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What's the correct way to apply flea spot-on to my small dog?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 5 lbs

Often advise online is far from accurate compared to your staff. Therefore before I smear flea killing ointment onto our small dog I'd like your advise as to how it should be applied to a small poodle martese mix of around 14 months old please.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 2nd, 2018

Could you tell us what kind of ointment you are using, as there are several different types. If you are talking about a spot-on, the way to apply it is as follows:
Open the tube with the spot on. Part the hair directly between the shoulder blades so you can see the skin. Keep the fur parted, take the tube with the spot-on and set the tip of it onto the skin and squeeze the content out. You can gently spread the liquid around on the skin. Do not touch it and make sure your dog does not reach the spot ....some dogs are contortion artists. If Mick seems to manage reaching the spot, put a t-shirt on him for a few hours so the medication can dry.
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