Are you concerned about a flea infestation in your household and are looking for the ultimate solution to get rid of these irritating bugs? Well, an infestation can be quite stressful for both you and your pet, and you need to take the necessary measures to make sure that your pet is protected. A great solution would be to get a treatment that will ensure your dogs are protected from fleas and ticks all year round.
However, as much as getting a treatment sounds like an easy task that will help you get rid of your pest problems, it is a hard decision to make, considering the variety of products on the market. Besides, each of these products promises to deliver impressive results.
So, how do you tell the best flea and tick treatment for dogs? I have been in the game long enough, and I have tested a lot of flea treatments to select the top products that will work best for your pets. So, this review should make decision making a tad easier!
Top 8 Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs
Settling on one specific product may be difficult. Besides, depending on your needs, not every product will satisfy you. This review looks at different treatments depending on their effectiveness, convenience, cost, etc. I have narrowed the list down to the 8 best flea treatment for dogs that will do a great job at preventing flea infestations.
1. Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention for Large Dogs – The Best Flea Medicine for Dogs
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Permethrin
- Item Form: Drops
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Item Weight: 1.45 Ounces
- Product Dimensions: 7.75 x 1 x 4.25 inches
- Target Species: Dog
It is the top dog flea medicine. It will work perfectly for extra-large canines, it has been approved by veterinarians, is waterproof, and it has been created to get rid of fleas and ticks at any stage of the life cycle. This reliable solution is potent enough to repel and terminate all the pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas on your pets as well as in your household.
This treatment is easy to use, working within 10 minutes of applying. This solution stands out because it kills a wide range of pests at all stages of their life cycle. Besides, it only requires contact rather than biting.
Also, this product is friendly to your pets, and will not cause any allergy after an application. Thus, you can expect very minimal aftereffects but effective results within a couple of hours. Overall, this product is both effective and simple to use in exterminating pests in your home.
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Related Post: Detailed K9 Advantix II Review.
2. Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment for Small Dogs – Best Flea Pills for Dogs
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Nitenpyram
- Item Form: Tablets
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Item Weight: 0.53 Ounces
- Product Dimensions: 0.63 x 5.75 x 4.5 inches
- Target Species: Dog
With so many online dog flea pill reviews, it can be confusing to figure which pills work best. If you are looking for pills, the good idea is to get the Capstar oral pest treatment. Rather than prevent an infestation, these tablets terminate parasites in one dosage. Inside the pack, there are 11 mg pills that will work on canines that weigh between 2-25 lbs. While this product will work effectively to get rid of pests, you will need to get a long-term solution for parasite infestations.
It can work on both cats and dogs, and it is administered orally. This product from Novartis, is FDA-approved, with the reputable company manufacturing pharmaceuticals for over two decades. The pills contain an active ingredient, nitenpyram, that targets the nervous system of external pests, killing them. This product is quite effective in getting rid of all the pests within less than 24 hours.
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Related Post: Detailed Capstar Flea Killer Review.
3. Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs – Best Dog Flea Collar
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Flumethrin* 4.5%, Imidacloprid 10.0% (*Trans Z-1/trans Z-2 Ratio: max 66% trans Z-1 and min 34% trans Z-2)
- Item Form: Solid (e.g. Chews Tablet Toy)
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Item Weight: 2.08 Ounces
- Product Dimensions: 4.75 x 4.75 x 1.5 inches
- Target Species: Dog
Seresto flea collar will come in handy for pet owners who want to exterminate pests on their canines that weigh over 18 lbs. Not only is this product capable of protecting against parasites, but it will also help in getting rid of existing infestations. This collar from Bayer Animal Health will protect against pests that are over 7 weeks old, killing them on contact.
The active components in this product have a low concentration and are emitted over time to offer consistent protection to your pets for up to 8 months. This non-greasy solution is also great because it has no smell, is straightforward to apply, and can be used with leash collars, without causing any discomfort for your pet.
This veterinarian-advocated collar will provide top-notch protection to your pet without the mess and work put in while making monthly applications. Also, the collar is waterproof, and it helps in getting rid of parasites instantly.
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4. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor – Best Dog Flea Shampoo
Specifications:
- Item Form: Cream
- Scent: Coconut
- Item Volume: 24 Fluid Ounces
- Item Weight: 1.6 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 3.16 x 3.16 x 8.1 inches
If you’re in search of a product to exterminate the pests on your sensitive pup’s skin, then look no further. This shampoo has been designed with an insect growth regulator (IGR) that helps in controlling a pest re-infestation for up to 4 weeks by exterminating the eggs as well as the larvae. Forget all your pest problems with this shampoo that also contains moisturizing aloe vera, lanolin, oatmeal, as well as a coconut extract and can help get rid of dirt, scales, and dandruff.
