Can a Dog Get Fleas on Flea Medication - What to Know?

You're probably wondering if your furry friend can still get fleas even if they're on flea medication. The short answer is yes, it's possible, but the likelihood depends on the type of medication and the severity of the flea infestation.

Some flea medications, like topical treatments, can be effective against adult fleas, but they might not prevent flea eggs from hatching. This means your dog could still get fleas from eggs that were laid before they started taking the medication.

Flea medications can also take some time to start working, which is why it's essential to follow the application instructions carefully and give the medication time to take effect.

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Flea treatment efficacy is crucial to keep your dog safe and flea-free. FRONTLINE PLUS and FRONTLINE SPOT ON kill fleas within 24 hours of them arriving on the pet.

The time it takes for flea treatment to be effective varies depending on the product. FRONTLINE TRI-ACT, for example, kills fleas within 6 hours of them jumping on a dog.

Continuous flea treatment is crucial to prevent infestations and keep pets protected.

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It can take up to 24 hours for a topical monthly flea treatment to kill any fleas that have hopped on to your pet.

Fleas that are dying often come to the coat surface and move around excessively – making them more visible.

Discovering one or two fleas on your pet is not a sign that your monthly flea treatment is not working.

You might be finding fleas even after treating your pet because it's too soon after treatment.

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Flea medication may not be working due to factors like inconsistent application, which can lead to incomplete coverage of the pet's body. This is because fleas can be found in hard-to-reach areas like the ear canal and between the toes.

Using a flea medication that's not suitable for your pet's age, weight, or health status can also render it ineffective. For example, using a medication meant for adult dogs on a puppy can cause harm.

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Inadequate dosage is another common reason flea medication fails to work. If the correct dosage isn't followed, the medication may not be able to effectively kill the fleas.

Flea populations can develop resistance to certain medications, making them less effective over time. This is why it's essential to rotate between different types of flea medications.

Flea eggs and larvae can survive the medication and continue to hatch, leading to a new infestation. This is why it's crucial to use a medication that targets all stages of the flea life cycle.

Flea allergy dermatitis, a common condition in dogs, can be exacerbated by ineffective flea medication. This can lead to skin irritation, itching, and hair loss.

Using a flea medication that's not designed to address the underlying issue of flea allergy dermatitis can make the condition worse.

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Pets can pick up new fleas even with flea medicine, making regular treatments crucial to prevent infestations.

Fleas can easily hitch a ride on pets from infested environments, which is why continuous flea treatment is vital to keep pets protected.

Pets that go to gardens or parks are more likely to get fleas, so it's essential to keep up with treatments to prevent infestations.

Using the flea medication your vet suggests and sticking to the treatment schedule can help keep your pet flea-free.

Regular treatments decrease the chance of your pet getting infested, making it a key step in keeping fleas under control.

Flea treatment is a crucial step in preventing flea infestations, but it's not always 100% effective.

Some flea medications, like FRONTLINE PLUS and FRONTLINE SPOT ON, can kill fleas within 24 hours of them arriving on the pet.

It's essential to remember that different treatments have varying speeds of action, so it's crucial to check the product packaging or leaflet for specific details.

FRONTLINE TRI-ACT, for example, kills fleas within 6 hours of them jumping on a dog.

Fleas can develop resistance to certain medications, but it's not a guarantee.

Resistance to topical flea medications is a growing concern, with some studies showing that up to 90% of fleas in some areas have developed resistance to these treatments.

Fleas can also develop resistance to oral medications, such as flea preventatives that contain fipronil or imidacloprid.

Resistance to flea medications is often linked to overuse or misuse of the same medication, which can lead to the development of "super fleas" that are resistant to treatment.

Flea populations are constantly evolving, and new resistance patterns are emerging all the time, making it essential to rotate flea treatments and use a combination of products for optimal results.

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Over the last 20 years, the number of over-the-counter flea and tick medications has increased exponentially.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a warning in 2010 regarding toxic reactions to flea medications.

Adverse reactions to unapproved flea treatments caused this warning, specifically spot-on treatments.

The warning was issued in response to a rash of fatalities among dogs from the use of several unapproved flea and tick prevention products.

Our veterinarians will determine the best flea and treatment to meet your dog's individualized needs.

Flea treatment products don't kill fleas instantly, so it's essential to understand how they work.

New fleas can still jump onto pets even when they're on flea medication, which is why regular prevention is crucial.

FRONTLINE PLUS and FRONTLINE SPOT ON take up to 24 hours to kill fleas, while FRONTLINE TRI-ACT acts faster within 6 hours.

Most fleas are present in the environment as eggs, larvae, and pupae, not as adult fleas, which means we need to tackle the whole lifecycle to keep our pets flea-free.

To keep your pet healthy and prevent flea infestations, regular flea prevention at the correct treatment interval is vital.

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