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When it comes to protecting our canine companions from the persistent threat of fleas and ticks, choosing the right medicine is of paramount importance. These pesky parasites not only cause discomfort but also pose serious health risks to dogs, including the transmission of diseases.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best flea and tick medicines for dogs, helping you make an informed decision to keep your canine friend happy, healthy, and free from these troublesome critters. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or a first-time dog owner, our expert recommendations and insights will assist you in choosing the most effective and safe solutions to safeguard your beloved pup.
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Best Overall: Simparica Trio Chews for Dogs
Best Budget: Bravecto Chews for Dogs
Best Non-Prescription Topical: Frontline Plus For Dogs
Another Great Non-Prescription Topical: Vectra 3D for Dogs And Puppies
Best for Puppies: NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs
Best Shampoo: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
Best Area Treatment: Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Best Collar: Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs
Best for Heartworms: Revolution Topical Solution for Dogs
Price at time of publish: $181 (44.1 to 88 pounds, six doses)
Simparica Trio simplifies the preventive care routine for most dog owners by consolidating multiple monthly preventatives into one. While delivering the same lasting and effective protection against ticks and fleas as Simparica, it goes a step further by incorporating two additional active ingredients to ward off heartworm disease and intestinal worms.
The combination of sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel in Simparica Trio collaborates to prevent heartworm, hookworm, and roundworm infections. It also offers protection against flea infestations and shields against ticks, including five common types in the United States: the Lone Star tick, Gulf Coast tick, American Dog tick, black-legged tick, and Brown Dog tick. Notably, Simparica Trio is FDA-approved to block infections that may lead to Lyme disease.
For those using separate preventatives for heartworm and intestinal parasites or aiming to minimize the number of preventive medications administered to their dog at once, the standard Simparica remains a dependable monthly liver-flavored chewable. It provides a single-dose solution for protection against fleas and ticks.
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Price at time of publish: $72 (44 to 88 pounds, one dose)
Bravecto stands out as a chewable preventive measure for dogs, administered like a treat and enhanced with a palatable flavor. Each chew, available only through prescription, initiates the elimination of fleas within two hours of ingestion and provides an extensive 12-week shield against both fleas and ticks. This translates to a three-month coverage period in just one chew, making Bravecto a cost-effective choice for continuous flea and tick prevention throughout the summer.
Effectively targeting parasites commonly found in the United States, Bravecto addresses black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks. In regions where Lone Star ticks pose a particular concern, it is advisable to administer Bravecto every eight weeks to ensure ongoing protection against these aggressive ticks.
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Price at time of publish: $63 (22-44, six doses)
When it comes to safeguarding your pet against fleas and ticks, it’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian and opt for a prescription treatment. Dr. Wolfe emphasizes the effectiveness of veterinarian-prescribed products for flea and tick prevention, as veterinarians can recommend the most suitable product for your pet and provide guidance on its proper usage.
However, if you are seeking a non-prescription alternative, Frontline Plus emerges as a top choice. While it may be a bit more involved in its application compared to simple chewables, Frontline Plus is a well-tested, effective solution frequently recommended by veterinarians for eliminating ticks and fleas.
The active ingredients in this topical treatment are fipronil, targeting adult fleas and ticks, and (S)-methoprene, which addresses flea eggs and larvae. By disrupting the flea life cycle at multiple stages, Frontline helps reduce local infestations, preventing recurring flea issues for your dog. Additionally, it proves effective against chewing lice and sarcoptic mites.
To apply Frontline, you open a small tube and squeeze the contents onto a patch of skin between your dog’s shoulder blades—a location they cannot easily lick. The formula is absorbed through the oil glands, providing a month-long protection. It’s essential to keep your dog dry for at least 24 hours after application to ensure proper absorption. After this period, your dog can safely swim or be around other pets and children.
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Price at time of publish: $100 (21-55 pounds, six doses)
For our dog, who had previously faced a flea outbreak while using a different preventive, the transition to Vectra 3D quickly proved to be dependable and highly effective.
Vectra 3D is a non-prescription topical solution containing three active ingredients—dinitefuran, pyriproxyfen, and permethrin. Packaged in monthly treatment tubes for application at the base of the neck, this solution offers comprehensive protection against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, mites, biting flies, and sand flies. It acts by repelling and killing these insects before they have the chance to bite or sting your dog. While Vectra 3D is easy to administer, it’s recommended to apply it after your dog has expended some energy, increasing the likelihood that they will remain still during the process.
Once applied, the fragrance-free and non-greasy solution becomes waterproof after 24 hours, making it an excellent choice for dogs that enjoy spending time outdoors. Vectra 3D is available in five sizes corresponding to a dog’s weight, ranging from five to over 95 pounds. It’s also safe for use on puppies as young as eight weeks old.
