Treatment FAQ

how long should i wait to flea comb my cat after flea treatment

by Max Haley Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Full Answer

When can I pet my cat after a flea treatment?

This doesn’t mean you can pet and stroke your cat on the area that was treated though. You should wait at least 24 hours before petting them to ensure the treatment is completely dry. The general rule is that it’s better to err on the side of caution.

How long do you wait between flea treatments?

I use advocate but I wait 6-8 weeks between treatments, partly because I have 3 cats and it's expensive, but also because the cats absolutely hate it and run away as soon as they hear me break the seal on the product. Cats are clever. None of my cats have ever had fleas so I've been very lucky.

How long after flea treatment can I bathe my dog?

Generally, the packages say to wait 3 days before applying flea meds & 3 days after for baths. However, if you have questions, it's never a bad idea to consult your vet. emmylou is correct- advantage absorbs under the skin and cannot just be washed off.

How long does it take for flea treatment to dry on cats?

I’ve been using flea treatments for years on my cats, and I’ve monitored how long it takes to dry on a few occasions. The best answer is that it typically takes around 45 minutes for flea treatment to be touch dry. This doesn’t mean you can pet and stroke your cat on the area that was treated though.

What to look for when buying a flea comb?

Here are a few things to look for when purchasing a quality flea comb: Preferably, you should purchase one with metal teeth. In my experience, a plastic flea comb tends to not last long and metal ones are a lot stronger.

Where can I buy flea combs?

You can purchase one at most pet shops, vets and even supermarkets usually stock them. Remember that you will also need a normal pet brush (if you don’t have one already) that can remove the knots and tangles out of the fur. This should not be the same brush you use for flea combing. Here are a few things to look for when purchasing a quality flea comb: 1 Preferably, you should purchase one with metal teeth. In my experience, a plastic flea comb tends to not last long and metal ones are a lot stronger. 2 The comb teeth need to be very close together (fine toothed) and it’s ideal to get one with two rows (double row) of them. This improves the chances of catching the fleas, eggs and dirt while brushing your animal. 3 I usually look for a product that has a rubber handle. I find that it makes it easier to use but this is optional. 4 You shouldn’t need to spend anything more then $15. There are even decent quality flea combs that sell for as low as $5 so they should be affordable for most people.

What is a flea comb?

Flea combs are a fine toothed device that you can use to find fleas (and remove them) from pets. In fact, most of them can be used for both dogs and cats or even other furry animals like rabbits.

Why is it so painful to brush a cat's fur?

If your cat has a number of flea bites, brushing their fur and using the comb to find fleas can be very painful due to inflammation. I recommend treating the bites with a soothing cream before brushing or alternatively, just be gentle while doing it to avoid any unnecessary pain.

How many rows of comb teeth should I use?

The comb teeth need to be very close together (fine toothed) and it’s ideal to get one with two rows (double row) of them. This improves the chances of catching the fleas, eggs and dirt while brushing your animal. I usually look for a product that has a rubber handle.

Where do fleas hang out?

The tummy region is also a common place for fleas to hang out so don’t forget it! While combing for fleas, you will also need to check your pet’s paws to ensure that no fleas are left behind. I usually dunk the comb into my hot water/soap solution every couple brushes or when I notice any fleas or dirt on it.

How to get rid of cat pain when combing?

Starting with the head and neck region, give your pet’s fur a good (but gentle) brush, making sure that you take the time to cover all areas.

How to treat fleas on cats?

When applying a cat flea treatment to your cat, wear a pair of gloves if possible to avoid skin contact with the product. If you do get any on you, wash your hands thoroughly after treating your feline friend. PetMD recommended letting flea spray and drops dry completely before you touch your cat again. You should also watch her closely ...

Is flea treatment good for cats?

Regular cat flea treatment is essential to keep your feline friend safe from these disease-bearing insects. However, it's important to consider the safety of your cat and your own as well when applying flea control products. The most important thing is to purchase the right product.

Can I use flea collar on kittens?

For instance, the Hartz® UltraGuard Plus ® Flea & Tick Collar for Cats and Kittens isn't suitable for kittens younger than 12 weeks. When applying a cat flea treatment to your cat, wear a pair of gloves if possible ...

Can you wash flea collars after touching them?

With flea collars, it's not as simple as waiting for the treatment to dry. The Environmental Protection Agency suggested washing hands after every time you touch your cat, as the collars release chemicals to protect your cat continuously. This content is provided by the flea and tick experts at Hartz.

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.

How long do fleas live in the environment?

Flea eggs and larvae can live in the environment for days or weeks. It is best to regularly vacuum all the locations of your home where your pet spends time, wash all bedding in hot water, and keep your pets on flea prevention.

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.

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.

Where to put hair on dog?

You must part the hair so that you can apply it to the skin at the base of the neck. Read the instructions on the package; most direct you to apply it all in one spot on the neck, while a few will have you apply it to several spots along the back that the pet cannot reach (for larger dogs).

Where to apply hair spray for dogs?

You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 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.

Can you treat fleas in your home?

Your Home Hasn’t Been Treated for Fleas. In conjunction with topical flea treatments, you need to treat your home to provide the best defense against fleas. Most flea preventions do not repel fleas. Flea preventions kill fleas either by direct contact with the fleas or from the fleas feeding on your pet.

How long should I wait to bathe a dog after flea meds?

If you do not wash the flea meds off within an hour of application, it is already absorbed. If you want to bathe him, I'd wait 3 days. Generally, the packages say to wait 3 days before applying flea meds & 3 days after for baths. However, if you have questions, it's never a bad idea to consult your vet. Jan 16, 2008.

How long after a syringe can you wash it?

Once you've put it on once, you must wait a whole month before re-applying. I wouldn't wash him for at least 24 hours after application, or two days for maximum effectiveness. After that the treatment has usually gotten all the way into the skin and you're good to wash.

Can you wash a kitten with Emmylou?

emmylou is correct- advantage absorbs under the skin and cannot just be washed off. To bathe and reapply, could put the kitten in serious health issues. The fleas will start to die off soon. Just be sure that next time you apply flea treatment, use another brand of topical flea treatment from your vet.

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