Fleas and Frontline

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Fleas and Frontline

Visitor Question

  • I have a two and a half year old spayed chow mix, and she is on Frontline. She has started scratching herself quite a bit, but I see no evidence of fleas, and her belly does not look rashy. Should I take her to the vet to rule out allergies or other etiology for the itching?

Thank you~~Donna

Expert Answer

Hi Donna,

I think having your vet re-check your dog is a very sound idea. According to 1-800PetMeds.com, Frontline can cause irritation at the application site. It may also be possible that your dog is having an allergic reaction to the product, especially if this is her first time on it. It's a good idea to have your vet take another look.

It is also my understanding that Frontline kills the fleas that bite your dog, but doesn't actually repel them, so they could still be jumping on her, but you won't see flea dirt if they don't get a chance to set up housekeeping. Some of the stronger Frontline products may actually repel fleas, so that's another question for your vet. I hope you can find some relief for your pet.

Thanks for your question,

Kelly


 


Comments

Hi Robin,

It certainly sounds like it could be an allergic reaction. My advice is to give your dog a thorough bath to remove the rest of the product and follow up with a call to your vet.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 7 month old minuature pincher. I put frontline on him yesterday,this morning I noticed that his fur in the application spot has fallen out and he has been throwing up. Is this an allergic reaction ?

-- Contributed by: robin

We have a Peek/Tibetan Spaniel mix female. We have been traveling and noticed a scabby completely circular spot above her right shoulder. It is shaped like a tire with a circular center and her fur is growing out of the circle. She had hot spots several years ago and we just started her on K9Advantage. I contacted a vet over the phone and he said it could be hot spots and to give her Benadryl tablets. Should I try and find a vet in our traveling area?

  • Hi Mary,

If what you are seeing looks like a bald spot with hair growing around the perimeter, you could be looking at a case of ringworm. Hot spots do lose fur, but they are usually moist and quite irritated looking. I think it would be a good idea to find a vet if you can. If it's ringworm, it is contagious.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: mary

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