Five reasons flea treatment for dogs might not work
- Medication choice:. There’s a bewildering array of products out there for getting rid of fleas; collars, flea spray,...
- Application error:. With spot on treatments, application of liquid to the skin is crucial. If most of the vial is...
- Wash off effect:. Have you washed your stinky hound after they’ve rolled in...
What to do when flea medicine isn't working?
Dec 17, 2020 · The product will not function properly if you try to do so. If the product does not reach your pet’s sebaceous glands, it will not work effectively. This is common in pets that have extremely dry skin or thick fur. As with humans, exfoliating your pet’s skin and removing extraneous dead skin cells will provide a clean surface for the topical.
What do if your treatment isn't working?
Apr 07, 2021 · However, these may not be as effective as over-the-counter treatments: ● Apple cider vinegar and salt bath – Combine 6 cups apple cider vinegar with a dash of sea salt and spray your pet’s... ● Lemon bath – Squeeze half a cup of fresh lemon juice and add a drop of regular pet shampoo. ● Lather bath ...
Why is the seresto collar not working?
Dec 16, 2017 · Dunk the comb into hot soapy water after each pass throgh the fur to drown the fleas. Vaccum frequently. Give your cat a bath in blue Dawn dish soap or have a groomer give a flea bath.Keep on top of washing blankets, bedding, etc in hot water. There are more tips here: Homemade Flea Remedies For Cats
What is the best homemade flea treatment?
Mar 08, 2021 · What happens if flea drops don’t work? If you are experiencing problems with flea medication not working it may be due to the flea life cycle. These points are usually where the problem lies. Once an adult flea emerges from the pupae and finds a host, it will live on that host it’s entire life. Fleas don’t jump from one pet to another.
Can I reapply flea treatment if it doesn't work?
Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand.
Why am I still finding fleas after treatment?
As eggs hatch and develop, you might find fleas reappearing 10-14 days after treatment - this is quite normal and provided the insecticide remains in place it will kill them. This is why it is important not to carry out cleaning which might remove insecticide.
How soon can you reapply flea treatment?
There is no single answer for this frequently asked question. The 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.
Why does my dog still have fleas after treatment?
Not treating often enough Fleas go through a life cycle of egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Most flea treatments just kill adult fleas, but fleas can continue to emerge for months after you think an infestation has ended. When a newly emerged female flea finds a host, she can lay eggs within one day.Feb 19, 2018
What kills fleas on cats instantly?
Medicines your cat eats. The pill nitenpyram (Capstar) kills adult fleas on your cat within 30 minutes. It doesn't have any lasting effects, though. Spinosad (Comfortis) is a fast-acting chewable that starts killing fleas before they lay eggs.Feb 6, 2021
What kills fleas on dogs instantly?
The most common product used to kill fleas on dogs instantly is Nitenpyram, more commonly known as Capstar. This single-use tablet is administered orally and kills fleas within 30 minutes. It is recommended that you contain your pet in a small area when using Capstar.Jun 29, 2020
Why is my cat still scratching after flea treatment?
It's fairly typical after you've applied Itch Flea for there to be a period of hyperactivity amongst the fleas as the product takes effect, and this can cause an increase in itching. It should settle down though after 24 hours.Apr 23, 2021
What do you do if frontline doesn't work?
Speak to your veterinarian about this first if your flea medicine is not working. One Frontline alternative is to switch to another topical product. Another alternative is to supplement the topical product with another product that works internally, such as Capstar.
Can I use Frontline every 2 weeks?
Treat all your dogs and cats every month for optimal flea control. When applied correctly, FRONTLINE PLUS remains active against fleas for at least one month. If you are in a paralysis tick area, apply FRONTLINE PLUS FOR DOGS every 2 weeks to provide paralysis tick control for your dog.
Will vacuuming daily get rid of fleas?
Because flea eggs are difficult to see and even more difficult to remove, every time you vacuum you should assume you're only removing the adults. That's why it's important to vacuum daily. Every day you vacuum you'll be able to remove all of the hatched eggs before they've become adults and create more flea eggs.
How do you get rid of fleas that won't go away?
Control the environment – Adopt control strategies including: Vacuum the carpet 2-3 times a week to remove eggs, wash pets blankets weekly (in the washing machine), spray the house, kennels and yards with an adult flea killer, fog the house to prevent larvae developing.
Can my dog sleep in my bed with fleas?
Unfortunately, if your dog has fleas and sleeps in your bed, your bed will likely end up with fleas. Fleas can lay eggs in your pet's fur, and those eggs can fall off onto your bedding and other areas where your dog sits or sleeps.
Are You Really Sure You’Re Doing It Right?
The first thing to check (and double-check and triple-check) are the directions of whatever flea medicine you bought. For instance, if you are givi...
How Healthy Is Your Pet’S Skin?
Dry and unhealthy skin can affect how well spot on treatments work. A good washing and combing of your pet’s coat could help with the application o...
