
The types of pests each medication treats
Formula | Fleas | American dog ticks | Brown dog ticks | Lone star ticks |
Bravecto Chew for Dogs | yes | yes | yes | yes* |
Bravecto Topical Solution for Dogs | yes | yes | yes | yes* |
Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats | yes | yes* | no | no |
Bravecto Plus for Cats | yes | no | no | no |
How to choose the safest flea treatment for Your Cat?
Best Flea Collar for Cats. When considering the benefits versus risks of flea collars for cats, we recommend seriously considering the use of other products such as flea drops and oral flea medications instead of collars. The only collar we can recommend from the collars available on the market is the Seresto Flea Collar for Cats for killing fleas and ticks.
Which natural flea treatments for cats really work?
To utilize this DIY flea spray, combine the following ingredients into a large container:
- 1 gallon of white vinegar
- 1/2 gallon of purified water
- 16 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 8 ounces of witch hazel essential oil
What is the best flea medication for cats?
to get the best results possible. The Full How-To Guide Covers: flea treatment remedies – How to choose the safest flea treatment for pet cats and dogs without breaking the budget and keeping pets free from parasites all year round – avoiding any ...
What is the best flea prevention for cats?
- Vacuum your carpets and sweep your floors regularly to remove flea eggs, larvae and pupae. Remember that 95% of the flea life cycle is spent off your pet! ...
- Treat all cats and dogs in your home.
- Wash all bedding in hot water.
- Treat your house and yard or hire a professional exterminator.
How long does it take for flea treatment to dry?
How long does a flea collar last?
Can flea collars be washed away?
Can flea collars be used for swimming?
Is flea treatment safe for dogs?
Is it safe to give a dog flea medicine?
Can fleas cause anemia in dogs?
See more

What is the safest flea medication for dogs and cats?
Types of Safe Flea Treatments for DogsFrontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. ... Trifexis employs spinosad and milbemycin oxime to keep dogs protected from heartworms and intestinal parasites as well as fleas, but it does not work against ticks.More items...•
What flea medicine can be used for both cats and dogs?
Comfortis is the FDA-approved chewable, beef-flavored tablet that kills fleas and prevents flea infestations on dogs and cats for a full month.
What is the safest and best flea treatment for dogs?
Best Overall: NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs at Chewy. ... Best Oral: Bravecto Chews for Dogs at Chewy. ... Best Shampoo: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo at Chewy. ... Best Natural: Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray at Chewy. ... Best for Small Dogs: Sentry Fiproguard Plus for Small Dogs at Chewy. ... Best for Large Dogs: ... Best for Puppies:
What is the safest flea medication for cats?
Safe and Effective Flea Treatment Products for CatsAdvantage® II (topical liquid)Advantage MULTI® (topical liquid, also protects cats from heartworms, ear mites, and some types of intestinal worms)Bravecto® (topical liquid, also protects cats from certain tick species)More items...•
Which flea treatment do vets recommend?
Vet's Best Advanced Strength Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo Like Vet's Best, this product by Sentry can treat both flea and ticks on contact.
Is Frontline Plus for dogs safe around cats?
0:451:45Can Frontline Plus for Dogs Be Used on Cats? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo they can't get back and and lick that area. And so again it's monthly it's very safe but makeMoreSo they can't get back and and lick that area. And so again it's monthly it's very safe but make sure you're using the correct product for cat versus dog.
What flea treatment do vets recommend for dogs?
The Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Collar is a veterinarian-recommended flea collar that comes in two options. The Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Collar for Large Dogs and the Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Collar for Small Dogs are both safe for puppies and dogs that are 7 weeks and older.
What flea and tick medicine is causing seizures?
Health officials are alerting pet owners and veterinarians that certain flea and tick treatments might put dogs and cats at an increased risk of neurologic issues, including seizures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the drugs are in the isoxazoline class and include Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard and Simparica.
What is the best natural flea and tick prevention for dogs?
Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations.
Is Frontline or Advantage better?
FRONTLINE Plus and Advantage II are both effective in eliminating fleas in all life stages. Both products feature three-way prevention that lasts up to a month. But when it comes to severe infestations and broad-spectrum protection, FRONTLINE is a better choice between the two.
