Treatment FAQ

what is the best flea treatment for dogs to use

by Mrs. Claire Skiles MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • 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 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:
May 15, 2022

Full Answer

Which dog flea treatments should you use on your dog?

Pros:

  • Cheaper than flea collars
  • You can use shampoo, spray, or powder on several dogs
  • Spot-on is water resistant
  • Fast acting and kills fleas in all life stages

What is the best natural flea protection for dogs?

  • Wash your dog’s bedding regularly to keep things clean
  • Treat your dog regularly for fleas and ticks
  • Keep the garden lawn mowed and the bushes tidy
  • Brush your pets regularly to comb out potential pests
  • Vacuum regularly to get rid of any lingering eggs
  • Treat your home if you are worried about fleas

What are the best flea and tick products for dogs?

PetArmor Plus for Dogs Flea and Tick Prevention

  • Starts working in 24 hours
  • Prevents lyme transmit
  • Breaks flea cycle
  • Waterproof
  • Easy to use

What is the best flea and tick tablet for dogs?

  • Afoxolaner
  • Fluralaner
  • Nitenpyram
  • Spinosad

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What is the best vet recommended 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 is the number 1 flea 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 flea treatment for dogs actually works?

​Best Treatment Overall: Frontline Plus Frontline Plus is able to destroy all fleas hiding on your dog's coat within a period of 12 hours. The way this treatment works is by regulating the growth of fleas. It's formulated with S-methoprene, which is an insect growth regulator that kills adult fleas and their eggs.

What is the safest and most effective flea and tick treatment 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.

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

Which is better Frontline or Advantage?

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.

Is Vectra better than frontline?

If your dog lives outside, then Vectra 3D is the better choice. If you live in an area that sand or stable flies are an issue, Vectra 3D will help your dog stay more comfortable. If your dog has health issues, then Frontline is the best choice for your pup.

What is the longest lasting flea treatment for dogs?

*BRAVECTO kills fleas and prevents flea infestations for 12 weeks. BRAVECTO Chew and BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs kills ticks (black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks and also kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks.

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 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.

Does Frontline Plus for dogs work?

“dogs treated with FRONTLINE Plus had 100% efficacy at the 12, 18, and 24 hour assessments on day 1 post treatment, and on days 7, 14, and 21 post-infestation. On day 28, 100% efficacy was achieved by 24 hours post-infestation, and efficacy was >99% at the 12 and 18 hour time points.”

Is Frontline Plus safe for dogs?

Frontline Plus Protection Against Fleas & Ticks Fipronil is approved by the EPA as safe to use on your feline and canine companions, however, just like how you would take your own medicines, you should always read the instructions thoroughly to make sure that you are using the product correctly and avoid any problems.

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...

What is the best flea treatment for dogs?

Last up on our list of the best flea treatments for dogs is Advecta II Flea Treatment. This product is specially formulated to effectively break the life cycle of fleas. In other words, it is made to kill fleas during all stages of their life cycle, including eggs, larvae, and adults.

How long does flea treatment last on dogs?

In addition to treating fleas, this product also treats, prevents, and controls lice infestations. To use it, simply apply the flea treatment onto your dog’s back, between his shoulder blades, and it will start working within 12 hours and keep working for 30 days.

How long does it take for a flea and tick treatment to work?

And, it starts working within 24 hours after it is applied and provides the same long lasting coverage that other products offer (30 days). Features.

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

Most of the top rated flea treatments for dogs start working within 24 hours of application; though many start working within just a few hours.

What is Frontline Plus for dogs?

For more than 20 years, veterinarians and pet owners have been using Frontline Plus for Dogs to effectively prevent, treat, and control fleas. This product is designed to break the life cycle of fleas, as well as ticks and lice.

Does flea treatment help dogs?

Treats other pests, too. In addition to treating fleas, high quality flea and tick treatments for dogs will also combat other pests, like ticks and lice. Summing It Up. There is nothing worse than discovering that your furry friend has been infested by fleas.

Does vest kill fleas?

It’s one of the top flea treatments that are recommended by vests. This product is designed to combat fleas at multiple stages of life; one of the ingredients kills adult fleas, and another kills eggs and larvae, preventing them from developing.

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 spray for dogs to kill fleas?

If you're leery of using synthetic chemicals on or in your dog, try this plant-based spray. It’s formulated with certified natural peppermint and clove essential oils to kills fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact.

How to keep fleas away from my dog?

Fleas prefer to live in shaded outdoor areas with sand, leaves, or other debris, so you can help prevent fleas by keeping your grass cut short and keeping your dog from playing in areas where fleas might be hiding. You can also treat your home with diatomaceous earth, which helps to kill adult fleas. 4.

How long does it take for a flea and tick treatment to work?

