Treatment FAQ

why is the spot on flea treatment not working on my dog

by Jarred Hickle DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Using flea treatment products too late The most common reason why a flea treatment appears not to work is because pet owners fail to realize the enormity of the situation. 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.

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.Aug 16, 2018

Full Answer

Why is my flea treatment not working on my Dog?

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. Using flea treatment products too late. The most common reason why a flea treatment appears not to work is because pet owners fail to realize the enormity of the situation.

How does spot on flea treatment work on a dog?

maybe because you're using the wrong product for the wrong weight category. check your dogs' weight and age and accordingly, your vet will prescribe a flea and tick treatment. you also need to keep your dog clean and manually discard any fleas you find is by brushing the dog's hair giving him baths with a medicated tick shampoo (make sure the dog doesn't lick the shampoo and it …

Why is my dog still scratching after flea treatment?

Sep 28, 2017 · As fleas die they are no longer able to stay hidden against your dog’s skin, and therefore you may also be seeing dying fleas coming to the surface of your dog’s fur coat.” We recommend treating the environment with a room spray or fogger.

Why is my dog foaming at the mouth after flea treatment?

Mar 28, 2012 ·

What do you do if a flea spot 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.

Why isn't the flea medicine working on my dog?

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.Jan 13, 2022

Why is topical flea treatment not working?

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.Dec 17, 2020

Why am I still seeing fleas on my dog after treatment?

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 fleas becoming resistant to frontline?

Flea Resistance to Medications

Frontline products (Frontline Plus, Frontline Gold) and the K9 Advantix line are two of the better-known brands of topical flea preventatives that are reported to be losing effectiveness. These products have been in use long enough that fleas have adapted and become resistant to them.
Jun 7, 2018

How do you get rid of fleas that won't go away?

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.

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.

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. It is recommended that you contain your pet in a small area when using Capstar.
Jun 29, 2020

How long does spot on flea treatment take to work?

within 24 hours
However, fleas are killed after contact with your treated pet: within 24 hours for FRONTLINE Plus® and FRONTLINE® Spot On and within 6 hours for FRONTLINE Tri-Act®.

Can my dog sleep in my bed with fleas?

Although fleas tend to prefer dogs, they can hop around and bite you sometimes too. So yes, if your dog has fleas and sleeps in your bed, this could lead to a flea problem that sneaks up on you in your sleep, leaving you with lots of itchy bites in the morning.

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...

Do flea treatments work?

Prescription flea treatments tailored to your pet’s needs and circumstances are far more effective than many ‘over the counter’ products, many of which frankly don’t work.

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.

When to start flea treatment?

Many vets encourage owners to use flea medication year round, but if you want, you can also begin treatment a few months before the peak flea season beings.

How long does it take for flea eggs to grow?

Flea eggs that were originally on your pet may have fallen off into the corners and cracks of your home, and that's just the start of the flea life cycle! Those eggs could take up to twelve months to become adult fleas, and when they do, those pests can then jump back onto your pet.

Can you use Spot on Flea and Tick?

How to Use Spot On Flea and Tick Treatment. This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.

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.

How to apply flea medicine to dog?

First, I ensure the pet owner is correctly applying the flea medication to his or her pet. It is important to completely part the hair and apply the product directly to the skin so that proper skin and hair follicle distribution can occur. 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. Next, it’s important to properly follow product label directions, which may vary depending on the size of your pet. 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 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 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 you need flea and tick spray?

Often times, if your yard is heavily landscaped or you live near a wooded area, it is smart to invest in flea and tick yard spray to add another level of insect security. This will give your pet even more protection from those pests.

Why is it important to exfoliate your pet's skin?

Similar to humans, it is important for your pet’s skin be exfoliated so extraneous dead skin cells are removed and the topical treatment can work properly.

Can flea collars be used for ticks?

Flea collars are effective, hassle free and one of the only forms of prevention can be combined safely. To banish fleas and ticks once and for all, we recommend treating your house and yard with preventative products to ensure an insect-free lifestyle.

Can flea medicine be absorbed into pet skin?

If the product doesn’t hit the skin, it cannot be absorbed in your pet’s sebaceous glands where it works its flea-fighting magic. Also, make sure you are using the entire tube of medication.

Does a pet's skin affect the results of a med?

Healthy Skin is a Must. Your pet’s skin could easily be affecting the medication results. As mentioned above, 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.

What is spot on flea treatment?

Spot-on flea treatments are medicinal liquids that protect your pet from blood-hungry parasites like fleas and ticks, says Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM. A spot-on treatment comes packaged in individual doses of liquid that can be applied by pouring the medicine onto your pet’s back, between the shoulders. One dose generally keeps a pet safe from fleas ...

How does flea and tick treatment work?

How Spot-On Flea and Tick Treatments Work. Pets’ skin absorbs the medication, which is then carried through the circulatory system, according to Dr. Wooten. That means any flea or tick that bites your pet will ingest it.

What is flea protection?

Flea protection is an essential part of pet parenting—and one of the most popular ways to do it is spot-on flea treatment. But what exactly is this stuff? How does it work, and how do you use it? We’ve got the answers below.

How long should I keep my pet apart from spot on?

If you have a multi-pet household, keep treated pets apart for 24 hours while the spot-on treatment absorbs, Dr. Wooten says. Monitor your pet, and keep them from rolling around. Your pet will feel the treatment on their skin, and may want to rub it off, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye on them, she adds.

How long does Frontline Plus work on cats?

Frontline Plus For Cats is formulated to kill both adult fleas and ticks, and next generation flea eggs and larvae. It works for 30 days on cats.

How much Frontline Plus for dogs?

Frontline Plus For Dogs comes in three options: for dogs 5-22 pounds, for dogs 23-44 pounds and for dogs 45-88 pounds. Very large dogs may require more than one dose to cover their weight. Check with your veterinarian for the appropriate amount of treatment to give your dog. Fleas on cats can be just as aggressive.

Can you put flea medicine on your pet's neck?

Angela Crudington, DVM, of Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital in Torrance, California. No, the back of the neck doesn’t have magic medicine-absorbing powers. The reason for that placement is “so that the pet cannot lick the product,” Dr. Crudington says.

Why is flea prevention 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.

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.

What percent of fleas should be treated?

You should be treating your home for adults plus the other 95 percent—flea eggs, flea larvae and flea pupae.

How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?

Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.

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.

Do pets scratch more than others?

Some pets will scratch more than others, but if one pet in the house has fleas, they all have fleas. All of your pets will need to stay on flea medication to prevent reinfestation.

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