How do you get rid of fleas on cats naturally?
8 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Fleas on CatsPrevention, Not Elimination. You may find that some of these “home remedies” work great the first year and then become less effective over time. ... Limit Outdoor Exposure. ... Lather, Rinse, Repeat. ... Flea Comb it Out. ... Don't Forget the Home. ... Vacuum Diligently. ... Use Salt. ... Treat Your Yard.
Is Frontline or Advantage better for cats?
FRONTLINE PUS FOR CATS HAS THE SAME EFFECTIVENESS AS FRONTLINE PLUS FOR DOGS EXCEPT THAT IT DOES NOT WORK IN ELIMINATING TICKS. SO, IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT TICKS ON YOUR FURRY PAL THEN FRONTLINE PLUS IS THE BEST OPTION. WHILE IF ADULT FLEAS, FLEA LARVAE AND CHEWING LICE IS YOU CONCERN THEN YOU CAN OPT FOR ADVANTAGE.
5 Best Dog Flea & Tick Medications - June 2022 - BestReviews
Buying guide for Best dog flea and tick medications. Fleas and ticks are timeless and common pests that dogs and their owners face every year. These two kinds of parasites can simply be minor nuisances to a pet, but they have the potential to impart illnesses and cause serious harm to your beloved furry friend and even to you.
5 Best Dog Flea and Tick Preventions - June 2022 - BestReviews
Buying guide for best dog flea and tick prevention. For many people, dogs really are man’s best friend – which is why we go to such great lengths to take care of them. But as much as you might worry about what you feed your favorite four-legged pal or what leash works best for those long walks, you definitely shouldn’t overlook the importance of finding a good flea and tick prevention ...
What is the best flea treatment for dogs?
Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs. Veterinarians typically recommend dog flea and tick collars, topical flea and tick treatments , or oral flea and tick medications (sometimes in combination) to fully protect their patients. Here are a few of the safest flea treatments for dogs on the market today and some of their pros and cons.
How to treat fleas and ticks in dogs?
Keep in mind that no two pets are the same. Therefore, a product that’s commonly considered to be safe flea and tick prevention for dogs may be a great option for one animal and a mistake for another. Factors to consider include: 1 Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. 2 Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. 3 Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin (heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient. 4 Your pet’s lifestyle: The presence of children and other pets (especially cats) in the household and your pet’s daily activities/exposure to the outdoors are important details. 5 Where you live: Which parasites are common in your area? Is resistance to certain preventatives a concern?
Is a flea collar safe for dogs?
Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). The Seresto collar is a very popular option right now. It uses flumethrin and imidacloprid to kill fleas at multiple stages of development as well as ticks. The collar’s effectiveness lasts ...
Can you give a dog flea and tick preventatives?
Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin (heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient.
Is flea treatment age appropriate?
Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information.
Can ivermectin cause neurologic problems in dogs?
For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin ( heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient. Your pet’s lifestyle: The presence of children and other pets (especially cats) in the household and your pet’s daily activities/exposure to ...
Do you need a veterinarian's prescription?
Many of the safest and most effective options require a veterinarian’s prescription, so it makes sense to have this discussion sooner rather than later.
What about flea sprays?
Flea sprays are cheaper than their topical or oral counterparts. But many products need weekly applications, so in the long run they aren’t as cost-effective or convenient as a monthly topical or chew. Since these treatments kill on contact, you also generally need to spray down your entire pet, which takes a lot more work than a couple of drops on the scruff of the neck.
What is Advantage II for cats and dogs?
Advantage II for cats and dogs and Advantage Multi for cats and dogs topical solutions protect against a narrower range of pests compared with our picks.
Does Bravecto Chew protect against heartworms?
But they don’t protect against heartworms. The chew formula is convenient because you don’t have to apply a messy goo to your pet’s fur. But if you use this formulation, an insect needs to bite your pet to come into contact with the pesticide. Comparatively, topicals distribute throughout your pet’s fur and oil glands, so when a pest comes into contact with the fur, it’s toast. (If your pet is especially sensitive to bug bites, and not to a medicated ointment, opt for a topical instead.)
