All feature product are chosen at the discernment of the GreatPetCare editorial team and do not reflect a direct indorsement by the author or reviewer .
Fleas can cause serious illness , channel infective diseases , and be a generator of major discomfort . So , choosing flea medicine for cad with optimal protection is a middling expectant deal .
Whether your dog already has fleas or you desire to forbid them , we have the liquid ecstasy on the most effective formulas — both prescription medicine and over the counter — approved by veterinarians .
TheImportance of Flea Medicinefor Dogs
Flea bites not only cause itching and skin irritation , they can result in serious malady , enunciate Dr. Jerry Klein , master veterinary officer for theAmerican Kennel Club , based in New York City . “ In tiny puppy and kittens , flea cancause a life - menace anemiadue to meaning loss of blood , ” he say . “ In many cases , flea sting can causesevere sensitised reactionsin both pet and people due to reaction to their spittle . ”
flea can transmit infective diseases . “ The most vulgar flea of North America can channelise disease liketyphus , flea - borne spotted febricity , bartonellosis ( AKA cat - scraping disease ) , andflea cestode , ” Klein adds .
Preventing flea infestations , veterinarians say , is much easier and more price - effective than regale them . “ The longer an infestation goes without treatment , the more environmental contamination will come about which can make fix the plague more hard , ” say Dr. Ashley Barnes , medical director atLouisville Family Animal Hospitalin Louisville , Colorado . “ It also increases the time the deary will be uncomfortable and increase risk for lower-ranking pelt contagion . ”
Another benefit of using a flea preventative , veterinarians say , is that they normally offer security againstticksthat can transmit diseases likeLyme disease , Rocky Mountain spotted fever , and rickettsial disease . Some products even protect againstheartworms , mites , mosquito , and other parasite .
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Typesof Flea Medicine for Dogs
Flea medical specialty for pawl is useable in a variety of manikin , including unwritten ( plug and tablet ) , topicals , collars , and shampoo . They pasture in cost , effectiveness , and levels of protection .
Oral Flea Medicine for Dogs
Oral flea medicine for domestic dog comes as season chews that your dog-iron enjoy every one to three months . With some exceptions , oral medicine is typically uncommitted only with a prescription drug .
Some flea wad for dogs protect against fleas and tick , while others offer broader coverage . Simparica Trio — available with a veterinarian ’s prescription medicine — for example , also helps protect against heartworm disease , roundworms , andhookworms , as well fleas and ticks .
Capstar — a tablet that is usable without a prescription — only fair game flea and is only effective for a short prison term . Capstar kills fleas that are on your dog at the fourth dimension you administer the pill , but it does n’t have the long - lasting benefits of other flea preventative . ( It only kill adult flea as fight to other oral products that have growth regulators , in addition to adulticides . ) “ In really bad infestations , we will sometimes use Capstar along with a preventative so we kill the fleas quicker but prevent reinfestation , ” says Barnes .
Other oral flea preventive remain in your domestic dog ’s organisation for one to three months , offer continued protective covering . Oral mathematical product are the most effective form of flea medical specialty for dogs , veterinary surgeon say . They ’re a honorable pick if your dog does n’t do well with collars , or you do n’t require your children or other pets exposed to topical flea medicine ingredients .
unwritten flea medication for cad is broadly more expensive than other ware , and they do n’t put up repellent activity , suppose Dr. Susan Jeffrey , an associate vet atOdyssey Veterinary Carein Fitchburg , Wisconsin . “ The flea has to prick the deary in Holy Order to take in the medication . ”
Chewable flea prevention may not be a unspoiled paroxysm for dogs with nutrient sensitivities or conditions likeirritable bowel disease , say Klein . to boot , “ These products should be admonish in darling with pre - existent epilepsy , ” allege Dr. Katie Pagan , a partner veterinarian withHeart + Pawin Fells Point , Maryland .
Topical Flea Protection
“ Orals are more effective but the topicals are a tight second , ” says Barnes .
These products get apply to your dog ’s tegument , typically once per calendar month . Some topical flea medicinal drug for domestic dog , like Frontline Plus , are available over the counterpunch , while others , like Revolution , need a ethical drug . They also vary in their levels of protection . Revolution , for example , protects against heartworms , as well as fleas and tick ; while Advantage only kill fleas .
A plus is that many topicals have a repellent portion in summation to element that pour down the flea , says Jeffrey .
