Kirkland flea & tick vs frontline?

[Mantion]

It is not that it has to be approved. Is that they need a prescription.


(had to remove link) OP just read some of the above is not accurate. I have talked to my vet about it we lived in Colorado in dry climate and the vet still didn't recommend frontline. Frontline is supposed to work before the flea bites. No vet will recommend you buy the junk that is sold in store Hartz pet product. We live in a rural area where there is ton of rabbits, we rescue dog invested in fleas an we never had a flea problem not in our dogs, not in our house, not in our cats. My best friend dog is extremely allergic to flea bites and her dog is in our house 2 times a week and she never gotten a reaction here. Not because there are not fleas out there but because our pets are treated for it with the right products. OP please consult with your vet what he will recommend for the area. But from what it seems the kirkland brand has in it I will stay away from it.

If you are going to quote me, please point out what part I got wrong. Telling me what you vet says is pretty stupid don't you think. A most vets sell Flea and tick products also most require an office visit before they will give you a prescription. They don't want you to use a product you can get at any pet store with out a prescription. That said even if you had an honest vet, who cared, he could just be stupid. Lots of vets and doctors are stupid.

I am sorry I have read scientific studies on the subject. Independent and verifiable studies. Yes some flea medicine have chemicals do disrupt fleas before they bit, but in test it hasn't show to be that relivant. Eventually the flea will find the host.

Old Flea collars used to "repel" fleas. Most were junk and didn't really work. Modern flea and tick collars have chemicals that slowly get absorbed into the dogs skin and are highly effective.

I lived in Colorado for 7 years. Most domestic animals in Colorado will never need free treatments. The only animals that carry flies are typically wild that tend to live in dens and in the ground where the humidity is high enough for fleas to grow to adults. So if your pet gets fleas its because he's been exposed to Rats, Foxes, Skunks or some other wild animal.

Yes there is a huge myth out there even among the vet industry about Frontline+. I am sorry but its still a great product, its just as effective at handling fleas as any others. Yes the fleas will live longer after a bite, but they will die, they won't lay eggs or be bitten more times. Frontline+ has far less side effects then others. If you use frontline+ and you still have a flea problem, its not frontline+, its your house, yard or something else.

your prescription meds that kill faster will seem like they work better because you will be far less likely to see the fleas as they would of died and been brushed off by scratching. Your dog still gets bit, your dog will still suffer, your dog will still be exposed to possible diseases.

I also was very clear that frontline+ is far more effective against fleas then just frontline. So if your vet spoke of frontline, then he is correct, if he spoke of frontline+ then he is either a liar or stupid.

 

[Mantion]

.......
I picked up a box of flea and tick and will try them on my dogs soon. They just got their Frontline plus about 10 days ago. I am hoping they don't have any ill reactions and if I think about it I will return and share my results.

THE GOOD

Ok its been a few months, I can honestly say that Kirklands Flea and tick IS MUCH better the frontline at killing ticks, they kill them much faster and appears to work much longer.

There are Prescription Tick Meds that work better, but they will cost you more. The more money I have the more I donate and the more dogs I can rescue.

THE BAD

This product is a pain, its extremely oily, it doesn't absorb fast. There is no way to get the recommended dosage on to a dog and not have greasy fur. I have tried every method I can think of the fur will still be greasy for weeks.

Currently I split the largest dog between my 2 dogs (55 and 75 lbs). It is still more then I can get onto their skin.

For the product to work it must be absorbed. both my dogs have a greasy line down their backs, so clearly a lot of the product doesn't get absorbed. That said its still extremely effective against ticks.

Conclusion

Great for ticks
Greasy Mess

I have never seen a flea on either of my dogs, so I can't say if it works better or worse then frontline+.

I really hope they change the product so more gets absorbed and there isn't a greasy line down their back.

 

[neffernie]

I have the solution. None of the above!

The best flea prevention I have ever found is none other than DAWN dish soap!

