Animal Care Clinic San Luis Obispo Veterinary Hospital
FRONTLINE PLUS
Frontline is a topical product that is applied once per month. It stays on the skin surface and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Frontline works best in slightly oily conditions and actually goes down into the hair follicles. This allows it to be slowly released with normal skin oils. It is okay to bathe pets while they are on Frontline, as long as you wait 48 hours after applying Frontline and do not use a shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide. The “Plus” portion refers to a topical chemical that kills eggs and juvenile fleas.
We recommend Frontline for flea control on dogs. It also controls ticks if applied every 3-4 weeks
REVOLUTION
While Revolution is applied topically, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Revolution is labeled to control fleas, ticks, ear mites, heartworms and intestinal parasites (hookworms and roundworms) in cats. It does not have this extensive labeling for dogs. Revolution needs to be applied once monthly and it is okay to bathe pets 24 hours after application.
We recommend Revolution for all cats, particularly if outdoors. Outdoor cats are more prone to develop intestinal parasites and ear mites, and thus the broad spectrum of Revolution is very beneficial.
ADVANTAGE
Advantage, another topical product, is applied once per month and stays on the skin surface. Advantage is removed with bathing or excessive grooming by cats. It works best on dry skin. Since cats have naturally dry skin, Advantage tends to work better than Frontline on cats. It does not kill or prevent parasites other than fleas.
Every pet and environmental situation is different. If you find a product other than what we recommend works best for your pet, you should probably use that product. Simply let us know your preferences.
