Bob Martin Clear Plus for Cats and Dogs
Formulation
Liquid Spot-on
Active ingredient
Fipronil, (S)-methoprene
Frequency of use
Every 4 weeks
Minimum age/weight
8 weeks / 1kg cats , 8 weeks/ 2kg dogs (6 months ferrets)
Treats
Fleas (adults), fleas (immature), ticks, lice
What is Bob Martin Clear Plus?
Bob Martin Clear Plus is a non-prescription spot on flea and tick treatment. It contains Fipronil, which kills adult fleas, and (S)-methoprene, which prevents flea eggs from developing. It kills fleas for 4 weeks after topical application.
What does Bob Martin Clear Plus do?
Bob Martin Clear Plus contains two active ingredients: fipronil, and (S)-methoprene. Let’s take a look at how they work together:
- Fipronil: Fipronil is an insecticide that works against many insects including adult fleas, ticks, and biting lice. It works by blocking receptors important to the insect nervous system, which causes the adult fleas to die.
- (S)-Methoprene: This is an insect growth regulator (IGR). It is similar to the juvenile growth hormone of fleas, and it blocks the actual hormone from working. This stops the growth and development of flea eggs and larvae. By interrupting the flea life cycle, (S)-methoprene helps control and prevent infestations.
Once applied, Bob Martin Clear Plus spreads over your pet’s skin through the natural skin oils, so that it’s distributed in the fur, protecting the whole pet.
What is Bob Martin Clear Plus for?
Bob Martin Clear Plus helps control fleas, ticks and biting lice.
- Fleas: If your pet is dealing with a current flea problem, Frontline Plus kills adult fleas, putting an end to the itching and discomfort. It has a persistent effect against adult fleas for up to 8 weeks in dogs and up to
- Juvenile Fleas: Bob Martin Clear Plus also interrupts the growth cycle of the fleas, getting an infestation under control more quickly than an adulticide-only medication.
- Ticks: Bob Martin Clear Plus kills ticks, preventing potential diseases transmitted by these parasites. It has persistent tick-killing ability for up to 2 weeks in cats and up to 4 weeks in dogs.
- Biting Lice: Bob Martin Clear Plus also kills biting lice.
What are the side effects of Bob Martin Clear Plus?
Bob Martin Clear Plus can have side effects like any medication.
- Skin irritation and redness: In rare cases, pets may experience redness and itching where you apply the spot-on.
- Hair loss at application site: Some pets might lose their hair in the application site. This should be temporary.
- Excessive scratching: Occasionally, pets may itch more over their whole body. This usually calms down after a couple of days.
- Drooling: Some cats may start drooling after application. This may be due to licking, so may be prevented by applying the liquid high enough on the back of the neck. However, some cats seem to drool without evidence of licking so
- Vomiting: Vomiting has been reported in cats and dogs given Bob Martin Clear Plus
- Depression: Some cats may become less responsive, but this is usually temporary.
In most cases, cats and dogs will use Bob Martin Clear Plus without any problems. However, if you are concerned about side effects you should contact your vet for advice.
Which animals should not have Bob Martin Clear Plus?
There are some pets that shouldn’t use Bob Martin Clear Plus at all, or shouldn’t use it without a clear risk-benefit analysis and recommendation from a vet. These are:
- Animals that are allergic to any of the ingredients
- Other species not named on the packet, especially rabbits for whom this product can be fatal
- Pets that are bathed or swim regularly (more than once a month)
- Pets that are feeding puppies or kittens less than 8 weeks old
- Ferrets who are pregnant or lactating
- Pets who are ill, have chronic diseases, or are on regular medications
How to apply Bob Martin Clear Plus safely
- Follow instructions carefully: Always use Bob Martin Clear Plus according to the instructions on the packet. This includes the right dose, species, and frequency. You will need to know your pet’s up-to-date weight in order to purchase the correct treatment for them.
- Check weight and age: Bob Martin Clear Plus shouldn’t be used in cats or dogs less than 8 weeks of age, unless otherwise recommended by a vet. Cats should weigh at least 1kg, dogs at least 2kg.
- Never split doses: Always use the right size for your pet. Never try to split a larger dose between several pets, as this could lead to underdose and overdose.
- Apply to the back of the neck: Always apply where your pet cannot lick it off. This is usually from between the ears to just above the shoulder blades – the middle of the back of the neck is usually a good place to put it. Distracting your pet after application with food or a game can allow them to get used to the sensation of the liquid and reduce the chance of them grooming it off.
- Apply in two or more spots: Because of the volume of liquid in this product, it’s best to apply it in several places. This avoids run-off. Try to aim for the back of the neck for each, parting the fur and squeezing the pipette to drop approximately half onto the skin.
- Ensure animals do not lick each other after treatment: If you have pets that groom one another, keep them apart until the product has dried.