My husband's coworker is married to a woman who works at our local animal shelter. She told us that they use Dawn on the dogs and cats to keep the fleas off of them. When all the commercial meds and shampoos didn't work for us, we tried it. There hasn't been a flea on our dog since and she smells like apples (my favorite dawn scent). Our dog doesn't scratch, bite, or chew all her fur off anymore trying to get at the fleas. We live in FL and I think the fleas are immune to all the pesticides. I don't knwo why this works, but it does.

 

[Order66]

FYI Heart Guard use ivermectin to kill heartworm larva in blood before they can become adults heartworms.. You can get ivermectin from places like tractor supply for much less. I like it because I can dose it specifically for my dogs. I measure out .01ml/lbs and squirt it down the back of their throat. so my 75lb dog gets .75ml. I used to use sentinel till I found out my dog would just suck on the pill till the coating was gone and then spit the pill out when I wasn't looking.. I watched him for 20 minutes once I walked away for a minute and the pill magically appeared in the corner of the room. It must upset his stomach or something, idk. Either way I rammed it down his throat and started looking for something easier.

No I know he's getting the correct amount every month.. Its also a whole lot cheaper.. I get a 50ml bottle for about $35 which is about 35 dosage for each of my 2 dogs 55lbs and 75lbs. I don't recommend this technique to most people because Americans are just plain to stupid. So if you are reading this and you are american, don't do this. Odds are you are retarded , will mess up the dosage and kill your dog..

Also some feel ivermectin is not longer 100% effective in preventing Heart worm..

Actually I am American and it is you who is messing up your dog's dosage of Ivermectin.

A 75lb dog only requires 272mcg per month for heartworm prevention. You are giving 7.5mg. You are following dosages for cattle. Or you are treating your dog poorly for a case of demodecosis. You only need to use about 0.003ml which is quite difficult to figure out with a standard syringe. Ivermectin can cause neurotoxicity when used incorrectly.

If your dog is on Heartgard and it fails to prevent heartworm, Merial will cover all costs associated with the treatment. Will your feed store do this?

As for the flea control. Merial will swear up and down Frontline has not lost it's ability to kill fleas and ticks. They are still the #1 product up north, but have lost their share of the market in the south to Comfortis. As a PP stated it does take time. That live tick you find today would have been dead by tomorrow. It doesn't repel. Tick borne illnesses are (according to the experts) not transmitted in that first 24 hours. For those concerned about ticks and on Frontline we recommend a preventic collar as well. Those take 3 days to take effect, but they do work! Also dogs on Revolution and Comfortis (or it's sister product Trifexis) should get a collar too as those products are not labled for ticks, though their companies also state it works "off label". Pzifer will provide a free preventic collar with each 6pack of Revolution you purchase through your vet free of charge. Ask him or her about it.

regards from a 20 year experienced vet tech.

 

[eeyoregon]

They are two entirely different products. The Kirkland is NOT a "generic" for Frontline.

It is chemically equivalent to BioSpot.

I have used the Kirkland $19.99 brand on my cats and it has worked well but as others have said, it is messy but the $50 savings is worth the extra mess IMHO.

As always, Costco will gladly refund your money if you are not satisfied with it.

For $19.99 for 6 months vs. $70.00 for 6 months of Frontline (Costco price) it's worth trying.

Your Costco pharmacy will have a facts and comparison chart if you have further questions. Also keep in mind that the pharmacy at Costco has a GREAT pet medication program that can save a lot of money over veterinarian prices.

And if you are a Costco member (you don't have to be a member to use the pharmacy) you can sign your pet up for CMPP (Costco Membership Prescription Plan) which will take additional money off each Rx for your pet. Use your executive membership and receive cash back for all of your vet rx's too!

 

[3happydancers]

I have the solution. None of the above!

The best flea prevention I have ever found is none other than DAWN dish soap!

