Sometimes, the little things cause the biggest problems. Case in point? Fleas and ticks. Small but mighty, these notorious pests can wreak havoc on our four-legged friends, causing everything from itchy skin to serious medical conditions such as Lyme disease, anemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and more. But with the right flea and tick prevention for dogs, you can ensure your canine companion remains comfortable, healthy and parasite-free.
Ready to protect your pet? Read on for expert advice about how to choose the correct flea and tick prevention for dogs, as well as bestselling products recommended by doting pet parents (like you!).
-
1
Best Overall Flea and Tick Control for DogsSimparica Trio™ Chewable Tablet for Dogs, 6 Chewable Tablets (6-mos. supply) $195 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$195 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
2
$60 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
3
Best Topical Flea Treatment for DogsFrontline® Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs $69 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$69 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
4
Best Flea and Tick Chewable for DogsNexGard® PLUS Chew for Dogs, 6 Chews (6-mos. supply) $214 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$214 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
5
$190 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
How To Find the Best Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs
There’s no shortage of flea and tick treatments on the market today. So, how can you narrow things down and find the best option for your particular pup?
First thing’s first: Start with a conversation with your veterinarian. “I advise pet parents to look for flea and tick products that are approved and recommended by their veterinarian,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinarian at Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana. “Products that vets trust have been thoroughly tested for safety.”
When selecting a product, you and your veterinarian will consider the following:
Your dog’s age: With the exception of very young puppies (under 8 weeks), as a general rule, almost all dogs should be on some type of flea and tick prevention. Elderly dogs with certain medical conditions may need to have their regimen adjusted, depending on their health; your veterinarian can advise if a new approach is needed.
Your dog’s overall health: Certain health conditions can affect which types of products are safest and most effective for your pet. Dogs with sensitive skin may need to avoid topical treatments, while dogs with food allergies may not tolerate oral treatments that include flavorings. For dogs with a history of seizures, your veterinarian may advise avoiding certain oral treatments that contain drugs in the isoxazoline class, which have been linked to neurological symptoms in some pets.
Your dog’s weight: Flea and tick treatments are dosed according to weight, with the weight range specified on the package. “Giving the wrong dose can lead to under- or over-dosing,” cautions Dr. Kong. “It’s essential to follow the product instructions carefully, and consult with a vet if there are any doubts.”
Your dog’s lifestyle: Your dog’s day-to-day activities may influence which type of product you select. For example, frequent swimmers may need to skip topical treatments, which require the dog to avoid getting wet for 24-48 hours. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in tick-heavy areas, your vet may recommend a combination of products for extra protection, such as a chewable and a collar.
Your lifestyle: Your household’s lifestyle may also influence the type of product you select. Families with young children may want to avoid topical medications, which can rub off on little hands. Similarly, flea collars may be tempting to curious toddlers.
Flea and tick treatment type: Treatments come in many different forms, from pills to topicals to collars. Some treat additional parasites. Some last months. All of these factors may play a role in your decision. (Read more about the different types below.)
14 Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs
Below are the best flea and tick treatments for dogs as tested and approved by Chewy customers. These top-selling, top-rated products get two paws up from dog parents like you.
Best Overall Flea and Tick Control for Dogs
-
Always in or near woods!!
We live in the country with woods and ticks all around. My dog never gets ticks on him but I do. So The simparica trio works great as a year round deterrent for him. One day maybe they will make a similar product for humans that doesn't come in a spray can.
-
Fast delivery
My 2 goldendoodles have been taking this monthly med for a year or so now. It seems to be effective. The cost is outrageous but Chewy offers a savings on the first purchase with auto refill so that was a great help. I trust Chewy for all my other dog needs - food, dental chews, even toys! I appreciate the excellent customer care Chewy consistently provides.
-
Great help from representative.
I received an email that the order was canceled/denied. I called Chewy. The representative was very helpful and fixed the problem.
Best Flea Collar for Dogs
-
Kills on contact
I’ve used these collars for all my dogs. Very impressed with them. They keep the fleas and ticks off them. I live on 5 acres of wooded and swampy land.
-
Wonderful Product
I have been using the seresto collar for the past 6 years. They are absolutely amazing! I live on a farm and my dogs are constantly running through tall grass and in the woods plus live in the house. It has been a lifesaver for my dogs.
-
Seresto collars
I live in northern Wisconsin and in this area there are a lot of ticks. Since using the Soresto collars I have not found any ticks on either one of the dogs. They work great!
Best Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs
-
Scram you creeply creeders.
