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What can I give my itchy dog to safely kill live fleas fast?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 13 lbs

my 13 lb. jack russell is given sentinel monthly on the 25th of the month. he plays with four squirrel in the yard. they carry fleas!!! what can I give or use on my dog to kill live fleas? he is so itchy!! when I wash him I use Dawn dish detergent I will see a few fleas die. what can i safely use to help him?? my vet hours are the same as mine so I have a difficult time seeing them for things like this!! thanks!!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 11th, 2022

You can safely give an oral flea medication such as Capstar (available OTC or from your vet) with other flea preventives. This will kill any fleas on the body within 24 hours, but will not stop flea eggs or reinfestation, which is why it is important to continue with other regular flea preventives. Making sure to clean out brushy areas, wash all bedding and fabric surfaces, and vacuuming baseboards, etc can also reduce flea eggs and fleas in the environment.
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