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?
Why isn't my flea treatment working? Incorrect Application of Flea Treatment Incorrectly applying topical flea prevention is the most common cause for its failure to work. 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. About Us Trending
What do if your treatment isn't working?
Dec 17, 2020 · 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 …
Why is the seresto collar not working?
Jun 13, 2017 · While this might suggest a topical problem, the tail base is, in fact, a hot spot for flea allergies. If an animal is being treated with something that’s not effective, the first place this might manifest is at the tail base, says Milosevic. A lot of times, this occurs because a product isn’t everything it promises to be.
What is the best homemade flea treatment?
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.
Why do I still see fleas after treatment?
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.
Can I reapply flea treatment if it doesn't work?
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 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.Feb 19, 2018
Why is topical flea medicine 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 is my cat still scratching after flea treatment?
It's fairly typical after you've applied Itch Flea for there to be a period of hyperactivity amongst the fleas as the product takes effect, and this can cause an increase in itching. It should settle down though after 24 hours.Apr 23, 2021
Can I use Frontline every 2 weeks?
Treat all your dogs and cats every month for optimal flea control. When applied correctly, FRONTLINE PLUS remains active against fleas for at least one month. If you are in a paralysis tick area, apply FRONTLINE PLUS FOR DOGS every 2 weeks to provide paralysis tick control for your dog.
What kills fleas on dogs instantly?
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
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.Oct 21, 2021
How do you break the life cycle of a flea?
Fleas cannot fly, but they move by jumping from object to object. It can take up to 3 months to break a total flea life cycle by using monthly flea treatments. For indoor flea control, vacuuming all floors, carpets, baseboards, pet bedding and furniture will help remove adult fleas and eggs.
Why isn't flea medicine working on my dog?
Many of the spot-on flea products use the natural oils of the coat to spread the flea treatment over your pet. So, if you've just washed your pet and stripped the natural oils, they'll be less effective.Jan 13, 2022
Should I comb my dog after flea treatment?
No you shouldn't need to do any flea combing if the Frontline Plus works as expected. Also keep in mind that treating your home may be needed as well to rid the flea eggs that harbor in cracks, crevices, furniture, and dog bedding.
What do you do if frontline doesn't work?
Speak to your veterinarian about this first if your flea medicine is not working. One Frontline alternative is to switch to another topical product. Another alternative is to supplement the topical product with another product that works internally, such as Capstar.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why isn't flea treatment working?
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. 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.
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.
Can you use flea treatment all year round?
Using flea treatment products irregularly. Since it is possible for pets to get fleas during winter, you need to use flea treatment products all-year-round and not just in summer, at the height of flea season. Flea treatment products such as Bravecto, Revolution, or Frontline Plus will effectively get rid of all the fleas, eggs, ...
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.
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.