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Price at time of publish: $148 (24.1-60 pounds, six doses)
NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs emerges as the top choice for puppies in the realm of flea and tick prevention. Designed to be given to puppies as young as eight weeks and weighing at least four pounds, these beef-flavored monthly chewables make the prevention process not only effective but also enjoyable for your young canine companion.
The convenience of a chewable format sets NexGard apart, eliminating the need for topical applications and allowing the puppy to get wet immediately after ingestion without compromising its efficacy. The FDA-approved formula, featuring afoxolaner as the main ingredient, works by swiftly targeting fleas and various tick species, providing a robust shield against potential infections, including those leading to Lyme disease.
With NexGard available in four sizes, tailored to different weight ranges, it ensures a precise fit for your puppy’s specific needs. While it generally proves safe for most puppies, it’s essential to monitor for any potential side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or itching. NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs stands out as the go-to solution for conscientious puppy owners seeking effective and puppy-friendly flea and tick prevention.
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Price at time of publish: $15
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor stands out as the top choice for canine hygiene, offering a potent formula that effectively tackles flea and tick infestations. The combination of active ingredients, including pyrethrin, s-methropene, and butoxide, ensures the elimination of these pests, while soothing elements like aloe, oatmeal, lanolin, and coconut extract contribute to a creamy and lightly-scented formula.
This shampoo is particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive skin, providing an option for either undiluted use or dilution with water for a richer lather. A little goes a long way, with just 1⅓ tablespoons needed per five pounds of pet weight, making it both efficient and cost-effective. Available in various sizes, including 12-ounce, 24-ounce, and gallon-sized containers, Adams Plus is suitable for dogs and puppies aged 12 weeks and older, with the caution to avoid contact with the eyes.
While Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo effectively addresses current infestations, its preventative efficacy may be less convincing. Although it contains an insect growth regulator that claims to prevent flea development for up to 28 days, veterinary specialists recommend using it in conjunction with other preventive treatments for comprehensive coverage.
Although generally safe for use with dogs, caution is advised against using it on cats, given their sensitivity to the active ingredient pyrethrin. Overall, Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor proves to be a reliable choice for dog owners seeking an effective and skin-friendly solution for flea and tick control.
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Price at time of publish: $15
Diatomaceous earth is a powdered sedimentary rock composed of fossilized microalgae called diatoms. Its mildly abrasive and highly absorbent nature makes it versatile, finding applications such as insecticide. It effectively eliminates pests like fleas, ticks, bedbugs, and cockroaches by disrupting their exoskeletons’ waxy outer layer, leading to dehydration. The powder can be applied to create a protective barrier against parasites, and it poses no harm to humans or pets.
Our preference is Harris Diatomaceous Earth, which sets itself apart by containing no additives. It holds registration with the Organic Minerals Research Institute (OMRI) and is both mined and packaged in the United States. Additionally, it includes a powder duster in the bag, facilitating the application of powder in challenging areas like crevices alongside refrigerators.
The versatility of this diatomaceous earth allows for application in various locations, such as dusting carpets, placing around furniture legs, applying in corners, or spreading in yards and gardens. To maximize effectiveness, it’s advisable to target specific problem areas, as the light powder may need occasional reapplication.
Harris Diatomaceous Earth is conveniently available in a four-pound bag, and a noteworthy aspect is that 10 percent of profits are donated to the Etowah Valley Humane Society in Georgia.
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Price at time of publish: $68 (over 18 pounds)
The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs earns its title as the best collar with a combination of effectiveness, ease of use, and an impressive eight-month duration. Even as newer flea control products like chewables gain popularity, Seresto stands out as a reliable choice for those opting for a flea collar.
Designed to be safe for most adult dogs, the Seresto collar excels in efficacy, targeting all life stages of parasites with its active ingredients imidacloprid and flumethrin. The controlled release formula begins working within 24 hours, providing comprehensive coverage across the dog’s entire body, effectively eliminating fleas and ticks upon contact. Additionally, the collar is proven to be effective against sarcoptic mange and chewing lice.
What sets Seresto apart is its non-greasy composition, lack of chemical odor, and the convenience of two sizes – a smaller version for dogs under 18 pounds and a larger size for those over 18 pounds. With its enduring effectiveness and user-friendly design, the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs secures its position as the top choice for dog owners seeking a reliable and long-lasting flea collar solution.
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Price at time of publish: $152 (20.1-40 pounds, six doses)
Revolution Topical Solution for Dogs earns its position as the best for heartworm prevention with its prescription-required monthly application offering robust defense against heartworm disease. This easy-to-apply topical solution provides more than just heartworm protection, extending its effectiveness to guard against fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites.
The sole active ingredient, selmectin, is a powerful combatant against parasites, ensuring comprehensive protection for your canine companion. Revolution not only addresses active infestations of ear mites, ticks, or sarcoptic mange but also helps control and prevent further infections.
