Flea/tick medication

[Kim Starbuck]

Hi all!

I'm wondering what type of flea/tick medication you all would recommend. I normally use Frontline, but my vet told me that it no longer is recommended (because it doesn't work?). Is this true? He gave me a script for Bravecto. Is that medication safe?

Thank you! Kim

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jack's vet and most of his specialists still recommend Frontline for him, I still use it, and it still seems to be effective for us. There is a new version of it out now, Frontline Gold, which has replaced Frontline Plus. We don't have a tick problem in our area, but we do have fleas, and a flea infestation would be deadly for JD with his other issues. 

[Kim Starbuck]

Thank you! I have also used Frontline since I got Cisco, and never had an issue so I'm not sure if changing over is necessary... we do have ticks in the area.

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Karen, What do you think of the generic versions of Frontline Plus? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't trust them; I believe most of them are made in China, and the record of quality control/supply chain issues with pet foods & treats that are made in China has been abysmal. IMO, the small savings are not worth the risk of getting counterfeit product, tainted or contaminated product, or falsely labeled product. 

[Carolyn Shusterman]

I agree with you, that's why I checked.  The Drs. Foster & Smith Generic (Fiprotrol Plus)  is made in the USA. For a 12 pack the savings would be $45.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't use flea/tick preventatives year round, but even if I did, that's still only a savings of $3.75/mo. I buy Frontline from my vet, and there is always a special through the manufacturer where if you buy 3, you get the 4th one free, if you buy 6, you get 2 free, etc., which comes out to a 25% or better discount. 

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Karen, good to know. Thank you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The new Frontline Gold which replaces Frontline Plus also has a third ingredient now, maybe to make it more effective. 

[C&L]

Frontline Plus does not work for my area anymore.  We had a flea outbreak many years ago and the only thing that worked was Comfortis.  We currently give my four dogs Trifexis.  It has worked really well.  

[Carolyn Shusterman]

I had the same problem with Frontline Plus.  The last 2 years I gave Hershey Comfortis and it worked.  I heard someplace it is good to mix up the flea protection used.   

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I use Frontline. I am in California.  It has always worked for us.  We have fleas but not much problem with ticks.  I used to purchase Frontline Plus from my vet, but the last time I noticed that he sold me Frontline Gold.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep, there is no more Frontline Plus. I was nervous about the new Frontline Gold, because it contains a third ingredient that wasn't in Frontline Plus, but JD had no reaction to it.