Dog Tip: Applying Flea & Tick Prevention

The Lab Brats don't particularly care for the 2nd of every month. They know when we go into their special draw in the kitchen that is means only one thing: time to put that nasty smelling liquid on the back of their necks.

Our house uses Frontline Plus because of the climate we live in and the fact that Labrador Retrievers are double-coated dogs. The trick is to get the application on their skin and not all over one's hands nor the dog's fur. For that, we have a trick up our sleeves.

When the pups were small, we purchased a flea and tick comb to check them regularly for any nasty bugs. Of course, the comb became obsolete so we now use it to apply the Frontline to their skin. As the comb makes a clean part down into even the under layer of fur, the Lab Brats Daddy is able to apply it without any assistance. One hand uses the tip of the comb to make a part between the shoulder blades and then just tilts the comb 45 degrees to the side to show the dog's skin. With the other hand he applies some of the liquid directly to the skin and then makes a couple of more parts in the fur with the comb until the applicator is empty.

Of course, we apply the medication at night so that we don't run a higher risk of them rubbing it off on furniture or our petting them in that spot. However, the comb is the most efficient (and less stressful) method of applying flea and tick preventative that we have found and the Lab Brats love how it only takes a few seconds to apply.