Fleascreen Combo Spot-On
Formulation
Liquid Spot-on
Active ingredient
Fipronil, (S)-methoprene
Frequency of use
Every 4 weeks
Minimum age/weight
8 weeks (2kg)
Treats
Fleas (adults), fleas (immature), ticks, biting lice
What is Fleascreen Combo?
Fleascreen Combo is a spot-on solution used to protect dogs and cats from both fleas and ticks. It’s available in different versions for different animal sizes and offers several benefits: It contains fipronil, an adulticide, and (S)-methoprene, an insect growth regulator. It kills fleas and ticks for 4 weeks after topical application.
What does Fleascreen Combo do?
Fleascreen Combo is a dual-action spot-on solution for dogs and cats that tackles both existing and future flea and tick infestations. It achieves this through its two main active ingredients:
Fipronil: This potent insecticide is the frontline defence against adult fleas and ticks. It acts on their nervous system, leading to paralysis and quick death within 24-48 hours. This provides immediate relief from the discomfort and itching caused by these parasites.
S-methoprene: This insect growth regulator works on the long-term strategy. It disrupts the flea breeding cycle by mimicking a natural insect hormone. This leads to:
- Infertility in flea eggs: The eggs become non-viable and cannot hatch.
- Arrested development in flea larvae: The larvae stop growing and maturing, preventing them from reaching adulthood and becoming biting pests.
Therefore, Fleascreen Combo offers a two-pronged approach:
- Immediate relief: Eliminates existing adult fleas and ticks within a day or two.
- Long-term prevention: Stops future infestations by hindering flea egg hatching and larvae development.
This can offer several benefits for your pet:
- Reduced scratching and discomfort from bites.
- Protection against flea-borne diseases and tick-borne diseases.
- Peace of mind knowing your pet is safe from future infestations for up to 4 weeks (typical duration of action).
What is Fleascreen Combo for?
Fleascreen Combo helps control ectoparasites (parasites that live on your pet’s skin) in the following situations:
- Flea Infestations: If your pet is dealing with a current flea problem, Fleascreen Combo kills adult fleas, this provides instant relief for your pet. It also interrupts the growth cycle of the fleas, preventing them from maturing and therefore getting an infestation under control more quickly than an adulticide-only medication.
- Tick Control: Fleascreen Combo kills ticks. This means it helps to prevent the spread of tick borne diseases too.
What are the possible side effects with Fleascreen Combo?
While generally well-tolerated, Fleascreen Combo, like any medication, can have potential side effects. It’s important to be aware of these possibilities and consult your vet if you notice any concerning changes in your pet after using the product.
Here’s a breakdown of the possible side effects of Fleascreen Combo:
Mild and Transient
Skin reactions: These are the most common, occurring at the application site and typically resolving within a few days. They may include:
- Redness
- Discoloration
- Hair loss
- Itching
- Greasiness
- Temporary clumping of hair
Drooling: This can occur if your pet licks the application site immediately after application. It’s usually brief and harmless.
Less Common
Nausea and vomiting: These are typically mild and short-lived.
Nervous system signs: These are very rare and may include:
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Ataxia (incoordination)
Other Potential Side Effects
Eye irritation: Avoid contact of the product with your pet’s eyes.
Allergic reactions: While rare, allergic reactions to Fleascreen Combo can occur. Signs may include:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial swelling
Important things to remember
- The risk of side effects increases with overdosing. Always use the correct dosage recommended by your vet based on your pet’s weight and species.
- Certain pets may be more prone to side effects. Consult your vet before using Fleascreen Combo on pregnant or lactating pets, pets with underlying health conditions, or very young or old animals.
- Stop using Fleascreen Combo and consult your vet immediately if you notice any severe or persistent side effects in your pet.
How to give Fleascreen Combo safely
Using Fleascreen Combo safely on your pet requires following proper application techniques and precautions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure safe and effective use:
Before application:
- Consult your vet: Discuss your pet’s health, any existing conditions, and whether Fleascreen Combo is the right choice for them. They can determine the appropriate dosage based on your pet’s weight and species.
- Read the product instructions carefully: Each version of Fleascreen Combo might have specific instructions. Familiarize yourself with the contents, dosage guidance, and application method to avoid errors.
- Gather supplies: You’ll need the Fleascreen Combo tube, gloves (optional), and a towel (optional).