My husband's coworker is married to a woman who works at our local animal shelter. She told us that they use Dawn on the dogs and cats to keep the fleas off of them. When all the commercial meds and shampoos didn't work for us, we tried it. There hasn't been a flea on our dog since and she smells like apples (my favorite dawn scent). Our dog doesn't scratch, bite, or chew all her fur off anymore trying to get at the fleas. We live in FL and I think the fleas are immune to all the pesticides. I don't knwo why this works, but it does.

How exactly do you apply the dish soap? Do you bathe them with Dawn or do you apply it like other monthly preventatives? Also, is it effective with ticks? I am a little concerned about the soap getting into my dog's eyes.

They are two entirely different products. The Kirkland is NOT a "generic" for Frontline.

It is chemically equivalent to BioSpot.

I have used the Kirkland $19.99 brand on my cats and it has worked well but as others have said, it is messy but the $50 savings is worth the extra mess IMHO.

As always, Costco will gladly refund your money if you are not satisfied with it.

For $19.99 for 6 months vs. $70.00 for 6 months of Frontline (Costco price) it's worth trying.

Your Costco pharmacy will have a facts and comparison chart if you have further questions. Also keep in mind that the pharmacy at Costco has a GREAT pet medication program that can save a lot of money over veterinarian prices.

And if you are a Costco member (you don't have to be a member to use the pharmacy) you can sign your pet up for CMPP (Costco Membership Prescription Plan) which will take additional money off each Rx for your pet. Use your executive membership and receive cash back for all of your vet rx's too!

I just started using the Costco brand. I simply cannot afford the Frontline or Advantix anymore. I too have found the Costco brand very oily and messy. My dog is due for another dose at the end of May. So far, no fleas or ticks. If we continue to see success, then I will put up with the mess because you can't beat the savings. For those who are unsure about the product, I would simply suggest asking your vet or Costco's pharmacy department (like you suggested). Thanks for the additional info on Costco's prescription plan!

 

[mikehn]

Frontline and other flea and tick lotions are not "medications" and that is why they do not require a prescription. They are pesticides, regulated by the EPA.

 

[Leshaface]

I have the solution. None of the above!

The best flea prevention I have ever found is none other than DAWN dish soap!

My husband's coworker is married to a woman who works at our local animal shelter. She told us that they use Dawn on the dogs and cats to keep the fleas off of them. When all the commercial meds and shampoos didn't work for us, we tried it. There hasn't been a flea on our dog since and she smells like apples (my favorite dawn scent). Our dog doesn't scratch, bite, or chew all her fur off anymore trying to get at the fleas. We live in FL and I think the fleas are immune to all the pesticides. I don't knwo why this works, but it does.

I also want to know more about this. Like, instead of his regular doggie shampoo, I use dawn dish soap instead? Or do I use it with his regular shampoo?

Also, does anyone know if the dates for applications have to be exact? Last month I started using PetArmor (from Target) and it seemed to have work. Then days before his next application was due, he started getting fleas again. I still waited until he was supposed to be getting his next application, but was wondering if I could apply it a few days sooner? Thanks!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

How exactly do you apply the dish soap? Do you bathe them with Dawn or do you apply it like other monthly preventatives? Also, is it effective with ticks? I am a little concerned about the soap getting into my dog's eyes.



I just started using the Costco brand. I simply cannot afford the Frontline or Advantix anymore. I too have found the Costco brand very oily and messy. My dog is due for another dose at the end of May. So far, no fleas or ticks. If we continue to see success, then I will put up with the mess because you can't beat the savings. For those who are unsure about the product, I would simply suggest asking your vet or Costco's pharmacy department (like you suggested). Thanks for the additional info on Costco's prescription plan!

I also want to know more about this. Like, instead of his regular doggie shampoo, I use dawn dish soap instead? Or do I use it with his regular shampoo?

Also, does anyone know if the dates for applications have to be exact? Last month I started using PetArmor (from Target) and it seemed to have work. Then days before his next application was due, he started getting fleas again. I still waited until he was supposed to be getting his next application, but was wondering if I could apply it a few days sooner? Thanks!