Besides, this product is safe for canines and furry pets that are 3 months and older. Also, it is effective against a wide range of parasites, including fleas, lice, as well as ticks during their entire lifecycle. Finally, another thing you’ll love about this product is its pleasant fresh fragrance, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
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5. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray – Best Flea and Tick Spray
Specifications:
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Volume: 32 fl. oz.
- Age Range: Senior
- Item Weight: 2 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 3.38 x 3.38 x 0.81 inches
Rather than chemical ingredients, this spray is made using essential oils and contains elements that can exterminate and repel ticks as well as fleas. Some essential oils will work as an adrenaline blocker or as octopamine in parasites, causing their nervous systems to stop working effectively. As a result, the fleas will eventually die. However, it is important to note that essential oils won’t always work on pests in all areas since these bugs are capable of building resistance to even the most potent chemical pesticides.
The good thing about this spray is that it is environmentally safe, making it easy to use on your pet, within your household, as well as on yourself. Cats also get a slightly altered solution due to their lower capability of dealing with essential oils’ toxicity. So, this pleasant-smelling product will help get rid of all pests with direct contact.
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6. Advecta II Flea Treatment – Cheap Flea Medicine for Dogs
No products found.
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid 9.1%
- Item Form: Drops
- Item Volume: 0.06 fl. oz.
- Item Weight: 1.13 Ounces
- Product Dimensions: 1.31 x 4.25 x 4.63 inches
- Target Species: Dog
This flea and tick medicine has active ingredients that are identical to those found in the top-selling products of well-known brands. And you get them at a lower price. This treatment will start to work within 12 hours, controlling the entire flea life cycle and preventing parasite re-infestation. Besides, it also works for treating and preventing chewing lice as well as fleas. You can treat your pups monthly using this product long if they weigh between 3 to 56 pounds.
This non-smelling solution is also resistant to water, and its ingredients will work effectively on cats too, without causing any adverse reactions. It will work perfectly on canines over 7 weeks and cats over 2 months old. It is easy to apply this solution since it has applicator tubes, whose top can be easily cut, and the medicine is applied to your animal’s back. However, you will have to use the product on 2 or 3 different places for larger dogs to make sure that the pet is covered evenly.
Just like with other solutions, you should be prepared for this one might not work effectively against dog fleas, depending on where you are. So, you should be ready to sample other products until you get one that works best for you. Overall, this affordable product is effective in getting rid of pests in particular locations.
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7. Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment – Best Flea Drops for Dogs
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Fipronil 9.8%, (S)-methoprene – 8.8%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Item Weight: 0.16 Ounces
- Product Dimensions: 5.75 x 1 x 4.5 inches
- Target Species: Dog
If you are looking for the best topical flea treatment for dogs, this perennial solution can make a good choicee for many reasons. It is straightforward to apply as it comes with application tubes, and the protection lasts for about a month. Besides, it starts working within half a day after application. This product will protect against fleas during their entire lifecycle, preventing re-infestation of parasites on your pet and in your home. However, this potent solution should not be applied more frequently than once a month.
This effective product is resistant to water that makes it perfect for pets that love to swim. Also, this treatment comes in several concentrations, making it easy to select one that works best for your pet if it weighs between 45-88 lbs. The drops should work effectively on pets aged over 2 months.
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8. Zuba Dog’s Flea and Tick Control Spray – Effective Flea Protection for Dogs
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This spray makes use of organic, non-toxic components to get rid of fleas, as well as repel parasites on your pet. This mixture is simple to use, since it is easily sprayed onto your canine’s coat, providing him relief. It will work instantly, getting rid of all the parasites and is effective during their entire lifecycle.
Besides, this product is environmentally safe since it only uses natural essential oils, including lemongrass, peppermint, etc., to get rid of pests, rather than using chemical compounds. Also, this pleasant-smelling spray is safe for use around kids. All you need to do is brush your pet’s coat against the grain during application for maximum effectiveness.
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Buyer’s Guide and Frequently Asked Questions on Flea and Tick Prevention
Now that I have looked at the top 8 flea treatments on the market, you have an idea of the features to look for in a product. However, there are other factors that you need to put into consideration before making a decision. This part of my article will cover the frequently asked questions on these products. Besides, I will discuss the main features you ought to pay attention to while choosing a treatment to get rid of these pests on your pet, the natural products used, as well as the various options used to eradicate pests.
