Product Reviews
Why trust us?
eXtreme Dog Fence invests its time and energy researching, analyzing and testing products in order to recommend the best choices for most consumers. All products are bought with our own funds, never accepting freebies from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Bayer Animal Health
Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Large Dogs
Provides 8 months of continuous flea and tick prevention
Works on contact. They don’t have to bite for them to die.
A little expensive
Capstar
Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs
Starts killing fleas within 30 minutes
You don’t need a prescription
Must be taken orally
Advecta
II for Dogs
An inexpensive way to control fleas and lice.
Controls all stages of fleas and lice
Does not kill ticks
Frontline
Plus for Dogs
Kills adult fleas and flea larvae to break the cycle
Waterproof Flea and Tick Treatment
Each dose lasts for 30 days
K9
Advantix II
Kills and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes
Starts killing fleas within 10 minutes
Only for dogs over 55 pounds
How we decided
Every product we review is purchased with our own funds. No freebies are ever accepted from product manufacturers.
- 84 Models Considered
- 10 Hours Researched
- 1 Experts Interviewed
- 94 Consumers Consulted
Pets
Buying the Best Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs
Last Updated June 2019
Do you have a furry friend that is suffering from an infestation of fleas? Choosing the very best flea and tick treatment for your dog is a step in the right direction. Since fleas have a long life cycle, it is wise to try and nip the problem in the bud when they are at a younger age.
Many people wonder if a topical treatment or an oral pill is a better approach for killing fleas and ticks.
Topical Treatments
Flea treatments that are applied to the skin are known as topical treatments. These types of treatments can include powders, shampoo, or spot on treatments. Spot-ons come in a small tube of liquid. It is directly applied to the skin, particularly around the shoulder blade area or down the back. Some spot-ons contain ingredients that stop new larvae from forming. Spot-ons will even continue working if the dog goes for a swim or takes a bath.
Flea Collars
Placed around the neck of your dog, flea collars are left in place for long-term flea and tick control. Some of these collars work by emitting a gas that repels parasites and fleas around the neck, whereas others emit ingredients that the skin absorbs and spreads throughout.
Flea collars are ideal for pets who have otherwise been resistant to spot-on treatments or oral pills. Some people also appreciate that they come in different colors so that they can keep their pet looking fashionable.
Flea Pills
Flea pills may be the best approach for fighting fleas and ticks. Because they are administered orally, some require a prescription from a veterinarian, and may come with side effects that tend to come with oral medications.
Oral medications are sometimes tablets or chewables. They are secreted into the sebaceous glands and absorbed into the parasites. Most oral medications are flavored, so you shouldn’t have an issue getting your doggie to take them.
How to Choose the Right One
When your dog is infested with fleas and ticks, choosing the right product becomes super important. You may be wondering where to start. The answer depends on your dog and the infestation situation. Here are some factors to take into consideration.
- How old your pet is
- How much your pet weighs
- Are the fleas in the egg stage, larvae, or adult fleas?
- How severe is the situation?
- Any medical conditions that prevent certain medications?
Be sure to consult your veterinarian for any specific recommendations that they may have for your pet.
If your dog needs immediate relief, you may benefit most from buying a topical product like a spot-on treatment that is usually effective within 12 hours or less.
Logically, price is always going to be a determining factor when it comes to choosing the right flea and tick medication. As the saying goes, you usually get what you pay for.