What should be done if fleas are not being removed from a dog? - briefly
If fleas remain after standard over‑the‑counter treatment, seek veterinary advice for prescription‑strength oral or topical medication and implement rigorous environmental decontamination. Follow the veterinarian’s schedule and repeat applications as directed to break the infestation cycle.
What should be done if fleas are not being removed from a dog? - in detail
Fleas that remain after initial treatment indicate either incomplete application, resistance, or reinfestation from the environment. Follow these steps to achieve eradication:
- Verify the diagnosis. Inspect the coat, skin, and bedding for live insects, flea dirt, or eggs. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb for a thorough count.
- Consult a veterinarian. Request a physical exam to rule out underlying skin conditions, allergies, or secondary infections that may mask flea activity.
- Choose a proven adulticide. Options include:
- Topical spot‑on products containing fipronil, imidacloprid, or selamectin, applied directly to the skin at the base of the neck.
- Oral systemic medications such as nitenpyram (rapid kill) or afoxolaner, fluralaner, sarolaner (long‑acting control).
- Prescription shampoos or sprays for immediate knock‑down, used in conjunction with systemic therapy.
- Follow the label’s dosing schedule precisely. Missed doses or incorrect weight categories reduce efficacy and promote resistance.
- Treat the environment simultaneously. Wash all bedding, blankets, and removable fabrics in hot water; vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters. Apply an EPA‑registered household flea spray or fogger that targets eggs, larvae, and pupae, covering all rooms where the dog spends time.
- Repeat treatment after 7–10 days. Flea life cycles require a second dose to eliminate newly emerged adults that survived the first application.
- Monitor for recurrence. Continue weekly comb checks for at least four weeks. If fleas reappear, reassess product choice, consider a different class of insecticide, and discuss potential resistance with the veterinarian.
- Address potential sources outside the home. Treat other pets, limit wildlife access to the yard, and maintain regular yard maintenance to reduce stray flea populations.
Persistent infestation despite these measures warrants a veterinary re‑evaluation for possible allergic dermatitis, flea allergy skin disease, or alternative parasitic infections that may be interfering with treatment success.