How long do flea drops for dogs remain effective? - briefly
Flea spot‑on treatments for dogs generally protect for about four weeks after application. Some products extend efficacy to six weeks, but the standard duration is 30 days.
How long do flea drops for dogs remain effective? - in detail
Flea‑preventive spot‑ons for dogs contain systemic insecticides that spread across the skin after application. The active compound is absorbed into the sebaceous glands and released in the oil layer, where it kills fleas on contact. Efficacy persists until the concentration on the skin falls below the lethal threshold for adult fleas.
Key determinants of the active period:
- Active ingredient – different molecules have distinct half‑lives on the skin.
- Formulation type – some products are designed for monthly release, others for longer intervals.
- Dog’s weight class – dosage is calibrated per kilogram; under‑dosing shortens protection.
- Coat condition – dense or oily coats may slow absorption, while frequent bathing or swimming can remove a portion of the product.
- Environmental load – high flea pressure may demand stricter re‑application timing.
Typical duration by ingredient:
- Imidacloprid (e.g., Advantage, K9 Advantix) – 30 days of adult‑flea killing.
- Fipronil (e.g., Frontline Spot‑On) – 30 days for adult fleas; larvicidal effect may extend up to 45 days.
- Selamectin (e.g., Revolution) – 30 days against adult fleas; also prevents other parasites.
- Fluralaner (e.g., Bravecto Spot‑On) – 84 days of continuous flea control.
- Afoxolaner (e.g., NexGard Spot‑On) – 30 days; comparable to oral formulation.
- Sarolaner (e.g., Simparica Spot‑On) – 30 days; maintains high plasma levels throughout the month.
Re‑application schedule:
- For products labelled “monthly,” apply a new dose every 30 days, regardless of bathing frequency.
- Long‑acting formulations (84‑day) require a single dose per three months; repeat only after the specified interval.
- If a dog is bathed or swims within 24 hours of treatment, consider re‑application according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Monitoring:
- Observe for live fleas on the dog or in the environment. Presence of adult fleas before the next scheduled dose indicates possible premature loss of efficacy, prompting a veterinary review.
In practice, adherence to the product‑specific interval ensures continuous protection against flea infestations.Flea‑preventive spot‑ons for dogs contain systemic insecticides that spread across the skin after application. The active compound is absorbed into the sebaceous glands and released in the oil layer, where it kills fleas on contact. Efficacy persists until the concentration on the skin falls below the lethal threshold for adult fleas.
Key determinants of the active period:
- Active ingredient – different molecules have distinct half‑lives on the skin.
- Formulation type – some products are designed for monthly release, others for longer intervals.
- Dog’s weight class – dosage is calibrated per kilogram; under‑dosing shortens protection.
- Coat condition – dense or oily coats may slow absorption, while frequent bathing or swimming can remove a portion of the product.
- Environmental load – high flea pressure may demand stricter re‑application timing.
Typical duration by ingredient:
- Imidacloprid (e.g., Advantage, K9 Advantix) – 30 days of adult‑flea killing.
- Fipronil (e.g., Frontline Spot‑On) – 30 days for adult fleas; larvicidal effect may extend up to 45 days.
- Selamectin (e.g., Revolution) – 30 days against adult fleas; also prevents other parasites.
- Fluralaner (e.g., Bravecto Spot‑On) – 84 days of continuous flea control.
- Afoxolaner (e.g., NexGard Spot‑On) – 30 days; comparable to oral formulation.
- Sarolaner (e.g., Simparica Spot‑On) – 30 days; maintains high plasma levels throughout the month.
Re‑application schedule:
- For products labelled “monthly,” apply a new dose every 30 days, regardless of bathing frequency.
- Long‑acting formulations (84‑day) require a single dose per three months; repeat only after the specified interval.
- If a dog is bathed or swims within 24 hours of treatment, consider re‑application according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Monitoring:
- Observe for live fleas on the dog or in the environment. Presence of adult fleas before the next scheduled dose indicates possible premature loss of efficacy, prompting a veterinary review.
Adherence to the product‑specific interval ensures continuous protection against flea infestations.