In regions where ticks pose a concern, it may be advisable to complement Revolution with another preventative. Many pet owners, in consultation with their veterinarians, choose to combine Revolution with NexGard, introducing the active ingredient afoxolaner to prevent Lyme disease.
When selecting Revolution, it’s essential to choose the appropriate weight range for your dog. Notably, for puppies (and kittens) weighing five pounds or less, the mauve-colored Revolution box indicates a gentle formula suitable for use on young and small furry friends. With its comprehensive protection and user-friendly application, Revolution Topical Solution for Dogs stands out as the top choice for heartworm prevention and overall canine well-being.
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Price at time of publish: $16 (20 ounces)
TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo stands out as the top choice for natural flea and tick protection during your dog’s bath, especially for those with sensitive skin. This shampoo is infused with several natural EPA-approved repellents, including lemongrass oil, clove oil, cedarwood oil, and cinnamon oil, along with moisturizing sesame oil. Beyond its impressive ability to eliminate parasites on contact, targeting adults, larvae, and eggs, the Maximum Strength variant leaves a delightful fresh and citrusy scent that lingers for up to a week post-use.
One of its notable features is the soap-free formulation, employing a coconut cleanser that ensures effective cleaning without rinsing away any prior topical treatments applied to your pup. The spill-resistant packaging adds to its convenience, preventing wastage in case of accidental tipping. Available in 20-ounce or gallon-sized bottles, along with spot treatment, collars, home, bedding, and yard sprays, TropiClean offers a versatile range, allowing you to choose the most suitable natural flea and tick solution for your furry friend. With its effective natural ingredients and user-friendly features, TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo proves to be the go-to choice for a natural and gentle bath time experience.
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Our preferred preventive option is Simparica Trio Chews for Dogs, comprising three active ingredients to safely and efficiently eliminate and guard against fleas, ticks, as well as provide protection against heartworm disease, hookworms, and roundworms. Alternatively, for those who favor a topical treatment, Vectra 3D Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs is a dependable choice. This option doesn’t necessitate a prescription and becomes waterproof 24 hours after application.
Spring and summer beckon both us and our dogs to enjoy the great outdoors, but these seasons also coincide with the peak of flea and tick activity in many regions, and this period is expanding due to climate changes. Despite our best efforts, it’s challenging for dogs to completely avoid encounters with fleas and ticks when spending time outside. The optimal approach to flea and tick prevention involves a combination of effective products and regular use. Prioritizing flea and tick prevention is not only beneficial for your dog but also contributes to the well-being of your entire household.
The current market offers flea and tick preventatives for dogs that are not only more effective but also safer compared to options available just a decade ago. Over the years, the range of choices for dog flea and tick products has significantly expanded. However, it remains crucial to prioritize your dog’s safety when using any of these products. Consulting with your veterinarian is key to determining the most suitable flea and tick prevention regimen based on factors such as your dog’s age, health, breed, and the specific location where you live or vacation. Your vet will also take into account factors like the presence of multiple pets, dogs that swim, or the presence of young children in your household.
Options for flea and tick preventatives encompass:
Understanding these options and consulting with your veterinarian will help you make an informed decision that ensures effective and safe flea and tick prevention for your furry friend.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) emphasizes that parasite protection is not a one-size-fits-all solution for pets. Certain products may not be suitable for very young puppies or senior dogs, and some dog breeds might be sensitive to specific ingredients, leading to severe illness. To determine the best and safest flea and tick prevention option for your dog, the AVMA recommends asking your veterinarian the following questions:
Your veterinarian serves as the most reliable source of advice tailored to your individual dog’s needs. Feel free to ask questions about your chosen flea and tick prevention program once you’ve started it, and stay informed about new products entering the market through discussions with your vet. Opting for the best flea and tick preventatives helps protect both you and your pet from bites that can lead to illness or other symptoms.
Diseases transmitted through tick bites can lead to a variety of symptoms and, in severe cases, pose a risk of fatality for your dog. Ticks have the capability to carry and transmit several debilitating diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the absence of vaccines for most tick-borne diseases that dogs may contract. Recognizing these diseases can be challenging due to their diverse and nonspecific symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnoses. Moreover, treatments for tick-borne illnesses in dogs are typically prolonged and can incur significant costs.
AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein recommends performing daily tick checks on your dog during tick season, coupled with the consistent use of tick preventative treatments. For instance, it takes about 12 hours for a tick to transmit the bacteria causing anaplasma and 24 to 36 hours to transmit Lyme disease. Swiftly locating and carefully removing ticks from your dog can significantly reduce the risk of contracting such tick-borne illnesses.