- Do not allow animals to bathe or swim: You shouldn’t bathe animals or allow them to swim for at least 2 days after application, as this washes off the product, damaging the environment and preventing it from working properly for your pet.
- Check with your vet if your pet is on medications: If your pet is on any medications, you should talk to your vet about the best options for flea prevention.
- Storage and Handling: Store Bob Martin Clear Plus according to the instructions on the label, usually in a cool and dry place. Make sure it’s out of reach of children and other pets. Dispose of used pipettes immediately to ensure children do not have access to the product.
- Report any accidental overdose to your vet immediately: If you have mistakenly given too much Bob Martin Clear Plus, report it to your vet as soon as you realise the error. They may recommend a check-up or monitoring, depending on the severity of the overdose.
- Use gloves when applying: Some people have allergies to this product, and it can cause skin irritation. Use gloves when applying.
- Do not handle pet until application site is dry: Care should be taken not to touch the product, and children shouldn’t be allowed to play with pets until it is completely dry. It’s usually best to apply Bob Martin Clear Plus in the evening so that it can dry overnight. Pets who are regularly treated should not be allowed to sleep in children’s bedrooms.
Bob Martin Clear Plus FAQs
How long does Bob Martin Clear Plus take to work?
Bob Martin Clear Plus spreads over your whole pet within a day of application. It works by flea contact, so it can start killing fleas immediately, but your pet will be fully protected after 24 hours.
How do you use Bob Martin Clear Plus?
Bob Martin Clear Plus comes in a pipette. Break the lid off, then part the fur on the back of your pet’s neck, squeezing half the liquid on. Repeat with another patch on the back of your pet’s neck.
Is there a difference between Bob Martin CLEAR and CLEAR PLUS?
Bob Martin CLEAR only contains fipronil, while Bob Martin Clear Plus contains fipronil with (S)-methoprene. Fipronil kills adult fleas feeding from your pet, but it doesn’t affect the immature fleas – the eggs and larvae. The flea lifecycle can take many weeks to complete, so an infestation can go on for a long time. The addition of the (S)-methoprene, which prevents eggs and larvae from developing properly, reduces the time taken to remove an infestation, although it can still take up to 12 weeks.
I applied Bob Martin Clear Plus but my pet still has fleas! What should I do?
Firstly, don’t immediately panic – for the first week or so, it’s possible large numbers of fleas will jump onto your pet. They’ll touch the fipronil and become poisoned, but they don’t die immediately, so you might see slow-moving or debilitated fleas on your pet for some time. It’s important to understand that even with the best flea product, it can still take 12 weeks to get rid of an infestation due to the nature of the flea life cycle.
That said, some people have reported resistance with fipronil-based products. If you are still seeing live fleas on your pet several days after treatment, you should look at changing your flea treatment. Your vet will be able to recommend a product, but we explain the options currently available in our free online resource.
Bob Martin Clear Plus Alternatives
If you aren’t happy with Bob Martin Clear Plus, you might want an alternative. Lots of other medications have the same formulation, so if you feel this flea treatment isn’t working for you, try not to replace it with an identical active ingredient with a different brand name. Other common combinations of fipronil and (S)-methoprene include:
- Fiproclear
- Fiprotec
- Fleanil
- Frontline Combo
- RSPCA FLEAaway
- Pestigon Combo
Instead, you might want to try to choose a different active ingredient in case the fleas on your pet are resistant to fipronil. The only other OTC spot-on active ingredient is imidacloprid, found in Advantage, Bob Martin Double Action Spot On, Imidaflea, Eziflea, Ridaflea and Johnsons4Fleas.
Alternatively, you can talk to your vet, who will be able to prescribe a different active ingredient, including long-lasting spot-ons and even tasty chewable tablets that can be hidden in food. You may need to take your pet in for a visit, but they can then usually prescribe 6-12 months of flea treatment, which you can receive as a written prescription to buy online or elsewhere.
For more information about alternatives to Bob Martin Clear Plus, our free flea treatment advice lists all the options for dogs and cats, and helps you to choose a product that suits your pet’s lifestyle.
Bob Martin Clear Plus Datasheet
All drugs have a manufacturer’s datasheet, which gives information about the drug’s use and possible side effects. There is usually one in your Bob Martin Clear Plus box, but if you have lost it you can click on the button below to be taken on an online version.
Struggling with a flea problem?
No pet should have to suffer with fleas. But it can be hard to beat them. In this FREE resource, our vets explain why flea treatments fail and explain how to choose a flea treatment that suits your pet! Once it’s in your dashboard, you can check back as often as you need to. Add it now!
Please note that the information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only. Although it has been written by a vet, we cannot consider the individual nature of your pet’s problems so it does not constitute veterinary advice. If you have questions about your pet’s medication or their health you should contact a vet, who will be able to help.