Top 10 most effective gels against cockroaches, description + reviews

French Frontline antiparasitic products are considered one of the best. They are often prescribed by veterinarians and recommended by breeders.

However, in recent years, the drugs have begun to be criticized. Some dog owners note a decrease in the effect, others indicate a weak effect, while others generally talk about frequent adverse reactions and mutagenic manifestations.

Is Frontline safe for dogs, how effective is it, is it worth buying this expensive drug, and are there any worthy analogues? We’ll look at it in this review.

Release forms and composition

The main advantage of Frontline is the abundance of types and forms of release. The drug is produced in 6 variations:

1. Frontline Spot On. Classic drops on the withers against fleas and ticks. Contains 10% fipronil. Produced in 4 variations for dogs: marked S – from 2 to 10 kg (440 rubles), M – from 10 to 20 kg (475 rubles), L – from 20 to 40 kg (545 rubles), XL – from 40 to 60 kg (583 rubles).
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2. Frontline Combo. Also available in the form of drops on the withers, it has a similar effect. But in addition to fipronil (10 g), it additionally contains S-methoprene (9 g): this substance inhibits the growth of parasites. Therefore, the Combo variety eliminates insects at the stage of eggs and larvae. Release forms are similar to Frontline Spot On: S – 560 rubles, M – 640 rubles, L – 695 rubles, XL – 660 rubles.

3. Frontline Tri-Act. Kills fleas, ticks and repels blood-sucking insects. Contains fipronil (6.76%) and repellent permethrin (50.48%). Available in 5 variations: on average 2-5 kg ​​costs 550 rubles, 5.1-10 kg – 510 rubles, 10.1-20 kg – 580 rubles, 20.1-40 kg – 680 rubles. rub., for 40.1-60 kg – 700 rub.

4. Frontline Spray. Used primarily to protect young dogs and bitches. Made with fipronil (0.25 g). A 100 ml bottle costs 940 rubles, a 250 ml bottle costs 1,580 rubles.

5. Frontline NexgarD. Medicine (medicine) in the form of a chewable tablet with the taste of stewed beef. The active ingredient is afoxolaner (2.27%), effective against exoparasites. There are 4 forms for dogs: for 2-4 kg (RUB 1,450), for 4.1-10 kg (RUB 1,660), for 10.1-25 kg (RUB 1,804), for 25.1 -50 kg (RUB 2,015). Each package contains 3 tablets.

6. Frontline Nexgard Spectra. A subspecies of the regular Nexgard. In addition to afoxolaner (1.87%), it contains milbemycin oxime (0.38%). Therefore, it has a combined effect: it helps against blood-sucking parasites and helminths. Produced in 5 variations for dogs weighing: 2-3.5 kg (RUB 1,530), 3.5-7.5 kg (RUB 1,700), 7.5-15 kg (RUB 1,900). ), 15-30 kg (2,300 rub.), 30-60 kg (2,600 rub.).

Total information

The Frontline series of medications is produced by the manufacturer in the form of a spray or drops that contain the active substance - a new generation pesticide called fipronil. Its dosage ranges from 0.25 to 10%. In addition, the composition includes auxiliary substances, as well as high quality solvents.

Frontline cat flea drops are a popular and effective remedy that helps get rid of parasites. They are packaged in polyethylene pipettes and placed individually in blisters in a dosage of 0.5 to 4.02 ml.

Drops used for pest control are transported and stored in the manufacturer's packaging, sealed, in a place protected from light. Storage temperature should range from 0 to 30°C.

If properly stored, they can be effective for three years from the date of manufacture. It is strictly prohibited to use expired Frontline for the treatment and prevention of cats and dogs.

Indications for use

All drugs in the Frontline series are prescribed to cure parasites and prevent their infection. So, they help from:

• fleas;
• lice eaters;
• ixodid ticks;
• scabies (sarcoptoid) mites – Spray, NexgarD and Spectra do not work against them;
• lice;
• mosquitoes

The Tri-Act form also has a repellent and insecticidal effect against dipterous insects: mosquitoes, burner flies, mosquitoes. And NexgarD Spectra destroys the larvae of heartworms and gastrointestinal nematodes: toxocara, hookworm, trichocephalosis.

Any medicine from Merial is indicated for:

• entomosis – diseases caused by insects;
• acaroses – pathologies that arose due to mites;
• otodectosis - ear scabies;
• allergic dermatitis caused by fleas (in complex therapy).

