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 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!
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.
Image | 1 ![]() Simparica Trio | 2 ![]() Sentinel | 3 ![]() K9 Advantix II | 4 ![]() Frontline | 5 ![]() Capstar | 6 ![]() Sentry Pet Care | 7 ![]() NexGard | 8 ![]() Bravecto | 9 ![]() Comfortis | 10 ![]() Hartz |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Chewable Tablet for Dogs | Flavor Tabs for Dogs | Flea and Tick Spot Treatment | Flea and Tick Treatment | Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment | Fiproguard for Dogs | Soft Chew for Dogs | Soft Chews for Dogs | Chewable Tablet for Dogs | UltraGuard Pro Reflective Flea & Tick Collar |
Features | Well-Rounded Protection for Your Pup | Prevents New Fleas and Other Parasites | Vet-Recommended Topical Flea and Tick Repellant | Waterproof Flea and Tick Protection for Small Dogs | Fights Existing Infestations in Medium and Large Dogs | Top-Rated Ingredient for Fighting Fleas | FDA-Approved Lyme Disease Prevention | Convenient Dosage Schedule for Small and Medium Dogs | Treat and Prevent Fleas in Small Dogs | Reflective Flea and Tick Collar |
Price | $158.02 | $59.99 | $67.98 | $36.99 | $28.45 | $21.78 | $62.99 | $59.49 | $101.99 | $5.77 |
Type | Oral | Oral | Topical | Topical | Oral | Topical | Oral | Oral | Oral | Collar |
Prescription or OTC | Prescription | Prescription | OTC | OTC | OTC | OTC | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription | OTC |
Dosage interval | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | As needed (1 dose max per day) | Monthly | Monthly | Every 3 months | Monthly | 7 months |
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When you choose a flea and tick medicine for your pup, first check with your vet for recommendations. A vet is the best source of suggestions for what medicines will work for your dog. Beyond that, you'll want to decide whether to use oral or topical prevention.
6 tablets
$158.02
Type | Oral |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | Prescription |
Dosage interval | Monthly |
6 tablets
$59.99
Type | Oral |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | Prescription |
Dosage interval | Monthly |
6 doses
$67.98
Type | Topical |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | OTC |
Dosage interval | Monthly |
3 doses
$36.99
Type | Topical |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | OTC |
Dosage interval | Monthly |
6 tablets
$28.45
Type | Oral |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | OTC |
Dosage interval | As needed (1 dose max per day) |
6 doses
$21.78
Type | Topical |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | OTC |
Dosage interval | Monthly |
3 doses
$62.99
Type | Oral |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | Prescription |
Dosage interval | Monthly |
1 dose
$59.49
Type | Oral |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | Prescription |
Dosage interval | Every 3 months |
6 doses
$101.99
Type | Oral |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | Prescription |
Dosage interval | Monthly |
$5.77
Type | Collar |
---|---|
Prescription or OTC | OTC |
Dosage interval | 7 months |
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 vet 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 vet 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.
Your vet 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, 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 vet, you will get guidance on whether you should use preventative medications all year. Although it's becoming less common for vets 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.
Oral medications are more likely to require a prescription from your vet, while topical medications can often be purchased over-the-counter. 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 oral 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. The medicine gets absorbed into the skin and works by repelling fleas and ticks. 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.
Some owners may prefer to use flea shampoos or natural sprays due to concerns about the chemicals 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.
Vets 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.
Sometimes welcoming a fur baby into your family is like having another kid. Here are some other ways you can give your dog the best!
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