Can I wash my dog if he is on Frontline or K9 Advantix?
You’ve just given Rex his monthly flea and tick treatment and now he’s come in from the garden looking like he’s found the biggest and best mud pool in town. He may be happy, but you are not. He needs a bath NOW! But will the bath wash off his flea treatment?
This is a common question, and given the cost of Frontline or Advantage monthly applications, you don’t want to apply more than necessary. So what should you do?
According to the manufacturer’s instructions, you should wait 48 hours after applying Frontline or Advantage before bathing your dog. Frontline’s main ingredient, fipronil, builds up in the dog’s sebaceous glands as it is constantly applied through the hair follicles. Meanwhile, Advantage’s main ingredient is imidacloprid, which coats the skin.
Although both claim to be waterproof, some dog owners have found that the treatments seem less effective after bathing. Regular washing with medicated or anti-flea shampoos can dry out the skin, making the flea treatment weaker and less likely to work. There is also the problem that many commercial flea shampoos contain strong chemicals. Do you really want to use them in addition to your regular monthly treatment? One alternative is to use a natural shampoo after treating fleas; a gentle shampoo (such as Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo) can help moisturize the skin while cleaning.
Or maybe you want to consider switching from chemical flea and tick treatments to something more earth-friendly. Most natural products can be used alone or in addition to Frontline and Advantage.
Some natural alternatives to try include:
* Garlic and brewer’s yeast tablets. Added to your dog’s food or given as a daily treat, they are packed with nutrients to help improve your dog’s skin and coat, plus you have the added bonus of repelling fleas and ticks. The aroma of garlic and yeast is released through the skin, keeping those pesky insects away.
* Some essential oils are great for repelling fleas. Since essential oils can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin, I prefer to add a few drops to my dog’s collar or add a few drops to a small spray bottle of water and spray a few sprays on their fur. Cedarwood, lavender, citronella, and rosemary oils work well and have helped keep my pets tick-free.
* Flea the Scene offers the best of everything: essential oils that repel fleas and soothe the skin, an array of emollients to moisturize the skin, and a sunscreen that offers sun protection. Can be used with or instead of a medicated flea and tick application. What’s more, it’s human-safe too, so I can just give us a quick spray before we head to the park. No bugs, no sunburn and we all smell great!
#wash #dog #Frontline #Advantix
