
Our Picks for the Best Flea and Tick Medicine for Dogs
- Bayer K9 Advantix II. Bayer K9 Advantix II is a best bet for flea and tick medicine for dogs. ...
- Frontline Plus Dog Flea and Tick Treatment. Another solid choice for topical flea and tick medication is Frontline Plus. ...
- NexGard Chewables Flea & Tick Medicine. NexGard is the top rated prescription medication to kill and prevent fleas and ticks. ...
- Capstar Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs and Cats. If you’re looking for a one-time use flea pill to end an existing infestation, take a look at Capstar.
- Bravecto Chews for Dogs. Bravecto is another prescription-only flea and tick prevention chewable. ...
- PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Prevention for Dogs. If you’re looking for the generic version of a name brand dog flea medicine, PetArmor Plus is the best bet.
- Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs. If you’d prefer the convenience and price of a flea collar, a top choice is the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick ...
Which dog flea and tick control is the best?
Best flea and tick prevention for dogs [OTC] K9 Advantix II is one of only two products that repels and kills fleas and ticks. Kills flea larvae and eggs. AND repels mosquitos, biting flies, and lice on dogs. Check Price on Chewy. Check Price on Amazon. In my opinion, if you are going to put a chemical-based preventative on your dog, why not ...
What is the best over the counter flea treatment for dogs?
- Frontline Plus.
- Advantage® II.
- Capstar.
- Flea Away.
- Seresto.
- Frontline Flea Spray.
- Natural Chemistry Squeeze-On for Pets.
- Flea Busters.
- Advantage Yard & Premise Spray.
- De Flea Pet Shampoo.
What is the best anti-flea/tick for dogs?
Afoxolaner (Brand name NexGard) Fluralaner (Brand name Bravecto) Nitenpyram (Brand names include CapStar) Spinosad (Brand name Comfortis)
What is the best flea tick medication for dogs?
... Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Large Dogs is an effective, fast-acting, flea treatment that’s easy to use and will quickly solve your pup’s discomfort. Which makes it a worthwhile investment. How to choose the best flea treatment for your dog ...

What is the safest flea treatment for senior dogs?
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...•
Do senior dogs need flea and tick medicine?
Flea prevention and control is just as important for senior dogs as it is for puppies or adult dogs.
What is the best flea and tick medicine for dogs 2021?
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.
What is the safest and most effective flea and tick 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.
Is Frontline Safe for senior dogs?
Frontline Plus is a preventative flea medicine for dogs of all sizes that are older than 8 weeks. You can select the product from one of 5 weight categories, starting at 5 pounds and accommodating up to 132 pounds.
Can old dogs take NexGard?
Yes, NexGard Chewables is safe to give to most dogs. More specifically, NexGard is safe and effective in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 4 lbs or more.
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.
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.
Which dog flea and tick and heartworm control is the best?
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 flea and tick medicine is killing dogs?
0:023:45Dog owners blame popular flea medicine for pets's deaths - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipChannel 2's investigative reporter Jim Strickland has FDA reports showing the drug is suspected inMoreChannel 2's investigative reporter Jim Strickland has FDA reports showing the drug is suspected in hundreds of pet death Jim. Chavita it's called brave ecto a dog chew.
Is topical or oral flea and tick medicine better?
The ninety-day study found that topicals were 88.4 percent effective, while oral treatments were 99.9 percent effective.
Which flea treatment do vets use?
Available from vet clinics. One oral dose of Bravecto for dogs can kills fleas and ticks for 2–3 months. Available from vet clinics. Clinically proven to kills fleas and ticks for 7–8 months....Spot-On:ProductCommentFrontline PlusKills fleas, larvae, eggs and ticks. Once-monthly application.4 more rows•Jul 16, 2019
How important are my dog’s age and weight when I’m selecting a flea and tick prevention product?
Indeed, these are important factors to consider. You want to make sure your dog is at an appropriate age to use the product. In most cases, the dog...
What might cause a topical flea and tick prevention product to be ineffective?
A topical treatment may not be effective if you apply it to the dog’s hair rather than his skin. The treatment must be fully absorbed through the s...
Can I use my dog flea and tick prevention product on a cat?
No. Flea and tick prevention products are designed for specific species, so you should not use your dog’s treatment on your cat. Cats are actually...
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.
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?
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.
What factors to consider when treating a puppy for fleas?
Factors to consider include: Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, ...
Can flea and tick collars be used on cats?
As is the case with flea and tick collars, if you’re unable to keep your pet away from small children or animals who may come into direct contact with the medication before it has dried or absorbed into your pet’s skin, a topical treatment might not be the ideal solution. If you have cats in your home, you will want to talk to a veterinarian ...
Do tick collars leave traces?
All flea and tick collars tend to leave traces of the chemicals that make them effective around the dog’s environment and on your pet, so this may be a concern with young children who tend to put everything in their mouths. Some dogs have had local skin reactions to the collar that have resolved when it was removed.
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 ...
Does Frontline Plus work?
Frontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. It also eliminates chewing lice and helps to control sarcoptic mange infestations. While it shouldn’t be ingested, a few surreptitious licks by your dog won’t cause much in the way of problems.
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 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.
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.
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.
