Dog had a flea. Am I in the clear? Will topical treatment kill new fleas?

Typically, a topical treatment works by killing the flea when it bites the dog and sucks it's blood. Because it was live on your dog, it hadn't had a chance yet to bite him and diet. Even if there are more, they will die as soon as they bite your dog thanks to your stringent flea treatments. It's not something I would worry about since he's treated and you found no more on him, but if you wanted to be safe, you can give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes, and it's safe to give him now. I really think it was one he picked up outside. I hope this helps!

I would say it's safe with one flea killed and no more signs seen. Theoretically, they could live in house plants, but again since you haven't seen anymore, I wouldn't be worried about it. You are on top of it if you have an exterminator spray, and to give you peace of mind, you can have them come again now :-)

Hello, Luna may have had a single exposure as the fleas will die from the flea medication. Since she is protected, you should continue to monitor her coat for any additional fleas. Its likely that you have fleas in your yard and home, so in addition, you should spray your yard and home with flea insecticide to reduce the flea load in your environment. Hope this helps and best of luck.

I think you are in the clear if you haven't found any further fleas and he's on a monthly preventative. If he had more and you used a flea comb, you likely would have found additional evidence of fleas. Because you didn't, I would not worry :-)

One flea is possible but not likely. The majority of a flea population lives off of the pet and in the surrounding environment. To be safe and to prevent an infestation, use a topical or oral flea preventative for at least the next three consecutive months, preferably year round. Your veterinarian can dispense CapStar, which will kill any adult fleas on Jake within 30 minutes of administration, if necessary. Vacuum everywhere and dispose of the bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately after. Wash all bedding in hot water. Use an area treatment, such as Knockout ES, to prevent infestation.

No. Unfortunately the topical product will get on their hair. It’s almost impossible to prevent this. It is best to prevent them from licking it but it shouldn’t hurt them. I would just watch them for any abnormal behaviors. If that product doesn’t seem to be helping much I would consider an oral flea preventative next time. These sometimes work better due to a faster kill time. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It should be ok as long as you applied to topical after the bath. If the fleas are slow moving it is likely the treatment is working. There are still fleas in the environment that have to get on the pet in order to die. Continue the treatment every 4 weeks for 3-4 doses. You can apply after 3 weeks if you are still seeing live fleas. Also remember to treat all pets in the home. Kisses to Charlie!