The best flea and tick treatments for dogs in 2025

Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can cause several health problems in dogs, including skin irritation and infections and anemia, especially in puppies. They can also transmit tapeworms, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fortunately, protecting your pet is easy with the best flea and tick treatments for dogs. Many of these medications also target lice, mites, and intestinal worms and offer protection against life-threatening heartworm infections.

Effective and safe flea and tick treatments include topical spot-on medications, chewable tablets, shampoos, and flea collars. While many flea medicines require a prescription, there are also products available over-the-counter (OTC) without a vet prescription.

To choose the best flea and tick medicines, we asked veterinarians how pet owners can manage parasites in puppies and adult dogs. We also referred to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's quick product reference guide. Our top pick for flea and tick prevention is K9 Advantix II, an OTC topical medicine you apply monthly. It also repels and kills mosquitoes, which can transmit heartworms.

It's important to consult your veterinarian to determine what type of flea and tick prevention is best for your dog. The ideal product depends on factors like your dog's temperament, lifestyle, and the most prevalent parasites in your area.

Our top picks for the best flea and tick treatments for dogs

Best topical flea and tick prevention: K9 Advantix II - See at Chewy

Best pill: Simparica TRIO - See at Chewy

Best topical flea and heartworm prevention: Advantage Multi for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best collar: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best shampoo: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor - See at Chewy

Best for young puppies: Capstar for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best topical flea and tick prevention

K9 Advantix II is our top pick among the best flea and tick treatments for dogs. It kills fleas and ticks, while also repelling and killing mosquitoes, biting flies, and lice with a single, easy application. Each dose provides 30 days of protection. To apply it, simply squeeze all the liquid in the tube onto two or three spots of your dog's skin on the top of the back from the shoulders to the base of the tail. The liquid spreads across the skin, killing fleas and other parasites on contact.

K9 Advantix II replaces Frontline Plus, our former pick for best topical flea and tick prevention. Many veterinarians say that, based on their experience, Frontline Plus seems less effective than it used to be. K9 Advantix II also kills and repels mosquitoes that might transmit heartworm disease, which makes it a good addition to a dog's heartworm prevention plan. It contains three active ingredients that work together to control parasites: imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen.

Dr. Kelley Lay, a veterinarian in Nashville, Tennessee, prefers K9 Advantix II over Frontline because of K9 Advantix II's broader spectrum of action against mosquitoes, biting flies, and some additional tick species. "I'm in Tennessee, so these things matter big time, especially for those pets who aren't also on heartworm prevention," says Lay, who has worked in a variety of clinic settings over the last decade. "I've had numerous clients come into the clinic with flea-infested pets that have been using Frontline, so it's lost my confidence over the years."

It's important to note that K9 Advantix II is for use on dogs only. The product is extremely toxic to cats, as noted on the product label and insert. It's recommended to keep cats away from treated dogs for 24 hours.

Best pill

Simparica TRIO is our top pick for the best flea and tick treatment for dogs in pill form. The fast-acting chewable tablet kills more parasites than any other oral product. It begins working within four hours and eliminates 100% of adult fleas on dogs within eight hours.

Choosing between an oral or topical flea control product can be difficult because each type of product has its advantages and drawbacks. In certain cases, an oral preventive may be the better option. For example, some dogs with sensitive skin cannot tolerate spot-on treatments. "Oral products have the benefit of broad coverage to reach every spot of skin without the chance of the product being washed off," says Dr. Kate Crumley, a veterinarian with Blue Heron Consulting.

Additionally, Simparica TRIO kills and prevents more types of parasites than our recommendation for best topical flea and heartworm treatment, Advantage Multi. Along with adult fleas, heartworm, and intestinal parasites, Simparica TRIO kills five species of ticks and flea larvae — coverage that Advantage Multi does not provide.

The liver-flavored tablets can be given with or without food once a month. The treatment contains three active ingredients (sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel) and provides a full month of protection against more parasites than any other oral product. Simparica TRIO is also safe for some of the youngest puppies and smallest dogs. It requires a prescription from your veterinarian and a negative heartworm test. You should use it with caution if your dog has a history of neurologic disorders, such as seizures.

