Treatment FAQ

why do you have to place flea treatment between shoulderblades

by Herta Johnston Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Putting topical flea medication between your dog's shoulder blades is one of your warm-weather monthly rituals. You know the liquid keeps fleas off your dog and gets rid of flea eggs, but if you consider how it actually works, you'll know why it's important to ensure that the flea medication ends up on your dog's skin and not on his hair.

Full Answer

Can you put flea medication between your dog's shoulder blades?

Putting topical flea medication between your dog's shoulder blades is one of your warm-weather monthly rituals. You know the liquid keeps fleas off your dog and gets rid of flea eggs, but if you consider how it actually works, you'll know why it's important to ensure that the flea medication ends up on your dog's skin and not on his hair.

Can you put flea treatment on a cat under the shoulder?

Some cats are sensitive to the ingredients in spot-on flea treatments, resulting in skin problems and hair loss. The spot between the shoulder blades is a good area to apply these treatments, as your cat can't easily reach it to lick off the medication.

How to use flea treatment correctly?

If you have chosen products you want to use for flea treatment, there is a specific method of applying them. Applying the topical treatment is quick and painless. It is important to use the treatment as directed by instructions. Keep in mind the expert tips in order to apply the treatment correctly.

Why does my cat have fleas between his shoulder blades?

The spot between his shoulder blades is a great hiding spot for fleas, because your cat can't reach that area easily to get rid of the little buggers. So the fleas could retreat there and party with little threat of eviction. The skin typically looks crusty and raw as your cat scratches like a kitty possessed.

How to treat fleas in pets?

How long does it take to get rid of fleas?

About this website

Why do you put flea treatment on the back of the neck?

The reason you apply it to the back of their neck is to prevent them itching it away, this is important for its even distribution. Use the recommended dose on each dog, don't share pipettes if you have more than one dog. Wait 24 hours before bathing your dog to ensure the solution is distributed properly.

Does it matter where you put flea medicine on a dog?

Incorrect Application of Flea Treatment 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.

Where is the best place to put flea treatment?

Shoulder to shoulder It is best to apply the spot on in two places if you can; this increases the skin surface area being treated, which in turn speeds up absorption. And for smaller dogs and cats there can sometimes simply be too much fluid to apply in a single spot.

Where should I put my dogs flea treatment?

0:291:48How To Apply A Spot On Flea Treatment To Your Dog - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the product can be applied across several spots along their back wash. Your hands afterMoreSo the product can be applied across several spots along their back wash. Your hands after application and make sure not to touch your eyes or mouth. Keep the area clean and dry for at least 24.

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.

Does it matter if flea treatment goes on fur?

When you apply the flea medication, it's essential to completely part the pet's hair so that the medication can be applied directly to the skin. If you have a pet with thick fur, this can present a challenge.

How do I know fleas are dying?

A. The active ingredient in FRONTLINE (fipronil) kills fleas by affecting their nervous system, making them hyperactive before dying. These dying fleas often rise to the top of your pet's haircoat, so the presence of visible fleas after treating your pet, is a sign that the product is working.

How long does it take for spot on flea treatment to work?

within 24 hoursIf you've treated your pet with FRONTLINE Spot On or FRONTLINE Plus those fleas will die within 24 hours, and so will have few opportunities to lay eggs (egg laying normally starts 24 hours after feeding), helping you control the infestation in your home.

Can my cat sleep with me after flea treatment?

You can usually cuddle and pet your cat immediately after receiving an oral flea prevention medication. Topical products can take a few hours to soak into the skin layer. Avoid petting your cat for 24-48 hours in the spot where you applied a topical medication.

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.

How often do dogs get fleas?

Contrary to popular pet owner belief, fleas aren't seasonal – actually, they're a year-round risk. Treating your dog or cat for fleas should be a regular entry on the kitchen calendar. A common question vets get asked is 'how often should I flea my dog? ' – this very much depends on the product you choose to use.

How can I get rid of fleas in my house forever?

How to Get Rid of Fleas in the House Forever Vacuum your carpet. Steam clean your carpet and upholstery. Launder your bedding and curtains. Wash your pets' bedding and toys. Give your pets a flea bath. Use a flea comb on your pets. Get a flea treatment from your vet.More items...

7 Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs That Can Actually Work

Just like any health problem, preventing fleas is better than dealing with them after the fact. Prevent a flea infestation in your dog by: Using a flea preventative: Prescribed products are the most effective and simplest way to ward off fleas before they infest your pet. Talk to your vet if your dog needs a flea preventative.

How to apply flea control to dog hair?

Always follow the manufacturer's directions when applying topical flea control. Wear gloves when applying the product, or wash your hands very carefully afterward. Wait at least two days after applying flea control before bathing your dog. Bathing him sooner might interfere with skin absorption of the product.

How do flea pills work on dogs?

These medications work by affecting the flea's central nervous system, causing death. Some contain growth regulators that prevent flea eggs from developing into adults. Even though you might place ...

How long does it take for flea oil to spread to dogs?

Even though you might place the liquid flea medication on only one or two areas of your dog, the oil in his skin spreads it throughout the body in a matter of 24 hours or more.

Can you put flea medicine on your dog's shoulder?

Putting topical flea medication between your dog's shoulder blades is one of your warm-weather monthly rituals. You know the liquid keeps fleas off your dog and gets rid of flea eggs, but if you consider how it actually works, you'll know why it's important to ensure that the flea medication ends up on your dog's skin and not on his hair.

Why does my cat lose hair after flea bites?

