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Dog has fleas after bath & treatment. Is it working? Can I reapply?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 2 months old | 5 lbs

I applied revolution flea treatment about an hour after a bath, not realizing I should have waited to bathe him. I still see some fleas a day later, is the treatment still going to work? If not, can I apply the next dose early? Thanks!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 1st, 2020

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It should be ok as long as you applied to topical after the bath. If the fleas are slow moving it is likely the treatment is working. There are still fleas in the environment that have to get on the pet in order to die. Continue the treatment every 4 weeks for 3-4 doses. You can apply after 3 weeks if you are still seeing live fleas. Also remember to treat all pets in the home. Kisses to Charlie!

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12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on June 28th, 2020

    Revolution is a really good product. The fleas still have to jump on to be exposed to the pesticide and to die. So seeing an occasional flea isn't a concern. If there is a flea infestation, it can take several months of consistently treating all pets in the area and the home/yard itself to decrease the flea population.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 1st, 2017

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about your situation. Flea baths just kill what is alive on the pet. Once it's rinsed off, it's done, no residual flea killing activity remains. I don't recommend flea baths, flea sprays, flea dust, etc anymore. We have much better flea/tick products now and you will have to ask your local vet what they recommend. Sounds like you have an environmental problem too that is not under control. You may need to bomb the house to get on top of it. I like Advantage, Advantage Multi, Revolution, ParaDefense, among others for topical flea prevention. Do not bathe pets with these products on since the soap/detergent in the shampoo will strip some of the product off of the pet. I would stop bathing cats altogether. The dirtier the pet (the more natural oils are on the skin/hair coat) which makes these products work better. You may have to combine topical treatments with oral treatments until you get a handle on the fleas, this can take up to 3 months to ensure that the immature stages have all hatched from the environment. I would advise using Comfortis orally or another feline oral flea product that lasts for one month. Multimodal treatment is best when you have a problem. Treat the environment also, vacuum frequently. Good luck

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