This product has never let the dogs down. It is wonderful to know the are bug free. Sometimes I wish I could use it (only kidding!) to keep the biting bug of spring, summer and fall away from me!!!!
-
Frontline Plus works for my dog
As long as it is applied diligently, my dog is flea free and our house is in the woods. You still need to check for ticks if you are in an area where they are.
-
Always Great Service
My orders always arrive on time. I’m always notified in advance of shipping and delivery updates. Chewy is the best company for my fur baby!
Best Flea and Tick Chewable for Dogs
-
Quick and Easy Process
My dog has no problem eating this chewy, she loves the flavor and eats it up as if it were a treat! I love how this is one chewy all in one! Super easy to keep up with.
-
On time delivery and good product.
This is the product recommended to me by a few other pet owners. It has kept almost all the ticks away. The delivery arrived at the exact time they said it would as well.
-
To pay after you contact the vet for verification.
The well part of it was how quickly you got in contact with the vet how quickly I got here. I live in the woods and the knew exactly where my location was. Most carriers always bypass it and send it to the neighbors. I live in the woods off just off road, and if you looked on the right hand side you would see the house. But for some other reason the other carriers get it .
Best Dog Flea Pill
-
TOO EXPENSIVE!
These flea, tick, and heartworm preventative products are getting to be SO HIGH I don't know how long we can continue to use!
Best Over-the-Counter Flea and Tick Control for Dogs
-
Excellent
Product was great. I used it on my babies and everything is good to go. Thank you so much no more fleas.
-
This is the best flea treatment!
I only buy K9 Advantix II for my dogs. Throughout the years, I have tried various other brands or "natural" treatments which did not work. This is THE best flea & tick spot treatment.
-
K9 Advantix II
Great product. Been using it for years and knock on wood, never seen a flea or tick. Gets applied religiously, every month, without fail.
Best Flea and Tick Control for Puppies
-
Excellent Service
Purchase this item every 6 months for my pup. Chewy does all the work, contacting the vet, etc. Great service! Couldn't ask for more
-
Next guard
Love this product but sure wish you could put it in a much smaller box. Way to big for the product. Thanks.
-
Flea and tick medication review.
Dexter has been receiving his NexGard on a monthly basis now for many years. I can't ever see changing his flea and tick prevention medication!
Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs
-
Smells like tea trea oil
My dog doesn’t smell and it’s been a couple weeks since I’ve bathed him with this shampoo.
-
This shampoo works great for my stinky boy!
One of my pups has a smelly musk when he hasn’t had a bath in a week. I have changed his food so it isn’t as bad but this shampoo does the trick for the smell as well as his coat.
-
Smells great and soothes their skin
I like the spices and combination of natural oils in this spray. Something in it also seems to chill our poodle out whenever I spray it on him. This works on hot spots particularly under his front legs and on the sides of his rear haunches. Good product.
Best Flea Spray
-
Works!
I do a light spray and comb it through a few hours BEFORE bathing them. The fleas come jumping from hairy hiding places. I seem to be able to be able to seek and destroy more of the little buggers with better results, than a bath only. Please really hate this stuff. The smell is also pleasant.
-
Used this many moons ago
Used Adams Dog Flea & Tick spray when I had 3 hounds. So much more economical with better results than the expensive stuff. Recently bought Adams again for economical reasons. I spray on vinyl gloves and give my dog a rub down. Muzzle (STAY CLEAR OF EYES) ears, necks, back, chest, tail, legs. Everywhere. Reapply every two weeks. It smells better than it used to. My dog loves the rub down. Was seeing many ticks now see nor find none.
-
My Favorite
This kills ectoparasites as noted very quickly. It also repels mosquitoes. For those who don't want something in their dogs' bodies all the time, this could be the product for them. This might be what is needed by people with dogs who get seizures from those edible products - check with your veterinarian.
Best With Heartworm Protection
-
Quick and Easy Process
My dog has no problem eating this chewy, she loves the flavor and eats it up as if it were a treat! I love how this is one chewy all in one! Super easy to keep up with.
-
On time delivery and good product.
This is the product recommended to me by a few other pet owners. It has kept almost all the ticks away. The delivery arrived at the exact time they said it would as well.
-
To pay after you contact the vet for verification.
The well part of it was how quickly you got in contact with the vet how quickly I got here. I live in the woods and the knew exactly where my location was. Most carriers always bypass it and send it to the neighbors. I live in the woods off just off road, and if you looked on the right hand side you would see the house. But for some other reason the other carriers get it .
Best Natural Flea and Tick Control for Dogs
-
it works
i am outside in the garden a lot. i spray it on my legs and have not had a single tick all summer. I just recommended it to someone
-
Love it
This spray smells so amazing on my dogs. I feel as if I did not find a flea or tick while using this product.
-
Trying this for the first time, it's not too bad, would definitely recommend it. It's really a strong odor though.
Best for the Yard
-
Works as stated.
I've been using this product for 4 years, and I love it! I would recently it to anyone who needs to rid their yard of fleas, ticks, and lots of other pests.
-
Die, fleas, die!
We must've had our RV parked at Flea Central, and we saw a noticeable drop in the flea populations on our 2 cats and 1 dog after we sprayed this. Easy to use and effective.
-
Works as it says
Worked so far. While in yard, I didn't see any flying bugs nor did I get bit with no bug spray on. My dog isn't bringing in flea friends anymore. Im buying more of this
Best for the Home
-
Miracle spray
I had a huge flea infestation in a shared entryway due to my landlord’s cat that persisted after being bombed twice. I remembered this brand from a vet recommendation years ago so got a can. Problem solved! This stuff worked very fast and lasted a couple months after application!
-
Good flea killer
I had professional spray most of house but not porch as I stayed there with my cat...I used knockout spray twice and it seemed to clear remaining fleas from porch area
-
Finally kicked the fleas
My dog somehow got infected with fleas. Tried switching her topical meds, washed all the sofa covers and her bedding, and treated rugs with baking soda then thorough vacuuming but the infestation persisted. Used one can of Virbac to treat everywhere in the house and have seen no further fleas since!
Best Flea Comb
-
Works perfectly
I got several different types of combs to see what would work best. They all work well. This one has a very comfortable grip and is great for longer-haired pets.
-
Frisco single row flea comb
My dog had a little issue with a couple fleas and I took him to the vet then I ordered this comb to help him out and it worked fine
-
Inexpensive comb
This is a great little inexpensive flea comb. Works especially well when you are bathing kittens and can comb there damp fur. Also works well on dry fur.
Types of Flea and Tick Medications
Generally speaking, all dogs should be on a year-round flea and tick regimen.
“In my professional opinion, all dogs should be on some form of flea and tick prevention,” Dr. Ochoa says. “Any dog can pick up these pests, regardless of breed, age or lifestyle, so having a preventative in place is crucial for every pup.”
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options to protect your pet.
Topical Flea Treatments
Available both OTC and by prescription, topical solutions (also known as spot-on treatments) typically kill ticks, adult fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae, while also repelling them. Some medications also protect against other parasites, including hookworms, roundworms, ear mites and parasites that cause mange. Most topical treatments provide a month of protection and should be applied between your pup’s shoulder blades, where they’ll be unable to lick it off.
“I recommend continuing year-round prevention to keep your dog protected during flea and tick season,” says Dr. Ochoa. “But even with preventatives, the occasional pest can still sneak through, so check your dog regularly.”
Best for: Dogs who don’t like taking oral medications; dogs with food allergies; killing all life cycles and life stages of fleas; providing protection against other parasites
Oral Flea Treatments
A popular alternative to topical treatments, oral medications are formulated to treat flea infestations quickly, making them ideal for dogs with active infestations. For example, Capstar Tablets begin killing fleas within 30 minutes and provide 24 hours of protection; other chewables, such as NexGard, take a little longer to kick in but provide up to 30 days of coverage. Some chewables, such as Simparica Trio, also protect against heartworms. These treatments are available OTC and by prescription, and are particularly effective for water-loving dogs.
“Chewables can be a good option for dogs who frequently swim or bathe, as water exposure does not diminish their effectiveness,” says Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner at Jules Veterinary Center in Tracy, California.
Best for: Dogs with sensitive skin; dogs with an active flea infestation; households with young children or other pets who may interfere with topical medications or collars; dogs who swim or bathe frequently
Flea Collars
Although not as popular as oral or topical treatments, flea collars can be a great solution for some pets. Sold OTC, these collars quickly kill fleas and ticks on contact, as well as repel the pests from landing on your dog. Collars tend to last longer than other preventives, making them an attractive option to pet parents who have trouble remembering to administer monthly medications.
“Collars can offer longer-term protection, up to several months, but their effectiveness can vary depending on the product,” says Dr. Kong.
Before selecting a collar, check with your veterinarian to ensure that it’s a quality brand that will adequately protect your pet.