Best topical flea and heartworm prevention

No flea medicine can protect against every parasite, but Advantage Multi for Dogs comes close. This topical spot-on treatment contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin, which prevent flea infestations by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs. While it doesn't protect against ticks, it prevents heartworm, mange mites, and three different intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms). If your dog already has worms, your vet may recommend treating them with one of the best dewormers for dogs. As with all heartworm preventatives, your dog will need a heartworm test before beginning treatment with Advantage Multi and annually after that.

It's easy to use Advantage Multi. For dogs weighing 20 pounds or more, apply it to their skin in three or four spots from the base of their neck to their upper back every 30 days. For smaller dogs, apply the entire contents of the tube to a single spot of skin between their shoulder blades. The liquid absorbs and dries within hours. You don't need gloves during application. Just wash your hands with soap and water if any product gets on your skin. For the first 30 minutes after application, prevent dogs from licking the application site, either on themselves or other treated dogs. Children should not touch the application site for two hours.

"For clients who are using Advantage Multi, I let them know I applaud the flea, heartworm, and intestinal parasite control, but I do have a conversation about adding tick protection, especially if the pet's lifestyle and exposure put them at higher risk," Lay says.

Some oral products provide broad-spectrum protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and other parasites, negating the need to also give Advantage Multi. These treatments include Simparica TRIO, our pick for the best pill, and NexGard Plus. Products like these may be a more economical option for people. "We, of course, adjust depending on the client's needs and preferences, so I do have some that prefer to use a Seresto collar or give Bravecto or another oral flea/tick prevention," Lay says.

Best collar

Editor's note: In March 2021, USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published a report that the Seresto flea collar was linked to of adverse incidents involving pets and humans. In response, the EPA conducted a review of the Seresto collar and said that its manufacturer, Elanco, agreed to implement measures to alert veterinarians and pet owners about potential risks, including collar malfunctions that could lead to strangulation. "For all other deaths, EPA did not identify cases with a probable or definite association between collar use and death, often due to other factors impacting the animal, such as an existing medical condition," the release says. The EPA further states that the mortality rate associated with the Seresto collar was similar to that observed with other pet products it has reviewed.

Pet owners should consult their veterinarian for additional safety guidance. When purchasing a Seresto collar, ensure it is from a reputable retailer, either online or in-store, with a guarantee program, or directly from your veterinarian. To verify that the collar is authentic, you can contact Elanco product support at 800-422-9874. If your pet experiences an adverse reaction, immediately remove the collar and contact your vet. Tim Carroll, the EPA's press secretary, also recommends that pet owners report adverse reactions to the National Pesticide Information Center and the EPA.

Flea collars were once the standard approach for controlling fleas, but most collars don't offer the same level of protection as today's topical and oral treatments. However, one noteworthy collar is the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs. It uses sustained-release technology to provide eight months of continuous protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, four species of ticks, chewing lice, and mange mites.

In general, the best flea and tick treatments for dogs are topical spot-on and oral preventatives. Still, the Seresto collar may be a good option in certain situations. Lay says that traditional flea and tick collars are generally not very effective, and she has even seen allergic reactions and other issues with some of them. That said, she considers the Seresto collar both safe and effective and recommends it for dogs who don't tolerate topical or oral flea and tick preventives.

The Seresto collar is nongreasy, odor-free, lightweight, and adjustable to fit dogs of all sizes. Your dog can wear it alongside their regular collar, and it has a safety system to keep them safe if the collar gets caught on something. The collar's active ingredients, imidacloprid and flumethrin, are released in low concentrations across your dog's skin and coat to kill fleas and ticks on contact within 24 hours. It's water-resistant, so you don't need to remove it during swimming or bathing.

Best shampoo

Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo is our top pick for the best flea shampoos for dogs. In addition to killing fleas, flea eggs and larvae, ticks, and lice for up to 28 days, the shampoo soothes dry and irritated skin from flea bites and constant scratching.

The shampoo contains synthetic pesticides commonly included in flea and tick shampoos: pyrethrins and S-methoprene (Precor). It also contains piperonyl butoxide to enhance the effectiveness of those pesticides. Oatmeal helps heal irritated and itchy skin, and the shampoo has a pleasant coconut scent.

