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 to do when flea medicine isn't working?
What to Do If Your Flea Meds Aren't Working. To ensure a pet is getting proper anti-flea care, we recommend bringing them to your local vet office to evaluate and help determine which medications would be best. Is your animal suffering from constant flea bites? If so, contact Pharr Road Animal Hospital right away. We'll provide your pet with relief and help prevent future flea attacks.
Why is my flea treatment not working?
These organophosphate insecticides have been linked to health problems in cats, including skin irritation, difficulty breathing, cancer and poisoning. That is why I recommend only using flea collars with the goal of repelling fleas and utilizing safer oral or topical methods to treat a flea infestation.
Why is the seresto collar not working?
- Remove the collar from its packaging.
- Unroll the collar and remove the small plastic connectors from inside the collar, ensuring that no remnants remain.
- Insert the end of the collar through the buckle and loops.
- Adjust the collar around your dog’s neck until it fits comfortably on them.
What is the best homemade flea treatment?
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Add to your dog’s water or food – You can either add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per quart of water or add it directly to their food.
- Add to your dog’s bath – Lather and massage the vinegar into your dog’s skin and let sit for 10 minutes. ...
Can I reapply flea treatment if it doesn't work?
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 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 you double up on flea treatment?
It's not usually recommended to use more than one oral flea medication at the same time. However, Comfortis and Capstar can be combined. Another exception is Sentinel, which doesn't kill adult fleas, so it can be combined individually with either Comfortis or Capstar.
Why does my dog still have fleas after using Advantage?
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 reapply flea treatment early?
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 can't I get rid of fleas?
Control the environment – Adopt control strategies including: Vacuum the carpet 2-3 times a week to remove eggs, wash pets blankets weekly (in the washing machine), spray the house, kennels and yards with an adult flea killer, fog the house to prevent larvae developing.
What do you do when 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.
Can I apply advantage after 2 weeks?
Because it's been 2-3 weeks since the last application, yes you can apply it again. You can also give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes, and it's safe to use with the Advantage.
Can you give too much frontline?
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.
What to do if your dog still has fleas after treatment?
Although it may happen a lot quicker it can take up to 24 hours for fleas jumping onto your pet to be killed. 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.
Why is my dog flea treatment not working?
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. You must part the hair so that you can apply it to the skin at the base of the neck.
What kills fleas on dogs instantly?
Commercial Products from Your Veterinarian 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.
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.
How do insects develop resistance?
There are many factors to developing resistance. In a population of insects, there may be a few individuals that carry the genes for resistance. These genes arise from mutations and are rare. In the natural environment, the mutant insect is typically compromised, weaker and produces fewer offspring.
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.
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.
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.
What are the side effects of flea treatment?
The most common side effects that can occur with topical flea treatments are localized skin reactions such as hair loss, itching and irritation, scabbing, and inflammation at the site where the treatment was applied. If side effects occur, wash the product off of your pet and contact your veterinarian for further treatment advice.
How many eggs can a flea lay in a day?
A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs in a day, so even just a few fleas on your pet can quickly turn into a major problem. A prescription flea treatment will be necessary to combat the infestation and your pet will need to be treated for a minimum of three months to address the whole life cycle of the parasite.
What to consider when choosing flea treatment for pets?
To find the best product for your pet’s needs, you’ll need to think about your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle.
Can you use flea treatment on your pet?
Your veterinarian can help you pick a topical flea treatment that takes your pet’s unique needs into account, as well as your own needs, lifestyle, and budget. Be sure to use flea prevention year round to keep your pet protection and to prevent an infestation in your home.
Can fleas cause hair loss?
The most common side effects of topical flea treatments are localized skin reactions such as hair loss, redness, itching and irritation, scabbing, and inflammation. If your pet has had a history of reactions to topical medications or has skin problems such as allergies or skin infections, an oral flea treatment may be a safer option for your pet.
Does flea treatment work for cats?
Different flea treatment products contain different medications, so each product works a little differently. Some of the best topical flea treatments for cats kill adult fleas immediately on contact. Some products also contain a repellent agent so fleas will avoid jumping on your pet. Many flea treatment products also contain medications which kill ...
Can flea medication be absorbed?
Many topical flea products are not absorbed systemically. This means that the medication does not cross the skin barrier or enter your pet’s bloodstream, which can be safer for some pets with a history of reactions to certain types of medications.
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 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.
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 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.
How to apply flea treatment?
How to Apply Each Brand of Topical Flea Treatment 1 Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. 2 Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. 3 Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 4 Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.
How long do fleas live in the environment?
Flea eggs and larvae can live in the environment for days or weeks. It is best to regularly vacuum all the locations of your home where your pet spends time, wash all bedding in hot water, and keep your pets on flea prevention.
How many active ingredients are in flea prevention?
Flea preventions typically use one or two active ingredients to do the job of preventing fleas. Each brand will use different active ingredients, and these ingredients will work in different ways to prevent fleas. An overdose for most flea preventions could result in the following: Profuse drooling. Vomiting.
How to use Revolution Plus?
Revolution/Revolution Plus: Hold the tube upright and press the cap firmly until you hear a click. Remove the cap and make sure that seal has been broken. Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. Keep the tube squeezed so the liquid isn’t sucked back into the tube.