What is Selarid for cats?
Selarid is a monthly, prescription-only topical treatment for both cats and dogs . This product was difficult to find online.
Can you use Bravecto for dogs?
Who should use this: Bravecto Topical Solution for Dogs and Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats are ideal if you like the concept of going three months between treatments, and your primary worries are fleas, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks (in dogs) or fleas and black-legged ticks (in cats).
Does Revolution for Dogs protect against ticks?
Revolution for Dogs protects against a narrower range of pests compared with the other flea treatments we recommend—but it’s the only one that protects against heartworms. Revolution doesn’t protect against brown dog ticks, which are found worldwide. ( Bravecto, Frontline, and Seresto do fight these.) Revolution kills fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, American dog ticks, and heartworms.
Does ear mite cream work on dogs?
Good for ear mites, but misses most ticks in dogs. Unlike most other treatments, this formula kills fleas, and it also tackles ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and heartworms in dogs. But it treats only American dog ticks. It also requires a vet’s prescription and has to be applied every month.
What is the best treatment for fleas in dogs?
Consider orally administered products, as exposure to other pets and children is minimal. These include lufenuron (Program), nitenpyram (CAPSTAR), spinosad (Comfortis, for dogs only) Use natural insect control methods: Use a flea comb regularly to catch fleas – and then drown them in water. Wash pet bedding regularly.
What is the poison on pets?
A report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), "Poison on Pets II: Toxic Chemicals in Flea and Tick Collars," found that many over-the-counter insect control products for pets, even when used as instructed, can cause "serious health consequences to pets and humans.". Many of these products include organophosphate (OP) compounds, ...
What plants are toxic to pets?
Be wary of natural insect control treatments for pets. Some -- like geranium, lavender, and eucalyptus -- can cause severe allergic reactions in pets and people.
How to protect pets from fleas and ticks?
To protect both pets and children, avoid toxic chemicals while warding off fleas and ticks. Try these safer tips and products instead. Getting rid of pesky fleas and ticks is only half the battle. Doing it safely is a challenge in itself. Since many pet products contain hazardous chemicals, safety is a concern to both pets and humans.
How to get rid of ticks and fleas?
She suggests: Regularly bathe your pet with natural cleaners. Vacuum the home once a week. Empty the bag and dispose of its contents. Wash pet bedding in hot, soapy water once a week. Frequently use a fine-toothed flea comb on your pet.
What are the ingredients in flea and tick control?
The Natural Resources Defense Council has been arguing to have the most risky chemicals removed from flea-and-tick control products, but two suspect ingredients remain on the market: propoxur and tetrachlorvinphos.
How much does a non breakaway flea collar cost?
Zodiac Non Breakaway Flea and Tick Collar for Cats and Kittens ($5.70 at amazon.com)
Is Capstar safe for dogs?
Tablets cause no exposure to humans and according to Rotkin-Ellman, are safe when prescribed by vets. Ask your pet doctor about: Capstar Flea Control Tablets ($17.99 at amazon.com) This digestible tablet is suitable for dogs and cats and contains nitenpyram, which is not a registered pesticide, but a veterinary drug.
Is nitenpyram safe for dogs?
This digestible tablet is suitable for dogs and cats and contains nitenpyram, which is not a registered pesticide, but a veterinary drug. There is no risk to humans, and veterinary reports do not indicate cause for concern for animals.
Can you use spot on collars on dogs?
Spot-on treatments pose less of a threat than collars, but since they are so concentrated , its important that you apply the right dosage to your pet, based on its size and weight. And remember that cats and dogs respond differently to drugs, so make sure to use cat-safe products on your dog if you also have a cat, and vice versa. Try:
What to do if your dog has a flea and tick collar?
If your pet experiences a bad reaction from a flea and tick collar, remove the collar immediately.
How long does flea season last?
If you live in a colder climate, it might only last four months or so . In other places, like Florida, fleas can live all year long. Fleas can live inside a warm house year-round no matter where you live.
What are the signs of a flea and tick problem?
Look for dizziness, wobbliness, incoordination, poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation. Some animals have had seizures and/or died. Learn how to report problems with flea and tick products.
