I put frontline on my dog a few hours ago and now I'm finding fleas, is the treatment not working right away?

I applied Frontline on my dog a few hours ago, but I’m still finding fleas on him. I was under the impression that the treatment would start working immediately. Is it normal to still see fleas after applying, or should I be concerned that it's not effective?

Answer

It's normal to still see fleas on your dog after applying Frontline, as it takes time for the treatment to kill fleas and completely clear an infestation. Fleas can appear to be more active before dying.

  • Frontline starts killing fleas within 4 to 12 hours.
  • It may take up to 24 hours for a noticeable reduction in flea activity.
  • Complete elimination of fleas may take a few days.

Frontline contains an active ingredient that spreads through your dog's natural oils, killing fleas upon contact. However, it is normal to still see fleas as they take time to come into contact with the treatment and die. If your pet continues to scratch vigorously or if fleas persist for more than a week, it might be worth consulting a vet to ensure there are no underlying issues or to discuss different flea control solutions.

Book a consultation with a licensed vet at Dial A Vet for just $49 AUD if you're unsure or symptoms are getting worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take for Frontline to work on fleas?

    Frontline starts killing fleas within 4 to 12 hours, and you may notice a reduction in flea activity within 24 hours. It can take a few days to completely eliminate fleas from your pet.

  • Why do I still see fleas after treatment?

    Finding fleas on your dog after treatment can happen because it takes time for all fleas to come into contact with the treatment and die. Fleas may also be more active before dying, which can make them more noticeable.

  • What should I do if my dog continues to have fleas?

    If fleas persist for more than a week after treatment, consider consulting a vet to ensure there are no underlying issues or to explore different flea control solutions. It's also important to treat your home and other pets for fleas to prevent re-infestation.

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