Frontline ingredients explained
Frontline is a spot-on flea and tick treatment applied to the skin, built around the active ingredient fipronil. We stock both Frontline Spot On and Frontline Plus for dogs and cats, and the difference between the two ranges comes down to one added ingredient rather than a completely different product.
What fipronil does
Fipronil is an insecticide that spreads across an animal's skin and coat via natural oils after a spot-on application, working on contact with fleas and ticks rather than needing to be ingested. It is the active ingredient behind the original Frontline Spot On range for both dogs and cats.
Frontline Plus adds a second ingredient, (S)-methoprene, an insect growth regulator that works on flea eggs and larvae in the environment around your pet rather than on the adult flea itself. Together the two ingredients target the flea at more than one stage of its life cycle, which is the practical difference between the Spot On and Plus ranges.
What we stock, and using it properly
We stock Frontline Spot On and Frontline Plus in pipette packs sized for dogs and separately for cats, since the two are not interchangeable — always use the product and pack made for your pet's species. Application amount and frequency are set out on the pack itself and should be followed exactly rather than estimated.
If your pet has a known skin condition, is pregnant or nursing, or you are treating a very young or very old animal, check with your vet before starting any flea treatment. And if you notice any reaction after applying it — unusual scratching, redness or a change in behaviour — stop and speak to your vet.
It is also worth keeping treated pets separate from each other for a short time after application, since fresh product can transfer between animals that groom one another or sleep pressed together, and letting it dry properly on the skin first avoids wasting the dose on a housemate instead.
From this brand
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Frontline Plus Dog 3 Pipettes
Frontline Plus spot-on flea and tick treatment for dogs, 3-pipette packs sized for medium or large
£34.89
Frontline Plus Small Dog - 1 Pipettes
Frontline Plus small-dog spot-on with fipronil and S-methoprene, for dogs weighing 2-10kg
£13.75
Frontline Plus Dog 1 Pipette
Frontline Plus spot-on for medium or large dogs, with fipronil and S-methoprene in size variants
£13.75
Frontline Plus Small Dog - 3 Pipette
A spot-on flea and tick treatment for small dogs, giving four weeks of protection per pipette
£34.89
Frontline Spot on Dog 3 Pipettes
Monthly fipronil spot-on flea and tick treatment for dogs, three pipettes
£30.49
Frontline Spot on Dog 1 Pipette
Monthly fipronil spot-on flea and tick treatment for dogs, single pipette
£11.35
Frontline Plus Large Dog - 6 Pipettes
6 pipettes of Frontline Plus spot-on for dogs 20-40kg, applied every 4 weeks
£57.59
Frontline Homegard Flea
Household flea spray for surfaces, six months' protection, not for pets
£14.49
Frontline Wormer Dog
Frontline Wormer dog tablets in two weight-specific variants, with two tablets per pack
From£8.15
Frontline Spot on Dog Medium - 6 Pipettes
Monthly spot-on flea and tick protection for medium dogs, 6 pipettes per pack
£49.99
Vetiq Flea Guard Granules
VETIQ Flea Guard edible pet granules with B vitamins, yeast, zinc and garlic, 60G
£8.64
Fleasolve Spot on Flea Treatment Dog
Vet-strength Fipronil spot-on flea and tick treatment, sized for large, medium or small dogs
From£6.19
Common questions
- Is fipronil safe for both dogs and cats?
- Frontline makes separate products formulated for dogs and for cats, and it matters that you use the one made for your pet's species rather than assuming they are interchangeable. Check the pack before applying, and ask your vet if you are ever unsure.
- What is the difference between Frontline Spot On and Frontline Plus?
- Spot On contains fipronil alone, working on adult fleas and ticks on contact. Plus adds a second ingredient, (S)-methoprene, which also targets flea eggs and larvae, giving broader cover across the flea life cycle rather than just the adult stage.
- How often should Frontline be applied?
- Frequency is set out on the pack for the specific product and pack size you have, and it should be followed as instructed rather than estimated. Your vet can confirm the right schedule if your pet has a heavy flea burden or other health considerations.
- Can I use Frontline on a puppy or kitten?
- Frontline products state a minimum age and weight on the pack, and these vary by product. Check the packaging carefully before use on a young animal, and ask your vet if your puppy or kitten falls close to that limit.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.