Can pets get ticks?
And pets can bring ticks into the home, exposing you and your family to illness from a tick bite . Hundreds of pesticides, repellents, and growth inhibitors are available to protect your pet from flea and tick bites. Some of these products are available only from a veterinarian; others can be bought over the counter.
Can fleas kill pets?
In severe infestations, fleas feasting on your pet’s blood can lead to anemia and, in rare cases, death. Ticks can also harm your pet, transmitting tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis. And pets can bring ticks into the home, ...
Can you use flea combs on puppies?
Don’t apply a product to kittens or puppies unless the label specifically allows this treatment. Use flea combs to remove fleas and flea eggs, and a tick remover to take off ticks from puppies and kittens that are too young for flea and tick products.
Can you give flea medicine to a sick dog?
The same goes for pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to flea or tick products. Tell your veterinarian about any other products you might be using or giving to your pet, because it could make a difference in their recommendations.
How to prevent fleas in dogs?
The first step in flea prevention lies in maintaining your dog or cat’s health. Skin condition is an indicator of an animal’s overall health and an important factor in flea control. The key to healthy skin is a healthy diet. Check food labels carefully.
What is the name of the flea and tick product?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the isoxazoline class of flea and tick products, used in brand names Bravecto ®, Credelio ®, Nexgard ® and Simparica ®.
Why do you shampoo your dog with warm water?
When shampooing, use warm water and begin with a ring of lather around the animal’s neck so that fleas cannot climb onto the animal’s face. Flea-pesticide shampoos and dips are dangerous and are not necessary because soap and water kills fleas.
What happens if a dog overdoses on pesticides?
Immediate effects of pesticide overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, seizures, and respiratory problems. If your dog or cat shows any of these symptoms after the application of a pesticide, immediately wash the product off and seek veterinary care. Put Out an ‘Unwelcome’ Mat.
What are the four Ds in pet food?
This is usually listed among the ingredients on the label as “byproducts.”. The flesh of animals who fall into one of the categories of the “four Ds”—de ad, dying, diseased, or disabled —is what often goes into pet food. Many of these animals have died from infections and other diseases.
Is flea spray safe for dogs?
Other forms of flea control—powders, collars, and sprays—are no less dangerous to you or your companion animals. Labels may warn not to get these substances on your skin, to wash your hands after applying them, and to keep them away from children, yet these chemicals are absorbed by your animal’s skin. Immediate effects of pesticide overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, seizures, and respiratory problems. If your dog or cat shows any of these symptoms after the application of a pesticide, immediately wash the product off and seek veterinary care.
Can IGRs be used on dogs?
For some dogs and cats, just one flea bite can trigger an uncomfortable and damaging skin reaction, so even stronger flea control may be necessary. Insect growth regulators (IGRs), although unfortunately required by law to be tested on animals, are a safe alternative to pesticides.
What is the best flea collar for cats?
Our top pick is this collar from Bayer, which is effective for a full eight months and offers continuous protection from fleas and ticks. The active ingredients in the collar are released in low concentrations, protecting your cat and killing fleas on contact with the skin. The formulation is odorless and non-greasy, and is also effective against flea eggs and larvae, preventing infestations before they happen.
What does it mean when a cat has fleas?
Cats that have fleas are often very itchy and may have hair loss, skin redness, and even scabs. The hair loss is often most prevalent at the base of the tail but can occur anywhere. Flea dirt, which is the black flea feces, can be seen in the fur.
How long does it take for Comfortis to kill fleas?
Does not protect against any other parasites. Flea prevention for up to one month in cats and kittens 14 weeks and older can be found in the chewable tablet option called Comfortis. This tablet works very quickly to kill fleas in as few as 30 minutes and can be crushed and mixed in your cat’s wet food if necessary.
Can flea treatments kill live fleas?
Additionally, some products will kill live fleas while others will only prevent a flea from reproducing, so not all products are appropriate for all your flea needs. Flea treatments can be used as needed if your cat gets fleas and preventatives can be given to help prevent your cat from getting fleas. Due to the potential side effects of flea ...
Can a cat get fleas from a spruce tree?
