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. Topical medication should be applied directly to the skin, not the hair.
What to do when flea medicine isn't working?
Sep 28, 2017 · We have been careful to wait the full 7-30 days as the instructions on the box specify (Advantage says for infestations, a flea treatment every 7 days can be helpful, while Petarmor and Frontline said 30 days minimum between dosages). We gave her a flea bath between switching from Petarmor and Frontline, and that worked a while as well.
What do if your treatment 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.
Why is the seresto collar not 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 …
What is the best homemade flea treatment?
Aug 16, 2018 · 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 …
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 does my dog keep getting fleas even 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
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 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
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
What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas on a dog?
Here are a few remedies and treatments you can use to get rid of fleas.Give Your Pet a Bath. One of the first solutions to get rid of fleas is to bathe your pet. ... Comb Your Pet's Hair Using a Fine-Tooth Flea Comb. ... Kill the Fleas. ... Spray an Apple Cider Vinegar Solution on Your Pet. ... Do Regular Checks. ... Let Your Pet Groom Itself.Oct 21, 2021
How do you break the life cycle of a flea?
Fleas cannot fly, but they move by jumping from object to object. It can take up to 3 months to break a total flea life cycle by using monthly flea treatments. For indoor flea control, vacuuming all floors, carpets, baseboards, pet bedding and furniture will help remove adult fleas and eggs.
Can I give my dog flea medicine twice in a month?
I'm sure other pet owners have wondered about reapplying the nasty, messy flea/tick treatment. Thanks for your time and help. K9 Advantix should not be applied more than once in a month.Aug 19, 2010
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 cats still get fleas after being treated?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, ...
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 it take for Frontline Plus to work on dogs?
At week three or four, try giving your dog a Capstar pill. This medication is safe to use with Frontline Plus and works like an internal flea bomb. 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 ...
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.
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, ...
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.