Related Post: Best Cat Flea Treatments.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flea Treatment
Purchasing a flea treatment is no walk in the park. The choice will depend on a couple of factors, including the form it is in, the usage, the dog’s covering, the safety of use on pet and your pet’s size, as well as other factors. Let’s talk about these aspects in detail.
Usage
There are so many flea killing products that come in different forms, such as granules, concentrates, sprays, tablets, drops, etc. Some products repel parasites, others exterminate them during the entire life cycle, preventing them from developing and re-infesting, while others will only kill adult fleas. Some products can handle all these problems, and they are pricier. It is important to go through the label properly to determine the product that will meet your expectations.
Another aspect to consider is the ease of using these flea treatments. However, a lot of them come with an applicator. Besides, how long does the product last? The longer it does, the less frequently you will need to use on animals. Most products will last a month, with very few offering up to 8 months of protection.
Level of Infestation
How extensive is the flea infestation? The severity of the infestation will determine the strength of the product that you get. It is better to get a chemical pesticide rather than an organic one for a severe infestation, as it will effectively kill the pests. However, a treatment made of natural components would be ideal for light to medium infestation.
Related Post: How to Get Fleas Off Humans.
The Ingredients
It is crucial to find out whether the treatment consists of chemical or natural components. Products that include natural components tend to be non-toxic for kids, pets, as well as the environment. Still, they are not as effective.
Those that consist of chemical ingredients, on the contrary, tend to be highly effective. While not all of them are safe for pets, there are several non-toxic ones as well. Still, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instruction carefully. You should do it not only for safety precautions but also to make sure that you get the desired results.
Pets
There are several things to consider here. First, it is vital to check whether or not the treatment is safe for your pets. Carefully go through the ingredients, instructions, and warning labels. While some treatments are made from natural ingredients, others use chemicals. Some of them are safe for use on pets, while others are not.
Another factor to consider is the size of the pet. The size and weight of the dog matter a lot. They will determine the type of treatment that you will use on your canine. While some products are ideal for pups weighing below 20 pounds, other products will work well on larger dogs. Make sure to read the instructions to determine which product works, depending on the size of your pet. Besides, you should also take into account that most of these products are not safe for use on pups.
Another concern is skin type. What is your pet’s coat type? A topical treatment will work well for a thin coat, while a collar will be effective for a thick coat. Make sure to research and consult your vet before settling on any product type.
Various Types of Flea Treatments
Products work differently to achieve the same goal that is dealing with pest infestations. Besides, we all have different preferences for our pets. That’s why there are several flea treatments on the market to choose from, including collars, pills, drops, sprays, etc.
Drops
Drops commonly come in topical solutions and are ideal for terminating already existing parasite infestations, while preventing outbreaks that could occur in the future. Such products are applied directly onto the skin, in between shoulder blades. Most of them are resistant to water.
Related Post: Best Flea Drops Compared – K9 Advantix II vs Advantage II vs Frontline Plus
Oral Pills
Oral treatments for pests are fast-acting and effective. The medicine will move through the canine’s bloodstream, as well as the surface of the skin, aiding in exterminating biting parasites. Besides, when combined with other treatments, they will help get rid of intestinal parasites as well.
Collars
These treatments are thin, convenient, and easy-to-adjust. The synthetic band is covered with a chemical that is intended to repel pests. Most of them will last a couple of months and are an economical option.
Related Post: 7 Best Flea and Tick Collars for Dogs
Shampoos
These products work just like any bath product. It is important to let the shampoo stay on the dog’s skin for a couple of minutes before rinsing. Also, make sure it doesn’t get inside the mouth and eyes of your pet.
Related Post: 7 Best Dog Flea Shampoos: Safe & Effective Picks
Sprays
They work well in between baths since they will wash off once your pet becomes wet. Still, most of them are budget-friendly and are somewhat effective. Just spray your dog’s skin and fur all over, from below the neck and along its wiggly tail. However, be extra cautious while rubbing the product around the face to prevent it from getting inside the mouth and eyes.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Pests
There are several ways to exterminate fleas on your pets. The two main techniques include chemical solutions such as using sprays, pills, drops that I discussed in the review. They are the most effective ways of eliminating fleas on your pets. However, there are a couple of natural home remedies. It is important to note that they aren’t as effective as the chemical flea control methods. Still, you can try out some of the following natural remedies.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
It has silica shards that work by slicing through the waxy exoskeleton of the parasites, leading to a lack of moisture, and eventually killing the larvae and pests. Make sure to wear gloves while using it to prevent your hands from drying. You should also sprinkle it on your pet beds, let it settle, and leave it for 72 hours. Once done, you should thoroughly vacuum all the surfaces to eliminate these parasites and their whole life cycle.
