What to Do When Flea Medicine Isn’t Working

Sometimes getting rid of fleas comes down to trial and error until you get it right. If you're saying to yourself, "Why does my dog still has fleas?" Ask yourself these key questions and find out why.

You've been a great pet parent. You went and bought the best flea medication and applied it to your dog, just like you were supposed to. You followed the instructions! You did it all correctly! But you're stuck saying those five words every dog owner dreads: “My dog still has fleas!” Could it be the medication? Probably not. Preventatives like Advantage Multi or Nexgard are clinically proven to kill fleas, repel fleas, and more. So what could it be?

Don't worry! This could be for several reasons. Ask yourself the following questions, and you'll soon find the answer to your flea problem.

Are You Really Sure You're Doing It Right?

The first thing to check (and double-check and triple-check) are the directions for whatever flea medicine you bought. For instance, if you are giving your pet an oral flea pill like Comfortis or Capstar Flea Killer, make sure you know how often you need to administer the dosage. Or, if you are using a spot-on solution like K9 Advantix, make sure you are getting the applicator under your pet's hair and onto the skin. This is a common mistake that can lessen the effectiveness of your pet's pest protection. Proper application is crucial to kill fleas effectively and get rid of fleas from your dog's coat.

How Healthy is Your Pet's Skin?

Dry and unhealthy skin can affect how well spot-on treatments work. Good washing and combing of your pet's coat could help with the application of the medicine and help let it do what it's supposed to do: keep your pet happy and healthy! Healthy skin can also prevent fleas from thriving on your dog. Additionally, consider if your dog may have flea allergy dermatitis, which can exacerbate skin issues and make it harder to get rid of fleas.

Where are All the Fleas Coming From?

Some estimate that over 90% of the flea population lives not on your dog but in your house and your yard. You may be doing your best to keep your pet flea-free, but if the rest of the area is infested, you may still be seeing some scratching. Consider treating your home and yard for pests as another measure to keep your pet healthy. Flea eggs and flea larvae can hide in pet bedding, upholstered furniture, and even throw rugs, contributing to ongoing flea infestations.

When Did You Start the Medication?

Once you see fleas on your pet, it's going to be more difficult to get rid of them than if you were using the medicine as protection before the pests showed up. Many vets encourage owners to use flea medication year-round, but if you want, you can also begin treatment a few months before the peak flea season begins. Find out when that peak season is for you by using our Flea & Tick map, which is based on historical weather data for your region. Starting early can help prevent fleas from establishing a presence on your dog and in your home.

Are You Treating All Your Pets for Fleas?

Well, are you? Just because one isn't scratching as much as the other doesn't mean that all of your pets aren't suffering from fleas. That also means more fleas laying eggs in your home! However, if you have both cats and dogs, make sure to use the species-specific medication for each. Female fleas can lay numerous eggs, which can fall off your pets and into your home, perpetuating the flea life cycle. Treating all your pets is essential to get rid of fleas and prevent a flea-infested environment.

Are You Being Patient?

If you've exhausted all other options, maybe it's because you're trying to rush through the process. Flea eggs that were originally on your pet may have fallen off into the corners and cracks of your home, and that's just the start of the flea life cycle! Those eggs could take up to twelve months to become adult fleas, and when they do, those pests can then jump back onto your pet. It could be helpful to continue to protect your pet even after you think the flea threat is gone, just to make sure. Patience and persistence are key to control infestations and prevent future outbreaks. Remember, one flea can start the entire cycle over again.

Tapeworms in Dogs: How Fleas Can Be to Blame

You may think that the only harm a flea can do is cause your pet some discomfort, but all that scratching can lead to something far more sinister. That's right, having a flea-infested pet can lead to tapeworms in your dog! Here's how:

Fleas Carry the Tapeworm Larvae

The most common type of tapeworm for dogs, Dipylidium caninum, uses fleas as an intermediate host, meaning that fleas carry tapeworm eggs inside their bodies. This happens when fleas, still in their larvae stage, swallow tapeworm eggs themselves.

Your Dog Bites at its Fleas

That means when your dog bites at its fleas, it can end up swallowing one that is carrying those tapeworm eggs! Once inside your pet, the tapeworm hatches and attaches itself to your dog's intestines. The parasite can then cause weight loss, vomiting, and irritation.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Tapeworm

You can tell if your dog has a tapeworm if you see moving, white objects on your pet's skin or in their stool. Don't worry! There are effective treatments for the parasite. But wouldn't you rather your dog just never had to deal with tapeworms in the first place?