Lay says flea shampoos are fine to use alongside prescription flea control medications. However, shampoos shouldn't be considered the first or best line of defense against fleas. Veterinarian-prescribed, year-round prevention remains the gold standard. Despite marketing claims, these shampoos don't provide substantial flea protection after the bath, so your dog may be susceptible to repeated infestations. Some ingredients in shampoos can also irritate the skin.

Best for young puppies

If your dog has a heavy flea infestation, especially if they're a young puppy, you want to eliminate fleas as quickly as possible. Available without a prescription, Capstar for Dogs is the only flea control product safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. With other topical and oral flea control medicines, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and sometimes older.

The active ingredient in Capstar, nitenpyram, works within 30 minutes and kills more than 90% of adult fleas in as little as four hours. It only protects for 24 hours, but it is safe to give daily if necessary. Daily dosing is helpful for young puppies who might not be old enough for an oral or spot-on treatment that provides long-term protection. Once your puppy is old enough, you should follow up with the best flea and tick protection for puppies that provides a month or more of protection.

What to look for in flea and tick treatments for dogs

While you should always consult your veterinarian before choosing a flea and tick medicine for your dog, there are several things every dog owner should consider.

Safety and efficacy: The best flea and tick treatments for dogs are approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can check the Animal Drugs @ FDA database to see if a medication is FDA-approved. If you don't see a drug listed in the FDA database, check the EPA's Pesticide Product and Label System to see if it's been approved by the EPA, which regulates some flea and tick treatments containing pesticides.

Number of parasites treated: It is convenient to use a product that protects against more than just fleas and ticks. While your veterinarian can advise you on which product is best for your dog, we generally favor products that cover more parasites.

There are some exceptions among the best flea and tick treatments for dogs. For instance, Capstar treats only fleas but is the only medicine available for puppies younger than 6 weeks. OTC products, like K9 Advantix II, protect against additional parasites such as lice but not heartworms. Products that treat heartworm always require a veterinary prescription.

Ease of use: The easier a product is to use, the better. For example, chewable tablets are quick and easy to give your dog, provided they like the flavor. Products that require a person to wear gloves when they apply them or require the treated animal to stay away from children or other pets for a while may be a hassle.

Minimum age and weight: Flea treatments are intended for dogs above a minimum age and weight. Your options for a very young puppy will be more limited until they are older and weigh more.

Prescription vs. over-the-counter: Some flea control products are available over the counter. Others require a prescription from your veterinarian. You can buy prescription medicines from your veterinarian or online pet pharmacies and stores like Chewy, Petco, and PetSmart.

Prescription flea control products typically cost more than OTC options because they protect against more parasites, most importantly, deadly heartworms. Dogs must test negative for heartworms before starting a heartworm preventive.

Types of flea and tick medications: There are several types of treatments, including topical, oral, collars, shampoos, and sprays. Cost, convenience, ease of use, and effectiveness vary among these products. Your vet can help you determine the best type for your dog. We advise against flea sprays because topical spot-ons and oral products are more effective. Remember that some dogs with sensitive skin may not tolerate topical products. Crumley says that frequent bathing or swimming may also reduce the effectiveness of a topical product that remains on the skin's surface.

Natural vs. synthetic: Our experts do not recommend using natural products instead of veterinarian-recommended topical and oral flea control. While natural treatments can deter fleas and ticks, they won't eliminate an infestation. "If you use them, be prepared to apply them at least daily before your pet goes outside for the best chance of keeping the hitchhikers from latching on," Crumley says. If you also have kitties at home, avoid natural flea control products containing essential oils because some can be toxic to cats.

Other pets in your home: Any product labeled for use in only dogs should never be given to a cat. Some ingredients can be toxic to cats. While dog-only flea products can harm felines, cats are especially sensitive to pyrethrins. If you're looking for a safe product for your cat, check out our guide to the best flea treatments for cats.

How we selected the best flea and tick treatments for dogs

We consulted two veterinarians for advice regarding treating and preventing fleas and other parasites in dogs. This information guided our selection of the best flea and tick treatments for dogs, but our experts did not endorse any of the products included in this guide unless explicitly quoted.

