Why Does My Dog Have Fleas After Using Flea Medicine?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The ingredient in FRONTLINE Spot On and FRONTLINE Plus that kills fleas makes them hyperactive before they die. So you may see fleas come to the surface of your pet’s coat and your pet might feel a bit more itchy than usual until those fleas are killed.

Is it normal to see fleas after flea treatment?

By allowing treated pets to access all parts of the home you usually let them into, your pet acts as a ‘living vacuum cleaner’ to kill the newly hatched fleas before they can lay more eggs. Because of this,

it is normal to see fleas on treated pets during this time.

Why isn’t my dogs flea medicine 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.

How long do fleas live on dogs after treatment?

Once aboard, they remain until they are dislodged or groomed from the animal. Without a host, adult fleas live only

a few days to 2 weeks

. On short-haired cats and dogs fleas survive an average of 8 days; they live longer on long-haired animals.

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.

Do fleas fall off after treatment?


No, the fleas don’t jump off after the treatment

. They don’t jump off they rise to the top of the animal and fall off dead.

How do you know fleas are gone?

Make sure you

check your pet’s toes, around the ears, armpits, tail and head as well

. These are often popular places for the fleas to hide and hang out. Keep a close eye on the white paper or towel. You are looking for and fleas that fall or jump off.

Can my dog sleep in my bed with fleas?

Unfortunately,

if your dog has fleas and sleeps in your bed, your bed will likely end up with fleas

. Fleas can lay eggs in your pet’s fur, and those eggs can fall off onto your bedding and other areas where your dog sits or sleeps.

Can fleas go in human hair?


While rare, fleas can make their way onto human hair

. In the absence of household pets like cats and dogs, fleas may decide to approach their next victim, us humans, for their regular blood meals. In this step-to-step guide, you will learn how to quickly treat fleas found in human hair.

How long will I see fleas after treatment?

Often owners will see fleas reappear about

3-4 weeks

after the application as this is when the largest number of flea pupae (from eggs laid by the fleas killed 3-4 weeks earlier) are ready to hatch. Allowing your pet free access to all parts of the home will help to get the fleas to hatch out of their pupae.

How do I get rid of fleas if flea medicine isn’t working?

  1. Make sure to apply topical medications correctly (do not split medications to use on more than one pet)
  2. Make sure your pet’s skin is healthy so topical flea medications work well.
  3. Treat your yard and house where 95-99% of the flea population lives.

What do vets use for fleas?

Product Comment
Frontline Plus

Kills fleas, larvae, eggs and ticks. Once-monthly application.

What is the fastest way to get rid of fleas on a dog?

  1. Give Your Pet a Bath. One of the first solutions to get rid of fleas is to bathe your pet. …
  2. Comb Your Pet’s Hair Using a Fine-Tooth Flea Comb. …
  3. Kill the Fleas. …
  4. Spray an Apple Cider Vinegar Solution on Your Pet. …
  5. Do Regular Checks. …
  6. Let Your Pet Groom Itself.

Can fleas live on my bed?

Can fleas live in beds?

Yes, they can

. Fleas enjoy a warm environment and your bed is the ideal place. The adult fleas will lay their eggs within the mattress material – and produce fecal matter to feed the larvae.

Where do fleas live in the house?

When the fleas reproduce, more fleas can infest your home. They tend to hide in

bedding, furniture, and floor cracks

. Fleas also like to stay on an animal’s underbelly, so they can easily be transferred to your carpet when your pet lies down.

Why can’t I get rid of fleas in my house?


These pests are very hard to get rid of

. Fleas have flattened bodies so they can move through the fur of their hosts easily. They also have very strong exoskeletons, making them very hard to crush. They also leap out of danger quickly and are very small, so if they do get away they are hard to find again.

How do you sort out a flea infestation?

  1. Kill fleas with a topical prescription. …
  2. Kill fleas with an oral prescription. …
  3. Kill fleas with a pet-safe spray. …
  4. Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water every couple of days. …
  5. Wash your pet using flea shampoo. …
  6. Use a flea comb. …
  7. Regular vet checkups. …
  8. Let your pet groom itself.

Can my dog sleep in my bed after flea treatment?

When used as directed, pets treated with FRONTLINE® flea and tick treatments do not pose a health risk to children or adults.

It is a recommended precaution that children or adults do not pet, play or sleep with treated animals until the application site is dry

.

Can fleas live on furniture?

Myth #2: Can fleas live on furniture? Fleas usually enter the house on pets, as stated above, but they can quickly find refuge in the house.

Carpets, bedding, pet beds, and upholstered furniture make cozy homes for fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae.

Where do fleas hide on dogs?

Your dog’s

armpit and groin areas

are favorite flea hangouts because they tend to be warm and protected. Part your dog’s fur with your fingers to expose the skin. If fleas are present, you may notice the following signs: The skin may look red and bumpy, especially if your dog has been scratching.

Will vacuuming get rid of fleas?

Homeowners dogged by household fleas need look no farther than the broom closet to solve their problem. 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.

How often should you wash bedding with fleas?

For mild or light infestations, washing the bedding thoroughly in hot, soapy water is necessary for killing fleas and destroying their eggs and larvae. You are going to have to wash your pet’s bedding like this

every week for at least one month

, or until you are sure the infestation is over.

How often should I bathe my dog if he has fleas?

A dog with a flea infestation should be treated immediately with medication and a flea dip bath. However, flea shampoos are notoriously harsh on a pooch’s skin. Therefore, be certain you don’t try to give your dog with fleas a bath every day.

Once a week

should be enough.

Do dryer sheets repel fleas?


The dryer kills fleas

and is one of the best weapons against them. The high temperatures inside the dryer are enough to kill fleas on bedding, clothes, stuffed animals, and other cloth or fabric items.

What do I do if I find one flea on my dog?

Treating Your Pet

If your dog has fleas, it’s a good idea to

talk to your veterinarian about your best options

. Your veterinarian might recommend a pill that kills all the adult fleas on your pet. You can also use a flea shampoo to attack the little bugs head on.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.