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My dog got wet after topical flea & tick meds. Reapply or switch?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | Female | spayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 50 lbs

We have Tikka on the anti tick drops (canine advantex) but are thinking of changing he back to the pills. It is very hard to get the drops on her skin and she is extremely active so it's almost impossible keep her clean and dry. The drops say to keep her dry for three days but she got wet day two, should we be giving her another dose? I'm not too sure what's best, I don't want her to get lime disease. Any advice?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 1st, 2017

I would not reapply the advantix until she is due. Getting wet once or twice shouldn't greatly affect the efficacy of the product. But if she is a water dog one of the oral flea and tick medications may be a better match for Tikka

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Try applying it to Tikka when she is asleep. It shouldn't take more than 12 hours to dry completely. Usually, the spot is dry in 3-4 hours. It takes full effect in about 24 hours after which she can get wet. Sometimes you can get breakthrough ticks if there is a high tick burden/population. Do not apply a second dose. You will need to wait at least 3 weeks to be safe.

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