Treatment FAQ

how to put topical flea treatment on dogs

by Myrtie Gaylord DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Apply Each Brand of Topical Flea Treatment

  • 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...
  • Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots...

Part of a video titled How To Apply A Spot On Flea Treatment To Your Dog
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Part the fair with one hand so that you can see the skin at the base of the hair using your otherMorePart the fair with one hand so that you can see the skin at the base of the hair using your other hand apply the spot-on treatment directly onto the exposed skin rather than the fair.

Full Answer

How to choose the safest flea treatment for your dog?

#5: Best Natural Option: Arava Flea & Tick Prevention Collar

  • Effective for up to 6 months
  • Water resistance
  • No pesticides harmful to your dog or the environment

How soon can I give my Dog another flea treatment?

Revolution/Revolution Plus:

  • Hold the tube upright and press the cap firmly until you hear a click.
  • Remove the cap and make sure that seal has been broken.
  • Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin.
  • Keep the tube squeezed so the liquid isn’t sucked back into the tube.
  • Make sure the tube is empty.

What is the best natural flea repellent for dogs?

  • Traps (soapy water, electric, or glue) – kills adult fleas
  • Diatomaceous earth – kills adult fleas
  • Cedarwood and Neem oils – kills eggs, larvae, and adult fleas
  • A Dawn Dishsoap bath – kills adult fleas and larvae
  • Rosemary essential oil – repels adult fleas
  • Apple cider vinegar – repels adult fleas

What is the best treatment for dog fleas?

Vet-recommended flea treatments for your dog, from topical solutions to collars

  • Topical flea medication or spot-on treatments. One of the most common flea treatments are spot-on or topical medications, which “are applied to the dog’s skin with a pipette”, says Pohl.
  • Flea collars. ...
  • Oral treatments. ...
  • Flea treatment for your house. ...

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Do you rub in flea treatment?

You can apply it on different sections of its neck, but it's best to concentrate on one area to make sure the most medication gets applied directly on its skin. Refrain from rubbing the tick and flea medication in, as this can just spread it on its fur, where it won't protect against the parasites.

Where should topical flea medication be applied?

0:041:08How to Apply Flea & Tick Topical Treatments - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown part the hair behind the neck and applied the full dosage directly onto the skin and not theMoreDown part the hair behind the neck and applied the full dosage directly onto the skin and not the coat.

How do you apply flea and tick topical to dogs?

How to Apply Flea and Tick MedicationTouch your pet's skin with the applicator tip. ... You can slide the applicator under the hair (rather than parting the hair with your fingers) if you are sure the applicator touches the skin.Apply along your pet's back where your pet cannot reach.More items...

Where is the best place to put flea treatment on dogs?

Choose a spot on the back of your dog's neck, ideally by the base of the skull. Part your dog's fur so you can see their skin and apply a small blob directly to the skin. If you have a large dog, consider applying two small blobs, about a centimetre apart.

Should you bathe a dog before flea treatment?

Apply Spot-on Flea Treatment Avoid bathing your dog for a few days before and after applying spot-on flea treatment. If you bathe your dog before the application, there won't be enough natural oils to carry the medication deep into their skin. If you bathe them shortly after application, you'll wash the medicine away.

How long does it take for topical flea medicine to work?

Modern flea treatments, such as FRONTLINE, don't work by stopping fleas from jumping on your pet- they are effective at killing newly arriving fleas within 24 hours. working when actually it is continuing to kill fleas – you are simply seeing different fleas each time that will be killed soon.

How long does it take for flea medicine to dry?

You can usually cuddle and pet your cat immediately after receiving an oral flea prevention medication. Topical products can take a few hours to soak into the skin layer. Avoid petting your cat for 24-48 hours in the spot where you applied a topical medication.

How often can you apply topical flea treatment?

30 daysThe known safe answer is to wait the period of time the product is supposed to work, typically 30 days, before reapplying. An alternative is to bathe the pet in a detergent shampoo (meant to strip off skin oils) and reapply after 24 hours.

