Factors to consider include:
- Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. ...
- Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. ...
- Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. ...
What do dogs do after being given a flea treatment?
He gets outdoors and run around in circles before rolling on the ground. Having spoken to other dog owners, he is a small list of weird things they say their dogs do after being given a flea treatment: Acting unsettled. Tries to shake the treatment off. Runs around. Excessive scratching. Rolls on the floor. Starts to sulk. Tiredness and lethargy.
When to switch from topical to oral flea treatment for dogs?
If you find that your topical treatment isn’t doing its job, Dr. Niesenbaum recommends switching to an oral medication after 30 days from the last application of topical treatment. Dr. Niesenbaum says you can expect a spike in flea activity when starting any flea product during the 2-3 months it takes to resolve an established flea infestation.
Is there an alternative to spot on flea treatment for dogs?
With our own dog Claude, we also use a flea and tick collar. Many dog owners will use this as an alternative to spot-on treatments. Handy Hint: Did you know that the effectiveness of flea treatment can depend on the natural oils in your dog’s coat, so you must not wash them out within 2 days of applying the medicine.
When should I take my Dog to the vet for fleas?
If a flea infestation is severe or home remedies aren't working, it's time to visit the vet. It's also possible that your dog has flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), a condition in which your dog is allergic to flea saliva. This causes symptoms like severe itching and inflammation, hair loss, crusting of the skin, and hot spots.
How soon can I give my dog another 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.
Can I switch my dog from Nexgard to frontline?
Combining two treatments without the recommendation of the vet can land the pet owner into unnecessary trouble. Though it is ok to apply Frontline Plus even when the dog is given Nexgard, you can only try it out when the infection is heavy. However, as per our advice, Nexgard and Frontline Plus mustn't be combined.
How often should you change flea treatment?
Usually, just one monthly dose of preventive, given by mouth or applied directly to the skin, is all that's needed to keep pets adequately protected from the little pests.
Can I switch my dog from Nexgard to Bravecto?
Since you can't start Bravecto until 6 months, some pet owners may start with Nexgard and then switch to Bravecto when able. Additionally, some pet owners may opt to switch over to protect breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.
Which is safer Frontline or Nexgard?
Frontline is generally considered to be a better option for dogs that have health concerns because it's applied to the skin. However, if your pup is in good health, they can benefit from the protection that NexGard offers.
What is more effective Frontline or Nexgard?
The answer to this question is the inverse of the answer given for fleas, which is to say that both are equally effective at killing ticks, but in this case, Nexgard kills them quicker. Nexgard can eliminate the little bloodsuckers in just eight hours, whereas it takes 24-48 hours for Frontline to work.
Can I give my dog 2 flea treatments?
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.
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.
Can I use Advantage 2 weeks after using frontline?
Frontline products should not be used in conjunction with Advantage or Advantix products.
Which is better frontline or Bravecto?
Tick-control efficacy on individual dogs was higher in Bravecto™ (fluralaner) treated dogs in weeks 2 and 4. In week 8, Frontline™ (fipronil) efficacy was slightly higher at 100% compared with 99.7% for Bravecto™ (fluralaner). Both treatment groups had a tick efficacy of 100% at week 12 (Table 5).
Why do vets recommend Bravecto?
Vets everywhere recommend this flea and tick solution because it is safe, effective, and easy to use. Bravecto has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the drug has been tested and that the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks in taking it.
Can I use Bravecto and frontline together?
Can I give Bravecto approximately two weeks after applying frontline to my dogs? Their fleas came back with a vengeance after applying the frontline and they are miserable. Yes, you can give bravecto. However, in addition to giving this medication, you will likely need to treat your environment for fleas as well.
Why do people change their flea treatment?
There are several reasons why a pet parent might change their dog's flea treatment. Here are a few of the most common:
Changing your dog's flea treatment
Some people swear by changing up flea meds from time to time to increase the effectiveness, though you should be cautious when doing this.
Before you switch
While it's OK to change your dog's flea treatment, there are some things you might try to make the old meds more effective.