Lemon Water
Probably it’s not what you expected on the list? Well, lemon water is effective in getting rid of pests. Cut a lemon and soak it overnight in water. Pour the water to a spray bottle and use this solution on your pup as well as in the places that he frequents.
Dawn Dish Soap
This non-chemical insecticide is used to get rid of pets. It destroys their exoskeletons, thus, killing them. It works by breaking the waxy component within the breathing system of a bug, letting moisture enter, resulting in asphyxiation.
The soap lowers the surface tension in water. So, it makes the pests be immersed in water after they sink, working as a surfactant.
Essential Oils
Get essential oils, including lemongrass, rosemary, lavender, etc. to deal with a flea infestation. Besides, they will leave your space smelling great. However, you should consult your vet first to ensure that the scent is safe for your pup.
Fine Salt
Household or sea salt will get rid of fleas since it is well-grounded. Simply splash the salt on the contaminated places. Let it sit for a maximum of 48 hours. Once you’ve sprinkled the fine salt and sprayed water all over it, it should eliminate the fleas around your house. Besides, as the saltwater keeps drying, it will ingest the moisture as well as water from the surroundings, thus, terminating the bugs by desiccating.
What Are Main Ingredients in Dog Flea Products?
There are so many products to get rid of parasites on pets. However, most of them are made from the same active components for repelling and terminating pests. The four key components used in these treatments include permethrin, fipronil, imidacloprid, and s-methoprene.
Frequently Asked Questions on Pest Infestations
I have explained the main aspects to consider when choosing a flea treatment as well as the different treatments for parasites, including natural methods. Of course, there are commonly asked questions regarding these products. So, this section addresses the frequently asked questions on the best and safest flea treatment for dogs.
How Long After Flea Treatment Can I Bathe My Dog?
Wait at least 2 days. It’s a common rule to wait approximately 48 hours after an application or even after taking oral pills. In this way, you will achieve maximum effectiveness.
How Often Can I Bathe My Dog with Flea Shampoo?
Do it as rarely as possible. There is no need to shampoo your dog regularly unless he is actively infested. If he is, then doing it once or twice a week should be okay. Once you get rid of the pests, take a washing break.
How Long After Flea Treatment Will My Dog Stop Scratching?
Most pests will die within 1 to 3 days. So, your pet should stop itching within 24-72 hours. However, avoid washing, sweeping, or vacuuming your floor for at least 14 days after treating, since there is a high chance that there are still eggs continuing to hatch.
How Often Can You Put Flea Medicine on A Dog?
It depends on a couple of factors. They include how often your pet gets infested and the product instructions for their usage. However, it’s better to use flea medicine every 2 or 3 months to keep your pet in tiptop condition while exploring the outdoors.
What Happens If You Put Cat Flea Medicine on A Dog and Vice Versa?
You should always carefully read the instruction to learn whether the product is safe for usage on both pets. While some products are safe on both dogs and cats, others are not. So, most companies have created different treatments for each of these pets because dog products can be especially toxic to cats. However, cat treatments are rarely toxic to dogs.
Related Post: 7 Most Effective Flea Bombs on the Market
Choosing the Best Flea Killer for Dogs
Nothing drives you more insane, like seeing your pet suffer because of a pest infestation. Still, with so many products on the market, it’s not easy to find the flea killer that meets all your expectations. However, I hope that after reading my best dog flea treatment reviews, it will be easier for you to make an informed decision. I have provided you with all the necessary details you need to learn on pest eradication, as well as the top 8 products you can choose from.
How do you deal with a pest infestation? Have you used any of the products I reviewed on your dogs? Were they effective? Can you recommend any effective flea killers for pets? I would love to hear about your experience. Just leave your questions and comments in the section below.
References:
- Insect Growth Regulators (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/igr.html - Dog Flea (Krista R. Seraydar and Phillip E. Kaufman, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida):
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/URBAN/OCCAS/dogflea.htm - Essential Oils and Pets (Oklahoma State University):
https://news.okstate.edu/articles/veterinary-medicine/2018/essential-oils-and-pets.html - Prevent The Big Three Pet Parasites (By Hannah Beers University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign):
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/pet-parasites/
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