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!).
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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
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$60 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
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Best Topical Flea Treatment for DogsFrontline® Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs $68 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$68 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
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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
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$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
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Arrived on time and Chewy Contacts Vet for me
It's a little cheaper to get this with subscribe and save. Better than price at vet and I'm saved a trip.
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My dog is not like my child, he IS my child!
Therefore I want to protect him at all costs, so that’s why I give him Simparica Trio. And now thanks to chewy, I don’t have to worry about stopping by the vet every month and remembering to refill! It gets shipped to my door!!! How cool is this?
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Easy and Complete Treatment
I like the fact that with Simparica Trio you can give your dog one chewable tablet a month and take care of heart worm and flea treatments in one setting.
Best Flea Collar for Dogs
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Get ER Done
this product works, our 3-year-old Rotty runs free in the Ozark mountains, ticks galore, no worry's , no ticks no fleas .
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The Best
No chemicals that your dog has to eat, no drops on their skin. This collar is amazing, I have been using it since it came out and by far out does any flea/Tick meds
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Had to buy a second one
I had cut the first collar to size thinking I cut it big enough to last a growing German Shepherd pup. Of course I didn’t and still have flea and tick weather. The collars work very well so just purchased another one. Will last for early spring.
Best Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs
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So quickly got rid of fleas!
My dog got fleas for the first time in 13 years! I gave her a dawn dish soap bath and put this on and they were gone next day!
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Fast, polite, professional
Not the item, it is standard. What makes this special is the service I always receive from Chewy. I prefer phone calls to on line orders. Chewy reps always answer within a few seconds. They are polite, professional, are in the US and speak English. These are very important considerations. In short, Chewy has the best customer service of any company anywhere.
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ease of transaction
this item and the like are hugely overpriced - - manufacturing costs are relatively low; perhaps Chewy.com could cut out a middle man (if not, already) to reduce cost.
Best Flea and Tick Chewable for Dogs
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Prescription filled quickly
This was my first time filing a prescription through Chewy! It was quick and easy, thank you! Fast shipping too!
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Great, fast service
Chewy is easy to work with and will help if you have questions ordering from their web site. Very knowledgeable staff. Would recommend.
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Best combo med. for pets
Nextgard plus is the best way to cover your pet for combining them with their most needed medical coverage in one. It is convenient and easy way to treat them in a chewable form!
Best Dog Flea Pill
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Veterinarian suggested for hot spot sores
We have tried everything out there for hot spot sores. Our Cavalier had very bad hots spots sores that would spread and she would itch and lose alot of her beautiful soft hair. We changed her food which we cooked all healthy and tried many products to help her, which some did but only temporarily. Our Vet said even though she doesn’t have fleas she can get one bite and it will cause her an allergic reaction. So she suggested Simparica Trio. We are amazed as how great she is doing. Her sores are gone and her beautiful soft hair is back! Our CalValletta and us are very grateful that our veterinarian suggested this. She is so much happier and...
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The medicine works
I had my dog stay with me in a house that had an infestation of fleas. They were all over him the first night. The next night not as many and by the third night they were gone. I've never seen anything like it
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Frisco's Favorite
Three in One... brilliant protection. Frisco sees me with a tablet and thinks it's a very special treat! It's all about the hype, but Simparica must taste like a Porterhouse steak. He loves it.
Best Over-the-Counter Flea and Tick Control for Dogs
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Efficacious, Price and Convenient
We've been using K9 Advantix for years. Luckily both our dogs are similar weight so this box lasts us 3 mo. It has been highly effective -no ticks any year (most concerned about on our area and for our pups). Our dogs handle the medicine pretty well, sometimes a bit tired for the next day. And Chewy autoship ensures we're always ready for application day!
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Works great
I've been using this for years on my dogs. Works great. We have a lot of ticks in the country. The dogs never get ticks or fleas.
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The way you are always concerned about animals. Appreciate it
Don't really know yet. Vet told me to get it. Although in 15 yrs with this dog have never seen a flea or tick on her. ????
Best Flea and Tick Control for Puppies
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I have been using NexGard since my dog was a puppy. Vet recommended it.
It promises what it delivers. No fleas or ticks. And easy favorable chewy pill that my dog eats right up with no problems.
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Flea problem went away quickly
I’ve been having flea issues for a couple of years. Have tried everything. My dog is 14 years old and i think he has built up some immunity to flea stuff. This works!!
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NexGard is the Greatest Chewable for Dogs, ANY SIZE OF YOUR DOG
Not Having to Pay out every 30 Not having to Pay out Money every 30 Days, with getting a 6 months RX
Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs
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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.
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Best Shampoo for a ShihTzu
My Maggie Doodle loves this shampoo! We have been using it for the past 4 years and it really does a great job and is not "perfumey" Give it a try!
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Need bug protection
My 2 Lhasa’s do not tolerate the flea & tick protection offered by my vet, this shampoo smells good and I’m just hoping that it offers them some defense from Alabama bugs! They are not out for long so I’m feeling good about Richard’s shampoo. It smells pretty great too. As usual Chewy is a breeze to shop, they have what I’m looking for and ship quickly.
Best Flea Spray
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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.
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Adams Flea and Tick Spray doesn't smell
Unlike the more "natural" sprays that smell and that the dogs did not like, this one doesn't smell the dogs would tolerate it.
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Used this for years, very effective
I've used this for years and prefer it to some of the newer options that have bad side effect profiles. To me this is one of the safer options to get rid of fleas and ticks immediately and prevent them from laying eggs.
Best With Heartworm Protection
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Prescription filled quickly
This was my first time filing a prescription through Chewy! It was quick and easy, thank you! Fast shipping too!
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Great, fast service
Chewy is easy to work with and will help if you have questions ordering from their web site. Very knowledgeable staff. Would recommend.
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Best combo med. for pets
Nextgard plus is the best way to cover your pet for combining them with their most needed medical coverage in one. It is convenient and easy way to treat them in a chewable form!
Best Natural Flea and Tick Control for Dogs
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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!
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Good to stop flea infestation
It is good to help with a flea issue. Just make sure you can keep your widows and doors open and remain outside the sprayed area for at least an hour
Best Flea Comb
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Works and kitty likes it!
Definitely helps find and get rid of any leftover fleas, and my little Salem seems to love being combed now! Very sturdy little brush with a nice grippy handle & it’s easy to clean!
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Shoe flies don’t bother me!
This flea collar is worth the $$$$. Not only does my cat look so handsome, but his scratching and itching disappeared in a short period of time!
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Works wonderfully!
This tool is time consuming to use, but works wonderfully. Nothing else was working for removing fleas on my dog. The only con is it's impossible to know if you got them all, so you have to use this in combination with something else to ensure they all perish/are removed. I would use the comb, and then clean the brush out and put the contents of the brush into rubbing alcohol to kill all of the pests. I would spray the brush with a ACV solution in between. My dog is a border collie mix and I thought this would have issues getting tangled in his hair, but his hair is actually super nice from all the baths we've been giving him lately so this...
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:
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