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Dogs can bring a lot of joy to our lives, but without flea and tick medicines, they are at risk of developing fatal diseases. Dog and flea tick medicines can be topical or oral. Many require a prescription from your vet, but some can be found over the counter.
If you are a new dog owner and need a starting point, our 10 best list will give you a few ideas in addition to your vet's advice. We found that Simparica Trio chewable tablets offered well-rounded protection against fleas, ticks, and other internal parasites. Our buying guide, which was reviewed by a veterinary technician, will discuss the pros and cons of oral and topical medications as well as when to be cautious about certain flea and tick remedies. Keep reading to learn more!
Cheyenne Williams is a Certified Veterinary Assistant, currently enrolled in college for veterinary technology, working in vet hospitals since she was 16. She is also the owner of Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care in Sarasota, Florida, founded in 2015. Cheyenne has worked with professionals from pet sitters and groomers to veterinary specialists in a hospital setting.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
Fleas and ticks can live year-round, especially as winters are becoming warmer and shorter in northern climates. Dogs are potentially exposed to fleas and ticks in backyards, during hikes or outdoor exercise, when getting groomed, or when they are around other canines at daycare or a boarding facility.
Diseases and conditions like anemia, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain fever can be caused by fleas and ticks. Dogs can develop fatigue, lameness, stomach problems, and fevers. Sadly, some of these diseases and conditions can turn fatal.
Flea and tick medicine can get rid of existing larvae and adult insects, and prevent them from infesting your dog. If you regularly take your pet to a daycare facility, you will probably be required to show proof you are taking preventative measures against fleas and ticks.
In addition to living year round, they are more prominent in warmer climates and it's best to keep them protected all year long if you live somewhere with warmer winters.
When choosing flea and tick medicine for your dog, you should first consult with your vet about your options and pet's health history. You'll also want to factor in your tolerance and commitment to giving oral medication on a regular schedule.
Topical options can include conventional and natural remedies, but you should exercise caution when considering natural solutions.
It's best to start with your dog's veterinarian for recommendations on which medicines to use. They will know the latest prescription and over-the-counter treatments that are the most effective for treating and preventing fleas and ticks.
Your veterinarian will be able to provide guidance based on your dog's weight, age, and any other known medical conditions. This includes a history of seizures or a sensitive stomach. For instance, some medicines are safe to use on puppies as young as four weeks. Others are only safe for older dogs.
They will also know what types of ticks and tick-borne illnesses are most common for your geographic region, including what times of the year the insects are most active.
In some cases a topical solution may be enough, but other times using both an oral and topical solution may offer better protection. This might be your case if you live in an area with high tick and flea populations or your dog is regularly exposed to the woods and areas with tall grass or vegetation.
From your veterinarian, you will get guidance on whether you should use preventative medications all year. Although it's becoming less common to advise anything besides year-round protection, there may be some exceptions. These are often based on your dog's activities and potential exposure, as well as your geographic area.
Pills or chewable medications are usually taken once a month with food and are absorbed systemically. These medicines typically combat heartworm, internal parasites such as hookworms, fleas, and ticks.
Oral medicines can be a good choice if you want to prevent several different types of parasites at once. They are also good for dogs that tolerate systemic treatments when taken with food. Prescription medications can be purchased from your vet's office or online store or through online retailers like Chewy, which require proof of a prescription.
Topical medicines are applied directly to your dog's skin once a month, usually between the shoulder blades. These medicines can be better for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those that have a history of neurological conditions like seizures.
A flea and tick collar is an additional topical option for owners that struggle to remember giving medication every month. These collars can last for six to eight months. Some also include reflective materials for outdoor safety at night or in the early morning.
Whether or not they will require a prescription depends on the ingredients of the product. There are topicals that do require it. Topicals work by depositing chemicals into the sebaceous glands, where the active ingredient is released and translocates through the glands that lubricate a cat or dog's coat with oil.
