I just saw flea bites on my dogs so I put Frontline on base of their necks 2 min ago. Now itching faces more?

Question

I know Frontline slowly spreads from the application site to the rest of their bodies. Could it be that the fleas are jumping off their backs onto the parts of their bodies that the Frontline hasn't reached yet?

(to sadiejane) Yes, I made sure I separated the fur and applied it directly on the skin. I thought I was only ~supposed~ to put it in one spot, but I actually put it in a few spots down their backs, but not low enough that they could reach and lick it.

I'm not actually worried about the Frontline not working, just curious if the reason they started itching their faces 1-2 minutes after application was b/c the Frontline hadn't reached that spot on them yet and the fleas were frantically trying to get away or what...

To linda_c_44, I am curious about the stuff you're talking about! I have heard of Sentinel, a once-a-month heartworm preventative that also works as a flea preventative (like a "birth control" for fleas) but not a pill that actually kills the fleas! What's the name of it? I like the idea of having them take something internally, since I have a toddler in the home and I don't like her touching insecticide.

Answer 1

The Frontline is the safest choice for your toddler actually, it's very non-toxic and once it is dry to the touch, it does not rub off. So it's good to put it on your pets at bedtime, by morning it will be dry. Frontline is also not absorbed internally at all, it gets into the hair follicles and stays there, it is safe to use on pregnant and nursing dogs. The Capstar pill will kill all the fleas on your dog or cat within 30-60 minutes, it's amazing to see it work, but it only lasts 24 hours. We usually will give the Capstar and apply the Frontline at the same time, that way the Frontline has reached full effect when the Capstar wears off. The flea does not have to bite your dog, the flea only has to come in contact with a treated animal or its fur to be affected. Frontline is great for animals with flea allergies because they DON'T have to be bitten for it to kill fleas. Droncit is a deworming pill that kills TAPEWORMS, not fleas, but it would be a good idea to get some of that too if the fleas are bad, since fleas carry tapeworm eggs.

It could certainly be that the fleas are trying to run from the Frontline, and also some dogs can actually feel the product spread itself out, it's kind of a creepy crawly sensation to them, not painful but some dogs will rub on the carpet because of it.

Your vet may also have a child-safe flea spray for the house, we carry Ectokyl spray for that purpose. It's safe enough for babies to crawl on treated carpets after it has dried, and it lasts for a couple of months to kill whatever eggs and larvae are in the carpeting. Keeping Frontline on all your animals for 4 months in a row will kill everything too if you don't want to use an environmental spray.

Answer 2

Sentinel is the brand name of the heartworm preventative that is like birth control for fleas. It won't keep the fleas off your dog, but it will keep them from infesting and having flea babies...I use Sentinel for my dog and I like it. I use Frontline, too, though. The Frontline would be my first choice because it kills fleas and ticks, and some other parasites, too. I understand about your not wanting your child to touch the Frontline. It might be a good idea to talk to your vet and see if there's something else you can do for your dog instead of Frontline. But I know Sentinel won't kill the ticks, etc.

I bet you are right about the fleas jumping off the dogs. They probably smell the Frontline and run for the hills! It works really well on them.

Answer 3

we get this alot at the clinic i work at. give it 24 hours. the fleas smell the med that will kill them and they will try running around and getting away from the frontline. i say give it till tomorrow morning or afternoon. if your dog is still itchy and there are still fleas then call your vet they will give you more information on how to stop the flea acvitity. If you have anymore questions message me. Hope this Helped, God Bless♥

>>>>>i saw your additional info. i think the pill you are talking about it called "Cap Star" its a pill you pop down and will kill all the fleas in less than 2 hours. and for heartworms and flea preventative its called "Revolution". but this product does not kill ticks. it just helps rid of fleas and hearworms. this is a topical product just like the frontline :D

Answer 4

The vet actually told me that the flea has to BITE your dog to eat the frontline or advantix before it dies. My Bichon is allergic to fleas so I know what a pain they can be. Although I once tried a flea bath and it burnt his skin so your dog could be allerigic to the medicine. I would call the vet if he doesn't improve by morning. good luck

Answer 5

Heat some water to very hot, pour it over some sliced lemons and let it sit overnight. Put it in a spray bottle after straining it good. Give the dog a bath, I use baby shampoo, and then spray the lemon juice all over the dog. Be sure and DO NOT get to close to his eyes. Fleas do not like citrus and will leave him alone. Be sure there are no open sores. That will hurt.

Answer 6

Did you know they have a pill to kill fleas now?

It's one time usage (to kill them all off) and then you can start using the monthly stuff!!

Answer 7

you are supposed to put a strip down their necks - not a puddle of it at the base.

did you make sure you seperated the fur so it got down to the skin?

it takes up to 48 hours for noticible improvement

Answer 8

give it a little time it takes a little while for the fleas to die off.