We also conducted research using the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. This helpful reference lists all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals, each product's active ingredients, directions for using them, and which parasites they control.

Dog flea and tick treatments FAQs

Which flea treatment do vets recommend for dogs?

It can take several days to weeks to get rid of fleas. Veterinarians recommend a multipronged approach: eliminate the existing fleas, prevent new infestations, and treat the environment, both indoors and outside. If you have multiple pets, it's important to treat them all at the same time. To treat your home, vacuum areas where flea eggs and larvae tend to hide, like cracks and crevices, and wash bedding in hot water. For outdoor treatment, remove any areas where fleas can hide, such as piles of leaves and tall grass. If this process feels overwhelming, consider hiring a licensed pest control service.

Which flea treatment is the most effective for dogs?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for dogs. The best flea and tick treatments for dogs vary in several ways. These include how many parasites they target, their active ingredients, safety restrictions, and their duration of effectiveness. The most desirable treatments offer long-lasting protection, target not just adult fleas but also eggs and larvae, and are effective against other parasites like heartworms and intestinal worms. Your veterinarian can help you choose the most suitable product for your dog.

Do dogs really need flea and tick medicine?

Yes, fleas and ticks are not just a big nuisance — they also carry diseases that can make dogs seriously ill. While you may be tempted to use parasite preventives only in the spring and summer, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites are resilient. Veterinarians recommend that dogs stay on broad-spectrum parasite preventives year-round.

What are the types of flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Flea and tick medicines come in various forms, including oral medications, topical products, collars, and shampoos. Oral products are chewable tablets, while topical products are ointments that go directly on the skin. Flea collars have become less popular due to their lower effectiveness compared to oral and topical treatments. Shampoos are also less effective and don't provide long-lasting protection. These medicines are available over the counter or by prescription and contain different active ingredients to kill and repel fleas and ticks.

What kills fleas permanently?

To permanently eliminate fleas, you'll need to do more than just kill the adult fleas. The other developmental stages, egg and larvae, must also be eliminated. Products that target the early stages of fleas are the most effective. Year-round flea and tick prevention is also essential to avoid future infestations. It may take several weeks for all the fleas to be completely gone.

What is the safest flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Flea and tick medicines are FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness. However, they have safety restrictions based on factors such as age, weight, and whether a dog is pregnant or nursing. Some treatments also have safety warnings for dogs with a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders. When selecting flea and tick medicines, be sure to check the label to confirm that it's safe for your dog.

What is the difference between prescription and OTC flea medicine?

Some flea control products are sold over the counter, while others require a prescription. Prescription treatments generally cost more because they offer protection against a broader range of parasites, including heartworms. However, OTC options can still provide effective, long-lasting protection against fleas and other parasites.

Can I get flea and tick medicine without a vet prescription?

Yes, OTC treatments are available without a prescription. However, these medicines typically do not protect against as many parasites as prescription flea and tick products.

Do flea collars work?

Yes, but flea collars are generally less effective than topical or oral treatments. Our top pick, the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs, stands out among other collars because it provides eight months of protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, ticks, and mange mites. Lay recommends flea collars for dogs that cannot tolerate topical or oral flea products.

How can I tell if my dog has fleas?

Fleas can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, so look for signs of a flea infestation on your dog, including constant biting, scratching, or licking, along with red, irritated skin. Flea dirt, which appears as a rust-colored mixture of blood meal and dried feces, is a telltale sign of fleas and can be found in places your dog spends time, like their bed. You can pick up the dirt by running a flea comb against the direction of your dog's fur growth. You can often see it in hard-to-reach places like the base of the tail, middle of the back, and groin. Other signs of fleas include pale gums, which are a sign of anemia, and patches of hair loss.

Best topical preventative overall

Not even the best flea and tick medicine for dogs controls every harmful parasite, but Advantage Multi for Dogs comes close. It's also one of our top picks for the best flea and tick treatments for puppies.

Advantage Multi is a topical spot-on product that contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin, which prevent flea infestations by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs. It also prevents heartworm, mange mites, and three intestinal parasites: roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. If your dog already has worms, your vet may recommend treating them with one of the best dog dewormers. As with all medications that prevent heartworm, your dog needs a heartworm test before starting Advantage Multi and annually after that.