Tips for picking a good flea medicine
There are a few things you should look for when choosing an effective flea medication for your dog.
Talk to your vet
Always consult with a vet before switching your pet's medication. Your vet will be able to instruct you on the proper course of action for switching medicine and picking a better fit for your dog. Need to speak with a vet ASAP? Live chat with a licensed veterinarian now!
Can a switch in a pet product be required?
A switch in product might not even be required. It could so happen that you the pet parent might have used the product in an incorrect manner. Incorrect usage of products can be of the following ways:
Is flea and tick treatment effective?
This does not mean that the flea and tick solution is ineffective because all treatments have great efficacy and it only varies from pet to pet.
What is the best flea treatment for dogs?
Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs. Veterinarians typically recommend dog flea and tick collars, topical flea and tick treatments , or oral flea and tick medications (sometimes in combination) to fully protect their patients. Here are a few of the safest flea treatments for dogs on the market today and some of their pros and cons.
How to treat fleas and ticks in dogs?
Keep in mind that no two pets are the same. Therefore, a product that’s commonly considered to be safe flea and tick prevention for dogs may be a great option for one animal and a mistake for another. Factors to consider include: 1 Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. 2 Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. 3 Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin (heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient. 4 Your pet’s lifestyle: The presence of children and other pets (especially cats) in the household and your pet’s daily activities/exposure to the outdoors are important details. 5 Where you live: Which parasites are common in your area? Is resistance to certain preventatives a concern?
What factors to consider when treating a puppy for fleas?
Factors to consider include: Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, ...
Can flea and tick collars be used on cats?
As is the case with flea and tick collars, if you’re unable to keep your pet away from small children or animals who may come into direct contact with the medication before it has dried or absorbed into your pet’s skin, a topical treatment might not be the ideal solution. If you have cats in your home, you will want to talk to a veterinarian ...
Is a flea collar safe for dogs?
Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). The Seresto collar is a very popular option right now. It uses flumethrin and imidacloprid to kill fleas at multiple stages of development as well as ticks. The collar’s effectiveness lasts ...
Does Frontline Plus work?
Frontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. It also eliminates chewing lice and helps to control sarcoptic mange infestations. While it shouldn’t be ingested, a few surreptitious licks by your dog won’t cause much in the way of problems.
Can you treat a dog with thick coats?
Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account.
How to deal with fleas in dogs?
The best way to deal with fleas is prevention. Flea and tick preventatives kill fleas that come in contact with your dog, preventing your pup from bringing them home in the first place. There are several options out there, from flea collars to topical liquid applicants and pills.
How long does it take for a dog to get rid of fleas?
You also need to determine how to get rid of fleas in your home. This requires patience. It can take as long as three-to-four months to get rid of an infestation, as it takes this long for all of the fleas in your home to go through their life stages.
How many eggs can a flea lay?
Fleas go through four life cycle stages: Egg. Larva. Pupa. Adult. The adults live on animals like your dog, where they digest blood and lay their eggs. One female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs.
What to do if my dog has ridden in my car?
If your dog has ridden in your car lately, you should vacuum the seats. Continue to treat your dog and any other pets with a monthly preventative. During flea season, don’t let your dog interact with strange dogs and be sure his puppy playmates are free of fleas. 4.
How to get rid of ticks in my yard?
Choose and apply an environmental flea control spray or fogger that will treat all stages of fleas, or call a local exterminator. Choose and apply a spray, pellet, or nontoxic flea treatment for your yard. Keeping grass and brush short will also make your yard less inviting to fleas and ticks.
How long do fleas stay in a dog's cocoon?
During the pupa stage they form cocoons, where they wait for several days or up to one year — preferably for the fleas in the comfort of your carpet, sofa, or bed — until a warm-bodied host appears. Then they hatch, become adults, and infest their animal hosts – such as your dog.
How long does it take for a flea to lay eggs?
