Using FRONTLINE - FAQs

How should I apply FRONTLINE PLUS and FRONTLINE SPRAY?

FRONTLINE PLUS and FRONTLINE SPRAY are simple to apply. Visit the FRONTLINE PLUS application guide or the FRONTLINE SPRAY application guide for details.

How does FRONTLINE PLUS work?

FRONTLINE PLUS contains two active ingredients to break the flea life cycle at every stage. One ingredient, fipronil, kills the adult fleas on your pet while the other ingredient, (S)-methoprene, kills flea eggs and prevents larval and pupal development. (S)-methoprene prevents fertile flea eggs being laid throughout the month, preventing reinfestation of your pet and contamination of your home environment. ^1,2,3,4,5,6 Fleas can breed all year round so ensure you continue to treat your pet in winter to achieve the best flea control.



When applied correctly, FRONTLINE PLUS remains active on the skin of your pet for one month. Treat all of your cats and dogs every month with FRONTLINE PLUS. Use the stickers in the FRONTLINE PLUS pack to record the treatment dates on your calendar and sign up for the FRONTLINE PLUS reminder service to help you remember when your pet's FRONTLINE PLUS treatment is due.

For paralysis tick control in cats, use FRONTLINE SPRAY every 3 weeks. (For paralysis tick control in dogs, use FRONTLINE PLUS every 2 weeks.)

Do I need to apply FRONTLINE to all of my cats and dogs?

Yes. It is essential to treat all the cats and dogs in your home with FRONTLINE to resolve flea infestations and prevent household contamination.

If one pet is left untreated, any fleas on that pet could deposit viable flea eggs into your home environment that will eventually develop into adult fleas, which will emerge to reinfest your pets.

How long before and after bathing my pet should I apply FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY?

Always ensure your pet is completely dry before applying FRONTLINE products.

It is recommended you do not bath or shampoo your cat for at least 24 hours after you have applied FRONTLINE PLUS and 48 hours after you have applied FRONTLINE SPRAY.

What shampoo is best for my cats when using FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY?

In general, it is best to use a gentle soap-free shampoo designed for cats. Don't use other insecticides (flea wash), human shampoo, or anything that strip oils from your pet's coat or skin.

Always speak to your veterinarian about the best shampoo for your pet.

When should I start treating my cats with FRONTLINE?

It is safe to treat kittens (and puppies) with FRONTLINE SPRAY from 2 days of age.

Kittens (and puppies) can be treated with FRONTLINE PLUS from 8 weeks of age.

Is FRONTLINE safe to use on pregnant and lactating cats?

FRONTLINE PLUS is safe to use on pregnant and lactating queens.

How often should I use FRONTLINE during the tick season?

FRONTLINE SPRAY should be applied every 3 weeks for control of paralysis ticks on cats and dogs.

FRONTLINE PLUS should be applied every 2 weeks for control of paralysis ticks on dogs.

FRONTLINE products are one of a number of important measures to prevent tick paralysis. Daily searching, avoiding high-risk areas and immediately removing any ticks you find are also essential for tick control. Find out more about paralysis tick prevention.

Speak to your veterinarian to find out when the tick season begins and whether there are ticks in your area.

Is FRONTLINE water fast?

Yes. FRONTLINE is water fast. However, please take note of the tips below for the best flea control results.

• It is okay to bathe your pet before using FRONTLINE but the coat should be completely dry prior to application.
• For best results, it is recommended you do not bath, shampoo or swim your cat in the 24 hours immediately after treatment with FRONTLINE PLUS and 48 hours after treatment with FRONTLINE SPRAY.
• Speak to your vet about appropriate shampoos to use on your pet.

Should I re-apply FRONTLINE if I see more fleas on my pet soon after application?

No. FRONTLINE PLUS is effective for a whole month and FRONTLINE SPRAY is effective for up to 8 weeks on cats (and up to 12 weeks on dogs). If you see fleas on your pet, and it has been correctly treated with FRONTLINE, the fleas have probably recently emerged from your environment and will soon be killed by FRONTLINE.

There are a number of things you can do to reduce flea infestation in your environment. Visit tips for better flea control to find out more.

Is FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY a repellent?

No. FRONTLINE affects fleas and their eggs when they are exposed to FRONTLINE on your pet's coat.

Can I share a single pipette between more than one dog or cat if I buy a larger size?

Never divide pipettes between your cats. Use the correct pipette size for each pet to ensure they get adequate control from fleas and ticks.

Select the correct pipette size for your pet now.

Can I use the FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS on my dogs and FRONTINE PLUS FOR DOGS on my cat? What about FRONTLINE SPRAY?

FRONTLINE PLUS for cats and FRONTLINE PLUS for dogs are not exactly the same. Only use the appropriate product for your dog or cat.

FRONTLINE SPRAY can be used on both cats and dogs.

My pet has licked the FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY, will it be OKAY?

If licking occurs shortly after application, a brief period of hyper-salivation may occur due to the taste.

Do not use FRONTLINE PLUS if you or your pet have known hypersensitivity to insecticides or alcohol.

Where is the best place to store my FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY? Should it be stored in the fridge?

Store your FRONTLINE products at room temperature (below 30°C) and always check the expiry date on the end panel of the pack before use.

Do not store FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY in the fridge.

I just applied my first pipette of FRONTLINE PLUS. How long until my cat's flea infestation is gone?

FRONTLINE PLUS will spread over the coat of your pet within 24 hours and will continue to be effective for one month. Any fleas that jump on to your treated pet will die within 12-24 hours.

Be aware, however that the adult fleas on your pet represent only 5% of the total flea population. The other 95% are the eggs, larvae and pupae waiting to hatch and jump on to your pets. Pre-emerged fleas can remain dormant in the environment for up to 6 months.

Research has shown that the best way to kill fleas is to break their life cycle. By applying FRONTLINE PLUS every month you will deplete the flea population over time and protect your home environment. Visit tips for better flea control for more ideas for achieving better flea control.

My pet is already on a flea preventative, how long should I wait before applying FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY?

Always speak to your veterinarian about changing to FRONTLINE if you are using an alternative flea preventative.

Can FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY be used on pets other than cats or dogs?

No, FRONTLINE PLUS and FRONTLINE SPRAY should only be used on cats and dogs.

DO NOT USE ON RABBITS.

References: 1. Burton, G., Shipstone, M. and Burrows, M. (2003) Veterinary guidelines for the control of fleas in dogs and cats in Australia, Aust Vet Practit.33:117-124. 2. McTier, T.L. et al. (2000) Evaluation of the effects of selamectin against adult and immature stages of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) on dogs and cats. Vet Parasitol. 91:210-12. 3. Dryden, M.W. and Broce, A.B. (2001) Integrated flea control for the 21st Century. North American Veterinary Conference January, 2001. 4. Ritzhaupt, L.K. et al. (2000) Evaluation of efficacy of selamectin, fipronil, and imidacloprid against Ctenocephalides felis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 217:1669-71. 5. Young, D.R., Jeannin, P.C. and Boeckh, A. (2004) Efficacy of fipronil/(S)-methoprene combination spot-on for dogs against shed eggs, emerging and existing adult cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, Bouché) Vet Parasitol 125:397-407. 6. Jeannin, P.C., Green, S.E., Boeckh, A. and Soll, M (2003) Efficacy of FRONTLINE Plus (fipronil/(S)-methoprene) for cats against developing stages and adult fleas (C. felis) Proc 19th Int Conf of the World Assoc for the Adv of Vet Parasitol.