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Hartz flea treatment didn't work. How to get rid of dog fleas safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | 6 years and 1 month old | 70 lbs

I applied Hartz flea and tick topical treatment Wednesday on my 60lb + dog but it is ineffective and she still has oily residue and the fleas haven't gone away! What do I do without harming her to get rid of these fleas?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 20th, 2017

Unfortunately Hartz is a very poor product and extremely ineffective. I would not recommend using it again. You can give Bella Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes and it's safe to give now. I would wash her to try to get the oily residue off, but you can't give her another spot on treatment until two weeks have passed. During this two weeks, it is safe to give Capstar daily (only one a day) to keep killing the fleas. After the two weeks have passed, I would apply a better quality flea treatment such as Revolution or Advantage. Keep in mind as well you have to disinfect the environment. Wash her 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. I hope this helps!

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    You'll need to wait at least 2-3 weeks before using another topical or oral preventative. You can use CapStar (nitenpyram) which you can get from your veterinarian. It can be given daily and will begin to kill fleas on your dog within 30 minutes. Since a majority of fleas live in the environment, not on the dog, you will need to treat the environment. Vacuum everywhere and dispose of the bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately afterwards. Use an area treatment, such as Knockout ES, to prevent reinfestation. When the time comes to use topical or oral prevention, choose a prescription medication such as Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix, Nexgard or Simparica. Treat for at least three consecutive months to break the flea life cycle. Year round treatment is recommended.

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While some flea collars are generally safe to combine with topical flea medication, I do not recommend using either of those products on Khloe. Both are poor quality products that do not work well at all, and Hartz is especially poor. Many animals have had bad reactions to Hartz products, as well as still having problems with fleas. I can give you the flea treatment program I always recommend, which works very well and is safe for Khloe. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her 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. I hope this helps!
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