My dog still has fleas after Frontline. Can I reapply or switch?

Hi there. If Frontline is not working for your dog (which is sadly very common, in my experience), I would recommend using a different medication rather than reapplying a second dose. I normally recommend Nexgard, Bravecto, Simparica, or Credelio for fleas and ticks - all of these medications are safe and effective, and would be fine to give even if you applied Frontline 10 days ago.

Flea infestations can be really frustrating to manage! It sounds as though you're doing all of the right things to manage this issue. However, in recent years, I have not found Frontline Plus to be as effective as it once was. Consider talking to your vet about switching to an oral flea preventive, such as Bravecto, Nexgard, Credelio or Simparica. (All are prescription-based, which is why you'll need to first talk to your vet.) I find these medications MUCH more effective at rapidly killing several flea lifestages, which helps to break the flea life cycle (adults lay eggs, which become larvae, then pupae, then adults, which lay more eggs). Consistently giving flea preventives is the best way to resolve a flea infestation. Over the counter oral medications like Capstar are great at killing adult fleas, but only last for 24 hours. K9 Advantix II is an over the counter topical option that works well, but isn't quite in the same league as the prescription orals. Also be sure to wash any blankets, pillows or bedding that is machine washable on the hottest setting allowable. Try to wash these things at least once a week. If all else fails, consult an exterminator to treat your environment. Flea baths are largely ineffective at treating fleas. Many of these flea shampoos cause skin irritation, so I would just try using a regular dog shampoo every few months to wash off any dead fleas or flea dirt. Also be sure to talk to your vet about checking a stool sample for tapeworms, as dogs can ingest tapeworm eggs if they eat infected fleas. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Atlas! https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/flea-infestation-1/

The active ingredients in Frontline Plus are rather safe, so I would not be worried about any toxic effects this long after you applied the previous dose. Considering the bathing likely did remove a fair amount of the previous solution and you are seeing fleas, it's safe to say that Maddie will need some extra protection. The manufacturer recommends not bathing until 48 hours after applying Frontline, but I always advise not to give a bath one week after applying topical medications like Frontline to be safe. To be extra safe, you can get a different product prescribed by a veterinarian. I hope that helps and all is well with Maddie.

Frontline doesn't always work unfortunately, but a flea shampoo is not likely to give you a better result. Instead I recommend using Advantage or Advocate spot on, Alternatively a comfortis tablet will do an excellent job as well. Do not bath her at least 3 days before and after you apply any spot on. As these flea treatment do not contain the same active ingredients as the frontline, they are safe to use at anytime you chose.

Yes it is safe to reapply most topical flea preventatives every 2 weeks if needed. This should be fine and safe to do since you are 2 weeks out. However, if you are still seeing fleas after this correct dosing, it is best to consider switching to a more effective product such as Revolution. Best of luck with your cats moving forward and keeping the fleas away. Take care.

Since both Sentry and Frontline use the same active ingredient (fipronil) it is unlikely that you will see better protection switching to the Frontline. You will need to choose a product with a different ingredient, like Advantage or Revolution or a Seresto collar. If you choose to use another topical, I would recommend bathing your kitty today to remove any remnants of the Sentry, and wait 3 days to apply the next topical. It is important to wait after bathing so that the natural body oils have time to coat the skin to ensure adequate absorption. You do not need to wait or bathe to use a Seresto collar.

Please do not feed garlic to your dog, it can cause blood disease in dogs! Here are instructions for flea prevention: Unfortunately fleas only hop on the body of your pet when they want to feed, then they hop off again and stay in your pet's environment. So you need to treat all pets in the household as well as the environment (which contains the fleas, their eggs and larvae). Flea treatment:  1) Get some flea medication such as a Flea spray or a spot on from a pet shop or your veterinarian and apply monthly 2) get flea powder, put some in your vacuum cleaner bag and vacuum your house and furniture and also non-carpeted areas frequently to remove flea larvae and eggs which live off house dust., Dispose of the bag in the trash outside. Hot-wash all the pet's bedding, If you do this diligently for a few months you will get rid of the fleas. Flea products: Spot-ons and/or chews Advantage, Advantix Advantage Multi (Advocate in the UK) Frontline (ticks as well) Bravecto spot on (ticks as well) - for cats, in tablet form for dogs Simparica, Nexgard Revolution (stronghold in the UK) Tablets: comfortis (will only kill fleas once) Collar: Seresto (ticks as well)