Fleas and ticks are nasty creatures that attack dogs frequently. Flea and tick bites can cause allergic reactions and may lead to the spread of various flea and tick-borne diseases in dogs, some of which can transfer to humans too. Plus, it is not just spring and summer; these pests remain active throughout the year. Therefore, dogs require protection against fleas and ticks all year round. With a wide variety of flea and tick products available in the market, including chewable or tablets, topical treatments, collars, shampoos, sprays, etc., it becomes a task to select the best for your furry companion.
To help you with the selection, we have listed the 5 most popular and vet-trusted products ideal for flea and tick treatments for dogs. Read on to learn about these products and determine which will work the best for your pooch.
Top 5 flea and tick treatments for dogs
1. Nexgard Chewables
Nexgard is a delicious beef-flavored soft chew that provides flea and tick protection for one full month to dogs and puppies aged 8 weeks and above, having at least 4 pounds of body weight. It begins to kill fleas 4 hours after administration and provides 100% effectiveness against adult fleas 24 hours post-infestation. Nexgard treats and prevents flea infestations. It treats and controls black-legged tick, American dog tick, lone star tick, brown dog tick and longhorned tick infestations, and also prevents Lyme disease as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks.
2. Bravecto Chews
Bravecto is a tasty, flavored chew that provides nearly 3X longer parasite protection than other monthly treatments. Suitable for dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older, weighing at least 4.4 pounds, this chew begins to kill fleas within 2 hours of administration and offers 100% effectiveness against adult fleas 48 hours post-infestation. It treats and prevents flea infestations and treats and controls tick infestations from black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks for 12 weeks. Bravecto chews also treats and controls lone star tick infestations for 8 weeks.
3. Simparica Chewables
Simparica is a monthly chew that protects dogs from fleas and ticks. It begins to kill fleas 3 hours after initial administration and offers 100% effectiveness against adult fleas within 24 hours following the treatment. This chew treats and prevents flea infestations, and treats and controls lone star tick, Gulf Coast tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick, brown dog tick, and Asian longhorned tick infestations. Suitable for dogs aged 6 months and above, and weighing at least 2.8 pounds, this FDA-approved chew also prevents Lyme disease as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks.
4. Seresto collar for dogs
Seresto is an easy-to-wear collar that provides 3-way protection against fleas, ticks and lice to dogs and puppies aged 7 weeks and above. This non-greasy and odorless collar provides 8 continuous months of parasite protection with the help of its unique polymer matrix technology. The water-resistant collar kills fleas 24 hours after initial application, including fleas that may transmit tapeworm infections, bartonellosis, and rickettsiosis. It kills and repels fleas before they lay eggs, and kills chewing lice.
When it comes to tick coverage, Seresto collar kills and repels deer ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks that may transmit diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, bartonellosis, babesiosis, and canine hemoplasmosis.
5. Frontline Plus for Dogs
Frontline Plus is a waterproof topical treatment that provides wide parasite coverage to dogs and puppies 8 weeks or older, weighing at least 5 pounds. Fleas, ticks and chewing lice get killed quickly after coming into contact with the dog treated with Frontline Plus. This monthly treatment:
- kills fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae (including fleas which may cause flea allergy dermatitis),
- prevents all flea stages from developing
- kills all life stages of ticks including brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks and deer ticks
- kills ticks that may transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Haemobartonellosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and other tick-borne diseases
- eliminates chewing lice infestations
- aids in control of sarcoptic mange infestations
Protect your dog from fleas and ticks
While you are evaluating the numerous options available flea and tick treatments for dogs, the information about the treatments covered in this blog will be helpful to you. However, have a word with your veterinarian before starting with your pet’s parasite protection and use the product(s) that suit them the best. Visit www.discountpetcare.com to check out a vast collection of parasite treatments and order all that you need to keep your furry companion parasite-free and healthy.
FAQs
Q1. What is the most effective flea and tick treatment for dogs?
Ans: The most effective treatment varies by your dog’s age, weight, and health. Vet-recommended options like Bravecto, NexGard, and Seresto provide long-lasting protection against multiple parasites.
Q2. Are flea and tick treatments safe for all dogs?
Ans: Most treatments are safe for healthy dogs when used as directed. Always consult your vet, especially for pregnant, lactating, or dogs with health conditions.
Q3. How often should I apply flea and tick treatment to my dog?
Ans: Most oral and topical treatments last 1–3 months, while collars like Seresto can protect up to 8 months. Follow your product’s label for exact duration.
Q4. Can I use dog flea and tick treatments on cats?
Ans: No. Many dog treatments are toxic to cats. Always use species-specific products.
Q5. Do natural flea and tick treatments work as well as medicated ones?
Ans: Natural treatments may help reduce pests but are less effective for severe infestations. Vets recommend medicated treatments for reliable protection.