As if going bald from the medication used to prevent fleas isn't bad enough, your cat could lose hair because of the little bloodsucking freeloaders themselves. Flea bites trigger an allergic reaction in some cats, resulting in irritated skin and hair loss.

Why does my cat scratch his shoulder?

The spot between his shoulder blades is a great hiding spot for fleas, because your cat can't reach that area easily to get rid of the little buggers. So the fleas could retreat there and party with little threat of eviction. The skin typically looks crusty and raw as your cat scratches like a kitty possessed.

Can fleas be sent to the Great Beyond?

The chemical cocktail that sends fleas to the Great Beyond could have an adverse effect on your cat at the same time. Some cats are sensitive to the ingredients in spot-on flea treatments, resulting in skin problems and hair loss.

Apply the medication between the shoulder blades

First of all, find the area between the shoulder blades of the pet. It is the two bones below the neck. This is an area which is difficult for your pet to reach with his mouth and is the best place for treatment.

Apply the treatment on the skin

You need to ensure that the medication is absorbed for it to be effective. It needs to be applied directly to the skin for fast effect. Lift up the fur and expose the skin before applying.

Wash your hands after application

You never know if the medication will give you a skin irritation. You need to wash your hands before and after its application.

How to treat fleas in pets?

Every pet in the home must be treated. Thoroughly bathe pets with soap and water, then comb them with a flea comb. Pay careful attention to face and neck regions, and the area in front of the tail. Soap will act as a gentle insecticide to kill adult fleas.

How long does it take to get rid of fleas?

Getting rid of fleas is a difficult process due to the long lifecycle of a flea. Moderate to severe infestations will take months to control and require a four-step process for complete elimination:

How to treat shoulder pain between blades?

Treatment for the pain between shoulder blades depends on the severity and the outlying condition. Some of the treatment options involve activities or exercises you can do at home to help manage the pain. After first confirming with a doctor to diagnose the source of your pain you can move on ...

What causes pain in the shoulder blades?

Cancer: Certain cancers such as Pancoast tumors may cause radiating pain felt between the shoulder blades as it pushes on nerves near the top of the lungs. Other cancers that can cause a similar presentation include esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, lymphomas, and liver cancer. Also, when cancer metastasizes, it can spread to the bone, ...

Why does my back hurt between my shoulder blades?

Though it is possible for upper back pain between the shoulder blades to simply be related to muscles, there are instances when it can be much worse. Your facet joints could be swollen, you can have a herniated disc, or the pain in-between your shoulders could actually be something called biliary colic.

How long does back pain last between shoulder blades?

Chronic pain that lasts for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months .

How long does shoulder pain last?

Chronic pain that lasts for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. That should not be seen as normal. Any sharp explosions of pain in the area. If the pain starts out in-between your shoulder blades, then extends out to other areas of your back and even your arms, there’s probably an issue. Almost stabbing-like pain in-between ...

Can shoulder pain be ignored?

As mentioned, the specific nature of back pain between the shoulder blades makes it something that should not be ignored. We’ve outlined some of the possible outcomes of what that pain might entail, and all of those require you to take more action than just “taking it easy.” Below are some of the more common symptoms of back pain between the shoulder blades that you should be aware. Any of these by themselves or in conjunction means you should at the least consult with a doctor or medical professional.

How to relieve pain in shoulder blades?

Yoga cat – Pain between shoulder blades can be relieved by doing the yoga cat movement. Start by kneeling on your hands and knees, with hands lined up below the shoulders, knees below hips. While exhaling, slowly arch your back. When your back is rounded, inhale and tighten your abdominal muscles.

How to help upper back pain between shoulder blades?

Exercises That Help. If you have upper back discomfort and pain between shoulder blades, you can try doing stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles in this area. It is important to start slowly to reduce your risk of injury.

What causes a stiffness in the back and shoulders?

Untreated, it can become quite serious and it may take surgery to fix the problem. 5. Osteoarthritis. If you are experiencing stiffness in your upper back and pain around your shoulders, you may be suffering from osteoarthritis. Another indication of the condition is the pain worsening upon waking and at night.

Why do my shoulder blades hurt?

The most common cause of pain between the shoulder blades is a muscle strain. This can result from poor posture (especially leaning forward with prolonged sitting or standing), excess lifting, activities that involve twisting such as golf or tennis or even sleeping on a poor mattress.

What muscles are involved in keeping your shoulder blades back?

Structures between the shoulder blades include: Skin. Muscles including the rhomboids and middle and lower trapezius muscles , all of which play a key role in keeping your shoulder blades back and down 1 .

What causes pain in the shoulder blades?

Conditions that may result in pain between the shoulder blades following trauma commonly include acromioclavicular joint separation and rotator cuff tears. 2  A shoulder separation is different from a shoulder dislocation which is felt more commonly in the shoulder joint.

What muscles are involved in shoulder pain?

When considering pain in any region of the body, it's helpful to think about the structures that lie in that area. Structures between the shoulder blades include: 1 Skin 2 Muscles including the rhomboids and middle and lower trapezius muscles, all of which play a key role in keeping your shoulder blades back and down 1  3 The thoracic spine 4 The thoracic aorta (part of the largest blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body) 5 Part of the esophagus 6 Part of the heart 7 A portion of the lungs

How to treat fleas in pets?

Every pet in the home must be treated. Thoroughly bathe pets with soap and water, then comb them with a flea comb. Pay careful attention to face and neck regions, and the area in front of the tail. Soap will act as a gentle insecticide to kill adult fleas.

How long does it take to get rid of fleas?

Getting rid of fleas is a difficult process due to the long lifecycle of a flea. Moderate to severe infestations will take months to control and require a four-step process for complete elimination:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9