more… Welcome to the Big Dog Den, I’m glad you’re here!
When it comes to anything as vital as your big dog’s overall health and well-being, I only report the newest and most accurate information available. I’ve researched what the experts say and collected all the information in one convenient place, so you save yourself the time and headaches. All of the information contained in this article comes from experts like:
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- The American Kennel Club (AKC)
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
- Merck Animal Health
- Frontline brand Products
In this article, I’ll answer the ten most frequently asked questions pertaining to products like Frontline. By the time you’re finished here today, you’ll have all the information you need about successfully treating a dog of any size with Frontline flea and tick killer.
We’ve got a lot of information to comb through, so let’s get started!
How Does Frontline Work on Dogs?
Frontline kills fleas and ticks with a carcinogen called fipronil. The Frontline liquid is absorbed through the skin after applied, where it stores itself in your dog’s oil glands. From there, Frontline self-distributes continuously for about month to your pet’s hair and skin through the hair follicles. When a flea or tick comes into contact with the chemicals, they are killed. Additionally, any eggs or larvae that might be on the dog’s coat are also killed.
Which Dose of Frontline Does my Dog Need?
Flea-killing drops, both Frontline and other brands, are administered according to your dog’s weight. The general guidelines for dosing are as follows:
- 0.67 ml for Puppies Over 8 Weeks Old and Dogs Up to 22 Pounds (10kg)
- 1.34 ml for Dogs that Weigh From 23-44 Pounds (10-19kg)
- 2.68 ml for Adult Dogs that Weigh From 45-88 Pounds (20-40kg)
- 4.02 ml for Dogs Weighing From 89-132 Pounds (30-60kg)
These dosages come in single-application packages. Please continue reading to learn how to adjust the dosage according to your dog’s size.
How do I Adjust Frontline Dosing for a Small Dog?
There are a number of reasons why you may need to adjust the dosing of Frontline to suit your dog’s weight. Use a syringe to draw out the needed dosage for your dog, remove the needle from the syringe and apply as usual. Tape up the puncture hole in the original package to seal. It’s likely that your dog’s veterinarian will give (or sell) you a syringe for this purpose. As a matter of fact, do discuss all flea treatments with the veterinarian and closely follow his (or her) recommendations and advice.
How do I Apply Frontline to a Dog?
Applying Frontline (or similar product) is really quite simple! Just follow these 5 helpful steps:
- Begin with a bathed and brushed dog.
- Locate the area exactly between the dog’s shoulders just below his (or her) neck.
- Separate the hair so that you are seeing the dog’s skin.
- Apply the correct dosage directly to that exposed skin.
- Remain with your dog for a few minutes to keep him (or her) still while the liquid is absorbed.
How Fast Does Frontline Work?
Adult fleas on your dog’s coat will begin to die in just a few days after administering a Frontline treatment. The residual effects of the medication will continue killing larvae and any flea eggs that may hatch.
Are There Side-Effects Associated with Frontline?
Any medication is a chemical and every chemical will produce a reaction. Most of the reactions are beneficial, but as with all medications, some adverse reactions do occur from time to time in some dogs. It’s important for you to know that if your dog is seizure-prone do not use Frontline or any similar flea treatments. The most common side effects of Frontline for your dog are:
- Irritation to the Administration Site
- Rashes
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If any of these symptoms last for more than 24 hours, please schedule an exam for your dog with the veterinarian.
Can You Put Too Much Frontline On a Big Dog?
You can absolutely apply too much Frontline to your dog if you’re not using the pre-measured dosage for your dog’s weight. Additionally, if you treat your dog with Frontline more often than the recommended 30 days, he (or she) can be getting too much medicine. When you dog has been given too much medicine, it is called an overdose (just like it is for humans) and overdoses can be fatal!
Can a Dog Treated With Frontline Get a Bath?
Do not bathe your dog, let him (or her) swim, or get otherwise wet until 24 hours have passed after treatment. By this time, you can be assured that the product has been fully absorbed.
Is Generic “Frontline” the Same?
When comparing generic brands to the costlier Frontline, the ingredients are what you’ll be interested in. The main ingredient in Frontline is fipronil. Before opting for a less expensive option, be sure the active ingredients are the same as frontline, and in the same percentages per dose.
What Do I do if the Frontline Isn’t Working?
If a week has passed since you applied Frontline to your dog according to the directions we have gone over, there are 2 things you should do first:
- Double-Check to Ensure the Correct Dosage for Your Dog’s Weight was Administered
- Double-Check the Frontline’s Expiration Date
If the dosage was right and the medication wasn’t expired, schedule an examination for your dog with his (or her) veterinarian to see if something else is interfering with the Frontline on your dog.
Other Ways to Combat Fleas on Your Big Dog
- Regular & Thorough Grooming: Your dog only needs to be bathed as often as his (or her) lifestyle warrants it. Bathing too often can strip the skin and fur of their natural oils, causing skin irritation and an overall lackluster appearance to the coat. Once a month is the general rule of thumb for bathing. Equally important in the battle against fleas is regular brushings with a brush designed to minimize shedding. The small tight bristles on these brushes are great for eliminating fleas, too! Simply have a bowl of soapy water (dish soap is recommended) to rinse the brush between strokes. Any fleas that fall into the soapy water will drown.
- Essential Oils: Fleas HATE the scent of citronella, cedar, rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, and lavender. Conveniently for us, each of these scents can be found in essential oil form. You can add a few drops of oil to your dog’s shampoo at bath time, or you can “cut” a few drops into some coconut or olive oil to dab directly onto your dog’s skin. Use a 1:10 ratio when mixing the oil, as the scents alone can be harsh on your dog’s skin. Additionally, you can put a few drops on your dog’s bedding to help keep fleas from gathering there.
- Diametriceous Earth: Food grade DE is a white powder that you can apply to your pet every couple of days to help deter a flea infestation. Be careful when applying the powder that your dog isn’t breathing it in. Rub the powder into your dog’s fur beginning around the ears and working your way back and down. In addition to applying the powder to your dog, you can also sprinkle the dog’s bedding and any carpeting you have in your home. Leaving the powder overnight before vacuuming it up from the carpet is best, but if you can’t do that wait about an hour or so before vacuuming.
- Special Shampoo: Some dogs don’t need anything more than a shampoo formulated to ward off fleas. If your dog is rarely outdoors, or if you live in a city where flea infestations are less common, a monthly bath using one of these shampoos will protect your dog without exposing him (or her) to the harsh chemicals in products like frontline. Please note, though, that if your dog is prone to seizures for any reason, even flea shampoo might cause an adverse reaction.
5 Flea Fighting Products
Did you learn anything that surprised you today? Some of the research surprised me! There is nothing more important than the health and well-being of our four-legged companions! The more we know, the better they’ll grow. The heart of the Big Dog Den is to equip you with as much reliable and accurate information as possible on any subject that pertains to your unique experience in responsible dog ownership. Your time is valuable, and I am careful not to waste it with useless information! I hope you’ll stop by again soon 🙂
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