Yes, you just use Dawn dishsoap instead of your regular shampoo. It's recommended by all the vets around here.

I have a rabbit and I have to use Advantage, and because of her size, she gets 2 drops and we share it with the cat who is small, so I don't have to buy as much. I would probably prefer to use soimething else, but the other products are fatal for rabbits.

We have sand fleas really bad this time of year, so I have to keep a close eye on my pets and my cats don't even go outside. I'm sure I bring them in on my clothes.

 

[billdob62]

Thanks for the mini science lab. Good info.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Just want to chime in with something I experienced last summer.

I had taken my cat to the vet for a check up. We ended up haveing to wait along time to see the Dr. The vet tech came to the lobby and explained what the delay was. A family had treated 3 of their dogs with over the counter flea medicine and all 3 dogs suffered a seizure and the vet was trying to get the seizures under control. Since that day we get ours from the vet! I would rather pay more than to risk killing my pets or racking up a huge vet bill and having my pet have to take seizure meds for the rest of their life.

So be very careful.

 

[Catmat]

I have no affiliation with any companies writing this information to try to stop people from buying Kirkland Flea Drops but I will inform the public of the risks. I DO NOT recommend this product especially on old or immunocompromised animals- cats or dogs. I was discouraged to buy these at Cotsco because cheap usually many risks. However the lady that I care for son insisted on buying them.... Why? because they were cheap. I recommend ADVANTAGE and although I have no experience with Frontline, I would buy Frontline before Kirkland if I care about the health and safety of my pet. ADVANTAGE is risk free and also much better for your pets health which is why it can only be sold at Vets. Kirkland flea drops killed the lady's cat that I care for and he died in my arms this morning after being sick for 3 days since the drops were put on him. He was about 12-13 years old and although he was older and may have had some health issues, he died because these drops are like an insecticide. If you care for your pet, use the best- that is all I can say. This cat died of toxicity and all of you who may wish to go into denial to save a few bucks I do not know what to say.... except that you get what you pay for and if you are that cheap you should not be owning pets!

 

[lucigo]

I just wanted to update. After trying just about every OTC product available, including Frontline Plus and Kirklands without success, we finally went to the vet and got Advantage Multi. I just gave my dogs their 2nd dose and they are both flea-free!!!

 

[semo233]

I'll try to make this as short as possible:

My 4 year old Lab has reactions to the tick and flea topical chemicals in Frontline, etc. Her reactions are not medically serious (as far as I know), but she shakes and acts depressed for 3 days after application. It is hard to watch and she hides in the basement.
I was at a friend's house recently and her friend owns a pet supply store called "My Healthy Pet". He specializes in natural alternatives. He suggested I try an all natural powder that I simply add to her food. He reminded me that nothing is 100% effective and gave me a small sample to make sure she would eat it.
I had always fed her nothing but high quality kibble, but how to feed her a fine powder? I bought a higher quality canned food (avaialble at WalMart) and giver her 1/3 of a can with the powder mixed into the soft can food and then top it with 1/2 cup of kibble. The 1/3 canned food simply replaced one half cup of kibble for dinner. She also eats lunch, but that is just kibble.

One and a half months later: I have found ONE tick on her and it was not attached. We live in New England which is notorious for lyme disease. It is extra dangerous because a lot of our property is a hay field! Bear, deer, turkey and fox love to hide and travel in the hay field, spreading ticks!

The powder I used is called Herbal Internal Powder and is made by Earth Animal. The lable says it is for dogs and cats and is also good for fleas.

Ingredients: Alfalfa Powder, Garlic Powder, Blue-Green Algae (Spirulina), Kelp powder, Hops, Papaya Leaf, Nettles Leaf, Hawthorn Berry Powder.

I paid $33 for a container with 8 oz (sold by weight, because the container is larger than a cup). I still have a full 1/3 left, so it is more than a 2 month supply for me. Directions say to give 1 tsp per day per 40 pounds, but recommends doubling during heavy bug season, which I have done.

