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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Best Topical Flea Treatment for DogsFrontline® Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs $55 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$55 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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Simparico Trio
I’ve been using Simparico Trio for 3 years based on my Vets recommendation. It’s a great product. I get it from Budgetpetcare.com at 1/2 the price (plus free shipping), of US companies. I don’t understand how Some companies can charge so much for the same Zoetis product.
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Perfect for my pup
I have this on auto ship so we never run out. A good product, convenient and my fur baby loves the taste. Also Vet recommended.
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My doghter actually eats it
She is very picky about what she puts in her mouth if she's supposed to she doesn't if she isn't supposed to she usually does
Best Flea Collar for Dogs
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Good prices and great staff
Beat local prices and always a pleasure working with the staff. They're informative, friendly and always work with me to get best deal.
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LOVE Auto shop! With reminder
My Seresto collar is reshipped every 8 months..just as the Seresto collar instructs... reminder email... One less thing on my list!! DONE
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This worked great!!
Second time I purchased this. Junkie liked getting a new collar but would not allow us to take off the old collar!!
Best Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs
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Easy-to-apply protection from fleas and ticks
It always works! We have never had a problem with fleas or ticks since we started using this product for our dogs about 30 years ago.
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Frontline Plus
I haven't had any problems with flees, ticks My two Airedales have no reaction to this treatment, and no bugs.
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Love this
This product is Better than Seresto! No longer have any skin issues! What a lifesaver and I’ve literally tried everything
Best Flea and Tick Chewable for Dogs
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One Chew Instead of Two
My pup, Toffee loves these - so easy to give to her once a month. Love that the two medicines are now combined into one chew. Very convenient.
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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!
Best Dog Flea Pill
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Had a problem with my vet but Chewy forged through it.
The vet changed my dogs flea medicine so I do not have any info at this time has not been long enough.
Best Over-the-Counter Flea and Tick Control for Dogs
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Seems to work
We used the Soresto collar for years and then it stopped working. Tried Nexguard but she won't eat it. Went back to K9 Advantix that we used for our last dog and it is working great so far. Newer isn't always better.
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It doesn't work for my dog anymore
I have always used advantix on my pets and it has never failed me not one time. However, now its not working for my pets anymore and i had to go to prescription vet flea and tick. I do recommend this product its just the fleas have become immune to it and that happens.
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This REPELS them!
I've tried numerous newer flea/tick treatments including pills and collars, but it seems that the feal/tick needs to bite my dog to get poisoned. While this spot treatments not as easy to use, it does seem to repel the critters before they bite him, as advertised. And it's really not difficult to apply - the tube's cap punctures the top and I just part his fur and squirt a bit in a few spots along his back. I do it as we're leaving for a walk so he's less likely to scoot away from me with his leash on. I've been using this for years and never had a flea/tick problem.
Best Flea and Tick Control for Puppies
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Works for my Aussie doodle
Duncan is sometimes a picky eater but takes the nexguard from his dish and eats it all. It’s about the size of a half inch square. I started him on it 6 months ago and haven’t seen any ticks or fleas.
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How easy it was to place and receive my order
I was amazed that the first time I ever ordered this prescription product, Chewy took care of contacting the vet immediately and processed my order right away. I only had to provide the vet’s name. It was super easy!
Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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One Chew Instead of Two
My pup, Toffee loves these - so easy to give to her once a month. Love that the two medicines are now combined into one chew. Very convenient.
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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!
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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Smooth and Effective!
I got my shipment and immediately used this comb on my long-haired cat. Even though he's got flea medication, I noted he was still itching and wanted to be thorough. Sure enough, I started combing him and caught a few stubborn fleas (time to change medication I guess!). Even though he's got longer, soft fur, this comb glided through with ease and snagged fleas and flea dirt alike. Most seemed to get caught on top of the tines rather than in between, but a quick squish and they were done for anyway. Meanwhile my cat was happily lounging while getting a nice brushing. A win-win!
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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!
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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