Working for up to 30 days to kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact, this treatment can be used safely on dogs as young as seven weeks. Particularly if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, it's important to make sure that they're protected from fleas and ticks (and the various diseases that they carry).

How long does it take for Bravecto to kill ticks?

Each of Bravecto's prescription-only chews provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks, and starts to kill fleas in just two hours. They control four tick species: black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks.

How long does flea shampoo last?

The shampoo contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) to kill and prevent flea development for up to 28 days, though you may find you need to use it every seven to ten days for the most effectiveness. A little goes a long way, so the bottle should last you for some time.

How long does fipronil last on dogs?

After you snap open the tube and apply the formula to your dog’s shoulder blades and back, it’s stored in the oil glands to give long-lasting protection for a full 30 days.

Can flea and tick prevention products help dogs?

But flea and tick prevention products aren’t just important for your dog’s comfort and health —they can also prevent you and your family from getting Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness. 1. From pills and chews to ointments and shampoos, there are plenty of options to choose from to keep your dog healthy.

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?

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 ...

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.

Can you treat a dog with thick coats?

Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. 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.

What is the best spray for fleas?

Spray this peppermint and clo ve-based spray around potential trouble areas in your home and on your pooch to prevent fleas from calling your house home in the first place. It emits a fine mist that works to kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact, leaving behind a fresh natural scent.

What is a flea trap?

The trap attracts the pests with color, a sweet odor, and light and heat that simulate a warm-blooded animal that fleas need to survive. Once they’re in the trap, there’s no escape from the sticky glue disc. (It has a canopy that prevents your pets or you from accidentally stepping onto it.)

Does Advantage spray kill fleas?

This Advantage yard spray is EPA-registered to kill fleas and deer ticks (the kind that can cause Lyme Disease) on your lawn and garden. For best results, spray it on grass that was mowed two to three days ago and on a day when there is no rain in the forecast.

Can fleas live in carpet?

While you may have the fleas on your dog or cat under control, these pests can also live and thrive in carpeting, on your furniture and out in your yard. While regular cleaning and vacuuming can help reduce their incidence, you’ll also want to use a home flea treatment to get rid of them once and for all. Here, the best home flea treatments ...

Does powder kill fleas?

The powder kills fleas in all four life stages, including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults—and it works on brown dog ticks, too. Don’t be alarmed if post-application you begin to see dead fleas on the top of your carpet; that’s actually a sign that it’s working.

Do you have to vacuum fleabusters?

A little bit of the ultrafine powder goes a long way; sprinkle into carpets, upholstery and floorboards—you don’t need to vacuum it up, though it is safe to vacuum after application. With a neutral pH, Fleabusters also works to kill cockroaches and ants.

Can you use flea spray on dogs?

Kills fleas in all four life stages. Use directly on pets and around the home. What We Don't Like. Strong scent from essential oils. With a blend of certified essential oils, including clove and peppermint, this spray is safe to use in and around your home—and on your dog, too.

Signs of a Flea Infestation on Your Dog

You can see adult fleas with the naked eye, although it isn't always easy. But most of the time, you'll notice the symptoms of a flea infestation before you notice the fleas themselves.

7 Top Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs

You've confirmed the presence of fleas on your dog, either by symptoms, the presence of flea dirt, visible fleas in your dog's coat, or all of the above. Now what?

When to See Your Veterinarian

If a flea infestation is severe or home remedies aren't working, it's time to visit the vet.

Flea Prevention Tips for Dog Owners

Just like any health problem, preventing fleas is better than dealing with them after the fact. Prevent a flea infestation in your dog by:

Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: What to Know

It's no fun when your dog has fleas. Before resorting to flea collars and other methods, you might want to try some natural home remedies. From apple cider vinegar, citrus baths, and coconut oil to pest-control methods for the home and/or yard like diatomaceous earth and nematodes, a variety of solutions might work for you.

Topical Flea Products

These products are applied to your dog’s skin usually for 30 days. If your flea and tick population is under control, then these products may work well for you. Personally, I haven’t had good luck with Frontline Plus, Advantage or Advantix living in the deep South.

Natural Pest Control

I’ve had great results using cedar oil to control fleas. With several dilutions available, you can most certainly treat your yard and house successfully. Plus, there’s a diluted version that you can apply directly on your dog’s coat. If you don’t like the smell, there’s cedar flea spray with lemongrass as well.

Flea Collar

We think of flea collars as outdated and ineffective, but there’s a really good one out there now. We bought the Seresto Flea and Tick collar, and have been quite pleased with the results. This flea control product has been very effective in killing and repelling fleas quickly.

Oral Flea Products

There are so many oral medications that kill fleas and ticks quickly once they bite your dog. However, several brands should be used cautiously with epileptic dogs. NexGard, Comfortis and Trifexis have been known to cause seizures in dogs shortly after dosing, so use cautiously.

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