Treatment FAQ

what is the best spot on flea and tick treatment for dogs

by Mrs. Sarina Hintz IV Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.Aug 17, 2021

Full Answer

How to choose the safest flea treatment for your dog?

#5: Best Natural Option: Arava Flea & Tick Prevention Collar

  • Effective for up to 6 months
  • Water resistance
  • No pesticides harmful to your dog or the environment

What is the best dog tick prevention?

Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Advanced Strength Dog Shampoo

  • Removes ticks, fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, etc, upto 2X
  • Natural fragrance from peppermint and rosemary
  • Best for dogs 12 weeks and older
  • Effortless to lathering and rinsing
  • Infused with natural ingredients

What is the best flea medication for dogs?

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

What is the best over the counter flea medicine?

  • Contains 30 soft chews: A single dose of Advantus kills adult fleas on a dog. ...
  • Chewable flea treatment for dogs and puppies age 10 weeks and older
  • Advantus large dog flea chewables start killing fleas within 1 hour
  • Advantus for dogs is a convenient, savory soft chew
  • Available without a prescription

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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.

What is the best spot on flea treatment for dogs?

The best dog flea treatment to buyFrontline Spot On Flea & Tick Treatment for Large Dogs: Best topical flea treatment. ... Bravecto Medium Dog Chew Tablets: Best chewable flea treatment. ... Johnson's Dog Flea and Tick Collar: Best budget flea treatment.More items...•

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 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 flea treatment do vets recommend?

Frontline® Plus for Dogs and Cats A topical version of Frontline®, this formula will repel fleas and other pests at all life stages for a full 30 days. This helps to prevent re-infestation and keep your home clear of fleas for a month at a time.

Is Frontline still effective for dogs?

In the end, it is safe to say that Frontline Plus is still one of the best and most affordable fleas and ticks preventative treatments available in the market. It provides enhanced protection from pesky parasites and keeps your pet safe.

Which is safer Frontline or Advantix?

Which product is safer? Both have been shown to be completely safe for dogs, although Frontline is probably safer for pregnant or nursing animals (consult your vet before giving a pregnant dog K9 Advantix). Also, both can potentially cause skin irritation, so be sure to monitor your dog after application.

Do vets recommend Frontline?

Crazy amounts of fleas, and ticks! Our vet has told us that IF we need it at 3 week intervals because our dogs skin is healthy that we can apply at 3 weeks, BUT that's on the advice of our vet who is familiar enough with our dogs to make that call. We absolutely DO recommend this product!

Is Frontline or Advantix better for dogs?

What is this? However, only Advantix repels fleas and ticks, whereas Frontline does not. So Frontline fights on the one front of killing parasites already on the dog, Advantix does this too but can also prevent parasites from ever getting onto your dog in the first place. Therefore, Advantix has the edge here.

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.

Which is better Frontline or Bravecto?

Tick-control efficacy on individual dogs was higher in Bravecto™ (fluralaner) treated dogs in weeks 2 and 4. In week 8, Frontline™ (fipronil) efficacy was slightly higher at 100% compared with 99.7% for Bravecto™ (fluralaner). Both treatment groups had a tick efficacy of 100% at week 12 (Table 5).

Is NexGard better than Advantix?

Nexgard uses Afoxoflaner and kills 100% of fleas in 24 hours. K9 Advantix is a combination of Permethrin, Imidacloprid, and Pyriproxyfen and begins to kill fleas in 12 hours. Nexgard is the only FDA approved option for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease.

What is the best spot on flea treatment?

1. Frontline Spot On for cats: The best efficient flea treatment. Whether fleas have taken up residence on your cat or you're keen to protect them from an infestation, this easy spot-on treatment is ideal. It'll kill fleas in 24 hours, ticks in 48 and even biting lice – as well as making sure they don't come back.

What's better flea tablets or spot on?

Spot-on treatments remain very popular. They are tolerated by most pets and are convenient to apply but like tablets will not be suitable in every case. Some pets will have local skin reactions to topical treatments making tablets a better option.

What is the difference between Frontline and FRONTLINE Plus?

Frontline Original will protect your dog against Adult fleas only, protect against flea allergy dermatitis, Ticks (including paralysis ticks and brown dog ticks) and biting lice. Frontline Plus however contains an extra ingredient: Methoprene that kills all stages of the flea lifecycle.

Is spot on flea treatment effective?

Almost all dog owners will have to use a spot on flea treatment at some stage during their pet's life. They are the most effective products to treat a flea problem and they are also incredibly easy to use once you know how.

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 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?

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.

How to make a dog collar work?

The collar works by rubbing on skin, so if you have a long-haired dog, trim the hair around the neck to help the collar work best. 2.

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.

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 treatment for cats?

Broadline. Also known as one of the best wide spectrum parasitic cures, Broadline Spot-On is the ideal tick and flea treatment formula for cats. Apart from being effective against fleas and ticks, it treats biting lice, tapeworms, and hookworms as well.

What is revolution tick?

Revolution is a broad spectrum monthly spot-on tick and flea solution designed for dogs. It is manufactured by Zoetis, and treats and protects dogs from ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and prevents heartworm as well. It provides protection from these external and internal parasites for one full month and is a waterproof solution.

What is Bravecto Plus for cats?

Manufactured by MSD Animal Health, Bravecto Plus is a newly formulated spot-on cure for cats for treating fleas and ticks. It is also very effective in treating worms like roundworms and hookworms in the gut. Moreover, Bravecto Plus erases fleas and ticks within 48 hours and provides protection from such parasites for 12 whole weeks. For heartworm though, it is for 8 weeks.

Why is it important to have a pet on Black Friday?

Having cats or dogs means having to take care of them and also to protect them from falling ill. It is essential to keep them safe at all times because pesky parasites such as fleas and ticks roam around all throughout the year .

Does Merial flea and tick treatment work on dogs?

This flea and tick product comes in the form of chews and is fed to dogs orally. It is a unique and effective formula that comes straight from the house of Merial and fights off fleas as well as ticks including black-legged, American dog, brown dog, (12 weeks protection) and lone star (8 weeks protection.

Does Frontline Plus kill ticks?

For protecting (and healing) cats from fleas and ticks, Frontline Plus is a top solution that can be considered. Its fast-acting formula is known to kill 100% fleas within 24 hours from the moment it is administered. Furthermore, like many other tick and flea treatments, it prevents parasitic re-infestations as well. In addition, it is manufactured by Merial/Boehringer Ingelheim and is a waterproof treatment that does not its efficacy even in water.

Does Nexgard kill ticks?

Like Bravecto, Nexgard too is chews that are extremely effective in curing and preventing fleas and ticks in dogs. Manufactured by Merial/Boehringer Ingelheim, these tasty beef-flavored chewables not only kills fleas and ticks but also adult fleas before they can lay eggs. In addition, they provide protection for 4 weeks and are safe for all breeds.

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.

Choosing the safest flea treatment for dogs

To choose the safest flea treatment for dogs, you’ll first need to consider the type of flea treatment that best fits your dog’s needs and lifestyle. Flea treatments are available as collars, oral tablets or chews, and topical spot-on treatments.

Flea collars for your dog

Many pet owners prefer to use collars as their flea treatment because this method is easy and mess-free. 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!

Topical flea treatment for dogs

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.

Oral flea treatment for dogs

Oral flea treatments are easy to administer and typically offer one or three months of protection per dose. These flea treatment medications are usually flavored so most dogs actually enjoy taking them!

Summary

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.

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