Some people may not want their tiddler exposed to flea medicine , Jeffrey adds . Additionally , “ Some of the topicals also have tick interference that can be toxic to cats who could potentially arrive into contact with the medicament . ”
Prescription topical medicinal drug are typically more effective , and non - prescription topicals vary in their effectiveness . “ If I know someone who want the cheapest medication , I attempt to steer them toward Frontline Plus or Advantage because they are over the heel counter and known to be secure and usually efficient , ” say Jeffrey .
Flea Collars
Once a flea apprehension is fit the right way around the dog ’s neck opening , it slowly mete out factor that kill flea ( and tick , in some cases ) . choker are available without a prescription and are more cost good than chews or topicals .
As with other over the counter flea products , effectiveness can vary . “ A Seresto collar is very effective for dogs ( and cat ) but other collars out on the marketplace just do not exploit well or can cause contact lens dermatitis to the skin , ” says Pagan . The continuance of protection vary by product , though Seresto ’s collar endure for 8 months .
collar can pop the question protection , order Klein , but are not used as much as topicals , pills , and shampoo .
Flea Shampoos
Though most vet urge oral flea medicine , topicals , and neckband for optimal protection , flea shampoos might be an selection if you choose a natural product . Keep in mind that shampoos do n’t offer ongoing protection against flea , however , says Pagan . “ It only kill what is on them . ”
As with other non - prescription flea product , shampoos can vary in their effectiveness ; and some dog shampoos can interfere with topical tick and flea medicines . talk about using a flea shampoo with your veterinarian before bathe your dog with one of these products .
Best Flea Medicine for DogsAccording to Veterinarians
To help oneself take the guesswork out of choosing effective parasite protective cover , we ’ve roll up a list of some of the in force flea medicine for dogsthat veterinarians approve of and advocate .
Your own vet can finally suggest a mathematical product that is best suit to your hotdog . If a product is n’t mentioned here , that does n’t understand that it ’s ineffective .
Best Combination Parasite Protection for Dogs
Our filling : NexGard PLUS
NexGard PLUS ( afoxolaner , moxidectin , and pyrantel chewable tablets ) is a new monthly compounding product for dogs that protects against fleas , ticks , heartworm disease , roundworms , and hookworms . By combining internal and external parasite protective covering in a single beef - flavor sonant plug , NexGard PLUS helps make monthly dosing easier for both bounder and pet parents . This “ one - and - done ” parasite protection product is available by prescription drug only , so talk to your veterinarian to see if it is a good fit for you and your canine companion .
See importantsafety informationfor NexGard PLUS below .
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Best Fast-Acting Tick and Flea Medicine for Dogs
Our pick : Credelio Quattro
Credelio Quattrois the first and only monthly cuttable prophylactic to protect against not only flea and ticks , but also roundworms , hookworms , tapeworms , and heartworm disease . This pocket-size chewable tablet is season , so it ’s well-to-do to dispense once a month with food . come in an appealing is easy to administer once a month . protects against putting to death check and fleas fast ( in as small as four hours ) and offers one full month of protection . It is effective against four case of ticking : lone star tick , American frankfurter check mark , opprobrious - legged tick , and brown andiron check . This medicament is available by ethical drug , so speak to your veterinarian about whether it is a good scene for your dog . Some preferent parents may choose to apply this medicament along with Interceptor Plus , which protects against all five major worm , for broad - spectrum parasite security .
Best Flea Medicine for Large Dogs
Our Pick : NexGard
This kick - flavored chew kills adult flea and ticks for one calendar month . It ’s FDA - approved to aid prevent Lyme infection make by Blacklegged check mark .
Best Flea Medicine for Small Dogs
Our Pick : Simparica
A bite - sized flavored chew that offers protection for 35 days and is uncommitted with a ethical drug . It protects dogs from flea infestations and tick , including the Blacklegged metal money . Another plus is that Simparica does n’t require to be render with food .
Best Flea Medicine for Dogs with Multi-Worm Protection
Our pick : Trifexis
Trifexisis a beef - flavour tablet that not only protect dog from fleas but also heartworm disease and three form of intestinal parasites : hookworms , nematode worm , and whipworms . It ’s comfortable to give like a kickshaw and only needs to be dosed once a month . As with other heartworm medications , your pawl will need to be tested for an survive heartworm infection before starting this product . Talk to your veterinary to see if Trifexis is a dear fit for your canine familiar .
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Best Vet-Recommended Flea Medicine for Dogs
Our Pick : Simparica Trio
Veterinarians recommend Simparica Trio because of its effective trade protection against tick and flea , as well as heartworms , roundworms , and hookworms — all in one commodious monthly chew . It ’s a small , liver - flavored cuttable tablet uncommitted by prescription . Because it provides heartworm protection , your dog will involve a minus heartworm test on Indian file in rescript to be prescribed this product .