Where Are All The Fleas Coming from?
Some estimate that over 90% of the flea population lives not on your dog, but in your house and your yard. You may be doing your best to keep your...
When Did You Start The medication?
Once you see fleas on your pet, it’s going to be more difficult to get them off than if you were using the medicine as protection before the pests...
Are You Treating All Your Pets For fleas?
Well, are you? Just because one isn’t scratching as much as the other doesn’t mean that all of your pets aren’t suffering from fleas. That also mea...
How to kill fleas on cats?
1. Using flea shampoo. One really common scenario is a frustrated pet parent who uses flea shampoo, then applies, for example, a topical flea treatment for cats, to kill the fleas. Many of the spot-on flea products use the natural oils of the coat to spread over your pet.
How long should I bathe my dog after flea shampoo?
So, if you’ve just washed your pet and stripped the natural oils, they’ll be less effective. Check the packaging for specific recommendations, but most say you cannot apply within 48 hours of a bath, and you shouldn’t bathe your dog for at least 48 hours after application, either.
How long does it take for fleas to hatch?
Pet parents often have unrealistic expectations, especially if they buy a product from the vets – but the truth is, the pupae can wait 12 weeks to hatch, which means you need to treat for 12 weeks, without a gap, to beat them.
Can fleas feed on rabbits?
There’s no point in treating your dogs if the adult fleas can feed on your rabbit, or on the neighbour’s cat that sleeps on your sofa sometimes! The minute you forget a day of your dog’s treatment, or use a sub-standard product, they’ll catch fleas again. Make sure you treat all the animals in the house so the adult fleas have nowhere safe to go! If you have a visiting cat, please check with their owner before applying flea treatment, to avoid double-dosing.
Why aren't flea products working?
Another reason for products not working is by not treating your home and yard, where in some cases 80% of the flea life cycle may occur. Read how to control fleas indoors and outdoors.
Can Advantage II be applied on multiple spots?
For instance, for large dogs, Advantage II requires the product to be applied on multiple spots down the pet’s back.
Can pet hair medication be applied to skin?
This is something that can be somewhat of a challenge for thick haired pets; however, the pet medication will not work properly if only the hair follicles receive the medication – it must be applied to the skin.
Do pet owners see fleas?
All too often, a pet owner will come in and share their experience in which he or she regularly applies topical flea prevention, yet is frustrated that after several treatments they are still seeing fleas.
Can fleas be treated with oral flea medicine?
Consider switching to oral flea medications. The newer oral flea medications are becoming very popular and with good reason — they’re even more effective than topical treatments at killing adult fleas and keeping your pet flea-free.
Why do insects die when exposed to insecticides?
Upon exposure to insecticides, insects that do not carry the resistance genes die. This allows the individuals with the resistance genes to survive and reproduce, creating more resistant insects. So with every generation, the number of resistant insects increase.
What is Advantage Yard and Premise Spray?
The Advantage Yard & Premise Spray and the Enforcer Flea Spray for Homes are just two products that can help you win the war on fleas & ticks! Insects are known for their ability to develop resistance to insecticides. Currently, there are insects resistant to EVERY synthetic chemical insecticide used. There are many factors to developing resistance.
Can you rub a pet's coat the wrong way?
With topical spot-on products, it’s important that the product reaches your pet’s skin and doesn’t sit above their epidermal layer. You’ll want to rub your pet’s coat the wrong way so you can see skin. If the product doesn’t hit the skin, it will not be absorbed in your pet’s sebaceous glands. That’s where the flea-fighting magic happens!
Can you switch to Advantage 2 Frontline Plus?
For example, if you’ve been using Frontline Plus on your pet for years, and notice it isn’t as effective, try switching to Advantage II . Don’t switch to a product with the same active ingredient as what you have been using. In all likelihood, it will not be effective.
Can you exfoliate your pet's skin?
As with humans, exfoliating your pet’s skin and removing extraneous dead skin cells will provide a clean surface for the topical. Follow the directions on your topical, but the directions on most topicals advise to make sure the coat is completely dry before applying the product.
Can flea medicine be absorbed by pets?
If the product doesn’t hit the skin, it will not be absorbed in your pet’s sebaceous glands. That’s where the flea-fighting magic happens! Make sure you are using the entire tube of medication on your pet. Don’t skimp and try to save a few dollars by splitting the product between months or between pets.
Can flea spray be used on a dog's coat?
With spot on treatments, application of liquid to the skin is crucial. If most of the vial is squeezed on the coat rather than the skin by carefully parting the hair, then it won’t be as effective . Or only effective for a short period of time, leaving your pet prone to fleas before their next dose is due.
Can flea resistance be explained?
Most suspected cases of flea resistance can be explained by one or more of the above issues. If you’ve addressed all of those and are still battling a flea problem, speak with your vet about using a different product to help your specific set of circumstances.
What to do when fleas invade your house?