Advantage Multi is easy to use: Every 30 days, apply it to the dog's skin at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication is absorbed and dries within hours. Unlike other topical preventatives, you don't need to wear gloves to apply Advantage Multi. If you get the product on your hands, simply wash them with soap and water. For a half-hour after application, keep dogs from licking the application site, either on themselves or other treated dogs. Children should not touch the application site for two hours after application.

Advantage Multi does not prevent ticks. If ticks are a concern, consider Frontline Plus for Dogs, Bravecto Topical for Dogs, or K9 Advantix II.

Best OTC topical preventative

Among the best flea and tick treatments for dogs, Frontline Plus is our top nonprescription recommendation because it kills ticks and fleas, controls flea infestations, and kills chewing lice, all with one easy application. When used primarily for flea control, each dose of Frontline Plus lasts up to three months. If ticks or biting lice are a concern, apply it monthly.

Frontline Plus has been used and trusted by pet owners for over two decades. Parasites die on contact — they do not have to bite your dog for the treatment to work. Its active ingredients, fipronil and S-methoprene, work together to kill parasites and break the flea life cycle. Fipronil kills adult fleas and ticks, while S-methoprene prevents flea eggs, larvae, and pupae from developing. If your dog has a lot of fleas, it can take up to a month of consistent use to get rid of them because flea eggs can be in your home but not on your dog.

Frontline Plus is easy to use. Squeeze all the liquid in the tube onto one spot of your dog's skin between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication spreads across your dog's skin and gets stored in the oil glands. It distributes itself continuously via the hair follicles.

Best pill

Our pick for the best flea treatments for dogs in pill form is Simparica TRIO. This chewable tablet is fast-acting and kills more parasites than any other oral product. It starts to work within four hours and kills 100% of adult fleas on dogs within eight hours.

Choosing between an oral or topical flea control product is tough for some dog owners. There are pros and cons to each type of product. In some cases, an oral preventive is a better choice. For instance, some dogs with sensitive skin can't tolerate spot-on treatments. "Oral products have the benefit of broad coverage to reach every spot of skin without the chance of the product being washed off," says Dr. Kate Crumley, a veterinarian with Blue Heron Consulting.

You can give the liver-flavored tablets with or without food once a month. The treatment contains three ingredients — sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel — and provides an entire month of protection against more parasites than any other oral product. Simparica TRIO is also safe for some of the youngest puppies and smallest dogs. It requires a prescription from your veterinarian, as well as a negative heartworm test. It should be used with caution in dogs with a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures.

Best for young puppies

Fleas should be eliminated as quickly as possible for heavily infested dogs, especially young puppies. Available without a prescription, Capstar for Dogs is the only flea control product safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. With other topical and oral flea control products, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and sometimes older.

The active ingredient in Capstar, nitenpyram, works within 30 minutes and kills more than 90% of adult fleason dogs in as little as four hours. Its protection against fleas lasts only 24 hours, but it is safe to give daily if necessary. Daily dosing is helpful for young puppies that might not be old enough to use an oral or spot-on product that offers long-term protection. Owners should follow up with a flea control product that provides a month or more of protection once the puppy is old enough.

Best collar

A March 2021 investigation by USA Today reported 1,700 animal deaths and other adverse reactions linked to Seresto flea collars. It's unknown if the EPA-approved pesticides used in the collar caused these incidents. You can read more about the safety of Seresto collars in our FAQs.

Flea collars were once the main option for flea control, but most don't offer the same level of protection as topical and oral medicines. One noteworthy collar is the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs, which uses sustained-release technology to provide eight months of continuous protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, four species of ticks, chewing lice, and mange mites.

In general, topical spot-on and oral preventatives are the most effective flea control for dogs, but the Seresto collar might be a good option in certain situations. Dr. Kelley Lay, a relief veterinarian in Nashville, Tennessee, says that traditional flea and tick collars are generally not very effective. She has even seen allergic reactions and other issues with some of them. However, she has found the Seresto collar safe and effective and recommends it to clients with pets who don't tolerate topical or oral flea and tick preventives.