One female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs. These eggs hatch in 1-10 days and spread throughout your home and yard every time your dog scratches, shakes, or lies down. They then hatch into larvae that can move on the host and feed on blood and flea dirt (digested blood from the adult fleas).
Choosing the safest flea treatment for dogs
To choose the safest flea treatment for dogs, you’ll first need to consider the type of flea treatment that best fits your dog’s needs and lifestyle. Flea treatments are available as collars, oral tablets or chews, and topical spot-on treatments.
Flea collars for your dog
Many pet owners prefer to use collars as their flea treatment because this method is easy and mess-free. Some of the modern flea collar products even last as long as 8 months, so you won’t have to remember to administer your dog’s flea treatment on a regular basis – a great plus for many busy families!
Topical flea treatment for dogs
Topical flea treatments are often seen as a safe flea treatment for dogs because many types of this medication are not absorbed systemically, meaning they do not cross the dog’s skin barrier or get absorbed into the blood stream. This can be a safer option for dogs with a history of reactions to certain types of medications.
Oral flea treatment for dogs
Oral flea treatments are easy to administer and typically offer one or three months of protection per dose. These flea treatment medications are usually flavored so most dogs actually enjoy taking them!
Summary
The bottom line is that there are many safe and effective flea treatments available for your dog, and that is great news! You have many options to choose from depending on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.
What do dogs do after flea treatment?
Tries to shake the treatment off. Runs around. Excessive scratching. Rolls on the floor.
How long does it take for a dog to wash out fleas?
Handy Hint: Did you know that the effectiveness of flea treatment can depend on the natural oils in your dog’s coat, so you must not wash them out within 2 days of applying the medicine. We find this really helps to keep the fleas and ticks at bay.
What does it mean when a dog is tired after flea treatment?
Lethargy is another symptom often described by dog owners when the topic of weird behavior comes up with flea treatments. Whilst I am not a vet and so cannot advise on what to do, if my dog was showing tiredness symptoms after taking flea medicine, I would be very concerned and would seek professional advice.
Why do dogs smell weird after flea treatment?
Here’s a synopsis of the many reasons I heard on why they think their dog acts weird after flea treatment: Dogs hate the smell of flea treatment as it can be very strong. The flea treatment is strong enough to burn their skin a little. Some dogs simply don’t like the sensation of medicine being applied. The smell one makes sense to me.
How long does a flea collar last?
The collar is said to work for up to 8 months and means you don’t have any strong odor or need to apply messy monthly spot-on treatments – which could be the root cause of your dog acting weird. To find out more about it and see whether it could work for your dog, check out the flea collar on Amazon.
Can flea medicine cause hair loss in dogs?
The PetCareRX.com website says this about making the possible switch in how your dog takes his flea medicine: “Oral treatments are a great alternative for dogs that have adverse reactions to topical treatment. Side effects of monthly pills or chewable tablets are rare, but can include nausea, diarrhea and hair loss.
Can flea medicine cause a dog to react badly?
These are insecticides used in some dog flea treatments and have been known to cause bad reactions in a small number of dogs. Whilst bad reactions are rare, it’s worth considering if your dog is acting weird after being given their flea medicine. Here’s what could happen:
Signs of a Flea Infestation on Your Dog
You can see adult fleas with the naked eye, although it isn't always easy. But most of the time, you'll notice the symptoms of a flea infestation before you notice the fleas themselves.
7 Top Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs
You've confirmed the presence of fleas on your dog, either by symptoms, the presence of flea dirt, visible fleas in your dog's coat, or all of the above. Now what?
When to See Your Veterinarian
If a flea infestation is severe or home remedies aren't working, it's time to visit the vet.
Flea Prevention Tips for Dog Owners
Just like any health problem, preventing fleas is better than dealing with them after the fact. Prevent a flea infestation in your dog by:
Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: What to Know
It's no fun when your dog has fleas. Before resorting to flea collars and other methods, you might want to try some natural home remedies. From apple cider vinegar, citrus baths, and coconut oil to pest-control methods for the home and/or yard like diatomaceous earth and nematodes, a variety of solutions might work for you.