Some owners may prefer to use flea shampoos or natural sprays due to concerns about the ingredients in flea and tick medicines. Households with pregnant women or small children may be especially concerned about the potentially toxic effects of chemicals such as fipronil and metaflumizone.
Veterinarians don't usually recommend the use of natural remedies, as they are not evaluated and monitored like conventional products for effectiveness and safety. Check with your vet first about any natural product you would like to use.
Some natural products can prevent new fleas and ticks from infesting your dog when applied daily, but are not good for getting rid of an active infestation. Be aware that natural remedies may contain essential oils that can harm other pets, such as cats.
Some holistic veterinarians do recommend natural remedies, however there are fewer options available than conventional products. It's important to pick a product that's from a reputable company and backed with studies.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Zoetis Simparica TRIO | $168.41 High | Well-Rounded Protection for Your Pup | ||
2 | Merck Sentinel Flavor Tabs | $59.99 Mid | Prevents New Fleas and Other Parasites | ||
3 | Elanco K9 Advantix II | $69.98 Mid | Vet-Recommended Topical Flea and Tick Repellant | ||
4 | Boehringer Ingelheim Frontline Plus for Dogs | $34.98 Low Mid | Waterproof Flea and Tick Protection for Small Dogs | ||
5 | PetIQ Capstar | $36.99 Mid | Fights Existing Infestations in Medium and Large Dogs | ||
6 | Perrigo Animal Health Sentry Fiproguard for Dogs | $20.02 Low Mid | Top-Rated Ingredient for Fighting Fleas | ||
7 | Boehringer Ingelheim NexGard Chewables | $72.99 Mid | FDA-Approved Lyme Disease Prevention | ||
8 | Merck Bravecto Chews | $66.99 Mid | Convenient Dosage Schedule for Small and Medium Dogs | ||
9 | Elanco Comfortis Chewable Tablet for Dogs | $106.07 High Mid | Treat and Prevent Fleas in Small Dogs | ||
10 | Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Collar | $7.46 Low | Reflective Flea and Tick Collar |
Simparica Trio chewable tablets have a pleasant liver taste and tackle a number of parasitic infections. When taken monthly, the tablets prevent heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms.
Dogs eight weeks or older can take the medication, and it comes in different weight ranges, from 2.8 to 132 pounds. You will need a prescription to get these tablets for your best friend.
A few reviewers complained that the tablets were not soft enough to be chewed and that their dogs would not take them without being disguised in food.
More buyers liked the convenience of only having to feed their dogs one medicine each month. They appreciated that the tablet provided protection against several types of diseases, saying it was a very convenient solution for different problems.
Sentinel flavor tablets prevent flea eggs from developing, along with heartworm disease, whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms. This medication is taken with food each month. It's available for dogs four weeks or older that are between two and 100 pounds.
Some buyers were disappointed that the product did not treat existing fleas or prevent ticks. They found they had to use topical medication alongside these tablets.
On the other hand, most reviewers noted their dogs seemed to enjoy the taste of the tablets and didn't need much coaxing to eat them. They liked that the tablets provided protection against several problems. A few noted that dogs with a history of seizures tolerated the medication.
This is a medication you apply on the back of your dog's shoulder and tail. The treatment can be used on dogs seven weeks or older. It works by killing and repelling ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas. The medication is waterproof and starts to work within 12 hours of application.
Some reviewers experienced that the medication didn't catch all ticks and fleas, especially in areas where they were abundant. That's why this product might be better paired with another option for full protection.
However, the great majority of reviewers praised the product. They said it was easy to apply and not too greasy. Many reported that their dogs stopped scratching after getting this treatment.
Frontline Plus offers protection against fleas, ticks, and lice. The treatment also kills eggs and larvae. It's applied between the dog's shoulders and gets absorbed into the skin. Frontline Plus is safe to use on dogs eight weeks of age and older.
