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) $211 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$211 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 $69 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$69 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) $224 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$224 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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$205 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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Works perfect
This product is great because it handles all the flea/tick and heartworm concerns all in one pill. Plus my dog easily eats this pills compared to others we have tried. It’s not too huge in size either considering mine is for a large breed.
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Alright
They are alright. My dog eats with no problem but it doesn’t give much appetite for the first two days.
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Works really good
I like it because it’s save for dogs with the MDR1 gene I have 2 Aussies and both take it
Best Flea Collar for Dogs
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Seems to work
This product seems to keep ticks away from my dog. A couple of hairs in the vicinity of the collar have turned white. I hope that’s the worst of the side effects.
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No messy spot on for my Thor!
Seresto is not only the best flea collar on the market but the best product, period. It's the only one that ever worked for my dogs here in the pines where ticks & fleas are abundant. Buy it in Spring & you're done worrying about these pests since it lasts for 8 months, well into frost season.
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Works
It’s my favorite thing for fleas and it works wonders on my dogs too they don’t itch or bite and they don’t bite them anymore so that’s another plus
Best Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs
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Frontline plus has been used for years
You could have protected the box of Frontline better. It was placed on the end on the cases of dog food and crushed. Luckily none of the vial were broken.
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Thank you!
My dog had so many fleas on her after we moved from the city, towards the country. Used this for a couple months and I never see them on her anymore! Thank you thank you!
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Long time user
We’ve been using Frontline Plus for our dogs for decades. We have never had a problem with health, fleas, or ticks. Happy customer.
Best Flea and Tick Chewable for Dogs
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NexGard Plus
So much easier giving my snoopy Gemma 1 vs 2 chews. Our other dog loves them and thinks he is getting a treat. I cover hers with peanut butter, that way she thinks it is a treat too!
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Quick delivery.
Even though I had to mail in my prescription, it was filled and delivered quickly. My only complaint is, I am still getting email to mail in the prescription.
Best Dog Flea Pill
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The price for Simparica Trio thru chewy was the best I could find.
I am given a heads up when it is time for my order to ship or I need to re-order.
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Great product
The three in one medication administered on amonthly basis makes it so simple to keep track of my pets meds.
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Outstanding customer service
I have one of those vets that makes you pick up the paper prescription for orders not from their facility. It took snail mail a long time to get to them and I contacted them, concerned about when I would receive it. They watched for the mail, and the. Had it delivered to my door very quickly. Great way to treat your customers, and our pooch is thankful as well!
Best Over-the-Counter Flea and Tick Control for Dogs
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good product
I've been using this product for decades. It's not the latest and greatest but works great. You can see as mosquitos approach my dog, they fly away, and she's never had a tick.
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K9 Adventix
I have been buying from Chewy for years. I love buying this product from them for my Bella because it is always within the timeframe of expiation when she takes the last one! Fast delivery too!
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Speedy and Efficient!
I placed my order and had to have it reviewed by the vet before being shipped medicine. It was a fast service; greatly appreciated.
Best Flea and Tick Control for Puppies
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Trusted in Flea Prevention
Nexgard is the only brand I trust to prevent fleas on my dog. Katniss. It works great! And it has zero side effects.
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Product is good
You auto shipped me when it was not needed. Called and was told you would send me a return fed x shipping label that when scanned would credit my purchase. Still have not received the label, been over a. Week. Very upset and considering canceling your service!
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Amazing service!
My Rx order was showing as delivered but I never received. I contacted Chewey and not only did they get replacement Rx, they rushed it because my little guy really needed it. They never charged me for anything more! Thank you so much!
Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs
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She Smells Wonderful
This shampoo is wonderful in every way. The organic oils in the formula smell wonderful and repel bugs at the same time. My German Shepherd loves her bath now, her skin is happy and her coat is glossy. The groomers always ask me where to find this wonderful product and I always say "Chewy!"
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The Best Flea Shampoo We've Tried!
The Best Flea Shampoo We've Tried! I try to use natural remedies at home and use essential oils for everything so I LOVE the fact that this is essential oil based and worry less about any possible side effects. Smells amazing!
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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.
Best Flea Spray
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Fast and furious!!
The smell is strong but so is the flea killing power. Does not last as long as it says but it acts quick
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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.
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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.
Best With Heartworm Protection
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NexGard Plus
So much easier giving my snoopy Gemma 1 vs 2 chews. Our other dog loves them and thinks he is getting a treat. I cover hers with peanut butter, that way she thinks it is a treat too!
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Quick delivery.
Even though I had to mail in my prescription, it was filled and delivered quickly. My only complaint is, I am still getting email to mail in the prescription.
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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Got the job done, but we hate using the chemicals
Sentry is one of the few we will use when flea season is brutal. We hate using the chemicals and generally try to use essential oils, neem oil, and diatomaceous earth, but with multiple illnesses among family members, pregnancy, and a very aggressive flea season, we broke down and got this to stop the cycle.
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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.
Best for the Home
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This works
when your vet won't give you flea spray....without an expensive appointment...I tried this and it is a great preventative spray so that you don't get fleas
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It works
No question that this works. I keep the house and our motorhome treated with this as the cats do go outside. It's my backup to keep my house from being infested with any fleas they may pick up.
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Long lasting...most effective treatment out there!
This product is worth every dime. I'm not a big fan of toxins or chemicals but when it comes to treating for fleas it takes a serious approach. I do wish it came with a thin tube to have precise nook and cranny application (you have to invert it), but otherwise it's quick and effective. Do keep in mind the flea life cycle...you might still see fleas, but the treatment keep working so give it time.
Best Flea Comb
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Works as Expected
I bought this to check my dog after bringing two kittens home that I did not know had flea dirt on them. To me, it worked like the one the vet uses. He did not have anything, but I'm glad I bought it for the peace of mind that I did not have to wait to see. His fur is completely black over most of his body, so I felt like it would be difficult to really tell without a comb.
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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.
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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