Fipronil For Dogs: What Pet Owners Need To Know
Fipronil for dogs - what pet owners need to know
Fipronil is the active ingredient in many brands of flea treatments for dogs, and today Veterinary Prescriber will take a closer look at the drug, what it does, how it does it, and what pet owners need to be aware of when considering fipronil for dogs. Let’s get started!
You need to know how fipronil for dogs works
Fipronil is a substance that has insecticide effects (it kills insects). It is sometimes referred to by the general term ‘parasiticide’ or ‘ectoparasiticide’ (which is a more specific term referring to its action against external parasites such as fleas). Fipronil works by interfering with nerve transmission in the flea. This results in uncontrolled activity of the flea’s central nervous system leading to death of the flea.
You need to know why you are using fipronil for dogs
It is somewhat common for dogs to become infested with fleas. Usually it is the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis that affects dogs. Cat fleas are very successful parasites due to their rapid reproduction, their ability to persist as pupae in the environment and their ability to infest a wide range of hosts including cats, dogs, foxes and hedgehogs. Flea infestations are usually seasonal, occurring more commonly in the summer months. You can see this in the University of Liverpool data on flea activity in the UK. It shows that the number of flea-infested dogs goes up in the summer months and falls again over the autumn and winter. However, the fact that today many dogs live in centrally heated homes means that flea infestations can occur at all times of the year.
Flea infestation in dogs can cause irritation leading to scratching, and some dogs can develop flea allergy dermatitis. However, fipronil for dogs is one of very many effective treatments available for treating flea infestation on a dog.
You need to know that you are using the correct dose
Fipronil for dogs usually comes in several different versions, intended for the treatment of different dog sizes. It is important to know the accurate body weight of the dog that is going to be treated and use the correct product, so that the dog receives the correct dose of fipronil.
You need to know how to use it correctly
To use fipronil for dogs effectively, it helps to understand what happens after it is applied to the dog. Fipronil for dogs is most commonly applied in the form of a ‘spot-on’ treatment. This is a liquid formulation that is applied to the dog’s skin on one or more spots along the dog’s back. It is important to read the instructions that come with the product to know how to apply it correctly. The solution is applied to the neck/upper back to prevent the dog licking the application site.
After applying the spot-on, the solution remains on the dog’s skin. Hardly any is absorbed into the dog’s body. The solution spreads out from the application site over the dog’s body on the skin. It remains on the skin surface and in the hair follicles and glands for several weeks. This is how the effect of the treatment persists for around 1 month. Clinical trial evidence concerning the use of fipronil for dogs indicates that it takes 3 months to be rid of a flea infestation, largely because it is necessary to break the flea life cycle. This breaking of the cycle is necessary because flea larvae can remain in the pet’s environment and reinfest an animal after the initial treatment of fipronil for dogs wears off. In addition, any other pets in the household should be treated simultaneously with a flea treatment that is suitable for them.
You should know that bathing and swimming can affect how well it works
Treatment with fipronil for dogs may be less effective if the dog swims or is bathed after treatment. This is logical because some of the product may be washed away. If the dog is bathed or swims frequently then fipronil for dogs may not be the best option for your pet - a treatment that is absorbed into the body rather than one that works by remaining on the skin may be more effective. The best approach in our opinion is to consult your vet about this, and get their advice on what they feel would work best for your dog.
You should understand the ecotoxicity concerns presented by fipronil
Fipronil has been found to be polluting our rivers in recent years, and the evidence points to urban wastewater being the main source of this pollution. The most likely way for fipronil to get into our waste water is through the bathing of treated dogs and the washing of hands and bedding that have been in contact with treated dogs. Treated dogs swimming in affected water is another route.
You should also know now how to prevent causing harm to environment
When applying or administering fipronil for dogs, follow the application instructions given as closely as possible.
Don’t touch or groom the animal until the application site of the spot-on is dry. This will help to reduce chemicals transferring onto hands, and subsequently washing down the drain.
For dogs that swim regularly avoid flea collars and spot-ons - and ask your vet for advice on alternative flea treatments.
Never flush unused product or waste material down the toilet.
Only use flea treatments when necessary.
More useful resources from Veterinary Prescriber
We have produced other blogs and content pieces relating to the use of fipronil for dogs - you’ll find them here and here - but don’t forget that these pieces are only part of a wider body of informative and educational content. Chief amongst this is our Virtual Veterinary Medicines Academy (or ‘VVMA’). When you subscribe to the VVMA, either as an individual or as a practice, you’ll get access to a wealth of informational content and training material aimed at vets and other professionals working in veterinary practices. In addition, we also have two free-to-access blog archives on our site - one aimed at veterinary professionals, and another catering to pet owners, so no matter who you are or the information you’re looking for, it’s highly likely that you’ll find it here at Veterinary Prescriber!