Some reviewers reported receiving counterfeit products. Make sure when yours arrive to check that the medication is authentic. Reviewers who got the real deal, on the other hand, said it worked wonders against fleas and ticks. Some noted that it's a good option for small dogs.
Capstar's tablets are designed to kill fleas that currently exist on your dog. The tablets are taken each day until the infestation is gone. They don't prevent fleas, but they start working on existing ones within 30 minutes. The medication is safe for dogs that are four weeks or older. Tablets are available for dogs between two and 125 pounds.
Some reviewers noted that the tablets only works to kill adult fleas, and not eggs or hatched larvae. Luckily, many reviewers praised the medication and said it worked well to get rid of fleas on their dogs.
Fiproguard fights fleas, ticks, and chewing lice with fipronil. This is the top ingredient backed by many vets for flea and tick control. The medication is applied between your dog's shoulder blades. Fiproguard protects against brown, American, lone star, and deer ticks.
Some reviewers noted their dogs seemed to have an allergic reaction to the product. Their dogs experienced increased skin irritation and itching, so you might want to do a patch test before applying completely.
Still, a large number of reviewers appreciated this medication, saying it worked well on their dogs. Some even used it on their cats! This was a great option for preventing and treating fleas during different seasons.
This dog flea and tick medicine is approved by the FDA and will kill adult fleas and black-legged ticks on medium and large dogs. This is especially helpful since the latter can cause Lyme disease, which can be fatal. The tablets are chewable and taste like beef. They are safe for dogs aged eight weeks or older.
A few dogs reacted poorly to this medication, so read the side effects carefully before you give it to your pup. Some had upset stomachs or seizures. However, the majority of buyers said their dogs liked the flavor of the medicine, so it was easy to give to them. It also worked fast and was reliable in preventing fleas each month.
This preventative soft chew kills off ticks and fleas, including lone star ticks. Instead of giving your dog medication each month, you can wait three months in between chews. This medication should not be given to dogs with a seizure history or neurological issues.
A small number of dogs didn't like the taste of this medication and it was hard for a few reviewers to get them to eat it. However, most reviewers recommend the tablet for preventing and getting rid of fleas. They found it incredibly convenient that they only had to administer it every three months.
These tablets help treat current flea infestations and prevent new ones. The medicine can be given to dogs that are 14 weeks or older. Dogs can take the tablets with food each month, but breeding female dogs should not receive the medicine.
A few reviewers complained that their dogs did not like the strong smell of the tablet and it was difficult to get them to take it. However, many reviewers found long-term success with this product. It was able to prevent fleas for years. They liked feeling confident their dogs were protected while outside in grassy or humid areas.
This flea and tick collar makes it easy to use a topical solution to protect your dog. It can last up to seven months and repels and kills fleas, eggs, ticks, and larvae. The collar has reflective material for added safety and is safe to use on dogs 12 weeks of age or older.
Some reviewers noted that their dogs had allergic reactions to the collar or that it caused redness and loss of fur. On the other hand, a lot of reviewers were happy with the collar, saying it kept their dogs flea-free. Many also appreciated that it was reflective since it helped keep their dogs safe.
Simparica TRIO is definetly my favorite product for flea and tick coverage. The reason why is because on top of fleas and ticks it also does heartworm, hookworm, and roundworm prevention. It's really the one and done product. The only adverse reaction I've personally seen has been vomiting, however there is a disclosure for pets who have a history with seizures.
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Cheyenne took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about dog flea and tick medicines.
Cheyenne says, "Flea and tick medication starts working within 24 hours of giving to a dog, however for full effects it can take up to several weeks. If there are already fleas and ticks present in the home it is important to treat the environment in addition to the dog as they can still be exposed to illness associated with the pests."
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This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Zoetis|Simparica TRIO
No. 2: Merck|Sentinel Flavor Tabs
No. 3: Elanco|K9 Advantix II
No. 4: Boehringer Ingelheim|Frontline Plus for Dogs
No. 5: PetIQ|Capstar
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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