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Dog still has fleas. Is it safe to apply a different topical?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chow Chow | Male | neutered | 10 years and 6 months old | 82 lbs

I bathed my dog about a week ago with a flea/tick shampoo after noticing fleas. Afternhis bath I applied a store bought/brand fipronil. After a couple days still had fleas so we have started capstar. I was given vectra to try as topical application - can I apply since I applied fipronil last week or do I need to bathe again first and wait to apply vectra?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2017

Hi and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Generally speaking, it is advised to administer one type of topical flea/tick preventative at one time. Administering more than one topical type in a 30 day period may be an overload to her system. The Fipronil is liking absorbed already, so I would not advise you apply the Vectra. Instead, you may ask your veterinarian about a administering capstar or another fast acting oral flea treatment medication. Next month, you may apply the Vectra. Hopefully that will do the trick.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, ideally we do not combine topical products and allow them to work a full month. Your best option is to ensure you are also treating your environment to decreased the flea burden. That is, you are using insecticides/washing bedding and clothing 2-3 times weekly to reduce the flea burden. Make sure you spray both indoors and outdoors. The capstar will kill the adult fleas immediately, but if you think that the fipronil is not working, you can give the Vectra. However, without treating your environment, you may have similar results with the Vectra as you did with the fipronil. On the plus side, the Vectra contains growth regulator which prevents immature fleas from becoming adult and this being able to lay more eggs. Treating fleas at home can be very difficult and annoying, but with diligent cleaning and the correct amount of insecticides, you will hopefully gain control of the flea population. Best of of luck and hope this helps.

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    Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I also highly recommend using diatomaceous earth on all the carpets, furniture, and bedding that can't go into the wash. Diatomaceous earth is a dessicant - it dehydrated the fleas when it comes into contact with them. Sprinkle it on the carpets and let it sit for one hour, then vacuum it up and toss the bag or empty the vacuum chamber outside. Treating your yard with a premise spray like Advantage Outdoors can be helpful in preventing reinfestation. Remember, the flea life cycle is at least 3 weeks, so even when you get rid of the live ones, their eggs and larvae are still living in the carpets and bedding, so you may need to re-treat the premises around that time.

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