The Spruce. Fleas are not only a nuisance but they can also transmit serious diseases to your cats. Thankfully, various flea preventatives and treatments are available to help limit your cat’s chances of attracting and harboring these external parasites. However, they aren’t all created equally. Some flea treatments aren’t even effective ...
Is Dawn safe for cats?
3 Dawn Ultra dish detergent is safe for animals, as many people may already know from advertisements that show wildlife being bathed with the soap. It's effective in killing fleas, and also in getting your cat clean. As a bonus, many homes already have a bottle of it under the kitchen sink.
Does a cat's ear mite spray kill fleas?
This makes application easy and avoids making a mess all over your tiny kitten. It not only kills fleas but also ticks, various intestinal parasites, prevents heartworms, and even ear mites. It does require a prescription from your veterinarian, but is a safe and effective option for your young cat.
How can I make sure my cat’s flea treatment is as safe as possible?
There are some things you can do to make a flea treatment as safe as possible.
What should I do if I notice a reaction to a flea medication in my cat?
If your cat is showing symptoms that you suspect are related to their flea medication, you should call your vet for advice. Even if no treatment is needed, your vet will usually ask you for further information – this will be used by the vet to report the adverse effect to the drug manufacturer.
What are common side effects of flea treatment medication?
As with all medications, sometimes reactions to flea treatments happen. Depending on the product, side effects vary. However, the side effects most often noticed after flea treatments include:
How rare are fleas?
All adverse reactions are ranked on a scale from ‘common’ (less than 1 in 10 cats) to ‘very rare’ (less than 1 in 10,000 cats ), and for most flea treatments, side effects are rare or very rare.
What does fluralaner do to cats?
Fluralaner (spot on) – hair loss, itching, or redness at application site (2 in 10 cats), tremors and inappetence (less than 1 in 100 cats) and vomiting/drooling (around 1 in 250 cats).
What is a flea collar?
Flumethrin/imidacloprid (flea collar) – temporary itchiness, redness and hair loss (less than 1 in 100 cats), eczema, inflammation and skin lesions (less than 1 in 1000 cats), change of food intake, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea (less than 1 in 1000 cats). From this information, the product with the least serious and least frequent side effects ...
How many animals have selamectin?
Selamectin (spot on) – temporary hair loss at application site (less than 1 in 1000 animals), temporary irritation at the site of application (less than 1 in 10,000 animals), reversible neurological signs including seizures (less than 1 in 10,000 animals).
How long does it take for flea treatment to dry?
You’ll also need to be careful not to touch the area where the flea treatment was applied until it is fully dry, which usually takes about an hour after application. In rare cases, some dogs may have mild side effects such as local skin reactions at the site where the medication was applied, which may include hair loss, redness, itching, and scabbing.
How long does a flea collar last?
Some of the modern flea collar products even last as long as 8 months , so you won’t have to remember to administer your dog’s flea treatment on a regular basis – a great plus for many busy families!
Can flea collars be washed away?
Like collars, these medications can be washed away if your pet swims or bathes frequently, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for use and consider an oral flea treatment if your pet is frequently exposed to water.
Can flea collars be used for swimming?
Flea collars also have some drawbacks. Because they rely on medication which spreads from the collar across your pet’s skin, they are not a good option for pets who swim or bathe frequently, as this will wash away the medication and shorten the life of the collar.
Is flea treatment safe for dogs?
The bottom line is that there are many safe and effective flea treatments available for your dog, and that is great news! You have many options to choose from depending on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.
Is it safe to give a dog flea medicine?
Topical flea treatments are often seen as a safe flea treatment for dogs because many types of this medication are not absorbed systemically, meaning they do not cross the dog’s skin barrier or get absorbed into the blood stream. This can be a safer option for dogs with a history of reactions to certain types of medications.
Can fleas cause anemia in dogs?
But more than that, fleas carry dangerous and potentially fatal diseases and parasites. A flea infestation can be the culprit behind life-threatening cases of anemia and they can also transmit a disease called Bartonellosis. If that weren’t bad enough, they also spread tapeworms, a nasty intestinal parasite. And those fleas on your dog can even bite humans or transmit those diseases to you!