The collar is nongreasy, odor-free, lightweight, and adjustable for dogs of all sizes. It can be worn alongside your dog's regular collar and has a two-step safety system to keep your dog safe if the collar gets caught on something. The collar's active ingredients, imidacloprid and flumethrin, are released in low concentrations over your dog's skin and coat to kill fleas and ticks on contact — parasites do not need to bite your dog for the collar to work. It kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours of placing the collar on your dog. You don't need to remove this water-resistant collar during swimming or bathing with one of the best dog shampoos.

Best shampoo

Our top pick for the best flea shampoos for dogs is Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo. In addition to killing fleas, flea eggs and larvae, ticks, and lice for up to 28 days, this shampoo soothes skin that has become dry and irritated from flea bites and constant scratching.

The shampoo contains pyrethrins and S-methoprene (Precor) synthetic pesticides commonly included in flea and tick shampoos. It also contains piperonyl butoxide to enhance the pesticides' effectiveness. Oatmeal helps heal irritated and itchy skin, and the shampoo has a pleasant coconut scent.

Lay says that flea shampoos are fine to use alongside prescription flea control medications but shouldn't be considered the first or best line of defense against fleas. Veterinarian-prescribed, year-round flea prevention remains the gold standard. Despite marketing claims, these shampoos do not provide substantial flea protection after the bath and may leave dogs susceptible to repeated infestations. Some ingredients in shampoos can also irritate the skin.

What to look for in flea and tick medicine for dogs

Safety and efficacy: FDA- or EPA-approved products have undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing before going to market.

Number of parasites treated: Using a product that protects against more than just fleas is convenient. While your veterinarian can advise you on which product is best for your dog, we generally favor products that cover more parasites.

There are some exceptions. For instance, Capstar treats only fleas, but it is the only medicine available for puppies younger than 6 weeks. OTC products, like Frontline Plus, protect against additional parasites such as ticks and lice but not heartworms. Products that treat heartworm always require a veterinary prescription.

Ease of use: The easier it is to use a product, the better. For example, chewable tablets are quick and easy to give your dog, provided they like the flavor. Products that require a person to wear gloves when they apply it or require the treated animal to stay away from children or other pets for a while may be a hassle.

Minimum age and weight: Flea treatments are intended for dogs above a minimum age and weight. Your options for a very young puppy will be more limited until they are older and weigh more.

Natural vs. synthetic: Our experts do not recommend using natural products instead of veterinarian-recommended topical and oral flea control. While natural treatments can deter fleas and ticks, they won't eliminate an infestation. "If you use them, be prepared to apply them at least daily before your pet goes outside for the best chance of keeping the hitchhikers from latching on," says Crumley. If you also have kitties at home, avoid natural flea control products containing essential oils because some can be toxic to cats.

Other pets in your home: Any product labeled for use in only dogs should never be given to a cat. Some ingredients can be toxic to cats. While any dog-only flea product can harm felines, cats are especially sensitive to pyrethrins. If you're looking for a safe product for your cat, check out our guide to the best flea treatments for cats.

How we selected the best flea and tick treatments for dogs

We consulted two veterinarians for advice regarding the treatment and prevention of fleas and other parasites in dogs. This information guided our selection of the best flea and tick treatments for dogs, but our experts did not endorse any of the products included in this guide unless explicitly quoted.

We also conducted research using the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. This helpful reference includes all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals along with each product's active ingredients, directions for how to use it, and which parasites it controls.

Flea medicine for dogs FAQs

Do dogs really need flea and tick medicine?

Yes. Not only are fleas and ticks a big nuisance, they also carry diseases that can make dogs extremely ill. Although you may be tempted to use parasite preventives only in spring and summer, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites are resilient. Veterinarians recommend that dogs stay on broad-spectrum parasite preventives all year.

What are the types of flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Flea and tick medicines are available as oral and topical products, collars, and shampoos. Oral products are chewable tablets, while topical products are ointments that go directly on the skin. Flea collars have fallen out of favor because they are less effective than oral and topical treatments. Shampoos are also less effective and do not provide long-lasting flea protection. These medicines are available over the counter or by prescription and contain different active ingredients to kill and repel fleas and ticks.

What do vets recommend to get rid of fleas?

