In a perfect world fleas and ticks would just stop by for tea every spring and then be on their way like a polite six-legged guest. But that’s not what happens. Of course, we all know preventative measures like Frontline and Seresto can help kill and even keep those critters from hanging out with our furry friends at all. So how do they work?
Let’s start with Frontline Plus. This topical treatment affects the central nervous system of fleas and ticks. After putting it between your dog’s shoulder blades Frontline uses your dog’s oil glands in their skin to absorb the treatment and gradually spread it through the rest of your dog’s body over 24 hours. This is why your pup can’t get wet or have a bath within that time period after the application. Fleas that come in contact with the Frontline then die, presuming all goes according to plan. The methoprene in Frontline Plus is what stops the larval production of the flea on your dog.
Seresto collars work in a similar fashion. Instead of a liquid being dabbed onto the skin the two main ingredients, Imidacloprid and Flumethrin, are held within the collar itself. Those are released slowly onto the skin as the collar comes in contact with it, after which it is distributed throughout the body in much the same way as Frontline. Fleas should be killed within 24 hours and ticks within 48. The major difference here is that these collars release and replenish the treatment for 8 months instead of Frontline’s 1 month. Under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t need to remove the collar during swimming or baths.
Both can have rare side effects, but that tends to be dependent on your dog. If your pup has sensitive skin or you’re otherwise concerned about whether or not they might end up having a reaction to either please check with your vet before you start with either.
Which one is better? It’s a matter of what you’re looking for, but here are the highlights:
- Both kill fleas and ticks, but Seresto repels ticks as well.
- Frontline Plus protects against mosquitoes, Seresto does not.
- Seresto is designed to last 8 months with one collar, Frontline Plus is 1 month per application.
- Seresto ends up being slightly cheaper per month, depending on how/where you purchase it from.
Thank for reading,
Colin Carlton
Marketing Manager
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