Treatment FAQ

what is the best brand of flea and tick treatment for dogs

by Eveline Conn PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The Best Dog Flea & Tick Medications Summary

  • Advantix – Best Topical Flea Medication for dogs
  • Capstar – Best Oral Flea Treatment for dogs
  • Seresto – Best Flea Collar for dogs
  • Adams Plus – Best Flea & Tick Shampoo for dogs

Best Overall: NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs
NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs is our top pick because of its effective, fast-acting main ingredient, low-maintenance dosage, and chewable formula. Your pup will like NexGard as much as you do because each month he'll get his medicine as a tasty beef-flavored treat.
May 15, 2022

Full Answer

What is the best flea and tick tablet for dogs?

  • Afoxolaner
  • Fluralaner
  • Nitenpyram
  • Spinosad

What is the best prescription flea medicine for dogs?

  • Afoxolaner (Brand name NexGard)
  • Fluralaner (Brand name Bravecto)
  • Nitenpyram (Brand names include CapStar)
  • Spinosad (Brand name Comfortis)

What is the best flea and tick protection for dogs?

Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs

  • Dog Flea and Tick Collars. Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective).
  • Topical Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs. ...
  • Oral Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs. ...

What is the best medicine for fleas on dogs?

  • Prepare a concoction of dish soap with warm water in a bowl or a plate.
  • Utilize the dawn detergent dish soap or lyzol can be used on dogs to get rid of fleas. These are animal safe options.
  • Place it in the different areas of the house where the fleas are seen mostly.

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What is the most effective flea and tick treatment for dogs?

Frontline Plus is our top nonprescription recommendation because it kills ticks and fleas, controls flea infestations, and kills chewing lice, all with one easy application. When used primarily for flea control, each dose of Frontline Plus lasts up to three months.

What is the best brand of flea treatment for dogs?

Best flea treatments for dogs and catsFinding the right treatment. ... Frontline® Flea Spray for Dogs and Cats. ... Frontline® Plus for Dogs and Cats. ... Seresto™ Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats. ... Capstar® Flea Control for Dogs and Cats. ... Advantage® II for Dogs and Cats. ... Sentry Fiproguard for Cats. ... Effix for Dogs.More items...

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 do vets recommend for ticks on dogs?

Here are a few good oral tick medications, which are all by prescription only: Bravecto (kills four types of ticks) Nexgard (kills four types of ticks) Simparica (kills five type of ticks)

Is Nexgard better than frontline?

The answer to this question is the inverse of the answer given for fleas, which is to say that both are equally effective at killing ticks, but in this case, Nexgard kills them quicker. Nexgard can eliminate the little bloodsuckers in just eight hours, whereas it takes 24-48 hours for Frontline to work.

Is Advantix better than frontline?

Frontline and K9 Advantix are both effective flea treatments, and which one is better for your dog will likely depend on your specific needs. K9 Advantix is the more versatile of the two, whereas Frontline is more potent and will likely clear out existing infestations faster.

What works better than Frontline Plus?

Advantix are as follows: Advantix kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and chewing lice and also repels ticks, fleas, biting flies, and mosquitoes. If you live in an area with lots of mosquitoes or flies, this may be the best choice.

Is Bravecto or NexGard better?

Bravecto kills many types of ticks including the lone star tick for 8 weeks. Nexgard is the only FDA approved option for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease. Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations.

What is the safest flea treatment for dogs?

If chemical products are necessary for additional flea or tick control, NRDC recommends s-methoprene or pyriproxyfen, which are less toxic ingredients—but read the labels carefully because some products use them with other, more harmful pesticides.

What is the best flea tick and heartworm medication for dogs?

If it's unlikely that your pet could be exposed to ticks, Trifexis (a very popular flea heartworm pill for dogs) or Sentinel Spectrum may be your two best heartworm and flea prevention options.

What is the difference between FRONTLINE Plus and Frontline Gold?

The only difference is that Frontline Gold kills fleas faster than Frontline Plus does. Frontline Gold has added a powerful third ingredient, pyriproxyfen which helps to kill the next generation of flea e...more. Both products require monthly applications and are safe to use in all dogs and puppies above 8 weeks of age ...

