If you’re a pet parent, then there’s one thing you dread more than anything else; fleas. Sure, there are all sorts of other evil pests that can menace your pup, like ticks or mosquitoes, but nothing is quite as aggravating as the dreaded flea infestation.

Having to deal with itchy dogs and indoor pests in your home is frustrating enough on its own – so how can you truly get rid of them for good? That’s where we step in! In this blog post we will go over some of the best treatment options for combating fleas and keeping your furry family member healthy and happy!

What is the Best Flea Treatment?

There are three types of dog flea medications available in the market. Some medications take care of worms and fleas while others take care of fleas and ticks.

Arming yourself with the information of the various types of treatment will enable you to know the one you need specifically for your fur baby.

Flea Pills for Dogs

Did you know that tackling a flea infestation on your pup can be as simple (and safe!) as popping a pill? Certain oral medications, like Capstar and Credelio, require prescriptions from veterinarians to purchase; however they are very effective in eliminating the issue.

The best part is these pills work within hours – so fast-acting relief for fido! So if there’s an itchy problem affecting your canine friend make sure to check out what options may suit them best!

Pros:

Not only will the pill work with fleas but it can also protect your dog from ticks and conditions such as heartworm.
Fast acting starts working when absorbed into the dogs bloodstream.

Cons:

Your dog will need a perscription for most oral tablets.
These tablets can be a more expensive option.

Topical Tick and Flea Medication

Looking for an effective flea treatment? Look no further than topical medications like shampoos, spot-on treatments and powders! Not only do they effectively take care of adult fleas, but also the eggs and larvae.

Some popular products in this category include Advantage II, Frontline Plus etc which can work wonders to eliminate all kinds of parasites from your pet’s life in a matter of days or weeks depending on the product you choose. Put them together with other options such as pills -and voila!, pesky pests shall flee at lightning speed!

Pros:

Very straightforward easy application.
Affordable.
usually only need to be applied once a month.

Cons:

You need to wait for the solution to absorb/dry into your dogs skin before you can pet it.
Don’t let your dog lick the medicine off of itself.

Flea and Tick Dog Collars

Flea and tick problems? Dog owners, there’s a solution for you! Flea dog collars provide the perfect protection from biting buggers. Not only do they prevent infestations but many also have ingredients that treat existing ones too – making them ideal all-round solutions.

With some lasting up to 8 months on your pup’s neck you’ll be covered through thick & thin when it comes to parasites looking for a lunch date in Fido’s fur coat! You may know Seresto as one of the most popular flea collar brands out there. We’ve done a full review article if you’d like more details about how their nifty contraptions work so check it out today

Pros:

Less expensive than other flea treatments on the market.
Water resistant meaning your dog can wear the collar and still take baths or get wet without ruining the effectiveness.

Cons:

It is much harder for the collar to work over your dog’s entire body because of its placement.

Dog Flea Spray

Who knew fleas could be so creative in their hiding spots? Luckily, there’s a clever solution to help you combat these creepy critters: the handy-dandy flea spray. It can target those pesky parasites on your pup as well as furniture and bedding for long-term relief – no need to worry about them finding another place.

And when it comes time to grab this anti-flea solution from stores or online markets, know that some contain natural ingredients instead of chemicals; which makes them more pet friendly than others!

To really make sure all bases are covered though, combine with other methods like medications – just remember most sprays work quickly once they come into contact with fleas.

Pros:

Very Affordable.
Plant-based non-toxic ingredients that is safe to use all over the house and your dog.

Cons:

Will need to work along some sort of flea medication to get the best results for your dog.

We go into detail on 10 recomendations down below but first lets get some base knowledge on these medications.

How To Choose the Best Flea Medication For Your Dog

Works Reliably and Quickly

Choosing the right flea medication for Fido isn’t a decision to take lightly. Before you purchase, understand what makes each product effective and efficient – because who wants subpar results from their treatment?

To ensure top-notch protection against pesky parasites, know that some brands start working in mere hours while others might require up to half of a day! Don’t just guess which is best; consult our helpful comparison chart on how long products will work before making an informed choice.

Kills all Eggs, Larvae, and Adult Fleas

Got fleas? Don’t sweat it – be sure to use a topical medication that can work its magic over the entire life-cycle of those pesky critters. Not up for taking any chances? No problem, combine multiple medications and treat not only your pup but also their bedding as well as other furniture in the house. That’ll make quick work of those bugs!

Causeing Few or No Side Effect

Review if the medication causes side effects. If it does what are they and how common?

Talk to Your Vet

When it comes to your pup, you should always consult the vet for their expert advice – and this is especially true if they are elderly, unwell or expecting. After all not every medication works on animals of different ages and sizes!

Check Your Dog’s Weight

Most pet medications are packed according to the pet’s weight. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have the right weight for your dog to enable you to get the right medication for them.

Check out the products about in the flea treatment comparison to see how they package their medicine and if you can find the right weighted product for your small or big dog.

Reading the Instructions

It is always good to read instructions and see the directions for the application before you buy the package. It is also advised to read instructions on medications that you have used in the past.

