Can Frontline harm my dogs if ingested?

Question

I have two dogs and Frontline them once a month. The problem I am having is that once they have been done they start licking each other's backs where the Frontline is. Not only am I afraid it may be harming them but also reducing the effectiveness of the frontline. They hate being split up so just wondered if it will actually do them any harm

Answer 1

Not really. As part of the federal requirements for producing and marketing the drug, the company had to do animal testing to determine the dose at which adverse effects occur. The amount of frontline that a dog has to ingest to cause any kind of symptoms is incredible...and even then it's usually just gastric upset. The packaging is more dangerous than the frontline. I think the only people who keep enough frontline around to actually harm a dog more than upset tummy and diarrhea are vets...and even then probably only at their clinic.

The bigger issue, as you have already guessed, is that frontline isn't doing them any good if it's in their stomachs and not on their skin. The small amount that they lick off probably isn't going to reduce the effectiveness that much however.

That said, I would still recommend you separate them for at least an hour or two after applying the frontline. Give them a kong stuffed with something yummy (perhaps even a frozen kong...that usually keeps them occupied for longer) or a bone or something. They may hate it, but just like humans, dogs have to learn to cope with things they don't like. It's not healthy for them to always get what they want and never have to deal with something they don't really like. Giving them something to keep them occupied should make the separation a less unpleasant experience.

Answer 2

Just to reiterate, the Frontline will not harm them, but it won't work if it's licked off. We had a visit from the Merial rep the other week and she said of course drugs have to be tested before they can be marketed - putting Frontline directly into animals mouths just causes them to salivate (because it tastes gross). It will not harm your dogs.

I understand how hard it is to keep the doggies apart, but I'm afraid you must! It should only take about a half hour for the drug to soak in and pretty much dry off. Or, you could keep the dogs together and just stick right close to them so you can physically stop them licking. I sometimes have to split cats up from their kittens to Frontline spray them - it breaks my heart more than any other part of the job! (except anima cruelty, obviously). It's for their own good though!!

Chalice

Answer 3

hate it or not, your dogs need to be split up for an hour or so after you put the frontline on and then I'd take them out and distract them. It does say not to ingest the product, that is why you put it on the dog in a spot they cant lick. You have to get them to stop this behavior. Do they know the command NO or STOP?

Answer 4

My dogs are long haired, so my solution might not work if yours have really short hair.

I lift back the hair at the location for treating them, cut the hair off a small section, and this way the liquid goes direct on the skin much faster. Then I lay the rest of the hair back over where I just treated.

They are dogs, pack animals, so YOU are supposed to be pack leader. As pack leader, you should split them up for a brief time to allow the liquid to sink into the skin. So what if they hate to be split up. You're in charge and if you tell them they have to be apart for a short while, then they should do so without problem as you're supposed to be alpha over them and the alpha pack leader is to be obeyed by all the pack without question.

I doubt that it will poison them, but it might reduce the effectiveness. You need to phone Merial and ask THEM as they manufacture this! They are VERY NICE and willing to answer questions. They are VERY HELPFUL !

Treatment is once a month. I recommend separating the dogs for half an hour after treatment once a month. I find it hard to understand why you can't handle making your dogs do as you require for 1/2 hour once a month. Even if it won't do them harm, taking good care of your dogs includes the fact that YOU must be Pack Leader and insist that they do as you require. Dogs who have to follow your orders are happier dogs. They want and need guidelines.