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My dog has fleas again after treatment. Is it safe to re-treat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 18 lbs

Hi My 7 kilo, 13yr old Jack Russell X was given advocate 3 weeks ago but in the last week he is riddled with live fleas again. Have treated all house too. Should I use Advocate again at 28 days or Advantage 11. He had a terrible reaction to Bravecto last yr so nervous of ingestied and spot ons since. He swam a lot over last 3 weeks so may have weakened it? Used Indorex and hoover/boil wash everything - but still keep finding live ones in his fur. Am at wits end as can’t re-treat him yet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 4th, 2018

Hello, you can retreat him now and keep him off the water for atleast 5 days. You’ll need to continue to treat your house and deep clean for atleast a month. Other oral preventatives you can try are nexguard. Hope this helps and best of luck

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 7th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, you can give it again as long as it has been longer than 2 weeks. However, you should wait at least 2 more days before using it as otherwise it does not get absorbed well. You can consider using something called Capstar which is basically a product for fleas that has the ability to treat a lot of fleas at once to get better control. Good luck!

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