Symptoms of flea bites in dogs encompass itching, scratching, redness, flaky skin, scabs, hot spots, and hair loss. For dogs allergic to fleas, these discomforting symptoms can escalate if they become infested with fleas. A single flea bite is enough to trigger a frenzy of scratching, biting, and chewing at their skin in flea-allergic dogs.
Fleas are a common source of tapeworms in dogs. When dogs are bitten by fleas, they tend to chew at the bitten spot, often inadvertently swallowing the flea. Fleas carry tapeworm larvae within their bodies, and when a dog ingests a flea, these larvae develop into adult tapeworms in the dog’s intestines. Additionally, heavily infested dogs may experience anemia due to blood loss caused by fleas.
People are susceptible to the various complications and diseases that ticks and fleas can cause, highlighting the importance of practicing flea and tick prevention with your dog. Another significant reason to do so is to safeguard your home, other pets, and family from an infestation.
While it’s known that fleas and ticks can hide in your yard, these pests can also hitch a ride on your dog and establish a home within your carpets and furniture, where they can breed. Regular vacuuming may help, but it may not effectively eliminate fleas, ticks, or their eggs and larvae. If these pests have entered your home and taken up residence, using a flea- and tick-killing product becomes necessary to eradicate them and prevent their reinfestation on your dog and other pets.
Options for household flea and tick prevention include:
Before applying any flea or tick product in your home, it’s essential to thoroughly read the package label and follow all usage instructions provided.
It is crucial to thoroughly understand and adhere to all warnings or instructions associated with flea and tick products, not only for dogs but also for any other pets you may have in your household, such as cats, fish, birds, reptiles, or rodents. Certain products containing essential oils or specific insecticides might not be safe for use around cats or birds, and it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian to confirm the safety of these household flea and tick treatments for your individual pets.
In multi-pet households, the importance of keeping these pests at bay is heightened. Dr. Klein emphasizes that fleas and ticks can act as vectors, transmitting numerous diseases between animals. Therefore, if you have more than one pet, the risk extends to all of them.
This also implies that in a household with multiple dogs or a combination of dogs and cats, every pet, not just the one that may have picked up the flea or tick, needs to be treated. If a flea is spotted on one pet, it is likely that all your dogs (or cats, even if they are indoor-only) could be harboring them in their fur. Treating only one pet without addressing the rest of your pack allows fleas and ticks to easily transfer from one pet to another. Consistent and comprehensive flea and tick treatment for your entire household, including all dogs or cats, is crucial for controlling the problem.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine which prevention products are most suitable for your dog, considering compatibility with other pets, your home, and your budget.
How can you determine if your dog has fleas?
There are distinct signs that may indicate your dog has fleas. If you observe increased itching, especially around the flank or above the tail, it’s advisable to check for the presence of these tiny insects in your dog’s coat. When you part your pet’s fur, you might notice “flea dirt,” appearing as small black specks or even black bugs that may jump away.
How can you prevent your dog from getting fleas?
Apart from using a flea and tick prevention product on your dog, there are preventive measures to minimize the risk of fleas. Fleas tend to thrive in shaded outdoor areas with sand, leaves, or debris. To prevent fleas, maintain short grass and restrict your dog’s access to areas where fleas may hide. Treating your home and yard with food-grade diatomaceous earth can also help eliminate adult fleas and ticks.
Can most flea treatments be used on puppies?
Generally, flea treatments should be administered to puppies only after they have been weaned, typically around seven or eight weeks of age. It’s crucial to check the age range specified on the flea treatment you intend to use to ensure its safety for your puppy. Consulting with your veterinarian is essential, as they can recommend an appropriate treatment for your young dog.
Pet size is a significant factor to consider, as mentioned by Dr. Hall. For smaller dogs like teacup Chihuahuas or Yorkies, a smaller size option is necessary, while giant breed dogs may require two different sizes to achieve a therapeutic dosage. Dr. Hall emphasizes that veterinary guidance is crucial for the safe administration of these products, as improper use can lead to skin and eye irritation and, when used recklessly, may even cause infertility.
This article was compiled and authored by KJ Callihan, a writer for iHugDogs, with a background in working at animal shelters, assisting in the socialization of animals for adoption, and fostering various kinds of animals. KJ Callihan is also a contributor to CNET, AAA Northeast magazine, and other publications.
The content of this roundup was developed in collaboration with experts, including insights from Dr. Gail Sommers Wolfe, D.V.M., who runs her private practice, Bennett Road Animal Clinic in Okemos, Michigan. Additionally, input was sought from Dr. Melissa Hall, a Dutch vet specialist and board-certified veterinary dermatologist. The guidance provided by the FDA was also considered during the research process.
To ensure a comprehensive and well-informed perspective, a survey was conducted among our existing pool of dog testers, garnering detailed feedback from 69 dog owners. Each respondent provided extensive information about their dog’s age, size, and breed, along with a thorough history of their experience with flea and tick prevention products.
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