The short answer: ask your vet. Prescription flea treatments tailored to your pet’s needs and circumstances are far more effective than many ‘over the counter’ products, many of which frankly don’t work. With spot on treatments, application of liquid to the skin is crucial.
What to do when flea medicine isn't working?
Dec 17, 2020 · 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 …
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 Kefa, JamesCalifornia and maggiedemi
What is the best homemade flea treatment?
Mar 08, 2021 · Flea home remedies Dish soap. This home flea remedy involves creating a flea trap using dish soap and some water. Herbal flea spray. Rapid home remedies suggest using an herbal flea spray to get rid of fleas from your home. Baking soda. Salt. Lemon spray. Diatomaceous earth. Rosemary. Flea repelling plants.
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.
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.
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 has my dog still got 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
Why isn't flea treatment working on my cat?
The answer is often in the details; A small lapse in flea treatments or the use of a substandard flea treatment 'just this once' can lead to months of flea bites and stress while trying to get rid of the fleas from your pets and your home. And problems get even worse if your cat has a flea allergy!May 21, 2021
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.
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 you use Frontline twice in a month?
If a pet still has fleas, many veterinarians will use the product more frequently than once monthly, sometimes as often as once every 2-3 weeks. However, this process is often considered to be “off label use,” and I would not use the product this way unless first speaking with your pet's veterinarian.Aug 9, 2010
Can fleas live on bedding?
Can fleas live in beds? Yes, they can. Fleas enjoy a warm environment and your bed is the ideal place. The adult fleas will lay their eggs within the mattress material – and produce fecal matter to feed the larvae.Oct 15, 2019
Do dogs itch more when fleas are dying?
The ingredient in FRONTLINE Spot On and FRONTLINE Plus that kills fleas makes them hyperactive before they die. So you may see fleas come to the surface of your pet's coat and your pet might feel a bit more itchy than usual until those fleas are killed.
Can I give my dog two doses of Frontline?
The minimum time to wait between two treatments of FRONTLINE HomeGard® is 6 months. It is not necessary to use FRONTLINE HomeGard® repeatedly, if you are regularly treating your cat or dog with an effective flea and tick treatment such as FRONTLINE® spot-on products.
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...
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 pet flea-free, but if the rest of the area is infested, you may still be seeing some scratching. Consider treating your home and yard for pests as another measure to keep your pet healthy.
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 showed up. Many vets encourage owners to use flea medication year round, but if you want, you can also begin treatment a few months before the peak flea season beings.
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 means more fleas laying eggs in your home! However, if you have both cats and dogs, make sure to use the species-specific medication for each.
Are You Being Patient?
If you’ve exhausted all other options, maybe it's because you're trying to rush through the process.
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.
Is oral flea medicine effective?
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. Plus, with an oral flea treatment, you eliminate the mess of topical flea treatments and the worry about whether you’ve applied the product properly.
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.
How to get rid of fleas on dog?
To prevent fleas on your dog, mix one cup of water with six to seven drops of oil in a spray bottle and apply to your pet’s coat every other day. Here’s a list of essential oils that are effective against fleas: ● Tea tree oil – must dilute adequately to avoid poisoning (.1%-1%) ● Peppermint oil. ● Citronella oil.
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.
What to use on a dog's collar if they don't wear bandanas?
If your pet doesn’t mind wearing bandanas around their neck, apply a diluted water and oil solution ( lavender or cedar) directly onto the fabric. You can also use this solution on a regular collar if bandanas aren’t an option.
Who is Heather Abraham?
Heather Abraham is an owner of two dogs, one cat, a leopard gecko, and a parrot (who her dad still cannot teach bad words to), and an avid blogger. From the time she was a young girl, she always felt a connection with pets. She brings her love of every type of pet to you, with information on animal nutrition, medication, toys, beds, and everything else in between. She puts pups first while offering other various information along the way.
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 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 .
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.
How to get rid of fleas on dogs?
One of the best ways to get rid of fleas on your dog is to give him a bath with a safe flea shampoo. If you don't have a flea shampoo, even a bath with regular dog shampoo will get rid of most of the fleas on your dog. If you have just put Frontline Plus on your pooch, though, wait at least 48 hours before giving him a bath.
How long does it take for a dog to get fleas?
Fleas are persistent little bugs. Once your pup has fleas, it may take several months to get the problem under control. The adult fleas on your dog are only about 5 percent of the total flea population on him. The other 95 percent are the eggs, larvae and pupae in your dog's environment.
How long does Capstar last on dogs?
It will kill all of the adult fleas on your dog for a full 24 hours and will help the Frontline Plus continue to work before the time that you can reapply it. Capstar is available at most veterinary clinics and many pet supply stores.
Can flea spray be used on dogs?
Otherwise, the medication may not have spread throughout your dog's body completely and won't work as well. You can also use natural flea sprays made with essential oils such as peppermint or clove; they're toxic to fleas but safe for pets.
Can you use Frontline Plus for fleas?
If you have been using Frontline Plus for several months, fleas in your environment may have developed an immunity to the active ingredients in Frontline Plus. Veterinarians and pet owners have strong opinions on both sides of the immunity question, but there is enough scientific and anecdotal evidence to suggest that some fleas can develop a resistance to the medications in Frontline Plus, making it less effective than it should be. If you have been using Frontline Plus for a long time and it seems to be less effective than it used to be, try switching to Advantage II or K9 Advantix II.
Does Frontline Plus kill fleas?
Frontline Plus Can't Kill Every Flea. In the middle of the summer, the fleas may just be too bad for a flea medication to keep up. Although Frontline Plus may kill 100 percent of the fleas immediately after you put it on your dog, its effectiveness will diminish throughout the month. If the fleas in your dog's environment are really bad, ...