My puppy still has fleas after Frontline. What to do before vaccines?

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/

I'm so sorry you are having a hard time with Boogie! Capstar is safe to give daily, but ONLY kills adult fleas. More fleas will be jumping onto Boogie daily until all of the viable eggs in the environment have hatched or been rid of. Frontline (and Advantage and Revolution) kills adult fleas AND makes the eggs laid by the fleas that are on the dog unable to hatch once they are in the environment. That's why it takes some time to see results, whether you are using Frontline, Advantage or Revolution. That is also why Capstar continues to be beneficial in killing the adults that are on the dog. Think of it this way. Adults fleas get onto the dog. They eat, mate, poop, and lay eggs. The poop from the fleas, and the eggs, both drop off into the environment. When the eggs hatch out, which takes 2 weeks, the larvae (baby fleas) feed on the flea poop that was dropped into the environment. They ultimately develop into the adult fleas that will again find an adult host to infect. Since an adult flea can lay 50 eggs a day, you can see how important it is to treat the environment and break the life cycle. You may find this article helpful. http://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/fleas/ To specifically answer your question, Frontline doesn't "get stronger" with time, but it takes consistent treatment to break the cycle of new fleas hatching out in the environment and getting back on. Until you've got better control, apply either Frontline (or Advantage, or Revolution) as frequently as recommended by your vet; typically this will be about 2 week intervals for 4-8 weeks. Again, consult with your vet for specific advice on your individual dog's needs. Also, vacuum and wash bedding, carpets, couches, etc. I hope that clarifies things for you a bit. Don't hesitate to post on the forum again or request a consultation for further assistance. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

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.

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.

Great question! Yes, you can give Chico Capstar. Follow it up with a spot on treatment like Revolution or Frontline. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his 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. Best of luck.

That should take care of the fleas. You can put the tablet in a small amount of canned cat food, or shove it down the throat if the pups won’t take it. I prefer to use a flea comb dipped in soapy water to remove any fleas from the pups. If you do this daily or more often you will get them all. I prefer Advantage to Frontline on tiny dogs as it’s less volume and I’ve had no reactions with it. Frontline sometimes irritates the skin and I do not find it to be as effective. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your puppies.

Capstar can safely be used with Frontline. That said, switching to a different topical (they can become ineffective after a while of use) or addressing the house, bedding, etc for places flea eggs can sit may help reduce reinfestation in the future.