Can you apply flea medicine after a bath?

Having said that, most people seem to agree that 48 hours is a good rule of thumb to follow when applying flea medicine after a dog's bath. You can put flea medicine on a dog after a bath, but please wait at least 48 hours.

Does it matter if flea treatment goes on fur?

When you apply the flea medication, it's essential to completely part the pet's hair so that the medication can be applied directly to the skin. If you have a pet with thick fur, this can present a challenge.

Why do you put flea treatment on the back of the neck?

The reason you apply it to the back of their neck is to prevent them itching it away, this is important for its even distribution. Use the recommended dose on each dog, don't share pipettes if you have more than one dog. Wait 24 hours before bathing your dog to ensure the solution is distributed properly.

Why are there still fleas on my dog after treatment?

There are no flea products that stop fleas from jumping onto pets. This means that regardless of the licensed flea treatment you use - you may still see fleas on your pet until the flea product kills it.

Where to find a dog's mouth?

First of all, find the area between the shoulder blades of the pet. It is the two bones below the neck. This is an area which is difficult for your pet to reach with his mouth and is the best place for treatment.

Is topical painless?

Applying the topical treatment is quick and painless. It is important to use the treatment as directed by instructions. Keep in mind the expert tips in order to apply the treatment correctly.

Can fleas and ticks harm dogs?

Fleas and ticks are nothing to joke about, as these parasites can cause serious harm to your dog’s overall health. There are steps you can take to ensure no unwanted critters make your dog’s coat and skin their home. Applying their pet drugs the correct way is arguably one of the most important.

Can you give a dog Comfortis?

Flea and tick preventatives can come in a liquid or chewable tab form so the way you give your dog the medication will vary depending on which brand you use. Revolution, Frontline Plus and Pet Armor are all topical medications and need some instruction to work correctly. Comfortis comes in a chewable tablet, so you can simply give the dog the medication as a treat.

What is the best flea treatment for dogs?

So, what's the best flea treatment for dogs? 1. Flea and Tick Collars. Believe it or not, prevention can be as simple as putting a collar on your dog.

What is the best flea collar for a puppy?

The Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Collar is a veterinarian-recommended flea collar that comes in two options. The Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Collar for Large Dogs and the Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Collar for Small Dogs are both safe for puppies and dogs that are 7 weeks and older. These collars will work start killing off any fleas on your dog ...

What is the best chew for fleas?

If your pup is suffering from a flea infestation, try a soft chew that’s similar to a treat. Advantus Soft Chews for Small Dogs and Advantus Soft Chews for Large Dogs are made with imidacloprid, an insect neurotoxin that works to paralyze and kill fleas within one hour of treatment.

How long does it take for a flea collar to work?

These collars will work start killing off any fleas on your dog within the first 24 hours. Summer and swimming go hand and hand, so you may be hesitant to get a flea collar if your dog loves to cool off in the water.

How long does it take for K9 Advantix to work?

It easily treats and kills any fleas and ticks that may come your dog's way. K9 Advantix for dogs starts working within 12 hours and will kill all stages of fleas, which will prevent a reinfestation.

How to make a dog collar work?

The collar works by rubbing on skin, so if you have a long-haired dog, trim the hair around the neck to help the collar work best. 2.

Is it safe to keep a dog indoors with fleas?

By Lindsay Schencker. Now more than ever is the time to be proactive about pest prevention. Flea and tick season is at its peak in summertime, so you’ll want to ensure your dog stays safe. It's important to keep in mind that your pet can also be affected by fleas and ticks indoors.

What to consider when choosing flea treatment for pets?

To find the best product for your pet’s needs, you’ll need to think about your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle.

What are the side effects of flea treatment?

The most common side effects that can occur with topical flea treatments are localized skin reactions such as hair loss, itching and irritation, scabbing, and inflammation at the site where the treatment was applied. If side effects occur, wash the product off of your pet and contact your veterinarian for further treatment advice.

