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My dog's Frontline isn't working. Should I try a flea shampoo?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 8 months and 7 days old

Safe to use flea shampoo after using frontline with no results

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on February 8th, 2016

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.

28Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Combining flea treatments can be risky. Frontline is very effective when used properly. Use the appropriate dose based on your dog's weight. Do not split doses between pets. It must be applied at least 3 days before or after a bath or grooming. It must be applied directly to the skin. This is accomplished by parting the fur with the applicator tip down to the skin. Treat ALL pets in the house for at least 3 consecutive months. The environment must also be treated. Vacuum all areas and dispose of the bag outdoors. Wash all fabrics and beddings that have had contact with any pet in the hottest water temp allowable. Knockout Area treatment (by Virbac) is just one very effective product to follow up with after vacuuming. Lastly, treat all pets for tapeworm since fleas carry the risk of tapeworm infection. If you purchased your Frontline from your vet, you can contact Merial at www.frontline.com and take advantage of their Guarantee.
18Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 1st, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It is okay that she licked some of it. It isn't harmful and she likely didn't ingest enough to decrease it's effect. I am sure you got it on well enough. You can re-apply as early as 3 weeks. Personally I do not think Frontline works well for fleas anymore. I like Comfortis, Advantage, Bravecto and the Seresto collar.

I wish you the best!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 16th, 2018
Frontline unfortunately is not a good flea treatment, as it is not working anymore in many cases.
Here is a list of good quality flea (and ticks) treatment. Spot ons: Revolution, Advantage, Advantage Multi, Bravecto spot on (ticks as well).
A good house spray would be Indoorex.

Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on March 4th, 2016
Don't worry, it will eventually work its way down to the skin. For future applications, use the applicator tip to part the hair until you see skin then squeeze to apply the Frontline. You can reapply in 2-3 weeks but this would be considered "off label use". Check with your vet before you do that.
40Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog still has fleas after Frontline and baths. What now?

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My dog was bathed after flea treatment. Should I reapply flea killer?

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My dog's Frontline Plus isn't working. Should I switch to Advantix?

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