Frontline spray, 250 ml is an insecticide and acaricide with fipronil (0.25%) for dogs and cats. It kills fleas, lice, biting lice and ixodid ticks at all stages of development. Fipronil is barely absorbed into the blood: it builds up in the skin and sebaceous glands and acts on contact with parasites. According to the instructions, one treatment protects against insects for up to 3 months and against ticks for up to 1 month. The dose is calculated by weight and coat length — 3–6 ml per kg.
What it is and who makes it
Frontline is made by the international company Boehringer Ingelheim. Besides the spray, there are Frontline Spot On and Combo drops. The spray is useful where drops don't fit the weight range — kittens, puppies and small pets — and when you need a precise dose.
Dosage
The dose is 3–6 ml per kg depending on coat length. One pump of the 250 ml bottle delivers 1.5 ml, so 2–4 pumps per kg:
| Pet weight | Short coat (3 ml/kg) | Long coat (6 ml/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg | 2 pumps | 4 pumps |
| 4 kg | 8 pumps | 16 pumps |
| 10 kg | 20 pumps | 40 pumps |
| 20 kg | 40 pumps | 80 pumps |
How to apply it
- Treat outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, wearing rubber gloves.
- Shake the bottle and hold it upright.
- Spray from 10–20 cm against the direction of hair growth over the whole body: back, sides, belly, neck and legs.
- On long-haired animals, lift the coat with your hand.
- Rub the product in lightly so it reaches the skin.
- Around the eyes, apply with a dampened cloth; don't spray the face.
- Don't let the animal lick itself until completely dry; don't stroke it or let small children near it for 24 hours.
Pros
- Precise dosing by weight. Suits kittens, puppies and small animals.
- For dogs and cats. Fipronil is safe for cats, unlike permethrin.
- Long flea protection. Up to 3 months after one treatment, per the instructions.
- Broad spectrum. Fleas, lice, biting lice and ticks.
- Well tolerated. According to the manufacturer, tolerated even at five times the dose.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Lots of pumps for big dogs. A 20 kg long-haired dog needs about 80 pumps — the bottle covers 2 treatments.
- Only a month against ticks. In tick season, treatment is repeated monthly.
- Flammable. Keep the animal away from flames and heaters until dry.
- Smell and noise. Many cats fear the hiss — you can apply it via a glove.
- Gloves and ventilation needed. It's not a cosmetic spray.
Fleas don't just live on your pet
Adult fleas are only a small part of the population: eggs and larvae live in beds, carpets and floor cracks. So when you treat your pet, also replace or wash the bedding, vacuum the home and treat all animals at the same time. More in how to get rid of fleas on a cat and fleas and ticks in dogs.
Spray, drops or tablets
The spray is good value for kittens, puppies and small pets and when you need an exact dose. For large dogs, spot-on drops or chewable tablets that last a month or more are more convenient — for example, NexGard. Other options are in parasite control.
Who it suits
Kittens, puppies, cats and small dogs, animals outside the weight range for drops, and quick treatment of heavy flea infestations.
Verdict
Frontline spray is a proven fipronil product with precise weight-based dosing: it suits dogs and cats from a young age and protects against fleas for a long time. It's less convenient for big dogs, and tick treatment must be repeated monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pumps of Frontline spray for a 4 kg cat?
8–16 pumps of the 250 ml bottle depending on coat length.
How long does the spray last?
Per the instructions, up to 3 months against fleas and up to 1 month against ticks.
Can it be used on kittens and puppies?
Yes, the manufacturer says it suits young animals; the dose is calculated by weight.
When can I bathe my pet after treatment?
Preferably not for at least 2 days, so the product spreads over the skin.
Can I stroke my pet after spraying?
Not for 24 hours.
How often can I treat?
Against fleas no more than once every 3 months, against ticks no more than once a month.
