Dogs love being outside to sniff out scents and play a game of fetch in the yard. Unfortunately, our playful pooches can come into contact with nasty pests while exploring the wilderness. Flea and tick treatments and prevention help stop your best friend from bringing back unwanted guests along with their favorite ball.
These come in various options, from shampoos and sprays to topical treatments, collars, and chewable tablets. We put together these reviews to help you decide which flea and tick treatment is the best for your dog.
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The 10 Best Flea & Tick Treatments and Prevention for Dogs
1. Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs — Best Overall
| Purpose: | Prevention |
| Breed Size: | Medium, large, and giant |
| Product Form: | Collar |
| Life Stage: | Puppy, adult, senior |
Recommended by veterinarians, the Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs is the best overall flea and tick treatment and prevention for dogs. It’s designed to start killing and repelling fleas and ticks within 24–48 hours of fitting the collar on your dog. The collar is 27.5 inches long to suit medium, large, and giant breeds and is water-resistant to prevent the formula from wearing off during rainy walks or dips in ponds.
Along with working against fleas, ticks, and lice, the Seresto collar uses a long-lasting formula to prevent infestations for up to 8 months.
While Seresto does manufacture flea collars for small dogs, this one is designed for large breeds and might be too big for your puppy.
Pros
- Veterinarian recommended
- Kills and repels fleas within 24 hours
- Kills and repels ticks within 48 hours
- 27.5-inch adjustable collar
- Water-resistant
- 8-month protection
Cons
- Small dog breeds require a different product from the same brand
2. Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo — Best Value
| Purpose: | Treatment |
| Breed Size: | All |
| Product Form: | Shampoo |
| Life Stage: | Puppy, adult, senior |
Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo is free of parabens, artificial colors, and fragrances. It contains five natural essential oils, including cedarwood oil, to moisturize and soothe irritated, flea-bitten skin. This flea and tick treatment is the best value for money, providing affordable and safe protection for dogs 12 weeks and older. In addition to eliminating fleas and ticks, it also acts as a mosquito repellent. It can be used alongside other flea treatments without interference. However, it has a strong scent and cannot be shipped to California. The shampoo contains cedarwood oil, is paraben-free, and includes five natural essential oils. It is effective in killing fleas, ticks, and repelling mosquitos without any artificial colors or fragrances. It also targets eggs or larvae and allows eggs to hatch, prolonging infestations. To be effective, PetHonesty chews should be used daily and long-term, alongside other flea and tick treatments for maximum effectiveness. Not all flea treatments are waterproof, and engaging in water-related activities can wash away the effects, leaving your dog vulnerable to fleas once again.
Supply
Many flea treatments, such as topical ointments, are available in bulk supplies. These products are typically designed for monthly use and can be purchased in boxes containing one to six or even eight treatments. While buying a larger supply may cost more upfront, it eliminates the need to purchase the same brand every month to maintain your dog’s treatment. However, if the treatment proves ineffective, a 6-month supply could go to waste.
Treatment vs. Prevention
Treatment and prevention are often mistaken for being the same thing, but they serve different purposes. Treatment products are designed to kill fleas upon contact, while prevention products are formulated to provide long-lasting effects. For example, flea shampoos are considered treatment as they kill fleas immediately after bathing, while topical treatments act as prevention by continuously killing fleas as long as the chemicals remain effective.
Multi-pet Households
It is essential to keep in mind that many flea treatments meant for dogs can be toxic to other pets, such as cats. To prevent any accidental exposure, it is crucial to keep dog-only treatments away from other pets and ensure that treatment days for each pet are kept separate. This will minimize the risk of mixing up medications. However, when in doubt, consulting a vet is always the best option.
What Types of Flea and Tick Treatment and Prevention Are There?
Collars
Collars are a long-lasting prevention option coated with chemicals designed to kill fleas and ticks for up to 8 months. They are especially useful during the summer months when dogs are more active in water. Collars are adjustable and can be worn underneath your dog’s regular collar. It is essential to leave enough room for two fingers when fitting any collar on your dog.
Topical Solutions
Monthly topical treatments are applied along your dog’s spine and absorb into their skin to provide continuous protection throughout the month. Most brands are waterproof, allowing your dog to swim without compromising the treatment’s effectiveness.
Shampoos
Flea shampoos are designed to kill fleas on contact and can soothe irritated skin during bath time. While they often use natural ingredients, they may need to be reapplied weekly for continuous protection.
Using shampoos can help keep your dog smelling fresh, but it can also strip their fur of healthy oils. It is generally recommended to use shampoos alongside other flea treatments, such as collars or topical solutions, for the best results.
Sprays
Flea sprays, while similar to shampoos, do not lather and do not need to be washed away. They are easy to apply, requiring you to simply grab the bottle and spray your dog’s fur, being mindful of their eyes. It is best to use these in areas that are not at risk of staining, as some formulas can stain fabric. Additionally, make sure the spray is suitable for use on your pet, as some sprays are only meant for use on carpets, furniture, or in the garden.
Chewable Tablets
Chewable tablets offer a daily treatment option for killing fleas quickly without the wait of 1 or 2 days for a collar or topical solution to take effect.
How We Selected These Flea & Tick Treatments and Prevention for Dogs
This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The flea & tick treatment and prevention for dogs reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best flea & tick treatment and prevention for dogs available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with flea & tick treatment and prevention for dogs. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.
Final Thoughts
Our reviews covered the best flea and tick treatment and prevention for dogs to help you and your favorite hound avoid pest infestations. There is a wide range of options, including the best overall option, the Seresto Flea & Tick Collar, with its 8-month-long protection. The budget-friendly choice, Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo, is a natural treatment that moisturizes your dog’s skin.
Whatever option you choose, your dog will be grateful for the relief from itchy flea infestations and creepy-crawly tick bites.
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Featured Image Credit: Anastasiya Tsiasemnikava, Shutterstock
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