Cats and Dogs < 20 lbs.: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. Dogs > 20 lbs.: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one to three more spots from the neck to the upper back depending on the size of your dog.
Full Answer
How do I choose the safest flea treatment for dogs?
When it comes to choosing the safest flea treatment for dogs, you’ll want to pick a product that will provide effective flea protection but with as little risk to the health of your dog as possible. Fleas are a serious nuisance to your dog, causing itching and all-around misery.
What are the side effects of flea treatment for dogs?
For dogs that do experience side effects, the most common symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, some dogs may have more serious reactions and these pets may do better with a topical or collar flea treatment in the future.
Do you need a prescription for flea treatment for dogs?
Many of the safest and most effective options require a veterinarian’s prescription, so it makes sense to have this discussion sooner rather than later. Veterinarians typically recommend dog flea and tick collars, topical flea and tick treatments, or oral flea and tick medications (sometimes in combination) to fully protect their patients.
Why is my flea treatment not working on my Dog?
Incorrect Application of Flea Treatment Incorrectly applying topical flea prevention is the most common cause for its failure to work. Flea prevention is expensive, and you don’t want to waste a dose. Topical medication should be applied directly to the skin, not the hair.
Do you need to weigh your dog for flea treatment?
If your dog is healthy and visits the vet regularly, your surgery may be happy to dispense a flea treatment without an appointment. Your vet surgery will need to know how much your dog weighs so they can provide the right treatment dose.
Does weight matter for flea medication?
This is because the active ingredient amount is weight dependent. A bigger pet needs more of the active ingredient to kill the fleas than a smaller pet. It's fine to use these on your pets this month and next month.
Can you use flea medicine for large dogs on small dogs?
Medication meant for large dogs may be toxic to smaller dog because the dose is too high. Yet another issue can result from using a "combination" medication incorrectly – for instance, using a flea and heartworm preventative on a dog that hasn't been tested for heartworm.
What happens if a dog gets too much flea medicine?
Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to.
Can you overdose on flea treatment?
If you are finding fleas on your pet even after applying your pet's topical flea treatment, you might consider reapplying it early. However, this solution is not always recommended and may lead to an overdose in some rare cases.
Can I cut flea pill in half?
You can split pills if: The tablet is 'scored' with a clear graduated line down the middle - this is a sign that the manufacturer created the medication to be 'okay to split'. A split line also makes it easier to break evenly, reducing the risk of over or underdosing.
Can I use Frontline Plus on a small dog?
This product is approved for use on dogs 5-22 lbs. Break the flea life cycle with frontline: Frontline flea and tick treatment for dogs kills adult fleas plus flea eggs and larvae to stop existing infestations and prevent establishment of new infestations.
How much Frontline do you give a 150 pound dog?
As an example, if your dog weighs 150 pounds, buy the 89 to 132 pound box plus the 5 to 22 pound box.
Is Frontline Plus safe for small dogs?
The active ingredients in Frontline Plus — fipronil and s-methoprene — are largely considered safe and effective for most dogs.
What if I accidentally gave my dog two NexGard?
The good news is that Nexgard is a very safe drug. No adverse reactions were observed in healthy Beagle puppies over 8 weeks of age when treated with 5 times the maximum dose repeated 6 times at intervals of 2-4 weeks. She should be fine!
Can I give my dog two doses of flea medicine?
Never use multiple flea medications on your pet, unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. Fleas can be a very frustrating problem, and some medications may not produce immediate effects.
What happens if you give your dog two doses of flea medicine?
This can result in repetitive nerve discharges, or twitches and tremors, in affected dogs. So if a dog has a mild overdose of flea medication, symptoms, you may notice include twitching, excessive salivation, paw flicking, vomiting and diarrhea, and depression.
What is the best flea treatment for dogs?
Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs. Veterinarians typically recommend dog flea and tick collars, topical flea and tick treatments , or oral flea and tick medications (sometimes in combination) to fully protect their patients. Here are a few of the safest flea treatments for dogs on the market today and some of their pros and cons.
How to treat fleas and ticks in dogs?
Keep in mind that no two pets are the same. Therefore, a product that’s commonly considered to be safe flea and tick prevention for dogs may be a great option for one animal and a mistake for another. Factors to consider include: 1 Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. 2 Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. 3 Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin (heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient. 4 Your pet’s lifestyle: The presence of children and other pets (especially cats) in the household and your pet’s daily activities/exposure to the outdoors are important details. 5 Where you live: Which parasites are common in your area? Is resistance to certain preventatives a concern?
What is Frontline Plus?
Frontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. It also eliminates chewing lice and helps to control sarcoptic mange infestations. While it shouldn’t be ingested, a few surreptitious licks by your dog won’t cause much in the way of problems.
How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?
Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.
