Frontline didn't work for my dog. Can I reapply or switch flea meds?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on October 13th, 2020

  Hi there. In my experience, Frontline Plus is not effective at all for fleas and has not been for several years now. So rather than applying another dose of the same med, I would recommend getting a prescription flea medication from your vet such as Nexgard or Bravecto - these meds are safe and very effective, and would be fine to give now even though he had Frontline last week since they are a completely different drug class.

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 27th, 2018

  Poor girl. Yes most topicals can be reapplied safely after waiting a minimum of 2 weeks. However, I would stop the flea baths, which can strip a lot of the product off the skin, leading to a decrease in efficacy. I am not a fan of Frontline due to its poor flea coverage, instead I would suggest another product such as Revolution or Comfortis for better flea management. Also just note that you can give Capstar, a flea pill that rids fleas within 1 hr but is not a long term preventative, at any time, without waiting 2 weeks after a previous flea treatment, if you have another outbreak of fleas. Best wishes with your pet Luna and I hope you resolve your flea problem soon. Take care!

  

  16Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 11th, 2021

  Hello. I am so sorry for your worries about the fleas, but it is illegal to prescribe any medications without first doing an in-person physical examination on your pet. So, you will need to see your regular vet about this. There are, however, several things you can still do at home to combat the fleas. One is to add either Capstar, an oral tablet that you can give once a day, week or as often as necessary to kill fleas. The other is to try a Seresto collar. These really work very well & both my options can be used with the Frontline. You also need to treat your home with sprays or bombs that contain an insect growth regulator, & treat your yard as well. There are many very good products out there to combat fleas. It is not often a one time treatment as it can take up to 3 months to eliminate all the living generations of fleas in your vicinity. I hope this helps & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 18th, 2019

  I personally have found some resistance to fleas with Frontline. I can give you a method that always works for me. First, I would give B 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. Best of luck.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful