Flea infestations are a big problem, and adult fleas only make up 5% of infestations. The remaining 95% of infestations are in the life cycle stages — egg, larvae, and pupae form — where we can’t see them. Fleas and ticks can carry and transmit pathogens such as tapeworms (Trusted Source) , Lyme disease (Trusted Source) , and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Trusted Source) , making it more important than ever to protect your dog.
Long-term flea and tick medication is the key to stopping and preventing future infestations and illness.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best tick and flea treatments for dogs.
If a dog has a history of seizures, it would be better for them to be on the topical products instead of the oral products. These would include products such as Advantage Multi, Revolution, Advantix, or even Frontline Plus. Since these products are absorbed in the skin they are less likely to affect dogs with seizures.
Dr. Dwight Alleyne
Not all flea treatments work the same way, and what may work for one pet might not work for another. There’s a flea treatment option for every lifestyle and budget, whether you’re looking for long-term prevention or monthly medication. Pet owners can choose from accessible over-the-counter and prescription options.
Because there are so many types of flea control on the market, you’ll want to consider a few things before settling on a solution. Some factors that might influence your flea control decision include your vet’s recommendations, budget, your dog’s sensitives, and potential drug interactions with your dog’s other meds.
Additional considerations include other pets or children in your home and your personal preference. Finding the right flea control solution comes down to figuring out what works best for you, your dog, other pets, and family members.
Typically taken monthly, oral medications come in pill or chewable form. Some kill current flea infestations but are not preventative. Others serve as both a treatment for a current infestation and for preventing future fleas from biting your dog. Some work just for fleas and others prevent ticks, mites, and worms.
You apply these drops between your dog’s shoulder blades once a month. Topical medications are sometimes called “spot-on” or “one-spot” treatments. Many topical flea meds kill current flea infestations but also prevent your dog from getting bitten again. Many also work against ticks and heartworms.
Some flea sprays are applied directly to your dog, while others are used to spray furniture and bedding. Be careful to note the difference! Several flea sprays work as repellents rather than as true preventatives and also fight against other pesky bugs, like mosquitos.
This type of flea treatment is either sprinkled into your dog’s coat or around your home. Again, similar to flea sprays, many flea powders use all-natural ingredients. However, some contain what may be considered harsh chemicals.
Flea collars can work in a couple of different ways. Some flea collars give off a pesticide that deters fleas from jumping on your dog and biting. Others include medicine that is absorbed into your dog’s skin. There are a few natural flea collar options that use scent to deter fleas, too.
Flea shampoos have been around for quite a long time, and they’ve also come a long way. Keep in mind that some shampoos only kill off a current infestation, while others prevent future bites. There are many natural options when it comes to flea shampoos. Pay attention to the label to see how long the suds of your choice last when it comes to keeping your pup flea-free.
Don’t rely on the medication alone. There are a few other steps you should take to keep your dog safe from pests.
First, wash your dog’s bedding and vacuum rugs and carpets regularly — we recommend doing it at least once a week. Second, make a habit of checking your dog for ticks and fleas after every trip outside. Do a quick scan before your dog comes into the house:
Finding the right tick and flea treatment for your dog depends on what works best for you, your pup, and the rest of your household. Whether you’re all about long-term protection, you don’t have to think about or prefer something monthly so you stay on schedule, there’s a flea medication out there.
Investing in prevention is key to shielding your dog from the potential health risks these critters carry and keeping your pets happy, healthy, and tick and flea-free. Speak with your vet about prescription and over-the-counter options for tick and flea treatment.
This will vary depending on your pet. For some, a topical solution may be best, and for others, it may be a chew.
Capstar, a chewable tablet, begins working within 30 minutes to kill fleas immediately. However, it’s not a long-term solution. Unlike other flea treatments, it only works for 24-48 hours.
While medications like Capstar can help get rid of adult fleas immediately, it can take a couple of months to get rid of fleas on a dog. Starting a long-term flea treatment for dogs can help attack and kill all flea life cycle stages so you can completely eliminate fleas on your dog.
Vets may use Capstar to kill adult fleas on dogs immediately. However, many veterinarians recommend long-term flea treatment like Simparica. Overall, veterinarians prefer prescription products because they are proven to be more effective than OTC flea prevention.
Frontline Shield and Seresto are both effective over-the-counter flea treatments for dogs. Not all flea medicines are the same, so the best one for your dog will vary based on their situation and needs.