How many eggs can a flea lay in a day?

A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs in a day, so even just a few fleas on your pet can quickly turn into a major problem. A prescription flea treatment will be necessary to combat the infestation and your pet will need to be treated for a minimum of three months to address the whole life cycle of the parasite.

Can fleas cause hair loss?

The most common side effects of topical flea treatments are localized skin reactions such as hair loss, redness, itching and irritation, scabbing, and inflammation. If your pet has had a history of reactions to topical medications or has skin problems such as allergies or skin infections, an oral flea treatment may be a safer option for your pet.

Does flea treatment work for cats?

Different flea treatment products contain different medications, so each product works a little differently. Some of the best topical flea treatments for cats kill adult fleas immediately on contact. Some products also contain a repellent agent so fleas will avoid jumping on your pet. Many flea treatment products also contain medications which kill ...

Can flea medication be absorbed?

Many topical flea products are not absorbed systemically. This means that the medication does not cross the skin barrier or enter your pet’s bloodstream, which can be safer for some pets with a history of reactions to certain types of medications.

Can you use flea medicine on a dog that swims?

However, most cannot withstand the best dog shampoo.

How long does flea collar last?

"Flea collars use a concentrated chemical to repel fleas (and sometimes ticks) from a dog or cat," says Jennifer Kvamme, DVM."The chemical will disperse all over the animal’s coat and can last for several months. ".

Can flea dips kill ticks?

He also advises against using cheaper collars, which aren't as effective. According to Dr. Niesenbaum, flea dips and shampoos are only effective for killing fleas and ticks that are already on your pet and can be more toxic and have very little effectiveness compared to other products now on the market.

Do flea and tick products work on cats?

It may be hard to believe, but getting flea and tick products to work on dogs and cats used to be a long, messy, even smelly process. Today there are so many better options to get these pesky parasites off of your pet and out of your home.

Do flea and tick treatments have to go through your pet's organs?

Flea and Tick Topical Treatments. Today’s topical treatments typically use a compound that is regulated by the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) and does not have to go through your pet’s organs. Some are available at retail stores and others through your vet.

Can flea and tick treatment be used on a cat?

Also, never use a flea and tick topical preventive product that is labeled for a dog on a cat or vice versa.

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 factors to consider when treating a puppy for fleas?

Factors to consider include: Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, ...

Can flea and tick collars be used on cats?

As is the case with flea and tick collars, if you’re unable to keep your pet away from small children or animals who may come into direct contact with the medication before it has dried or absorbed into your pet’s skin, a topical treatment might not be the ideal solution. If you have cats in your home, you will want to talk to a veterinarian ...

Do tick collars leave traces?

All flea and tick collars tend to leave traces of the chemicals that make them effective around the dog’s environment and on your pet, so this may be a concern with young children who tend to put everything in their mouths. Some dogs have had local skin reactions to the collar that have resolved when it was removed.

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 ...

Does Frontline Plus work?

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 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.

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.

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).

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.

Signs of a Flea Infestation on Your Dog

You can see adult fleas with the naked eye, although it isn't always easy. But most of the time, you'll notice the symptoms of a flea infestation before you notice the fleas themselves.

7 Top Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs

You've confirmed the presence of fleas on your dog, either by symptoms, the presence of flea dirt, visible fleas in your dog's coat, or all of the above. Now what?

When to See Your Veterinarian

If a flea infestation is severe or home remedies aren't working, it's time to visit the vet.

Flea Prevention Tips for Dog Owners

Just like any health problem, preventing fleas is better than dealing with them after the fact. Prevent a flea infestation in your dog by:

Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: What to Know

It's no fun when your dog has fleas. Before resorting to flea collars and other methods, you might want to try some natural home remedies. From apple cider vinegar, citrus baths, and coconut oil to pest-control methods for the home and/or yard like diatomaceous earth and nematodes, a variety of solutions might work for you.

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