Some brands might have changed the instructions. Also, be careful not to use medications meant for cats on dogs and vice versa as it might turn fatal.

Some flea medications have ingredients in them that are actually extremely harmful and toxic to cats. It is very important to be aware of those if you have a cat in your home.

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10 Best Flea Treatments for Dogs

1. Advantage II for Dogs

Advantage II for dogs is an over-the-counter drug used once per month and it helps in eliminating fleas your dog. It might not work for all dogs and it cannot be used to keep ticks away.

Pros:

Topical ointment used on the dogs skin.
Starts to kill fleas, flea eggs, larvae, and lice after twelve hours.
Works one month at a time.
Affordable price.
Made by the Bayer company.

It’s effective and it has few or no side effects. This drug comes in a single dose of one tube. You apply the ointment three or four times along your dog’s back.

The drug should also not be used on cats, and as always, keep it away from children.

2. Frontline Plus Flea Control for Dogs

Frontline plus flea control is a tropical treatment used for keeping fleas away; ranging from eggs, larvae, and adult fleas.

Pros:

Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, larvae, lice and ticks.
Used once a month
They have a product for any size dog from small to extra large.
Starts working twelve hours after applied.
Tpoical application to the dogs back.
Affordable price point.

The drug is super effective and it has an ability to kill all the fleas in a span of 12 hours or even less. One of its ingredients is S-methoprene which is an insect growth regulator that kills flea eggs and larvae.

When applied to your dog, it gives it a month’s protection from fleas while aiding in controlling sarcoptic mange infection.

The only disadvantage with this drug is that it might react with your dog’s skin. Therefore, first apply on a small part on your dog’s skin, then observe it for any reactions.

Check the flea treatment comparison chart above to see more reasons why Frontline is such a great product to use.

3. Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs

This is one of the most effective ways of keeping fleas and ticks away from your dog. The best thing about this collar is that it’s easy to use and offers your pet up to 8 months protection from fleas and ticks.

Pros:

This is a collar application.
Works to kill fleas, ticks, and lice and prevent more from jumping onto your dog.
Water resistant collar will not make it stop working if it gets wet.
Affordable prices and can switched out monthly.
You should start seeing dead fleas after 24 hours.

The pesticides used in the collar are imidacloprid and flumethrin. They give dual action against ticks and fleas. The collar releases these two ingredients in small doses that ensure a controlled and a safe barrier for your dog.

The Seresto collar works by repelling the ticks even before they bite and killing the fleas that already exist. This collar can be worn together with your pet’s collar, and it’s adjustable to suit/fit any pet. Read the Seresto collar review.

4. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray Review

A flea spray is a wonderful product to use because it can help kill fleas on your dog and also in your home. I always keep a bottle of this around specificaly for my furniture.

Pros:

Spray application.
Can be sprayed on your dog as well as furniture, clothing, blankets, capeting, etc.
Plant-based formula makes it safe and non-chemically for your dog.
Affordable price.
Can be used with other flea medications.

With the Vet’s best flea spray you can easily kill fleas that may be hiding inside of your carpets or on your dog’s bed. The spay is made up of a plant-based formula which is naturally safer for your dog then harsh chemicals.

The plant-based formula is made of clove and peppermint extracts that are naturally known to fight off pests. These ingredients do the job safely. It is perfect for dogs that may have sensitive skin as this is this gentle and natural compared to chemicals.

This is also a very affordable option. You could use this along with an existing flea medication, and it can also be used for your home. This product is usable for dogs twelve weeks and older.

5. Nexgard Chewables

The makers of Frontline that offer awesome protection against ticks and fleas, came up with this new drug. It works well to keep fleas and ticks away.

This is the first drug of its kind, and it’s in a beef-flavored chew that helps in protecting your pet for up to one month. It’s mostly recommended for pets that are less than fourteen weeks.

Pros:

Kills fleas and ticks.
Beef flavored chewable makes your dog think its eating a treat.
Can be used on dogs older than eight weeks old and larger than four pounds.
Approved by veternarians. ( You need a prescription to get thins for your dog)
Can be used monthly and typically comes in a three month supply.

It can be taken together with worm medication. You do not have to worry about its effectiveness will be washed off during baths or swimming sessions.

NexGard is known for killing three types of ticks, and these include the black-legged tick, the Lone Star, and the American dog tick.

You need to have a prescription from your pet’s vet.

6. Capstar Flea Control for Dogs

Capstar flea control for dogs is effective protection. It works after only thirty minutes from application. These are flavor free tablets that can be fed directly to your dog or mixed with your dog’s food.

Pros:

Fast working formula kills fleas thirty minutes to an hour after taking.
In an oral tablet form.
Kills 90% of fleas after four hours.
Comes with six tablets.
Affordable price point.

Remember to check your dogs weight before giving them any oral medication. They are all designed with your dogs weight in mind.

Capstar tablets can be used for nursing or pregnant dogs, and they can be taken daily. One tablet per day.

