When Using Flea Products on Dogs and Cats, How Long Do You Have to Wait Give a Bath?

This is a great and common question pet owners ask. The answer is that it depends on the product. The oral products have no impact on bathing. In fact, owners of dogs that are big swimmers often choose oral products over topical products.

We generally recommend for most topical products is that you wait 24 to 48 hours before bathing your pet.

The bathing limitations with topical flea control products we sell at GVC include:

• Vetra 3D – Your can apply Vector 3D to towel dried dog. Make sure your dog is dry (8-12 hours) before rebathing or swimming. If you bathe your dog with what refer to as a stripper e.g. Dawn, then you will need to reapply if it is a first dose. If a repeat dose (dog has been on it for a long time), then it is less effective (may have 70% efficacy after bathing with a stripper). Can reapply every 2 weeks if needed. General non-stripping shampoos do not affect efficacy.
• Revolution – Can bathe 2 hours after application.
• Advantage II for Cats- It is recommended that you wait 24 hours to bathe. Ok to bathe during month because product is waterproof.
• Advantage II for Dogs- t is recommended that you wait 24 hours to bathe. Ok to bathe during month because product is waterproof.
• Parastar Plus for Dogs – This product is waterproof. Wait until your dog is fully dry before applying (8 – 12 hours).
• Cheristin™ for Cats – No bathing studies have been completed but the manufacturer does not recommend bathing while on this product. Apply only when fully dry.