Does Frontline still work on my dog after a bath and coconut oil?

Hello! Coconut oil may prevent the Frontline from being effective as the active ingredient uses the natural oils and pores in the skin to spread and work properly, and the coconut oil may prevent that from happening. There is no credible research that suggests that coconut oil works as a flea preventative or treatment, however Frontline is a well-tested and safe product for cats. If you would like to continue using Frontline, I suggest giving Clint a bath with a mild soap and water solution (to remove the coconut oil), waiting 24-48 hours for the fur to dry and from natural skin oils to be replaced, then applying the Frontline. Even if Clint had some Frontline applied already, the extra amount should not harm him as it is extremely safe and is not systemic (is not effective through the bloodstream). Good luck, and I hope that Clint becomes and stays flea-free!

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/

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend waiting about 2-3 days after applying Frontline to bathe your dog to allow sufficient time for the product to absorb. You should also wait about 2-3 days after bathing to apply Frontline to allow the skin to be slightly oily to optimally absorb the product.

Dogs are not supposed to get wet for at least 24 hours after application of a topical flea medication, and more than likely it was washed off during the bath. You can reapply the flea treatment, and I would give them Capstar given you have seen fleas. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes, and it's safe to be given at the same time as the spot on treatment. Just as a note, I would not recommend using Frontline. In my experience (and from the experience of many colleagues), there is a resistance to Frontline, and you may not get the best results from it. I recommend using Advantage or Revolution instead. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash their bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.

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.

You can wash the product off his har with Dawn dish soap (it is a grease/oil remover). Then wait 24 hours and apply the Frontline again. If you can't get the topical product on him effectively you may need to switch to an oral product or use a Seresto collar. One Seresto collar lasts up to 8 months. It is very cost effective and easy to use. You didn't mention the age of your puppy so be sure to read all package instructions to make sure products are safe to use on whatever age your puppy is. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It is safe to reapply the Frontline now, but in my experience, it doesn't have great flea protection. You may have better luck with Advantage products or a Seresto collar. The best flea protection is the prescription oral flea preventatives, like Bravecto or Nexgard.