How can I tell if my dog has fleas or ticks?

Excessive itching and licking may indicate a flea infestation. Thoroughly investigate your dog’s skin and coat if you suspect fleas. White spots ca...

Is it better to get a prescription treatment or an over-the-counter one?

Provided you seek out quality and trusted active ingredients, over-the-counter medications provide worthy protection and treatment. There are many...

How do I remove a tick?

If you spot a tick on your dog (or yourself), don’t panic. It’s fairly easy to remove one on your own without having to see a vet. Grab a pair of t...

Types of Flea Control Products

The pet market offers various flea control products, and each has its pros and cons. Here are the different types of anti-flea products:

Best Topical Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs

Summary: K9 Advantix II is a powerful topical treatment that can be used to kill fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and even biting flies at all stages of their life. The treatment starts to work within 12 hours of application and can be applied monthly. It is safe for dogs 7 weeks old or above.

Best Oral Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs

Summary: Capstar is an over-the-counter, oral medication with nitenpyram as an active ingredient. It needs to be administered daily, usually with food, and is effective for up to 24 hours. Capstar is safe to use in dogs 4 weeks or older.

Best Flea Collars for Dogs

Before reviewing the top three flea collars for dogs, we should note the controversy surrounding this product.

Best Flea & Tick Shampoos for Dogs

Summary: The Adams Plus Shampoo contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) and is excellent for managing ongoing flea infestations but does not work as a preventative. It also contains aloe, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal, thus providing skin nourishment.

Best Flea Control Products for Puppies

Summary: Capstar is the best choice for flea and tick treatment for puppies. This is because the active ingredient, nitenpyram, is safe for pups as young as 4 weeks of age and as small as 2 pounds of body weight.

How We Selected the Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs

To compile this list, we have reviewed dozens of different products. These are the main factors we considered when selecting the best flea and tick treatments for dogs:

What is the best flea treatment for dogs?

So, what's the best flea treatment for dogs? 1. Flea and Tick Collars. Believe it or not, prevention can be as simple as putting a collar on your dog.

What is the best chew for fleas?

If your pup is suffering from a flea infestation, try a soft chew that’s similar to a treat. Advantus Soft Chews for Small Dogs and Advantus Soft Chews for Large Dogs are made with imidacloprid, an insect neurotoxin that works to paralyze and kill fleas within one hour of treatment.

What is the best flea collar for a puppy?

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. These collars will work start killing off any fleas on your dog ...

How long does it take for a flea collar to work?

These collars will work start killing off any fleas on your dog within the first 24 hours. Summer and swimming go hand and hand, so you may be hesitant to get a flea collar if your dog loves to cool off in the water.

How long does it take for K9 Advantix to work?

It easily treats and kills any fleas and ticks that may come your dog's way. K9 Advantix for dogs starts working within 12 hours and will kill all stages of fleas, which will prevent a reinfestation.

Is it safe to keep a dog indoors with fleas?

By Lindsay Schencker. Now more than ever is the time to be proactive about pest prevention. Flea and tick season is at its peak in summertime, so you’ll want to ensure your dog stays safe. It's important to keep in mind that your pet can also be affected by fleas and ticks indoors.

Flea and tick dangers

Fleas and ticks pose fairly significant risks to your dog’s health. Both types of insects are parasites that feed on dog blood, but the negative effects of each insect are different.

Factors to consider before you buy

When you’re choosing a flea and tick prevention product for your dog, the first question to ask is how it works. Always read the fine print so you know what type of prevention a product offers. Flea and tick formulas typically offer one of the following functions.

Dog flea and tick prevention prices

Dog flea and tick prevention products range in price based on the type and how many applications are included. In general, you can expect to spend between $6 and $60 on a six- to eight-month supply.

What is the best flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Bayer K9 Advantix II is a best bet for flea and tick medicine for dogs. The product comes in an easy application tube administered once per month, and protects against fleas, ticks, lice, biting flies, and mosquitos. It’s also available for small dogs and extra large dogs.

