Dogs love being outside to sniff out scents and play a game of fetch in the yard. Unfortunately, our playful pooches can come into contact with nasty pests while exploring the wilderness. Flea and tick treatments and prevention help stop your best friend from bringing back unwanted guests along with their favorite ball.

These come in various options, from shampoos and sprays to topical treatments, collars, and chewable tablets. We put together these reviews to help you decide which flea and tick treatment is the best for your dog.

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The 10 Best Flea & Tick Treatments and Prevention for Dogs

1. Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs — Best Overall

Recommended by veterinarians, the Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs is the best overall flea and tick treatment and prevention for dogs. It’s designed to start killing and repelling fleas and ticks within 24–48 hours of fitting the collar on your dog. The collar is 27.5 inches long to suit medium, large, and giant breeds and is water-resistant to prevent the formula from wearing off during rainy walks or dips in ponds.

Along with working against fleas, ticks, and lice, the Seresto collar uses a long-lasting formula to prevent infestations for up to 8 months.

While Seresto does manufacture flea collars for small dogs, this one is designed for large breeds and might be too big for your puppy.

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2. Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo — Best Value

Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo is free of parabens, artificial colors, and fragrances. It contains five natural essential oils, including cedarwood oil, to moisturize and soothe irritated, flea-bitten skin. As the best flea and tick treatment and prevention for dogs for the money, it’s affordable and safe for dogs 12 weeks and older.

Along with killing fleas and ticks, the shampoo works to repel mosquitos. It doesn’t interfere with topical flea and tick treatments, so you can combine it with your existing flea protection regime.

Some users have complained about the strong smell of this shampoo. Unfortunately, it can’t be shipped to California.

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3. Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Large Dogs — Premium Choice

Formulated with fipronil and (s)-methoprene, Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Large Dogs works by disrupting the life cycle of your dog’s fleas. With the option of a 6- or 8-month supply, you can prevent infestations by killing existing fleas, lice, and ticks and put an end to larvae and eggs, too.

As this topical treatment is released from your dog’s oil glands, it offers waterproof protection and is safe from being washed away during your dog’s swim sessions.

Frontline Plus must be re-applied once a month, and the protection can become ineffective if you miss an application. It’s also recommended for dogs in the suggested weight range; a smaller or larger breed will require a different formula product with a specific dose of the formula; they have several options to cover dogs from 5 to 132 pounds

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4. K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs – Best for Puppies

 

Puppies also need protection against fleas and ticks, and K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs starts killing fleas, lice, ticks, and mosquitos within 12 hours of applying it on your dog. Recommended by veterinarians, the formula provides waterproof protection against infestation and is available in 2-, 4-, or 6-month supplies. Along with killing pests on contact, it also disrupts the flea lifecycle to help stop infestations from continuing.

This option is formulated for puppies 7 week of age and older and weighing 4 pounds or more larger dogs should use a different treatment plan. Since K9 Advantix II is a topical treatment, it must be applied once a month to reach its maximum effectiveness, but it shouldn’t be used more often.

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5. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea & Tick Shampoo

The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea & Tick Shampoo suits dogs 12 weeks and older. Available in 16-ounce or 1-gallon bottles, Veterinary Formula is safe for multi-pet households and offers 14 weeks of protection against infestations.

The 0.15% pyrethrins in the recipe kill fleas and ticks on contact, and the included aloe and lanolin soothe your puppy’s flea-bitten and irritated skin.

This shampoo shouldn’t be used on nursing puppies or pets younger than 12 weeks or more than once a week. It also targets eggs or larvae and doesn’t interrupt the flea lifecycle, enabling eggs to hatch and prolong infestations.

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6. PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs

Sold in a supply lasting either 3 or 6 months, PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs uses veterinarian-recommended ingredients to kill fleas, larvae, eggs, and ticks. The included fipronil and (s)-methoprene kill pests on contact and put an end to the flea reproductive cycle to stop ongoing infestations, protecting your dog for up to 12 weeks. Like other topical treatments, this one is waterproof.

Although PetArmor offers 12 weeks of protection, your dog can still pick up fleas from their environment. To properly protect your best friend, you should pair this with treatments for your home and garden. For the prevention treatment to be effective, it should be applied once a month.