The best course of action is to throw any soft fabrics that your pet has come into contact with into the washing machine. Your pet’s bedding should be the first concern.
Why is it so hard to clear up fleas?
Once your pet gets a flea infestation, it can be hard to clear up. One of the biggest reasons people continue to see fleas in their home or on their pets, despite their best efforts at flea prevention, is that they only treat their pets.
Why is Frontline not working?
The main reason that Frontline may fail as a flea product is a large infestation of fleas being present in various stages. When there are eggs, larvae, and pupae/young fleas, Frontline is ineffective.
How long do flea collars last?
Some flea collars last three months, while others last up to a year. Again, I myself pay a hefty price for a very useful yearly collar, Seresto. Even without regular flea baths or essential oils, there’s never any fleas on any 3 of my pups. Here’s a shortlist of some of the best flea collars you can buy.
Why do dogs wear flea collars?
All pets should wear a flea collar to help protect them from flea bites and infestations . There are numerous prescription and over-the-counter collars available for varying prices, with Seresto being the most proven and popular. You can even DIY your own with the right materials!
What is the best flea repellent?
Vodka. Vodka, believe it or not, is another excellent flea repellant. Don’t worry – you don’t have to waste all your yummy vodka to protect your furry friends! Pour yourself a shot and set aside a teaspoon to make your pet’s collar. Make sure the vodka is plain, as the flavored varieties will not work.
How long does Frontline stay effective?
Frontline is a topical treatment that should stay effective for an entire month- four weeks in total. If it’s been more than three weeks since you administered the previous application of Frontline to your pet’s coat, chances are the fleas are present because the medication is starting to wear off.
How to get rid of fleas in cats?
While the flea medicine slowly works, you can do other things to get rid of the fleas. Comeb your cat's fur frquently with a fine toothed comb to remove fleas and eggs. Dunk the comb into hot soapy water after each pass throgh the fur to drown the fleas. Vaccum frequently.
Does Broadline kill fleas?
Some use Advantage. They both kill fleas and the eggs . I don't know the active ingredients in Broadline . If one medication fails to work I would try a different one. Sometimes with longhair cats you must make sure you part the hair and apply the drops directly on the skin .
Can you spray flea killer on carpet?
Location. Nebraska, USA. Yes, make sure you vacuum more often, and even spray some flea killer on the carpet to kill the eggs and fleas you suck up. Wash blankets and covers almost daily and spray the area where your cat sleeps before you replace the bedding.
Why do I still see fleas after using frontline?
The ingredient in FRONTLINE Spot On and FRONTLINE Plus that kills fleas makes them hyperactive before they die. 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.
Can I reapply flea treatment early?
While you can reapply flea treatment early in some cases, you should talk to your veterinarian to find the best and most effective flea treatment for your pet.
Why am I still finding fleas after treatment?
A. The active ingredient in FRONTLINE (fipronil) kills fleas by affecting their nervous system, making them hyperactive before dying. These dying fleas often rise to the top of your pet’s haircoat, so the presence of visible fleas after treating your pet, is a sign that the product is working.
Do fleas jump off after treatment?
Once a flea infestation has set up in your home, it can take a while to completely clear it. The cocoon stage in the flea life cycle can remain dormant within your home for many months, so new fleas can continue to emerge for months, even after treatment.
How do you make sure fleas are gone?
Here’s how to start eliminating fleas from your home: Use a powerful vacuum on any floors, upholstery, and mattresses. Employ a steam cleaner for carpets and upholstery, including pet beds. Wash all bedding, including your pet’s, in hot water. Use chemical treatments.
How do I know Frontline is working?
It is possible that you see more fleas on your pet after using Frontline Plus. However, this is a sign that the medication is working. Frontline makes fleas hyperactive before killing them and attracts them to the top of the hair coat, making them easier to spot.
Can fleas live in human hair?
Fleas do not live on humans because they lack substantial hair like animals, and it’s very difficult to reproduce without the protection of fur or feathers. One lab study observed that a flea would have to feed on a human for 12 straight hours to have the chance to lay viable eggs.
How to control fleas naturally?
A way to control fleas naturally inside your home is to apply diatomaceous earth or salt to your carpet. A way to control fleas naturally on your pet is to use neem oil.
What products are used to treat fleas?
Commercial topical products such as Frontline, Advantage, K9 Advantix, and Revolution are, of course, formulated to control fleas. Each of them contains different chemicals, many of which are hazardous. ( See the post about dangerous chemicals .)
Is flea control effective?
Some of these chemicals may be more effective than others in flea control. A flea is a very resilient creature — difficult to control because it reproduces so rapidly, and difficult to kill because of its bodily structure.
Is Frontline Plus a topical flea control?
Frontline and Frontline Plus are among the most popular topical flea control products. Yet over and over again on discussion boards and in forums, you see comments from dog and cat owners claiming that Frontline isn’t working. Commercial topical products such as Frontline, Advantage, K9 Advantix, and Revolution are, of course, ...