If, in addition to these conditions, there is a risk of contracting dirofilariasis, NexgarD Spectra is prescribed.

Frontline Hexgard

Frontline Hexgard Flea Tablets
Comes in the form of a chewable flea and tick tablet for dogs. A new drug with the active component afoxolaner. Contains flavorings, food additives with the smell and taste of beef. Dogs willingly eat the medicine together with food and on their own.

The product begins to act half an hour after application. Effectiveness lasts for a month. Allowed for use by adult dogs and puppies. There are 3 tablets in the package. The drug enters the blood from the gastrointestinal tract. Parasite poisoning occurs through feeding. The poison disrupts the functioning of the nervous system and blocks the transmission of impulses. Paralysis and death occur almost instantly.

Review

After taking the pills, the dog does not want to eat for several days, saliva flows heavily, and apathy appears. After 3 days everything goes away. It helps well against fleas and ticks.

Olga, Voronezh

Package price 1600 rub.

Drug safety studies

The instructions indicate that, according to GOST 12.1.007-76, medicines from the Spot On, Tri-Act, Combo and Spray lines belong to the 3rd hazard class (moderately hazardous substances), and NexgarD and Spectra - to the 4th class ( low-hazard substances). These results are confirmed by research from the manufacturer.

For the experiment, 4 primary groups were formed. The first was not treated with medication, the second received the drug in a single dosage, the third in a three-fold dosage, and the fourth in a five-fold dosage. The condition of the animals was monitored using clinical tests, skin biopsy, and histological studies.

The results of the analyzes showed that there were no differences in the well-being and condition of the pets of different control groups.

Additionally, a similar analysis was carried out on puppies. It was found that in some kittens, the antiparasitic agent leads to increased discharge from the eyes and the formation of dandruff. But in general, children tolerate the medication well.

Today, the results of pharmacological research continue. Over the entire period of the program, Frontline has treated over 3 million animals of different ages, sizes and breeds. Only isolated cases of treatment regarding side effects were recorded. However, all of them were not directly related to the use of the drug - it could only influence the occurrence of negative reactions indirectly.

However, a number of breeders claim that the medication has a mutagenic effect. In particular, there have been cases of puppies being born with conjunctivitis and dermoids of the eyelids from parents who previously gave birth to healthy litters. These data have not been clinically confirmed, but they should be taken into account by nursery owners.

How it works

The action of Frontline depends on the form of release. Thus, drops on the withers (Spot On, Tri-Act, Combo) and spray almost do not penetrate the body and do not enter the systemic bloodstream. After application, the active components spread over the entire surface of the skin, accumulate in the cells of the epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, from where they are released along with the secretion.

But drugs in the form of tablets (NexgarD and Spectra) work systemically. The active substances included in their composition are absorbed by the walls of the stomach and intestines, enter the systemic circulation and accumulate in the plasma. Their maximum concentration is observed in the body after 30 minutes or 2-4 hours, and the elimination period ranges from 1.5 days to a month (depending on the type of component).

The effects of the components vary depending on their type:

1. Fipronil. It disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses in insects, leading to their paralysis and death. Included in Spot-On, Combo, Spray, Tri-Act.
2. S-methoprene. Inhibits the growth of blood-sucking parasites by disrupting chitin synthesis and prevents insects from reaching sexual maturity. Contained in Combo.
3. Permethrin. It has an insectoacaricidal (deadly) and repellent (repellent) effect. Used in Tri-Act.
4. Afoxolaner. Blocks insect receptors and the transmission of nerve impulses, which causes paralysis and subsequent death. Active ingredient: NexgarD and Spectra.
5. Milbemycin oxime. Works against all forms of nematode development, as well as heartworm larvae. Increases the permeability of cell membranes, which causes paralysis and death of helminths. Used in Spectrum.

The duration of the protective effect also varies among different forms:

• Spot It prevents infection by ticks for up to 35 days, fleas - 4-12 weeks;
• The combo works: up to 28 days against ixodid ticks, 4-12 weeks against other insects;
• The spray works: 3-5 weeks against ixodid ticks, 1-3 months against fleas;
• Three-Act destroys fleas within a day, and within two days – lice-eaters, sarcoptic and ixodid ticks, the preventive effect lasts 4-5 weeks, during this period it also repels mosquitoes, mosquitoes and burn flies;
• NexgarD begins to work half an hour after administration, destroys fleas in 6 hours, ticks in two days, remains effective for a month, gets rid of parasites before egg laying - this prevents re-infestation and the spread of insects in the house;
• Spectra is similar in action to NexgarD, only it gets rid of ticks 2 times faster - within 24 hours.

