Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/1/2005

Question
Dear doc,
I am 12 weeks pregnant. my dog was found to have 2 ticks while he was being groomed. groomer sprayed him just a tiny bit she says not all over. I later 1 1/2 - 2 hrs later picked him up and started hugging home. am i at risk for chemical exposure. How long does it take for frotline tick spray to dry on a short haired dog. thanks so mch for your time.

Answer
The insecticide in Frontline (fipronil) is very specific to a receptor in the insect's nervous system and is harmless to people.  Frontline spray contains some solvents that can be harmful like acetone and alcohol, but if it is dry, it should not be harmful at all.