What is a flea pill?

Flea pills are typically given to dogs to kill fleas that have already attacked your dog. Different pills kill different kinds of fleas depending on the active ingredient – some kill adult fleas, while others kill flea larvae or prevent eggs from being laid.

How long does it take for a flea medicine to become waterproof?

After 24 hours , medicine becomes waterproof. Easy application on the back of the neck. For detailed instructions, see our guide below. Two active ingredients kill both fleas and ticks, as well as flea eggs and larvae to prevent infestations before they start.

How do you know if your dog has a tick?

Ticks burrow themselves into a dog’s skin and attach firmly. For this reason, you’re most likely to feel a tick on your dog before you see it. If you feel a small, hard bump on your dog’s coat that’s new, investigate to see if it could be a tick. Other signs to watch out for are itching or biting at a particular spot, signs of skin irritation, or signs of Lyme disease, which include lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever.

What to do if your dog gets fleas?

Another alternative for treating your dog if they get infested is to wash them with a flea or tick shampoo. This is one of the cheapest options for treating your dog if they get fleas, but is not a total solution for several reasons.

Is flea and tick treatment good for dogs?

Though often small enough that one has to search arduously to find them, fleas and ticks are a serious health concern for dogs and dog owners. Because of the many dangers they pose, it’s important to invest in a high-quality flea and tick treatment for your dog if you live in an area where these insects are common.

Can fleas be treated on dogs?

Finding an effective flea treatment for your dog can be overwhelming. There are so many different types of medicine, including those that are used to prevent fleas from attacking your dog, and those used to treat your dog once they’ve already been exposed.

What is the best tick prevention for dogs?

Best topical tick-prevention treatments. Richardson recommends topical treatments for dogs with gastrointestinal issues. “If, when they eat anything out of the ordinary, they have a tendency to vomit, then the oral is probably not the best product for them,” she says.

What to do if your dog has a tick?

If you still find a tick latched onto your dog after taking all the recommended precautions above, the experts say you should not not try to pry it off with your fingers. Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Barrack, the founder of New York City’s Animal Acupuncture clinic, says to instead “use fine-point tweezers” like these — not flat-edged ones — “to avoid tearing the tick and spreading possible infections to the area.” She adds: “Don’t twist the tick upon removal as that can leave behind a body for infection.”

How long does it take for Bravecto to work on dogs?

Bravecto was mentioned by all of the vets we talked to, with Waxman telling us her own dog takes the chewable oral treatment (which is also available in a topical form). According to the vets, a main appeal of this over other oral treatments is because it protects dogs from ticks and fleas for three months at a time, as opposed to one month at a time. Bravecto starts killing embedded ticks in as little as 12 hours and fleas in as little as two hours. The chewable tablets are meat flavored, so you won’t have to hide any pills in peanut butter or cheese, and are available in different sizes for dogs from (roughly) 4–123 pounds. Most clinics will carry Bravecto, but you can also order it online with a prescription from a veterinarian.

Why do dogs need topical treatment?

Another reason to reach for a topical treatment is that they tend to repel ticks better than the oral medications. According to Waxman, “The ticks jump on, the dog has this stuff they don’t like all over their skin, and the tick jumps off,” she says.

How much is Simparica for dogs?

Simparica Trio Chewable Tablets for Dogs. $142 for 6. Simparica Trio kills the same ticks Nexgard protects against and also protects your dog from heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms. Waxman and Brooks both recommend it. Like Nexgard, Simparica needs to be given to your dog every month.

How to check for ticks on a dog?

Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates, who serves on the advisory board for Pup Life Today, says the best way to check for ticks is to “run your hands through your dog’s fur against the direction it normally lays . This allows you to see down to the skin, even on very furry dogs.”. Veterinarian Dr. Tory Waxman, the co-founder of dog-food brand Sundays, ...

What happens if a dog gets bitten by a tick?

If unprotected and bitten by a tick, dogs can contract lots of nasty illnesses, like canine ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

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