Advantages and disadvantages

The drug Frontline M has a number of positive qualities. The main advantage is a sufficient level of effectiveness in the fight against insects. Other advantages:

1. Versatility. The powder can destroy not only crawling pests (cockroaches, ants), but also fleas and moths.
2. Low price.
3. Conditional safety for people and animals.
4. Comprehensive effect on cockroaches: they stop developing, the reproduction process stops, at the same time, adults and larvae die from paralysis.
5. Prolonged action (about 14 days).

Powder has more disadvantages. First of all, they note the lack of resistance to sunlight, therefore the interval between processing procedures is reduced. In addition, with severe infection, the consumption of powder will be quite large. The need to prepare a working solution is also noted. Frontline M powder is usually not used in dry form. It is dissolved in water.

One of the significant disadvantages is the inability of the powder to destroy cockroach eggs. It is noted that most modern drugs are characterized by this feature, however, due to the prolonged action, the larvae emerging from the eggs still die, since the drugs usually retain their properties for a long time. But Frontline powder lasts about 2 weeks. In addition, towards the end of this period, a partial loss of properties occurs. This means that the larvae emerging from the eggs can survive and reinfection will occur.

Instructions for use and dosage

The nuances of using Frontline depend on the specific type of drug.

Drop shape

Spot On, Tri Act or Combo is applied to dry, uninjured skin in two places: at the base of the back of the head and between the shoulder blades. To do this, fix the pet and squeeze the solution out of the pipette, spreading the fur.

If the dog has otodectosis, the solution is instilled in 4-6 drops into both ears, and the remainder is squeezed out of a pipette between the shoulder blades.

Dosages are selected by purchasing the drug for the appropriate size. If the dog weighs more than 60 kg or its weight is in borderline values, combine 2 pipettes, whose total volume will be as close as possible to the weight of the pet.

Drops are used in the following dosages. Spot On:

Combo:

Three-Act:

Spray Form

The spray is more convenient in terms of dosage selection. It is used like this:

• the treatment is carried out in the yard or in a ventilated area (with open windows and doors);
• pre-cover aquariums, remove cages with ornamental birds, move away from the hives;
• put a muzzle, a collar on the dog, or tighten the jaws with tape - they are not removed until the solution has completely dried, so that the pet does not lick the drug;
• The bottle with the spray is shaken and, holding it vertically, sprayed at a distance of 10-20 cm;
• apply the solution to the entire body of the dog in the direction against hair growth, lift the long hair with your hand;
• then close the animal’s eyes and nose and carefully spray the spray onto the chest and ears;
• Rub the product around the eyes and nose with your fingers.

Dosages for the Spray are as follows:

After applying drops or spray treatment, the pet is not bathed (with water or shampoo) for 48 hours. During this same period, they do not allow him to swim in bodies of water; they make sure that he does not run through puddles or roll around in mud or rotten meat.

Tablet form

Dogs usually eat the chewable tablets themselves. But if the dog refuses to eat them, the capsule can be given in 3 ways:

• disguise it in the stern;
• wrapped in a piece of delicacy: minced meat, cheese or butter;
• force-feed by opening the jaws and placing the pill on the root of the tongue.

Dosages for NexgarD:

Dosages for NexgarD Spectra:

Select tablets according to the weight of the animal and the appropriate labeling. If the dog weighs over 50 kg, combine 2 capsules with different contents of components that are most suitable for the pet’s weight. You cannot break the pills.

Make sure the pet swallows the tablet. If he spits it out or vomits soon after giving the medicine, he is fed again in the same dosage.

Mode of application

To treat a sick pet with Frontline drops, you need to break off the tip of the pipette, spread the cat’s fur at the withers and apply them to one point in a dosage corresponding to the weight of the animal.

Applying flea drops

The drops are applied to dry, clean, undamaged cat fur. Before using them, you need to weigh the animal in order to know exactly what dose is required for its treatment or prevention. For a cat weighing up to 5 kg, one pipette containing 0.5 ml drops is sufficient. If the weight exceeds 5 kg, Frontline should be used in a larger dosage - from 0.7 to 1 ml.

Important!

As soon as the treatment is carried out, you should not touch the animal’s fur for 24 hours, and you should also not bathe it for 2 days. It is necessary to ensure that the cat does not lick itself, since if ingested, although the drops are safe, they can cause an unexpected salivation reaction if one of the components contained in them is intolerant. But this phenomenon disappears after a few hours.