How to apply Bravecto to cat?
Bravecto. Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow.
Can you treat fleas in your home?
Your Home Hasn’t Been Treated for Fleas. In conjunction with topical flea treatments, you need to treat your home to provide the best defense against fleas. Most flea preventions do not repel fleas. Flea preventions kill fleas either by direct contact with the fleas or from the fleas feeding on your pet.
Where to put hair on dog?
You must part the hair so that you can apply it to the skin at the base of the neck. Read the instructions on the package; most direct you to apply it all in one spot on the neck, while a few will have you apply it to several spots along the back that the pet cannot reach (for larger dogs).
Why does my dog have a flea reaction?
By far the most reactions to flea medication occur when cats are exposed to certain flea medications that are meant for dogs, which might happen because a pet owner mistakenly buys the wrong product.
What happens when an animal licks flea medication?
Vomiting and Lethargy. You might think these signs are emblematic of a problem with an oral medication, however, Verbrugge says, these reactions are most common when an animal licks off the topical flea medication that’s been applied to the hair and skin.
How to tell if your dog has licked off topical medication?
Other signs that your animal has licked off the topical medication are drooling and foaming at the mouth. Some medications can cause mild oral irritation or ulceration in the mouth if licked in large quantities. Occasionally, these symptoms can also occur as the result of oral medications, said Milosevic.
Why do cats react to fleas?
By far the most reactions to flea medication occur when cats are exposed to certain flea medications that are meant for dogs, which might happen because a pet owner mistakenly buys the wrong product.
What happens if you treat your dog and not your cat?
“If you treat your dog and not your cat, the fleas will keep on breeding, keep on laying eggs, and you will continue to see them in the house.”.
How many active ingredients are in flea medicine?
There are more than a dozen “active” ingredients across the spectrum of flea medications. These are the ingredients that give each medicine its potency. Also in each respective formula are numerous “non-active” or “inert” ingredients, which are basically vehicles that help make the active ingredient more effective or palatable.
Is hair loss a problem for cats?
Milosevic adds that hair loss is particularly common in cats. Like redness of the skin, hair loss is not considered an emergency, but you and your vet should find a new medication for your afflicted pet. While this might suggest a topical problem, the tail base is, in fact, a hot spot for flea allergies.
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 do flea preventatives work?
How do Topical Flea Preventatives Work? Topical flea preventatives are liquid solutions that are applied externally on dogs and cats to protect against fleas, ticks, and other harmful insects. For cats and small dogs, topicals are typically applied in one spot between the shoulders. For dogs, topicals are applied evenly along the upper spine.
How do fleas get killed?
Once they come into contact with your pet's coat, they are killed. Other topicals work through absorbing through the skin and circulating into the bloodstream. For these topicals, fleas are killed when they bite the pet. That's how it treats the entire body, not just the area of application.
What are the ingredients in a topical that kill ticks?
That's how it treats the entire body, not just the area of application. Common ingredients of topicals are primarily insect neurotoxins , which kill fleas and ticks by targeting the function of the nervous system, resulting in paralysis and death. Fipronil, (S)-methoprene, imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen are among ...
Do fleas bite dogs?
For dogs, topicals are applied evenly along the upper spine. For accurate dosing, topicals must be applied directly to the skin, not on the hair. Some topicals work through spreading via the hair and the skin's natural body oils. For these topicals, fleas don't have to bite your pet to die.
How effective are flea and tick preventatives?
A study published in Veterinary Parasitology seems to back up the veterinarians and flea product makers. The ninety-day study found that topicals were 88.4 percent effective, while oral treatments were 99.9 percent effective. There were 128 dogs from five states involved in the study. Whatever your choice in flea and tick preventative, ...
How does fipronil work?
Fipronil: Fipronil works by attacking the nervous system of the parasite to paralyze fleas and ticks to ultimately kill them. Fipronil spreads over the cat or dog through body oils in about a day. It releases over time — usually about a month.
How long do flea and tick pills last?
There are different active chemicals used in different flea and tick pill medications, some of which last a few days and others that last a month. The most common active chemicals in oral treatments include:
How long does it take for a tick to show up on a dog?
Signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses may take anywhere from 7 to 21 or more days to appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Luckily, there are many types of flea and tick medications available to stop these tiny terrors from making their home on your dog or cat. The most popular kind of effective treatment is a topical ...
What is the best flea killer for cats?
Imidacloprid: This ingredient kills fleas by disrupting the nervous system. It kills both adult and larval stage fleas that come in contact with the pet. It is approved by the EPA for use on cats and dogs. Pyrethroids: You may see pyrethroids on the list of active ingredients under a few different names.
What to do if flea medication doesn't protect against heartworm?
If your chosen flea medication doesn't protect against heartworm, make sure to talk to your vet about how to protect your pet. If you are wondering which treatment is the best option, please consult with your veterinarian. They will ensure to get your pet on the correct treatment plan.
Do flea and tick medications work?
Some pet owners complain that flea and tick medications don't work as well as advertised, but veterinarians and flea and tick medication producers told The New York Times that when the products are used correctly, they do work. Problems crop up when pet owners make mistakes in applications or have unrealistic expectations about how the treatments work.
