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My dog scratches from fleas. Is Frontline enough or am I using too much?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | 10 years and 10 months old | 115 lbs

Smokey is a housedog&rarely has ever had a flea on him however this year I can not seem to control the fleas. I applied the monthly Frontline Plus ampule as well as used the spray but have repeated the spray on him a few times in the last 2 weeks. Am I using too much? He will scratch until he bleeds. He is on Vistaril & Prednisone & has been for years with very good results but I can't seem to control the fleas this year even tho it's only 2 or 3 u can clearly see what he does to himself.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on July 9th, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear that Smokey is having this problem. Dogs that have flea allergies can be miserable with only 1 flea bite per week, so it doesn't take very many fleas to cause a problem. I am attaching a handout about flea control for an allergic dog below. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952572 I would recommend speaking with your veterinarian about one of the newer oral flea products. I have been very happy with Nexgard. It works differently than Frontline, so it might be more effective. There are a couple of different oral flea prevention products that can be given even though you have already done Frontline, so they will work together to get the problem under control ASAP. You may also need to speak with your veterinarian about adjusting his medications short term to help control his itching while the fleas are being treated. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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