After treating your pet with Frontline drops, you should wash your hands with soap. If they are used to treat ear scabies, then it is recommended to drop a few drops of the solution directly into the ear. The dosage must be calculated by a veterinarian. For the purpose of prevention, re-treatment of cats should be carried out after 60 days, and dogs - after 3 months.

Contraindications and side effects

Merial products are prohibited from being given to:

• sick, recovering, weakened and exhausted animals;
• pets with hypersensitivity to the active ingredients of drugs;
• for puppies up to 8 weeks and weighing up to 2 kg, with the exception of a spray that can be used from the 3rd day of life;
• dogs with a perforated eardrum if ear treatment is planned;
• together with other insectoacaricidal drugs;
• Drops and spray should not be applied to wet, irritated or damaged skin.

In addition to these restrictions, take into account that both forms of NexgarD are prohibited for pets with severe liver and kidney disorders. And Spectra is not safe for collies, shelties and related breeds.

Puppy bitches can be given drugs, but they are treated under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Side effects are rare and go away on their own within 1-2 days. Possible:

• itching;
• hair loss;
• skin hyperemia;
• hypersalivation - increased salivation;
• neurological symptoms: anxiety and irritability (associated with the activation of insects in the first hours), excessive activity or, conversely, a depressed state;
• vomit.

If NexgarD or Spectra were used, peeling of the skin, erythrema, and drowsiness are also possible.

In case of overdose, in addition to these symptoms, muscle tremors and breathing problems may appear. And when using tablets, there is also a decrease in appetite and weight gain. Keep in mind that your pet may stagger when walking if you incorrectly calculated the dose of Spectra.

Preparing the premises

The treatment procedure with any insecticidal agent is carried out provided that the object is prepared for this. And if you are using a drug that is characterized by moderate effectiveness, it is important to carry out this procedure as carefully as possible, because in this case you cannot count on a prolonged effect. In addition, if not all surfaces are treated, some cockroaches may survive. Basic actions:

1. Considering that crawling insects live in hidden places, you need to open access to baseboards and the back surfaces of all furniture. This means that cabinets and large appliances are moved away from the walls.
2. It is important to clear the room of food debris, waste, and debris. The floors need to be washed, crumbs need to be removed from the table, traces of stains on the trash can need to be removed. There should be no food left on the tables; they should be put in the refrigerator or taken out of the room during processing. You can seal everything in plastic bags.
3. Remove any food sources for cockroaches. However, it is important to block their access to water. Without liquid, insects will not live long. If water is stored in open containers in the kitchen, they are covered. Leaking taps should be repaired. This is done so that insects that survive after treatment do not have the opportunity to be in new conditions.

Analogues of the drug

The selection of similar medications depends on which particular release form of Frontline needs to be replaced. The following analogues are produced:

Name	What is the difference	Prices
Insectoacaricidal spray Bars	Made with fipronil. Do not use on pregnant and lactating females, as well as puppies. There is an improved formula “Forte” with diflubenzuron (0.1%) - the substance accumulates in the sebaceous glands and prolongs the effect of the drug.	Bars Forte – 330 rub. for a 100 ml bottle, regular: 260 rub. – for 100 ml, 375 rub. for 200 ml.
Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs	The drug is in the form of a spray based on tetrachlorvinphos (1.08%) and methoprene (0.07%). Shorter duration: prevents infection by adult insects for up to 7 days, eggs – up to 4 weeks. Prohibited for puppies up to 1.5 months.	RUB 1,050
Bravecto	Synonymous with Frontline Nexgard. Available in 2 types: drops on the withers and tablets. Works against exoparasites. Lasts longer - up to 12 weeks.	800 – 1,500 rub. depending on the release form and dosage.
Reksolin Plus	Analogous to Frontline Spot on and Combo. The composition is similar in the presence of fipronil and methoprene.	400-600 rub. depending on the species and the weight of the animal.
Hartz Ultra Guard drops	The action is similar to Frontline Three Act. However, they contain another active ingredient – ​​phenothrin (85.7%). Allergic reactions, vomiting, and muscle tremors are possible.	740 rub.
Stronghold	Synonymous with Spot On and Combo. It has a wider spectrum of action: kills fleas, ticks, roundworms and heartworms.	1,500 per pack of 3 pipettes.
Advocate	Another drops of complex action. Helps against fleas and ticks. However, they are not effective against the parasites that cause ear scabies. But they work against helminths.	1,200 rub.