Is a flea collar safe for dogs?
Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). The Seresto collar is a very popular option right now. It uses flumethrin and imidacloprid to kill fleas at multiple stages of development as well as ticks. The collar’s effectiveness lasts ...
Can you give a dog flea and tick preventatives?
Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin (heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient.
Is flea treatment age appropriate?
Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information.
How to deal with fleas in dogs?
The best way to deal with fleas is prevention. Flea and tick preventatives kill fleas that come in contact with your dog, preventing your pup from bringing them home in the first place. There are several options out there, from flea collars to topical liquid applicants and pills.
How long does it take for a dog to get rid of fleas?
You also need to determine how to get rid of fleas in your home. This requires patience. It can take as long as three-to-four months to get rid of an infestation, as it takes this long for all of the fleas in your home to go through their life stages.
Why does my dog scratch his skin?
bathing. shampoo. parasites. Fleas are a nuisance. These tiny, blood-sucking parasites irritate your dog and infest your home — often before you realize that fleas have moved in. Many dogs are allergic to flea bites, which can cause intense scratching, red and flaky skin, scabs, hot spots, and hair loss.
How many eggs can a flea lay?
Fleas go through four life cycle stages: Egg. Larva. Pupa. Adult. The adults live on animals like your dog, where they digest blood and lay their eggs. One female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs.
What to do if my dog has ridden in my car?
If your dog has ridden in your car lately, you should vacuum the seats. Continue to treat your dog and any other pets with a monthly preventative. During flea season, don’t let your dog interact with strange dogs and be sure his puppy playmates are free of fleas. 4.
What to use to treat fleas?
Choose and apply an environmental flea control spray or fogger that will treat all stages of fleas, or call a local exterminator.
How long do fleas stay in a dog's cocoon?
During the pupa stage they form cocoons, where they wait for several days or up to one year — preferably for the fleas in the comfort of your carpet, sofa, or bed — until a warm-bodied host appears. Then they hatch, become adults, and infest their animal hosts – such as your dog.
How long does it take for flea treatment to dry?
You’ll also need to be careful not to touch the area where the flea treatment was applied until it is fully dry, which usually takes about an hour after application. In rare cases, some dogs may have mild side effects such as local skin reactions at the site where the medication was applied, which may include hair loss, redness, itching, and scabbing.
How long does a flea collar last?
Some of the modern flea collar products even last as long as 8 months , so you won’t have to remember to administer your dog’s flea treatment on a regular basis – a great plus for many busy families!
Can flea collars be washed away?
Like collars, these medications can be washed away if your pet swims or bathes frequently, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for use and consider an oral flea treatment if your pet is frequently exposed to water.
Can flea collars be used for swimming?
Flea collars also have some drawbacks. Because they rely on medication which spreads from the collar across your pet’s skin, they are not a good option for pets who swim or bathe frequently, as this will wash away the medication and shorten the life of the collar.
Is flea treatment safe for dogs?
The bottom line is that there are many safe and effective flea treatments available for your dog, and that is great news! You have many options to choose from depending on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.
Is it safe to give a dog flea medicine?
Topical flea treatments are often seen as a safe flea treatment for dogs because many types of this medication are not absorbed systemically, meaning they do not cross the dog’s skin barrier or get absorbed into the blood stream. This can be a safer option for dogs with a history of reactions to certain types of medications.
Can fleas cause anemia in dogs?
But more than that, fleas carry dangerous and potentially fatal diseases and parasites. A flea infestation can be the culprit behind life-threatening cases of anemia and they can also transmit a disease called Bartonellosis. If that weren’t bad enough, they also spread tapeworms, a nasty intestinal parasite. And those fleas on your dog can even bite humans or transmit those diseases to you!
How to apply flea treatment?
How to Apply Each Brand of Topical Flea Treatment 1 Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. 2 Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. 3 Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 4 Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.
What percent of fleas should be treated?
You should be treating your home for adults plus the other 95 percent—flea eggs, flea larvae and flea pupae.
How many active ingredients are in flea prevention?
Flea preventions typically use one or two active ingredients to do the job of preventing fleas. Each brand will use different active ingredients, and these ingredients will work in different ways to prevent fleas. An overdose for most flea preventions could result in the following: Profuse drooling. Vomiting.
Why is flea prevention not working?
Incorrectly applying topical flea prevention is the most common cause for its failure to work. Flea prevention is expensive, and you don’t want to waste a dose.
How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?
Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.
How to apply Bravecto to cat?
Bravecto. Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow.
Do pets scratch more than others?
Some pets will scratch more than others, but if one pet in the house has fleas, they all have fleas. All of your pets will need to stay on flea medication to prevent reinfestation.
What to do if my dog has a flea and tick problem?
