Nothing worries me more than finding a flea or tick on my dog (except, maybe, finding one on myself). These tiny pests don’t just suck blood—they can also spread diseases to pets and people. Getting rid of fleas and ticks at home can be really tough. Although flea and tick treatments can be expensive and take effort, they are super important for your dog’s health and should be used all through their life.
I can’t make this process cheaper or more enjoyable, but I’ve done extensive research to help you make an informed choice. I checked 18 flea treatments for dogs and selected six that I think are the best.
Before starting any new treatment for your pet, always talk to your vet to make sure it’s the right choice.
List of 6 Best Flea Treatment For Dogs
- Best Overall: Zoetis Petcare Simparica Trio
- Best Budget: Merck Animal Health Bravecto Chews and Topical Solution for Dogs
- Best Topical: Ceva Animal Health Vectra 3D for Dogs
- Best Oral: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health NexGard Chewables
- Best Collar: Elanco Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
- Best with Natural Ingredients: Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray and Dog Shampoo
1. Zoetis Petcare Simparica Trio
When picking the best flea treatment for dogs, you should think about how often they need to use it, their dog’s breed, age, and the risk of ticks. One of the famous vet says: “Some products are not safe for very young puppies,”
Simparica Trio is a great option. It’s a monthly chew that protects against heartworms, ticks, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms. It’s safe for puppies as young as eight weeks old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds. Even if you miss a dose, it has a 35-day grace period.
I like Simparica Trio’s all-in-one protection. The extra tick protection is helpful since we often hike in areas with lots of ticks. Simparica Trio is FDA-approved to prevent Lyme disease and kills five types of ticks: Gulf Coast ticks, deer ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and brown dog ticks.
It’s a good choice for pet owners who want to focus only on fleas and ticks at an affordable price.
Specs:
- Frequency of Reapplication: 35 days
- Quantity: 1, 3, 6, or 12 chews
Pros:
- Kills fleas in all stages of life
- FDA-approved to block Lyme disease infections
- Protects against five types of ticks
- Includes heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm protection
Cons:
- Requires a prescription
- More expensive than the standard Simparica chew
2. Merck Animal Health Bravecto Chews and Topical Solution for Dogs
Price is an important factor when choosing a flea and tick preventative. “Owners need to afford these products ongoing, even in tight months. So it’s got to be affordable in the long run,” says Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers.
Bravecto offers 12 weeks of flea and tick protection in one dose. Reviewers like the affordability and peace of mind of three months of coverage. Pet parents also note the chew flavor and size make it easy to disguise as a treat, especially for smaller dogs. Merck Animal Health offers Bravecto as a 12-week topical preventative for dogs that don’t like taking pills. It’s also about $10 cheaper than the chews.
Bravecto protects against black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, and Asian long-horned ticks for 12 weeks, but stops protecting against lone star ticks after eight weeks.
Specs:
- Frequency of Reapplication: 3 months
- Quantity: 1 or 2 doses
Pros:
- Affordable for 12 weeks of flea and tick protection
- Can be given orally or topically
- Protects against Asian long-horned ticks
Cons:
- Doesn’t kill lone star ticks after eight weeks
- Requires a prescription
3. Ceva Animal Health Vectra 3D for Dogs
Flea and tick prevention are specific in this list because some dogs just would not swallow a pill. But not all topical treatments are the same. Some of the repellents do not stick on the skin but dewick and do not allow tick to attach while other may take up to 24 hours to kill a tick.
Vectra 3D begins to protect the animal from fleas as soon as it is applied while it offers protection from ticks within 48 hours. It has permethrin with a knock down effect on fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and sandflies when it comes into contact with them. There is one small round pipette for 1-3 weeks of use. The doses come in five sizes depending on the weight of the dog and their mutagens are safe for the young puppies ranging from 7 weeks and above and those that are 3 and above. 3 pounds.
Safety Note
Permethrin is toxic to cats. If you have cats, keep them away from your dog until the treatment is dry.
Specs:
- Price: $49.99 (3 doses for dogs 5-10 lbs.) to $89.99 (6 doses for dogs 5-10 lbs.)