Application process:
- Choose the application site: Apply the solution directly to the back of your pet’s neck between the shoulder blades. This area is less accessible for licking and ensures optimal absorption.
- Part the fur: Gently part the fur to reveal the skin at the application site.
- Hold the tube upright: Point the nozzle away from your pet and yourself.
- Apply the solution: Squeeze the tube gently, depositing the required amount of solution directly onto the exposed skin. Avoid applying to broken skin or wounds.
- Do not massage: Allow the solution to spread naturally on your pet’s skin.
- Discard the used tube safely.
After application:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Monitor your pet: Observe your pet for any immediate reactions like excessive scratching or discomfort. Contact your vet if you notice any concerning signs.
- Keep your pet away from water for 24 hours: This allows the solution to dry and become effective.
- Do not bathe your pet for 2 days
- Prevent licking: Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) if your pet tends to lick or chew at the application site.
Additional safety tips:
- Do not use the product on pets less than 8 weeks old and/or weighing less than 2kg.
- Do not use on sick pets.
- Do not use if your pet has a hypersensitivity to fipronil or S-methoprene
- Do not apply on wounds or damaged skin.
- Store in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
- Never use Fleascreen Combo on rabbits or horses, as it can be fatal to them.
- Do not overdose. Stick to the recommended dosage prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Do not apply Fleascreen Combo more frequently than recommended. Overuse can be harmful to your pet.
Fleascreen Combo FAQs
Does Flea Screen Combo work?
Fleascreen Combo is an effective product for protecting your pet from fleas and ticks. It has dual-action by combining fipronil, which kills adult fleas and ticks quickly, and s-methoprene, which prevents flea eggs from hatching and larvae from maturing. This offers both immediate and long-term protection. Reports of fipronil-based products not working are common, and there’s known to be resistance in some laboratory fleas, although incorrect application and use may also be the cause of these reports.
What are the ingredients in Flea Screen Combo?
The ingredients in Fleascreen Combo vary slightly depending on the specific version for dogs or cats and their weight range. However, the two main active ingredients remain consistent across all versions:
- Fipronil: This is a potent insecticide that acts on the nervous system of fleas and ticks, leading to paralysis and death within 24-48 hours. It provides immediate relief from biting and discomfort caused by these parasites.
- (S)-Methoprene: This insect growth regulator disrupts the flea breeding cycle by mimicking a natural insect hormone. It prevents flea eggs from hatching and stops existing larvae from developing into biting adults, effectively breaking the infestation chain.
Here’s a breakdown of the additional ingredients commonly found in Fleascreen Combo:
- Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT): This is an antioxidant that helps stabilize the formula and prolong its shelf life.
- Isopropyl alcohol: This acts as a solvent and carrier for the active ingredients, facilitating their absorption into the pet’s skin.
- N-Octyl-N-Decyl-N-Nonyl Ethylenediamine: This is another solvent and carrier for the active ingredients.
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone: This is a thickener that helps the solution adhere to the pet’s skin and release the active ingredients gradually over time.
- Excipients: These are inactive ingredients that contribute to the overall formulation and stability of the product.
How long does Fleascreen take to work?
Fleascreen Combo starts to kill adult fleas and ticks within 24 hours after application, and most adult fleas and ticks will be dead within 24-48 hours. So, you can expect relief from itching and scratching relatively quickly.
S-methoprene, the insect growth regulator, takes a bit longer to show its effect. It acts primarily on flea eggs and larvae, preventing them from developing into biting adults. This starts within 24-48 hours, but the full impact takes around 6-8 weeks as existing eggs and larvae complete their life cycle and cannot reproduce.
Therefore:
- You can expect immediate relief from existing flea and tick problems within a day or two.
- Complete protection against future flea infestations takes around 6-8 weeks with consistent use every 4 weeks.
How often can you use Flea Screen Combo?
The frequency of using Fleascreen Combo depends on the reasons you’re using it. In general, you should apply it every 4 weeks for both dogs and cats. This ensures ongoing protection against both adult parasites and prevents fleas from hatching and maturing, effectively breaking the breeding cycle.
If your pet still has fleas 48 hours after applying Fleascreen Combo, do not reapply it as there may be a treatment failure. Consider checking the tips in our free course to see whether there’s anything you can do at home, or contact your vet for advice and an alternative treatment.
Fleascreen Combo 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 Fleascreen Combo box, but if you have lost it you can click on the button below to be taken on an online version.
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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.