Treatment FAQ

when flea treatment doesn't work

by Prof. Julien Mueller PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Incorrect Application of Flea Treatment 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.

Can I reapply flea treatment if it doesn't work? If you've applied flea treatment but can still see live fleas on your pet, you should resist the urge to re-apply the flea treatment. Doubling up on dosing can be dangerous for your pet, and unnecessary, if you are using already using an effective flea product.Jan 13, 2022

Full Answer

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 · Combing. One of the most effective- though time-consuming- methods to rid your pet of fleas if Frontline stops working is to give your pup a brush down. Flea combs help remove live fleas, although it doesn’t kill them. These combs also …

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?

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What do I do if flea treatment doesn't work?

Your Flea Medication Has Become Ineffective 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.Jun 12, 2019

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.

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 can't I get rid of fleas?

These pests are very hard to get rid of. Fleas have flattened bodies so they can move through the fur of their hosts easily. They also have very strong exoskeletons, making them very hard to crush. They also leap out of danger quickly and are very small, so if they do get away they are hard to find again.

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

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

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

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.

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

How long will I see fleas after treatment?

Often owners will see fleas reappear about 3-4 weeks after the application as this is when the largest number of flea pupae (from eggs laid by the fleas killed 3-4 weeks earlier) are ready to hatch. Allowing your pet free access to all parts of the home will help to get the fleas to hatch out of their pupae.Dec 3, 2012

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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 .

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