Getting rid of fleas can take several days to weeks. Veterinarians recommend a multipronged approach: Kill the existing fleas, prevent new infestations, and treat the environment, both indoors and outside. If you have multiple pets, treat them at the same time. Treating inside your home involves vacuuming where flea eggs and larvae like to hide, such as cracks and crevices, and washing bedding in hot water. Treating outdoors involves eliminating any areas where fleas could hide, such as piles of leaves and tall grass. If this process seems daunting, you can hire a pest control service.

What is the most effective flea and tick treatment for dogs?

There is no single treatment that works best for all dogs. The best flea and tick treatments for dogs vary in many ways, including how many parasites they target, active ingredients, safety restrictions, and how long they're effective. The most desirable treatments provide long-lasting protection, target adult fleas as well as eggs and larvae, and are effective against other parasites, such as heartworm and intestinal worms. Your veterinarian can help you select the most appropriate product for your dog.

What kills fleas permanently?

To eliminate fleas permanently, you'll need to do more than kill adult fleas. The other developmental stages, egg and larvae, must also be eliminated. Products that kill the early stages of fleas are the most effective. Year-round flea and tick treatment is also crucial to preventing future infestations. It may take several weeks before all the fleas are gone.

Which is better, NexGard or Frontline?

Both NexGard and Frontline kill fleas at all life stages, plus ticks. Both treatments have their advantages. There are several Frontline products: Shield, Plus, and Gold. Our top choice for an OTC flea preventive is Frontline Plus, which also protects against chewing lice and helps control sarcoptic mange infestations. Compared to Frontline Plus, NexGard kills fleas more quickly (4 hours versus 12 hours) and ticks (24 hours versus 48 hours). For this reason, NexGard is a better choice for preventing the transmission of Lyme disease from ticks. Some veterinarians also use NexGard to treat mange.

What is the safest flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Flea and tick medicines are FDA-approved to be safe and effective. However, these medicines also have safety restrictions depending on age, weight, and whether a dog is pregnant or nursing. Some treatments also have safety warnings for dogs with a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders. As you evaluate flea and tick medicines, check the label to ensure it's safe for your dog.

What is the difference between prescription and OTC flea medicine?

Some flea control products are sold over the counter, while others require a prescription. Prescription products typically cost more than OTC treatments because they protect against more parasites, including heartworms. However, OTC options can still provide effective, long-lasting treatment against fleas and other parasites.

Can I get flea and tick medicine without a vet prescription?

Yes, OTC treatments are available without a prescription. These medicines usually do not protect against as many parasites as prescription flea and tick products.

Do flea collars work?

Yes. Flea collars work but are generally less effective than topical or oral treatments. Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs provides eight months of protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, ticks, and mange mites. Lay recommends flea collars for dogs that cannot tolerate topical or oral flea products.

Is Seresto harmful to dogs?

In March 2021, USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published a report alleging that the Seresto flea collar is linked to thousands of adverse incidents in pets and humans. To date, 2,500 pet deaths have been allegedly linked to the collar.

Elanco published a statement defending the collar's safety and efficacy. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Pet Poison Hotline followed suit. The EPA recommends pet owners read the entire label before using any flea collar and follow all directions carefully. Your veterinarian can provide additional safety guidance. Purchase a Seresto collar only from a reputable online retailer, brick-and-mortar store with a guarantee program, or your veterinarian. To verify product authenticity, call Elanco product support at 800-422-9874. If your pet has an adverse reaction, immediately remove the collar and call your veterinarian. Tim Carroll, EPA's press secretary, advises pet owners to contact the  National Pesticide Information Center and report adverse reactions to the EPA.

How can I tell if my dog has fleas?

Fleas are hard to see with the naked eye. Look for signs of a flea infestation on your dog, including nonstop biting, scratching, or licking and red, irritated skin. Flea dirt, a rust-colored mixture of blood meal and dried feces, is a telltale sign of fleas and can be found in places your dog spends time, such as their bed. Running a flea comb against the direction of your dog's fur can pick up the dirt. You can often see it on your dog in hard-to-reach places like the base of the tail, middle of the back, and groin. Other signs include pale gums, which are a sign of anemia, and patches of hair loss.

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