I have no connection to the store I purchased it at, nor the company. I am just VERY satisfied!!! If you would like more contact information for this product, pm me.

 

[jdcri]

If anyone wants some natural treatment for their home, sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth around on the carpets and on the wooden flors - sprinkle it on the matresses, sleeping areas of your pets, couches etc. Use a brush/ broom to work it in the cracks - let it sit overnight cover matresses and couches with a sheet - then vacuum the next day. The Diatomaceous Earth is harmless to us (buy the food grade only!) but is like microscopic shards of glass to flea bodies, eggs, larvae and cocoons! It shreds their casing and basically dries them up... leave a little in your vacuum to help when you are doing your basic vacuuming in the house - to prevent the eggs from hatching inside the vacuum. You can feed the food grade to your pets to help with instinal parasites etc (only use food grade, even humans can benefit from this stuff!) Seriously - google this stuff it is awesome!!

You can sprinkle it in your grass too!! I also buy beneficial nematodes - microscopic parasites that invade fleas and other intrusive bugs - to spread in the yard to prevent infestations.

Completely harmless to pets and children and the environment and completely effective!!

I do this each summer and I bathe my pets with Dawn if I find any fleas.

 

[Chloesmom]

I own a pet supply wholesale business . The best advice I have for fleas and ticks is to do NOTHING to your pet but rather treat your yard . I have never ever had a single flea and twice a year I apply a good quality yard spray . It hooks to your hose and takes about ten minutes do my two acre yard. I prefer Adams brand but Zodiac is also good . I can't comment on brands like Raid etc. This will not work if your dog leaves your yard frequently like for walks or if doggy friends who may have fleas visit . I apply Advantage once each summer when mine go to a friends so I can go to Disney. Once again I have never had a single flea . It's easy, cheap, and much safer to your pet. You never know when a pet will have a reaction. Oh and a nice side benefit is there will be no other bugs in your yard like ants and spiders.
Also be aware that if fleas are already in your home this won't work either unless you treat your house also . I treat my yard for the first time as soon as it gets 50 degrees regularly and repeat about 3 months later . The product always says it lasts all summer but I repeat to be safe .

 

[racechick8293]

I've always tended to have poor results with OTC flea/tick products.

Love Trifexis- my dog goes outside often and I've found the product to be very effective- no fleas or ticks on him or in the house!

 

[Friendly Frog]

:

A 75lb dog only requires 272mcg per month for heartworm prevention. You are giving 7.5mg. You are following dosages for cattle. Or you are treating your dog poorly for a case of demodecosis. You only need to use about 0.003ml which is quite difficult to figure out with a standard syringe. Ivermectin can cause neurotoxicity when used incorrectly.

If your dog is on Heartgard and it fails to prevent heartworm, Merial will cover all costs associated with the treatment. Will your feed store do this?
regards from a 20 year experienced vet tech.

Underscores are mine. Way too risky of overdosing your pet.

I use Revolution but we have indoor dogs and no tick issues. It is not my first choice for heartworm protection, but I have a dog that tends to toss her cookies easily and I am afraid that she will throw up a heartworm pill and the other small dog will eat it and get an overdose, so the no pill method works for us.
___
BTW, re another thread. You can't really buy a high quality dog food at Walmart. A major brand does not equal high quality. http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/ is a good starting point to learn about dog food.

 

[labdogs42]

You can even order the generic frontline and frontline plus from WalMart online. I think theur brand is Pet Armor and Pet Armor Plus. Just look for the same active ingredients as Frontline (fipronil). I hadn't treated my dogs in years and never had a flea problem, but with the rising instances of Lyme disease in my area, I decided to go back to the spot on stuff, more for ticks than fleas. The price of the generic stuff is much more reasonable and it is exactly the same stuff as Frontline.

 

[sunshine17]

yes, i purchased it yesterday for 2 dogs medium size. 6 months for 20.
applied yesterday and found one dead tick on my dog today. they don't have fleas and i haven't seen any ticks wandering around.