If you believe your dog has had an adverse reaction to a flea or tick preventive product, call your veterinarian and report the problem right away . Your veterinarian has access to a national reporting center that will inform the EPA. You may also wish to inform the company that manufactured the product.
Why is it important to keep dogs free of fleas?
Keeping your dog free of infestations not only prevents discomfort, it can also prevent some of the illnesses that can be acquired from these blood sucking parasites.
How long after applying flea and tick preventive?
For the several hours following application of a flea and tick preventive product, keep an eye on your dog for any reactions or sensitivity to the product. This is especially important when using a particular flea and tick product for the first time on your dog. Keep the packaging for the product for at least a day after application ...
How to treat dog behavior after applying preventive product?
If you notice any unusual behavior shortly after applying a preventive product, call your veterinarian immediately. Bathe your dog completely in soapy water and rinse its coat with copious amounts of water.
How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?
Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.
Can you use flea and tick products on dogs?
When deciding which flea and tick products to use on your dog, you need to carefully read the labels on all products. It’s very important you purchase the correct dosage for your dog, and that you use only approved products for your dog’s particular age, weight, health status, and species. Use special care if your dog is very young, very old, pregnant, nursing, sick or debilitated, or if it has had a previous sensitivity to any of these products.
Can PetMD answer pet health questions?
Note: PetMD isn’t able to respond to pet health questions or to offer veterinary advice.
How to get rid of fleas on dog?
Using a dog-safe essential oil like lavender or peppermint, however, may be a natural way to get rid of fleas and their larvae. Place a single drop of the oil at your dog's neck, or dilute the oils with water and apply to your dog's entire coat with a spray bottle. The aroma of these oils repels fleas. You can also use this method as a preventative measure.
What is the best way to kill fleas in dogs?
Like vinegar, citrus also works well for repelling fleas. It's great for using directly on your dog as well as around your home.
How to apply apple cider vinegar to dog?
To apply it to your dog's coat, mix apple cider vinegar with water (consult your vet for a ratio of vinegar to water). Then, either add the mixture to a spray bottle and spray it all over your dog (avo id the face and eyes) or dip a washcloth in the mixture and apply it to your dog's fur.
How to keep fleas away from my yard?
Get nematodes at your local garden center or order them online. Mix them with water, and spray the mixture around your yard. It's a great way to keep fleas away before they’re a problem, too.
How do you know if your dog has fleas?
Another telltale sign of fleas is flea droppings, also known as flea dirt. These look like tiny specks of black pepper on your dog's skin.
What is a flea in dogs?
Fleas: the dreaded pests that no pet owner wants to see on their dog. These pesky little parasites feed on your canine friend's blood, make Fido itch like crazy, and potentially lead to more serious health troubles if the issue isn't dealt with.
Can you use diatomaceous earth on dogs?
The diatomaceous earth method of flea control is for your home, not your dog themself. Diatomaceous earth is a powder-like substance that damages fleas' exoskeletons, drawing moisture out of their bodies to kill them. You might want to use this method in your home at the same time your dog is undergoing their own flea treatment.
How to treat fleas on dogs?
How to treat the flea problem? I would recommend using a veterinary flea product either in the form of a spot on (applied to skin at the base of the neck), impregnated collar or a spray directly on your dog. It is however really important to treat any in-contact animals not just dogs but cats too.
How to tell if a dog has fleas?
Gently part your pets fur and search through close to the skin, fleas are a reddish/brown colour and quickly move away from the light. It can be easier to find fleas on the underside of your pet as the coat is naturally thinner here. It is often easier to see the flea dirt in your pet’s coat than the actual fleas.
What does flea dirt look like?
Flea dirt is the waste product produced by fleas and when dry it looks like little black specs; however if you wet it these black specs turn red as they contain digested blood. This brings us to the ‘wet paper test’, we comb through your pet’s coat and collect the debris onto a piece of wet white paper, if there is flea dirt present there will be small red dots visible where the flea dirt has dissolved in the water. The wet paper test helps to distinguish between flea dirt and just dried mud that may be on your pet’s coat.
Why does my dog's skin get itchy?
Dry flaky skin may well be as a result of scratching due to flea infestation , but can also be affected by allergies and medical conditions.
Where do fleas live?
Fleas live on animals as well as in the environment . The flea population consists of adult fleas, immature larval stages, dormant pupae and then eggs, as you move down the list the numbers increase significantly which is why we refer to them as a pyramid.
Can fleas jump?
Fleas can jump but they can’t fly , they need blood feeds to survive and a large proportion of the flea population are in the environment as oppose to on your pet.
Can cats carry fleas?
Cats can also carry the fleas and they do not even have to be your own cats, for example if a cat comes through your home or garden then the fleas can jump off or deposit eggs as they go. This is why we often advise treating the home environment and in-contact animals also.