7. Simparica Chewables

The Simparica chewable’s are a fast acting flea medications for dogs. They kill fleas within 60 minutes of administration. Its effectiveness can last up to one month.

Pros:

This is a chewable flea medication.
Starts working sixty minutes after your dog ingests it.
Works to kill fleas and ticks fast with the fast acting formula.
Puppies need to be six months or older before using.

Cons:

Requires a prescription from your vet.

These chewable’s are ideal for preventing and killing fleas as well as keeping tick infestations (American dog ticks, brown dog tick, Gulf Coast tick, and the lone star tick) at bay.

It is an effective tick and flea medication for dogs. It is most effective if administered for one year without interruption. This medicine requires a vet’s prescription though.

8. K9 Advantix II

K9 Advantix is one of the best flea treatment in the market. It is manufactured by the same company that makes the Advantage II. It contains the same ingredients but with an additional ingredient known as permethrin that kills fleas and mosquitoes.

Pros:

Kills fleas, flea eggs, larvae, lice, and ticks.
Repels mosquitos and biting flies.
Used once a month.
Easy to squeeze topical application.
Very affordable price point.

Permethrin is toxic to cats which means this drug should never be used on cats or even near cats. It can cause irritation with dogs although such cases are minimal. Read the full Frontline vs Advantix review.

9. Revolution

The Revolution drug protects your dog from fleas, heartworms, and ear mites. Revolution also protects your dogs against the sarcoptic mage, roundworms, and hookworms in cats.

Pros:

Comes in a topical form to put on your dogs back.
Does require a perscription from a veternarian.
Protects your dog from fleas, ticks, ear mites, and heartworm.
Can be used on puppies older than 8 weeks of age.

Cons:

Requires prescription from your vet.

Revolution contains an active ingredient- selamactin. The ingredient penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream thus working from inside out when treating your dogs from pests.

Revolution is also safe for use in pregnant and lactating pets. However, it should not be used for pets that are either sick or underweight since the pets might suffer from side effects like digestive disturbances.

It should not be used on puppies that are less than six weeks or kittens that are less than 8 weeks.

10. Bravecto

Bravecto is one of the best flea treatment drugs. It administered orally to prevent tick and flea prevention on your dog for up to 3 months.

Pros:

Protects your dog for up to 12 weeks at a time.
Kills fleas, ticks, including the dreaded lone star tick.
This is a chewable that your dog will take by mouth.
Can be used on puppies eight weeks and older.

Cons:

Requires prescription from vet.

One chewable tablet starts to kill pests within two hours and it provides an even longer prevention. Bravecto can be used to control the black legged tick, the American dog tick, and the lone star tick.

It’s more effective as compared to other tick/flea medications. However, it requires a prescription from a vet, and it is ideal for both puppies and adult dogs.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read our comprehensive guide, you’re armed with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision on which product is best for your pup. Be sure to check out the products we’ve reviewed and let us know how they worked for Fido in the comments! We love hearing from our readers and their four-legged friends.

Our Top 10 Flea Treatment Comparison Chart

Flea Treatment	Protects Against	Usage	Active Ingredient(s)	Duration to Take Effect	Can Start Using	Protection Length	Price
Advantage II for Dogs	Fleas, Lice, Flea Eggs, Larvae	Topical	Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen	12 hours to kill fleas, flea eggs, larvae and lice	7 weeks or older	1 month	Check Price
Frontline plus for Dogs	Fleas, Ticks, Lice, Flea Eggs, Larvae	Topical	Fipronil, Methoprene	12 hours	8 weeks or older	1 month	Check Price
Seresto Collar	Fleas, Ticks, Lice	Collar	Imidacloprid, Flumethrin	24 hours	7 weeks or older	Up to 8 months	Check Price
Vet’s Best Flea Spray	Fleas, Ticks, Flea Eggs	Spray	Clove, Peppermint, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate	Instant	12 weeks or older	As needed	Check Price
Nexgard Chewables	Flea and Ticks	Chewable	Afoxolaner, Naphthalene	Fleas in 8 hours, Ticks in 48 hours	8 weeks	Every month	Prescription*
Capstar Flea Control	Fleas	Oral Pill	Nitenpyram	Kills fleas within 30 minutes, Kills 90% of fleas after 4 hours	4 weeks and older	Can be taken daily	Check Price
Simparica Chewables	Fleas, Ticks	Chewable	Sarolaner	Starts working after 60 minutes	6 months and older	Can be taken every 35 days	Prescription*
K9 Advantix II	Fleas, Ticks, Flea Eggs, Larvae, Repels Mosquitos & Biting Flies	Topical	Imidacloprid, Permethrin, Pyriproxyfen	12 hours	8 weeks	1 month	Check Price
Revolution	Fleas, Ear mites	Topical	Selamecrin	Kills 98% of fleas and ticks after 36 hours	6 weeks	1 month	Prescription*
Bravecto	Fleas, Ticks	Chewable	Fluralaner	Starts killing fleas, ticks in 2 hours, Kills almost 100% after 12 hours	Over 8 weeks	Can be used every 12 weeks	Prescription*