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 most of the vial is...
- Wash off effect:. Have you washed your stinky hound after they’ve rolled in...
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.
What do if your treatment isn't working?
What to Do If Your Asthma Treatment Stops Working Signs your treatment no longer works. Keep a close eye on your asthma symptoms to determine if your current treatment plan no longer works. Track your symptoms. Many factors can trigger your asthma symptoms. ... Treatment options for asthma. ... Talking to your doctor. ... Working with a new treatment plan. ... Takeaway. ...
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. ...
What do you do if flea treatment isn't working?
It's time to go and see your vet. Don't be embarrassed – your local veterinarian deals with fleas all the time and it is no reflection on your home or ability to care for your pet. Your vet will be able to work out what's gone wrong and help you to get rid of the fleas.
Does flea treatment sometimes not work?
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 won't these fleas go away?
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.
Why is nothing working for fleas?
Go to the Vet! Fleas have become so immune to most products. Year after year, like bacteria and antibiotics, fleas become stronger, and the medications over the counter just don't work. After a trip to the vets, the fleas were gone in 24 hours.
Why do I still see fleas after using frontline?
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.
Can fleas become immune to flea treatment?
Dr. Denise Genix at South Tampa Veterinary Clinic, says that fleas can become tolerant of the chemicals used to kill them. It's especially a problem with over-the-counter flea treatments, because so many people use them. The more common the treatment, the more likely fleas are to mutate and become resistant to them.
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. I recommend using Advantix or a chewable prescription product from your vet, like Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio. This recommendation is unrelated to Petco or PetCoach.
How do you get rid of fleas when you've tried everything?
Step 1: Brush your pet with a flea comb. Vets recommend initially brushing your pet with a flea comb to remove any fleas. ... Step 2: Give your pet a bath. Wash your pet with soap and warm water. ... Step 3: Disinfect the house. ... Step 4: Prevent future infestations.
Why are there still fleas in my house?
The most common way for fleas to enter your home is when a cat or dog attracts fleas and brings them into your house. But, fleas can also enter another way. They may come through with an old piece of furniture, or clothing and skin of a person who already has been infested.
Is vacuuming enough to get rid of fleas?
Scientists have determined that vacuuming kills fleas in all stages of their lives, with an average of 96 percent success in adult fleas and 100 percent destruction of younger fleas.
Why can't I get rid of fleas on my cat?
Your cat needs aggressive flea control. You need to get her on a topical or oral flea control such as Cheristin or Comfortis. You might also consider asking your vet for a dose of Capstar. It helps get the problem under control by killing the fleas on the cat starting in five minutes but only lasts for 24 hours.
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.
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...
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.
What is the best treatment for fleas?
Topical medications such as Bravecto topical, Revolution, Frontline Plus, or Advantage Multi are very popular and effective methods to get rid of fleas, eggs, and larvae, but they need to be used properly in order to work.
Why do cats and dogs keep getting fleas?
The real cause, however, is often unrelated to the efficacy of the flea treatment product but more with the way or time it has been used. The reasons why cats and dogs seem to keep getting fleas, despite using flea treatment products, range from improper use to forgetting to treat the environment at the same time.
Can flea pupae jump on a dog?
This means even if you have been vigilant about killing fleas in your house and yard, given time, the flea pupae will become adults, free to jump onto your pet if your cat or dog isn’t protected. Bravecto Chews. NexGard Chewables.
Can you use flea treatment on pets?
It is not enough to simply use flea treatment products on your pets when you are fighting a flea infestation. You need to get rid of fleas in the house and yard at the same time. Otherwise, the hidden flea eggs and larvae will simply grow to become adult fleas, re-infesting your pet.
Can you see fleas in your carpet?
When you see a few fleas either hopping on your pet’s fur or in the carpet, you are already dealing with a full-blown flea infestation. What you cannot see are the flea eggs and larvae buried deep in the fibers of your home furniture and pet’s bed, which make up 95% of the entire flea population. It is not enough to simply use flea treatment ...
Can you give a dog a flea collar?
You can use Bravecto chews or Nexgard for dogs, or Capstar, which can be given to both cats and dogs. If your pet refuses the chews, the Seresto flea collar is not only effective in killing fleas (and ticks) and its larvae, it also provides one of the safest and longest lasting flea protection for your pet. Seresto.
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.
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.
How to prevent fleas and ticks?
In addition to being itchy and uncomfortable, fleas transmit diseases. Keep your pet and family safe by using vet-approved prescription flea and tick treatment.
Can cedar shavings cause skin irritation?
The oil can even cause skin irritation when it’s not applied directly to the skin. Many dogs develop skin problems simply from sleeping on a bed that is stuffed with cedar shavings. And skin problems aren’t the only concern.
Does apple cider vinegar keep ticks away?
Forcing your pet to drink vinegar will also do nothing to keep away fleas and ticks. Apple cider vinegar, sometimes abbreviated as ACV, is having its moment in ...
Does boric acid kill fleas?
It can possibly be effective as part of a multipronged flea-management strategy. But boric acid alone can only kill the flea larvae (living in carpets or rugs) that are actively feeding. And flea larvae only make up about 35 percent of the flea population in a home with fleas.
Can fleas and ticks be treated at home?
While it may be tempting to try to treat fleas and ti cks with home remedies, it’s important to only use options that are recommended by your veterinarian. “An honest attempt by some well-meaning pet owners sometimes ends up causing some untoward side effects in their pets," says Dr. Hutchinson.
Can flea and tick medications be used during flea season?
And while flea and tick medications are the most effective preventative strategies that you can use during tick and flea season, some people are likely tempted to try home remedies and alternative methods for tick and flea removal. The problem is that these flea and tick removal methods don't work. And on top of that, some can be harmful ...
Does rubbing alcohol kill ticks?
Rubbing alcohol will kill fleas and ticks, but if you're going to use alcohol, make sure to use it correctly. Experts recommend dropping fleas or ticks into a glass or jar filled with rubbing alcohol. "Don't pour alcohol on a tick that's on your dog," Dr. Lofton warns. "The tick is attached to your dog, and the alcohol will make ...
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 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 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 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.
Where to apply hair spray for dogs?
You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 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.
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.
