Treatment FAQ

when can i give another flea treatment since the one i gave isnt working

by Juanita Hane MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Full Answer

Can I reapply flea treatment after 2 weeks?

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS Veterinarian A flea infestation on your pet or in your home can be difficult and frustrating to deal with. Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand. I recommend using Advantage or Revolution.

Why won’t my flea treatment work?

Here are four common reasons why this might be happening. 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.

Do you have to treat for fleas only for adults?

And it’s not just adult fleas you need to watch out for, because they only make up less than 5 percent of the flea population. You should be treating your home for adults plus the other 95 percent—flea eggs, flea larvae and flea pupae. Flea eggs and larvae can live in the environment for days or weeks.

When is the best time of year to use flea treatment?

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. Find out when that peak season is for you by using our Flea & Tick map, which is based on historical weather data for your region.

How soon can you reapply flea treatment?

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.

What do you do if flea treatment isn't working?

It's time to go and see your vet. Don't be embarrassed – your local veterinarian deals with fleas all the time and it is no reflection on your home or ability to care for your pet. Your vet will be able to work out what's gone wrong and help you to get rid of the fleas.

Can I reapply spot on flea treatment early?

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 you apply flea treatment twice?

Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand. I recommend using Advantix or a chewable prescription product from your vet, like Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio. This recommendation is unrelated to Petco or PetCoach.

Can you overdose on flea treatment?

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.

Why am I still finding fleas after treatment?

By allowing treated pets to access all parts of the home you usually let them into, your pet acts as a 'living vacuum cleaner' to kill the newly hatched fleas before they can lay more eggs. Because of this, it is normal to see fleas on treated pets during this time.

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.

How soon can I use Frontline Plus again?

FRONTLINE PLUS FOR DOGS should be applied every 2 weeks for control of paralysis ticks on dogs, or every month for control of brown dog ticks. FRONTLINE SPRAY should be applied every 3 weeks for control of paralysis ticks on cats and dogs, or every month for the control of brown dog ticks.

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.

Can I put 2 flea treatments on my dog?

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 do you do if frontline doesn't work?

If you suspect it is not controlling your pet's fleas, you may, in certain cases, be able to reapply it in as little as two weeks and try again. Speak to your veterinarian about this first if your flea medicine is not working. One Frontline alternative is to switch to another topical product.

How often can you use flea treatment?

Pet flea sprays can kill fleas, but may need to be re-applied from as often as every few days, up to every few weeks. Flea tablets, once ingested, work in your pet's blood stream, killing fleas once they take a blood meal.

How long should I keep fleas off my dog?

Use a monthly preventive on all pets for at least 3 consecutive months to break the flea life cycle. Year round use is preferred. You will also have to treat the environment. Wash all bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces.

What to give Mia for fleas?

I recommend using Advantage or Revolution. This recommendation is unrelated to Petco or PetCoach. If you are seeing fleas on Mia now, you can give her Capstar ( Nitenpyram ). It's a one time pill that starts killing adult fleas in 30 minutes and is safe to use with a topical treatment.

Can I reapply flea treatment after 2 weeks?

1 answer. A flea infestation on your pet or in your home can be difficult and frustrating to deal with. Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand. I recommend using Advantage or Revolution. This recommendation is unrelated to Petco or PetCoach.

Can I Apply Advantage After Two Weeks?

Advantage II can kill the existing fleas on your fur-buddy within 12 hours. If you’re worried about new parasites, do not be. Advantage protects against them too and lasts up to 4 weeks, so no more itching or scratching all day long, giving you peace of mind and your pet the relief they need.

Can You Overdose A Cat with Flea Medicine?

Flea treatment such as Advantage contains an active ingredient known as Imidacloprid. Though considered safe to use insecticide, it may cause some harmful reactions when used on cats younger than seven months of age. And result in shaking, drooling, vomiting and a stark drop in appetite.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Or Cat Has Product Toxicity?

It’s important to take care of your furry friends when they need it most. If you notice any signs that their skin is irritated, contact a licensed veterinarian and get them bathed right away with warm water and a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid or baby shampoo.

Can You Double Up On Flea Treatment?

The answer is no. Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Wait for the time mentioned and let the medication work to produce results. It is usually 30 days before re-application. Or, if you want to reapply, rinse your pet with a shampoo that drains off all the skin oils and then apply after 24 hours.

How Do I Know If Flea Treatment Is Working?

Flea products are necessary for your pets, and they come in such as flea collars, sprays, tablets, and spot-on. Speak with a veterinarian before choosing the right product because some can take up to three days while others will only need an hour!

Why Does My Cat Still Have Fleas After Using Advantage?

There are a few reasons why even after using Advantage, your cat displays fleas.

Summing up

If you love your pets and want to give them the proper medication the right way, this article is for you. We have enlisted all the necessary information you may need to keep your pet healthy and free of fleas. Use all the suggestions well and share the word with other pet parents too. Should you require more information, do let us know.

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.

When to start flea treatment?

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.

How long does it take for flea eggs to grow?

Flea eggs that were originally on your pet may have fallen off into the corners and cracks of your home, and that's just the start of the flea life cycle! Those eggs could take up to twelve months to become adult fleas, and when they do, those pests can then jump back onto your pet.

Can you use Spot on Flea and Tick?

How to Use Spot On Flea and Tick Treatment. This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.

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.

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.

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