Is flea treatment waterproof?

What happens if flea treatment gets wet?

There are many different types of flea treatment, but we’re only talking about spot-on flea treatment here. Topical or spot-on flea treatment is applied directly to the skin of a cat or dog, which the skin’s oils then absorb the treatment and disperse it around the glands. Because spot-on treatment is applied to the surface of a pet, it can be affected by water after application. 

For the first 48 hours after applying spot-on flea treatment to a pet, they should not get wet. This means no baths, no going out in the rain and no licking of the treatment site. The flea treatment needs time to soak into your pet’s skin and not wash away - which is what water can do if you aren’t careful. Getting your pet wet within 2 days after applying flea treatment can make the treatment ineffective and unsuccessful at killing fleas. 

If you’ve done this, don’t jump into applying a second round of flea treatment on your pet just yet. Click here to learn when you can give your pet a double dose of flea treatment, and when it’s not safe to.

Does flea treatment wash off?

Within the first 48 hours of applying spot-on flea treatment to a pet, it can wash off. This is because all of the treatment won’t be fully absorbed into the pet’s skin. However, after 2 days, as long as the pet hasn’t got wet, then the flea treatment won’t wash off and is effectively ‘resistant to water’ - for however long the treatment lasts. 

This is why a lot of brands claim their flea treatment to be ‘waterproof’ because after 48 hours the flea treatment remains effective, even if the pet comes into contact with water like swimming in lakes or walking in the rain. 

Here at Itch, we believe this marketing is misleading to pet owners. Since vets and scientists recommend giving spot-on flea treatments 48 hours to dry, it is confusing to suggest formulas are ‘waterproof’ because technically they are not. Instead, brands should be encouraging correct and safe application of spot-on flea treatment to ensure 100% effectiveness at killing fleas. 

This doesn’t mean Itch flea treatment for cats or Itch Flea Treatment for dogs is any different to other flea treatment brands. Itch Flea will remain effective in water once absorbed too, we just don’t market our product as waterproof to ensure people are not misled into thinking they can get their pet wet straight after application and make the treatment ineffective. When used correctly, Itch Flea treatment is applied to the back of a pet’s neck and will be absorbed into the skin to kill adult fleas in 24 hours on cats and dogs.

We want to empower every pet parent to feel safe and in control when fighting fleas. It’s important to use a flea treatment you can trust. Government-authorised medication data sheets for Itch Flea treatments, which showcase product characteristics and application information are all available on itchpet.com.

Can my cat go out in the rain after flea treatment?

No. Your cat can’t go out in the rain for at least 48 hours after applying flea treatment. This is because the flea treatment needs 48 hours of drying time to soak into your cat’s skin and spread all over their body to stop any fleas that jump onto their fur. 

If you don’t allow the flea treatment to dry it will wash off and not be effective at killing fleas.

After the two days have passed, your cat is free to go out in the rain and you can be sure they will be protected from fleas.

How to apply spot-on flea treatment to a cat.

Can dogs go swimming after flea treatment?

No. Dogs cannot go swimming for at least 48 hours after applying flea treatment. This is because the flea treatment needs 48 hours of drying time to soak into the dog’s skin and spread all over their body to stop any fleas that jump onto their fur. 

If you don’t allow the flea treatment to dry it will wash off and not be effective at killing fleas.

After the two days have passed, your dog can go swimming and you can be sure they will be protected from fleas.

How to apply spot-on flea treatment to dogs.

Why is my pet still scratching after flea treatment?

Pets can continue to scratch after flea treatment is applied, for up to 24 hours. Don’t worry, this is the fleas reacting to the treatment and becoming hyperactive before they die. If your pet continues scratching for a long period of time, even after treatment, they might be flea-allergic. We’d recommend chatting to your vet for diagnosis and treatment options if you suspect your pet is struggling.

Could it be a scam? How to spot a fake flea treatment

If not from a reputable brand, ineffective treatment or ‘waterproof’ flea treatment could be fake and unsafe for your pet. The VMD regulates and licenses spot-on flea treatment to ensure it is safe and effective to kill fleas on pets. Counterfeit flea treatments without VMD licensing are being sold by third-party sellers online to UK pet parents. Some of the formulas of these fake flea treatments are poisoning cats and dogs. Use a pet-friendly treatment you can trust and spot the signs of a fake flea treatment here.

Don’t be sucked into the lure of pretty marketing techniques. Spot-on flea treatment is not technically waterproof and assuming this within the first 48 hours of applying treatment, can easily lead to ineffective treatment and zero success of getting rid of fleas. Follow instructions and don’t let the flea treatment wash away. Do this and your pet can interact with water again shortly, and you can be sure they won’t catch fleas.