“ I personally give this production to my dog along with century of M of other dogs and have never had an issue , ” says Pagan .
Best Chewable Flea Medicine for Dogs
Our Pick : Bravecto
While most flea medications are administered monthly , Bravecto chews provide protective covering against flea and ticks for 3 full months . This makes it a convenient choice for fussy pet parents who might forget to administer a dose every month . Bravecto chew are useable by prescription only .
Best Topical Flea Medicine for Dogs
Our Pick : Revolution
Revolution is a multi - economic consumption , FDA - approved topical solution — available with prescription — that you apply directly to your detent ’s skin every 30 daytime . It protects against flea ( and prevents infestations ) , the American cad ticking , heartworms , ear hint , andsarcoptic mange .
“ I personally have prescribe this countless times . It is very secure and efficacious , ” enjoin Pagan .
Best Flea Medicine for Puppies
Our Pick : Revolution Topical Solution for Puppies
Formulated for midget bodies under 5 pounds , this answer gets apply to your pup ’s pelt monthly . It ’s a prescription - only , multi - use product that kills adult flea and prevents infestations , prevent heartworm disease , and kickshaw and controlsear mites . It ’s fast - dry , so you could bathe your wienerwurst two 60 minutes after diligence without subjugate the music ’s effectiveness .
Dog Flea MedicineBuying Guide
price and convenience are , of course , significant condition when choosing a flea medicine . Other factors like your dog ’s aesculapian history and sizing , as well as product reliability , are decisive to see , too .
What to Do When Purchasing a Flea Medicine
count your wiener ’s medical account . Pagan aver caution should be used if considering chewable tablets for dogs with epilepsy . If your dog has a sensitive venter , she says you may desire a collar or topical rather of a pill . “ If your dog is antsy and has sensitive skin a chewable tablet would be better suited for your motivation . If you bathe your ducky often and do not like a greasy product applied to the coat , a chewable tablet is for you and your pet . ”
Be deliberate with cats in the home . If you also share your rest home with cats , invalidate flea and ticktock medicine for dogscontaining permethrin , an fixings in many tick hindrance that is toxic to big cat , say Jeffrey . “ Since most flea hitch have a tick hindrance , I avoid this ingredient if there is a CT in the theatre that could be exposed . ”
Make certain to reach the label close . When purchasing flea medical specialty without a prescription , it ’s imperative to read the label — including whether the product is appropriate for your dog ’s weight and eld , says Klein . “ Many medications are not label approved for puppies less than seven weeks of eld , breeding , pregnant or nursing dogs . ”
Prescription Vs. Over the Counter Flea Medicine for Dogs
Though veterinarians will commend specific over the counter flea mathematical product if cost is a factor , they say prescription flea medicament for dogs is well regularise . Prescription products tend to be more effective , and associated with few side effects .
Over - the - counter flea medicines may be less expensive and available without a prescription medicine , but effectiveness can vary . “ You always want to ensure you are purchase any OTC product through a reputable party as there are many counterfeit products out on the market , ” says Pagan .
Dog Flea Prevention vs. Treatment
bar is when you give your dog flea medication on a regular fundament to prevent infestations , says Jeffrey , “ But it can also mean the product has ingredients that will repel fleas . ” handling , she say , is when you use a product to belt down fleas already have a go at it to be present on your dog .
Most product currently on the market target both prevention and treatment , says Pagan . “ They start shoot down fleas within hours and keep them after the fact . Some pet may developflea allergydermatitis or sponger secondary to fleas so additional medications could be necessitate . ”
Where to Buy Flea Medicine for Dogs
Purchasing flea music through your veterinarian is the dependable option . “ Your veterinary buy mathematical product straight through a reputable party to secure these products are not counterfeit and will not cause an outlet with your pet , ” says Pagan .
If you ’d rather purchase your flea medication severally , start by asking your veterinary for recommendations of hope retail merchant . Or stick with trusted pet supply shops or online pharmacies . These service will often contact your vet flat to ensure your ethical drug is on file and will embark the medication directly to your threshold .
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NexGard PLUS Important Safety Information
NexGard ® PLUS ( afoxolaner , moxidectin , and pyrantel chewable tablets ) is safe for puppy at 8 weeks , librate 4 pounds or more . The most frequently reported adverse response include looseness , vomit , phlegm , and itch . Use with carefulness in domestic dog with a history of capture or neurologic upset . dog should be tested for subsist heartworm infection prior to starting a hindrance . For more info , click herefor full prescribing information .