- Size and Weight Recommendations: 5-10 lbs., 11-20 lbs., 21-55 lbs., 56-95 lbs., 95+ lbs.
- Frequency of Reapplication: 3 weeks
- Quantity: 3, 6, or 12 doses
Pros:
- Ideal for dogs that have trouble taking pills
- Repels fleas and ticks before they can bite
- No prescription needed
- Doesn’t leave a greasy residue
Cons:
- Contains permethrin, toxic to cats
- Takes 48 hours to kill ticks after application
4. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health NexGard Chewables
For dogs with sensitive skin or owners who dislike the mess of spot-ons and sprays, oral preventatives like NexGard Chewables work well. NexGard Chewables offer a tempting beef flavor and soft texture, making them palatable. These chews are safe for dogs and puppies as young as 8 weeks and weighing at least 4 pounds.
Given monthly, this chewable begins to kill fleas within four hours of administration and is FDA-approved to prevent Lyme disease. For tick protection, it kills black-legged ticks, lone star ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian long-horned ticks. NexGard also has a Plus formula with heartworm and additional parasite protection.
Specs:
- Frequency of Reapplication: Monthly
- Quantity: 1, 3, 6, or 12 chews
Pros:
- Soft, tasty beef-flavored chew
- Good size for small dogs
- FDA-approved to prevent Lyme disease
Cons:
- Requires a prescription
- More expensive for large dogs compared to most topical treatments
5. Elanco Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
Flea and tick collars are good for pet parents who may rarely remind to make monthly remedies on the pet’s body. The Elanco Seresto Flea and Tick Collar has a long-lasting effect of eight months making it one of the easiest to manage. This feature makes the collar one size fits all for all the dogs that you have. The collar starts to eliminate fleas within a span of 24 hours and when the ticks come into contact with it then they are eliminated.
Seresto collars are for dog’s and puppies from the age of 7-Weeks-old and are available in medium and large sizes. That being said, if your dog enjoys water or frequently swim, then, this collar will last you is a relatively shorter period.
Specs:
- Frequency of Reapplication: 8 months
- Quantity: 1 or 2 collars
Pros:
- Over-the-counter collar
- Kills fleas and ticks for eight months
- Adjustable strap ensures a good fit
Cons:
- Not ideal for dogs that chew their collars
- Water exposure reduces effectiveness
6. Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray and Dog Shampoo
If you prefer natural products, Wondercide offers a range of flea and tick solutions using essential oils like cedarwood and peppermint. The Flea & Tick Spray can be applied daily, while the shampoo is used weekly. It repels pests while keeping your dog’s coat clean and fresh-smelling. This is an additional protective measure rather than a primary solution.
Specs:
- Frequency of Reapplication: Daily (spray) and weekly (shampoo)
- Quantity: 16 fl. oz. spray, 32 fl. oz. spray, 128 fl. oz. spray; 16 fl. oz. shampoo
Pros:
- Made with natural essential oils
- Available as a spray or shampoo
- Scents include Lemongrass, Cedarwood, Peppermint, and Rosemary
- Safe for pets of all ages
Cons:
- Not the primary preventative recommended by vets
- Some pets find the scent too strong
- Requires frequent application
What to Consider When Buying Flea and Tick Preventatives
- Application Method: You can choose from topical treatments, oral tablets or chews, collars, shampoos, and sprays. Each has its pros and cons, so consider your dog’s preferences and health needs.
- Frequency of Application: Some treatments need to be applied every month, while others can last up to eight months. Think about how often you’re able to apply the treatment and choose accordingly.
- Effectiveness: Look for treatments that protect against the specific types of pests common in your area and that fit your dog’s lifestyle.
- Side Effects: Keep an eye on your dog for any adverse reactions, like skin irritation or upset stomach. Always consult your vet if you notice anything unusual.
My Verdict
Out of all the best flea treatment for dogs, Zoetis Petcare Simparica Trio stands out as the best overall flea treatment for dogs due to its comprehensive protection. Always talk to your vet before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s safe and effective for your dog.