PetArmor Plus is available in four different packages for different-sized dogs; the 5 to 22 pounds dose is suitable for puppies in that weight range of 8 weeks and older. They also have products for dogs ranging from 23 to 44 pounds for medium dogs, 45 to 88 pounds for large dogs, and 89 to 132 pounds for extra large breeds.

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7. TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo

The TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo uses natural ingredients, like lemongrass and sesame oils, to protect your dog from fleas for up to 7 days. Along with killing adult fleas, TropiClean kills flea larvae, eggs, ticks, and mosquitos.

This shampoo is sold in 20-ounce or 2.5-gallon bottles for long-lasting use, even in multi-dog households. It’s also safe to use in combination with topical flea treatments.

Although TropiClean uses natural ingredients, it shouldn’t be used on puppies under 12 weeks old. Due to the flea protection relying on the product’s scent, the effects don’t last as long as some other options. Also, the bottle has been known to break open during the shipping process.

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8. PetHonesty Flea & Tick Defense Soft Chews

PetHonesty Flea & Tick Defense Soft Chews are a chemical-free way to keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitos away from your dog. The recipe uses natural ingredients (coconut oil, garlic, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast) to protect against infestation and doesn’t contain corn, wheat, soy, or GMOs. These ingredients, alongside the included omega fatty acids and vitamins, can strengthen your canine’s immune system to keep your best friend healthy.

Although the chews are hickory bacon flavored to encourage your dog’s appetite, some fussy canines may dislike the taste and refuse to eat them. Since they’re recommended for daily, long-term use to be effective, PetHonesty chews should be used alongside other flea and tick treatments.

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9. Adams Topical Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs & Cats

The Adams Topical Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs & Cats offers protection for multi-pet households without worrying about mixing up topical treatments or frequent baths. This spray treatment is sold in 16- or 32-ounce bottles. Adams Spray helps kill fleas, larvae, eggs, and ticks and repels mosquitos for up to 2 months after the initial application.

This product uses a strong smell to repel mosquitos that some users find unpleasant. It’s recommended for use on puppies older than ten weeks and might cause stains if it comes into contact with furniture, carpet, or clothing. The spray applicator is also easy to break and doesn’t last long.

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10. NexGard Chew for Dogs

Beef flavored to entice even the fussiest canine to eat it, the NexGard Chew for Dogs is an FDA-approved solution to tick and flea infestations. Veterinarians recommend the formula to provide 30-day protection against fleas and ticks while remaining gentle enough for puppies 8 weeks and older.

Besides being expensive, NexGuard has a long list of potential side effects and is only available with a prescription from a veterinarian. The product shouldn’t be used more than once a month.

The chews themselves might also be too hard for dogs that find it difficult to chew or have missing teeth. While they’re safe for canines, they’re toxic to cats and should be used cautiously in multi-pet households.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Flea and Tick Treatment for Your Dog

Deciding that you need your dog’s flea and tick treatment is only half the battle. From there, you have to navigate the mismatch of collars, topical solutions, shampoos, and even oral medications. They all have their pros and cons.

Your dog’s preferences, the severity of their infestation, and how much time you have to spare for repeated flea treatments are all things to bear in mind when making your final choice. To help you take the first step, we put together this guide to show you the difference between each treatment and its benefits and disadvantages.

What to Consider When Buying a Flea and Tick Treatment for Your Dog

Before we get into the various treatments available, a few other things can help make your final choice easier.

Longevity

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a flea remedy is how long it’ll last. Some treatments only kill fleas on contact and have to be repeated every day or so for the best results. This can eat into your already busy schedule.

Other treatments have a much longer success rate at preventing infestations. While you have to remember to note when to repeat the treatment, they’re less time-consuming for people who aren’t at home often.

Waterproof

Dogs get wet. Even if they do everything to avoid the hose and dreaded bath time, you’ll still find them wading through muddy ponds, splashing in puddles, and racing about in the rain. Not all flea treatments are waterproof, and all these soggy activities can wash away the effects, making your dog accessible to fleas again.

Supply

Several flea treatments, like topical ointments, come in a small bulk supply. Since they’re designed to be used once a month, you can often buy them in boxes ranging from one to six or even eight products. A larger supply can cost more upfront, but you won’t have to worry about buying more of the same brand every month to keep up with your dog’s treatment.

