You\u2019ve just given Rex his monthly flea and tick treatment, and now he\u2019s come in from the garden looking like he\u2019s found the biggest and best mud pool in town. He may be overjoyed but you\u2019re not. He needs a bath NOW! But will a bath wash away his flea treatment?
\nIt\u2019s a common question and given the expense of monthly applications of Frontline or Advantage, you don\u2019t want to apply any more than is necessary. So what should you do?
\nAccording to the manufacturers\u2019 instructions, you should wait for 48 hours after applying Frontline or Advantage before bathing your dog. The main ingredient in Frontline, fipronil, stores itself in the dog\u2019s oil glands, reapplying itself constantly through the hair follicles. Meanwhile, Advantage\u2019s main ingredient is imidacloprid, which coats the skin.
\nAlthough both claim to be waterproof, some dog owners have found that the treatments do seem to be less effective after bathing. Regular washing with medicated or flea shampoos can dry the skin, making flea treatments weaker and less likely to work. There\u2019s also the problem that many commercial flea shampoos contain harsh chemicals. Do you really want to apply those on top of the regular monthly treatment? One alternative is to use a natural shampoo<\/a> after flea treatment applications; a gentle shampoo (like Comfy Dog<\/a> Oatmeal Shampoo) can help moisturize the skin while cleansing.
\nOr perhaps you want to consider a switch from chemical flea and tick treatments to something more earth friendly. Most natural products can be used on their own, or as a complement to Frontline and Advantage.
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