How to distinguish from a fake

Expensive, foreign medicines are profitable to counterfeit, so let’s find out how to find the original product:

• this drug is available in a single dosage; always on sale in paper containers;
• The batch number is always indicated (it is also marked on the plastic pipette) and until what date it can be used;
• the boxes should contain a booklet with instructions for providing first aid to a four-legged animal;
• to protect small children, the tube of medicine is always placed in a plastic shell;
• it is recorded on the bottles (manufacturer’s name, % of active substance, how many ml, name and type, indication that the product is intended strictly for manipulation with animals);
• Photos of animals and color schemes may differ on cardboard boxes;
• “Russian Standard” is a sign for drugs packaged in the Russian Federation.

Owner reviews

Bonnie-Blue: “Frontline drops were recommended to me by both the vets and a volunteer friend who helps homeless animals. I treated my cat with them for several years and was satisfied. But last year I also got a dachshund. The drops don't help her at all. Moreover, allergies popped up. I took the drug at the clinic, so counterfeits are excluded.”

CHOYU: “My two dogs spend the summer at the dacha, where there is a sea of ​​ticks. I give them Spectra and no problems: insects only allow themselves to crawl on animals.”

Katushka: “We came out of town for the weekend. While combing, I discovered fleas on my Spitz dogs. The choice of medication has become a problem because... I had a recently whelped female with two-week-old kittens. I decided that it was better to use Frontline Spray. It smells unpleasant, but the fleas disappeared on the third day. And all the pets, including babies, underwent the procedure without any problems.”

Answers to frequently asked questions

Recently the dog was treated with another antiparasitic agent. How quickly can Frontline be applied?

There should be at least a month between the use of different drugs. Carefully read the instructions for the previously used drug - it should contain instructions.

My pet weighs less than 2 kg. How should I treat him for fleas and ticks?

In such cases, it is recommended to use a spray form. The remaining types of drugs are designed for dogs weighing from 2 kg.

I am pregnant. Can I treat my dogs with medication myself?

Information about the dangers of Frontline for people, incl. during pregnancy, no. But it is better to ask another person to perform the procedure. If this is not possible, use gloves and then wash your hands thoroughly up to the elbows with soap.

I treated the dog with medicine, but soon found a tick on him. What to do?

The parasite must be removed quickly and carefully.

Precautionary measures

When working with insecticides, important rules should be observed:

• use rubber gloves;
• to avoid breathing toxic fumes, wear a medical mask;
• give up food, drinks and smoking;
• wash your hands with soapy water;
• Do not allow children to play with the animal during the day;
• In some cases, the drug may come into contact with the body or eyes. If this happens, immediately remove the product with warm water;
• keep medications out of the reach of children;
• used pipettes must be disposed of;
• do not throw the drug into water sources, as it is quite toxic;
• Before using the substance for kittens, consult a veterinarian;
• Expired Frontline medicine is not suitable for use.

conclusions

The drugs are generally good products that will destroy the parasites that have already settled on your pet and prevent subsequent infestations. The only thing is that it is better not to take Spectra, but to independently select an anthelmintic with a wider spectrum of action: Canikquantel, Drontal, Profender, Milbemax, Alben S, etc.

For several years I prescribed Frontline without fear. But lately there are a few things to consider:

• counterfeits have become more frequent;
• the clinic is often contacted about negative reactions after using drugs;
• Entomoses and acaroses are becoming increasingly common in animals treated with drugs from Merial.

It is also impossible to ignore the observations of breeders who note mutagenic effects in litters of healthy purebred dogs and even mongrels, in which the risk of recessive genes and associated hereditary diseases is minimal. Although no research has been done on this, keep this point in mind.

Frontline drops, spray and tablets are controversial drugs. In most cases, they work well and do not affect the dogs' health. But it may cause side effects or may not work in some animals. Therefore, there is a reason to choose another medication: Bravecto, Bars, Hartz, Rexolin.

Interesting read: What kind of dog to have in an apartment

Briefly about the main thing

1. Frontline series products are safe and of high quality. Each of them has its own characteristics.
2. The spray is used from two days of life. Not suitable for large dogs. Effective for dwarf breeds.
3. Tablets are not recommended for diseases of the liver, stomach, or kidneys.
4. Drops are the safest drug.
5. To make sure Frontline medications work effectively, follow the instructions.

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