That said if you find that the treatment doesn’t work as well as you’d hoped, a 6-month supply could go to waste if you end up not using it.

Treatment vs. Prevention

At first glance, it can be easy to think that treatment and prevention are the same. While they’re often combined to make treating your dog for fleas easy, their intentions are different.

Treatment is the initial application. These products are designed to kill fleas as soon as the pests come into contact with them.

Prevention, on the other hand, is the lasting effects formulated to keep working for as long as possible. These products absorb into your dog’s skin or bloodstream and are released slowly until you need to reapply them.

For example, a flea shampoo is technically a treatment. While it can use scents to ward off or kill fleas for a short time after bathing, it’s formulated to kill the fleas on contact after you wash your dog. Topical treatment is more of a prevention measure. It’ll kill fleas for as long as the chemicals are effective.

Multi-pet Households

Many flea treatments formulated for dogs are toxic to other pets, like your cat. This isn’t a problem if you keep dog-only treatments away from their feline siblings. However, this can be easier said than done, especially if your pets enjoy snuggling up together for a nap.

It can also be an issue if you treat both animals for fleas and ticks simultaneously. If you rush through the application or are a little tired, it’s easy to reach for the canine treatment instead of the feline one.

To be safe, keep the flea treatments for your pets separate, and try to keep their treatment days separate, too. This will enable you to focus on your cats or dogs without risking a mix-up with their medication.

What Types of Flea and Tick Treatment and Prevention Are There?

Now that you know what to consider when buying your dog a flea and tick treatment, here are the types of treatments and prevention you can buy for your dog. The best one for your pooch might take a while, but with some effort, you’ll soon have the best solution for your situation.

Collars

Collars are the way to go if you need a long-lasting prevention measure. These adjustable, rubbery collars are coated in chemicals designed to kill fleas and ticks for up to 8 months, provided your dog wears one. For the hot summery months, collars can be especially useful because they provide consistent protection even when your excitable canine launches themselves into every body of water available.

They often fit beneath your dog’s existing collar, so you don’t have to worry about ruining their street cred. Always leave room for two fingers when putting any type of collar on your dog.

Topical Solutions

Monthly treatments often come as a solution that you place evenly along your dog’s spine. The chemicals used absorb into your canine’s skin and sit in their oil glands to be released slowly throughout the month. Provided that you keep your dog away from water until it’s dry, most brands are waterproof and offer protection even when your dog goes swimming.

Shampoos

If your dog enjoys bath time, purchasing flea shampoos can make bathing sessions more useful. Not only do they often soothe irritated skin, but they’re designed to kill fleas on contact. They often use more natural ingredients than other chemical flea treatments, too.

The downside to shampoos is the frequency at which they have to be used. Many natural shampoos only last about a week before needing to be reapplied. This can keep your dog smelling fresh but also strip their fur of healthy oils.

Shampoos are also generally recommended to be used alongside other flea treatments, like collars or topical solutions, for the best results.

Sprays

Although similar to shampoos, flea sprays don’t lather and don’t need to be washed away. They’re simple to apply, requiring you just to grab the bottle and spray your dog’s fur being mindful of their eyes. It’s best to use these in places that aren’t at risk of staining, as some formulas can stain fabric.

Also, remember to ensure the spray is suitable for use on your pet. Several sprays are only designed for carpets, furniture, or your garden.

Chewable Tablets

Daily treatments can take the form of chewable tablets. They’re designed to be a one-off treatment to kill fleas quickly without waiting 1 or 2 days for a collar or topical solution to start working.

Final Thoughts

Our reviews covered the best flea and tick treatment and prevention for dogs to help you and your favorite hound avoid pest infestations. There is a wide range of options, including the best overall option, the Seresto Flea & Tick Collar, with its 8-month-long protection. The budget-friendly choice, Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo, is a natural treatment that moisturizes your dog’s skin.

Whatever option you choose, your dog will be grateful for the relief from itchy flea infestations and creepy-crawly tick bites.

Related articles:

• How to Remove a Tick From a Cat Safely & Easily
• How to Get a Tick off a Dog With Dish Soap (Step-By-Step Guide)

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Featured Image Credit: Anastasiya Tsiasemnikava, Shutterstock