Help make that possible by treating your pet for fleas! Consider this: Even if you treat your pet for tapeworms after they are infected, your dog could contract another one of the parasites just as easily by biting at and swallowing another flea, just like they did the first time. The only way to end this cycle is to keep your pet pest-free. Just another reason to treat your dog for fleas!

Additional Tips for Flea Prevention

Use a flea comb regularly to remove fleas and flea dirt from your pet's fur.
Wash your pet's bedding and throw rugs in hot water to kill fleas and their eggs.
Vacuum your home frequently to remove flea eggs, larvae, and adult fleas.
Consider using topical treatments and flea products that kill fleas at different life stages.
Ensure your pets have access to direct sunlight, as fleas tend to avoid bright light.
Clean your pet's environment with soapy water to remove flea eggs and larvae.
Monitor for flea bites and signs of flea allergy dermatitis, such as hair loss or black specks on your pet's skin.

Following these tips and ensuring proper flea prevention can help keep your dog and your home flea-free. Treating fleas and ensuring your pets are protected can also help prevent ticks and reduce the risk of other diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if flea treatment isn't working?

If flea treatment isn't working, there are some steps you can take. Make sure you are using the flea treatment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Are you using the correct dosage and application method? Is the flea treatment appropriate for your pet's weight and age? Not all flea treatments work equally well for all pets. Your veterinarian may recommend a different type of flea treatment or a combination of treatments to eliminate fleas. Some products may work better than others in certain geographic locations or during certain times of the year. Fleas can live in carpets, bedding, and furniture, so it's essential to treat your home and yard as well as your pet. You may need to vacuum your carpets more frequently, wash your pet's bedding and toys, and use an insecticide or flea bomb in your home. If your pet continues to have a flea infestation despite your best efforts, it's important to consult with your veterinarian. They may recommend additional treatments or testing for underlying health conditions that may be contributing to the problem.

How soon can I give my dog another flea treatment?

The timing for giving your dog another flea treatment depends on the type of flea treatment you are using. Topical flea treatments are applied directly to the skin of your dog, typically between the shoulder blades. Topical flea treatments can usually be reapplied every 30 days, but it's important to follow the instructions on the product label. Oral flea treatments are given to your dog orally, typically as a pill or chewable tablet. Oral flea treatments can usually be given once a month, but it's important to follow the instructions on the product label. Flea collars are worn around your dog's neck and release flea-repelling chemicals. Flea collars can usually be replaced every 6 months, but it's important to follow the instructions on the product label.

What kills all stages of fleas?

There are several products available that can effectively kill all stages of fleas, including adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. Insect growth regulators (IGRs work by interrupting the flea's life cycle, preventing flea eggs and larvae from developing into adult fleas. Common IGRs include methoprene, pyriproxyfen, and fenoxycarb. Adulticides kill adult fleas. Common adulticides include fipronil, imidacloprid, and selamectin. Insecticide sprays can be used to treat carpets, furniture, and other surfaces where fleas may be hiding. They contain insecticides that kill all stages of fleas. Oral medications are given to pets and work systemically to kill fleas. Common oral medications include nitenpyram, spinosad, and lufenuron.

How often should I bathe my dog with fleas?

While it is important to treat a dog with a flea infestation immediately, using a flea dip bath every day is not recommended. Flea dips can be harsh and potentially toxic to dogs if not used properly. It is also crucial to follow the instructions on the flea dip product carefully to avoid overexposure and potential harm to your dog. Flea shampoos can be harsh on your dog's skin and may strip natural oils from their coat, so they should not be used too frequently. It is generally recommended to bathe your dog with flea shampoo no more than once every week, although this may vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the recommendation of your veterinarian.

Should I shave my dog if it has fleas?

Shaving your dog if it has fleas is generally not necessary or recommended as a way to control fleas. While shaving your dog's coat can make it easier to spot and remove fleas, it may also increase the risk of skin irritation or other issues, particularly if your dog has sensitive skin. Fleas typically live in the environment and feed on pets rather than living exclusively on their fur. So simply shaving your dog's coat will not eliminate the flea infestation. If your dog has a particularly thick or matted coat, it may be helpful to trim the fur to make it easier to apply flea control products and spot any fleas that may be present.

More Flea and Tick Control Advice

Oral Flea Control: Flea and Tick Pills to Keep Your Pet Healthy
Spot On Flea Control: Which Treatment is Right for Your Pet?
How to Use Spot On Flea and Tick Treatment

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis, or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.

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