Best for: Dogs who don’t like taking medications orally; pet parents who prefer a longer-lasting option; budget-conscious pet parents
Flea Shampoos
Medicated flea shampoos kill fleas on contact; some formulas also repel fleas in the following weeks, as well as prevent eggs and larvae from maturing into adult fleas. Flea shampoos usually include therapeutic ingredients such as oatmeal and aloe to soothe irritated skin. Because flea shampoos typically provide protection for only two weeks, they’re not usually recommended as a primary source of flea control. However, they can be a helpful short-term solution for pets experiencing an active infestation.
Best for: Dogs who actively have fleas; dogs (and dog parents!) who enjoy bath time; killing active fleas quickly
Flea Sprays
Flea sprays are a budget-friendly way to kill active fleas and ticks, as well as to prevent new pests from taking up residence on your pet. Conveniently, many formulas can also be used around the house and yard to target areas that harbor pests. However, there are some drawbacks: Sprays need to be applied frequently (as often as every two days) and some may irritate your dog’s eyes and nose. If you want to incorporate flea sprays into your treatment plan, consult your veterinarian about how to best use them.
Best for: Dogs who have an active infestation; pet parents who want to treat parts of the house and yard
How To Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks on Your Dog
If your dog actively has fleas or ticks, you’ll want to get rid of the current infestation, as well as prevent another one from recurring. This requires a multi-step approach:
- Comb your dog with a flea comb, starting at the head and working your way to the tail. Place the removed fleas in a bowl of isopropyl alcohol to kill them.
- Bathe your dog with a flea shampoo after using the flea comb. If your dog has a severe case, consult your vet first to ensure the product is appropriate to use on irritated or damaged skin.
- Use a flea and tick prevention treatment and stick to the schedule. If you’ve lapsed on regular treatments, now is your time to get back on board!
Getting rid of fleas takes work, but it’s possible with a little expertise and effort. Check out this step-by-step guide with expert tips.
How To Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks From Your Yard and Home
If your pet has fleas, there’s a good chance the little buggers are also getting cozy in your home and yard. To permanently evict them, consider:
- Washing all bedding in hot, soapy water
- Vacuuming rugs, carpets and upholstery frequently, using a flea spray as necessary
- Vacuuming hard surfaces frequently, concentrating on areas near food bowls and pet beds
- Treating your yard with flea spray or hiring a pest management company
For more tips on flea prevention in the home, consult our down-and-dirty cleaning guide.
How We Chose These Products
We know fleas and ticks can be stressful. That’s why we rounded up these best-of-the-best products, as chosen by satisfied Chewy customers. Backed by thousands of ratings and reviews, these bestsellers have at least a 4-star rating and have proven themselves to be effective, trusted tools in keeping dogs happy, healthy and pest-free.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Every dog is an individual, and every dog responds to fleas, ticks and treatments differently. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, medications or side effects, check in with your veterinarian and work together to devise a personalized plan for your one-of-a-kind pup.
Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs FAQs
Q: What are the signs of fleas and ticks on dogs?
A: Signs of fleas include intense itching, scratching and biting; hot spots; restlessness; hair loss; and, in severe cases, pale gums. Signs of ticks include licking and chewing; inflamed skin, scabs; head shaking (if the tick is in an ear); and, in rare cases, paralysis.
Q: What instantly kills fleas and ticks on dogs?
A: Flea shampoos and flea sprays kill fleas and ticks on contact. You can also use a flea comb to find and kill fleas instantly. Some chewable treatments, such as Capstar, kick in quickly, killing fleas in as little as 30 minutes.
Q: How does flea and tick medicine work?
A: Topical treatments are absorbed through the dog’s skin, killing fleas and ticks on contact. Oral preventives are swallowed and absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream; adult fleas and ticks die after biting the dog and ingesting the pesticide.
Q: Are there home remedies to treat and prevent fleas and ticks?
A: There are some home remedies—including Dawn dish soap, lemon, apple cider vinegar and baking soda—that may help to kill or temporarily repel fleas and ticks. However, even natural flea treatments can irritate the skin or cause serious health problems if used incorrectly. Consult your veterinarian before trying any home remedy.
Flea and Tick Control: Next Steps
Fleas and ticks are no fun, for pets or pet parents. Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments available to eliminate and prevent infestations—and the more you know, the better prepared you are to keep your pet pest-free! Ready to learn more? Check out these 10 telltale (and surprising!) signs of fleas.
Expert input provided by Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinarian at Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana, and Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner at Jules Veterinary Center in Tracy, California, and veterinary consultant at WeLoveDoodles.com.
Learn more about protecting your pets from fleas:
Share:
