Ask dog parents what they use for fleas and ticks, and you’ll probably get different answers. Part of that comes down to genuine differences between products, such as how they’re given, how long they last, and which parasites they actually cover. The other part comes down to what works for a particular dog’s age, weight, lifestyle, and overall health. If you’re trying to sort through the suitable options for your dog, this guide covers the four best flea and tick treatments for dogs. We will help you understand what each product actually does before deciding what fits your situation.
Why Does Your Dog Need Flea and Tick Prevention?
Fleas and ticks are more than just an itching nuisance for dogs.
- Fleas can trigger allergic reactions known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and transmit tapeworm larvae. In heavy infestations, fleas can cause enough blood loss to lead to anemia, particularly in puppies.
- Ticks are arguably the bigger concern, since several species carry pathogens that can cause tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease. So, prompt removal and consistent tick prevention are important.
Waiting until you spot a flea or tick means you’re already playing catch-up. Fleas reproduce fast, so a small problem can become a severe infestation within weeks. Consistent prevention helps interrupt that flea life cycle before it starts, which is a more proactive approach than treating an active infestation after the fact.
Year-Round Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
It’s tempting to think of flea and tick season as a peak summer problem, but that’s not how current veterinary guidance frames it. The Companion Animal Parasite Council has long called for year-round, lifelong prevention of fleas and ticks. The CAPC guidelines recommend using parasite control methods that consider the lifestyle and health of the pet, managing the pet’s environment, and working closely with pet parents to prevent infestation and protect the health of the entire family.
Vet-Recommended Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs
1. NexGard Chewables for Dogs
- Format: Oral chewable
- Active ingredient: Afoxolaner
- Protection interval: One month
- Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim
NexGard chewables are a once-monthly oral flea and tick treatment for dogs. It comes in a delicious beef-flavored chew form to help you keep up with monthly dosing to ensure year-round protection. NexGard is suitable for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 4 pounds or more, when used as directed.
What do NexGard Chewables cover?
- Killing adult fleas
- Treatment and prevention of flea infestations
- Treatment and control of tick infestations caused by black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, brown dog ticks, and longhorned ticks
- Prevention of Lyme infections as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks
How do NexGard Chewables work?
NexGard chews contain Afoxolaner. Once administered, the active ingredient is absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream. When fleas and ticks bite your dog to feed, they ingest Afoxolaner along with blood, which causes hyperexcitation and kills the parasites. Afoxolaner can also help to prevent Lyme infection by killing black-legged ticks.
2. Bravecto Chews for Dogs
- Format: Oral chewable
- Active ingredient: Fluralaner
- Protection interval: Up to 12 weeks
- Manufacturer: Merck Animal Health
Bravecto Chews provide up to 12 weeks of flea and tick protection for dogs. It comes in a flavored chew form for easy administration and should be administered with food. Bravecto Chews are approved for dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older and weighing 4.4 pounds or greater.
What do Bravecto Chews cover?
- Killing adult fleas
- Treatment and prevention of flea infestations
- Treatment and control of tick infestations caused by black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks for 12 weeks, and lone star ticks for 8 weeks
How do Bravecto Chews work?
Bravecto Chews contain Fluralaner. After administration, it works throughout the body to target fleas and ticks. It affects the nervous system of parasites by blocking specific channels that are essential for normal nerve function, causing them to become paralyzed and die.
3. Simparica Chewables for Dogs
- Format: Oral chewable
- Active ingredient: Sarolaner
- Protection interval: One month
- Manufacturer: Zoetis
Simparica Chews are another monthly oral option that protects dogs from ticks and fleas for 35 days. It comes in a flavored, chewable tablet form for easy administration. Simparica is for use only in dogs 6 months of age or older and weighing 2.8 pounds or greater.
What do Simparica Chews cover?
- Killing adult fleas
- Treatment and prevention of flea infestations
- Treatment and control of tick infestations caused by lone star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks
- Prevention of Lyme infections as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks
How do Simparica Chews work?
Simparica contains Sarolaner, the active ingredient. It works by interfering with the nervous system of parasites. This causes uncontrolled nerve activity, which leads to death of parasites.
4. Frontline Plus for Dogs
- Format: Topical treatment
- Active ingredients: Fipronil and (S)-methoprene
- Protection interval: One month
- Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim
Frontline Plus is a topical flea and tick treatment for dogs. This waterproof formula is applied to a dog’s skin to protect them from fleas, ticks, and chewing lice for a month. Frontline Plus is labeled for use in dogs that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 5 pounds.
How does Frontline Plus for Dogs work?
After application, Frontline Plus spreads from a single point of application over the dog’s entire skin surface via the natural oils on their skin and is stored in the oil glands of the skin. This action allows it to protect your dog for 30 days.
Final Thoughts
Overall, these four flea and tick treatments are widely used options among veterinary professionals and pet parents. However, the best flea and tick treatment is not necessarily the same for every dog. Your veterinarian can help determine which option may be appropriate based on your dog’s age, weight, parasite risk, lifestyle, and health history. Once you’ve selected a suitable product with your veterinarian’s advice, you can explore top flea and tick treatments for dogs at CanadaVetExpress at competitive prices. Just remember, whichever product you decide to use, stay consistent to protect your dog’s health all year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the signs that my dog may have fleas or ticks?
Common signs include excessive scratching, licking, biting at the skin, redness, irritation, or increased grooming. You may also notice flea dirt, visible fleas, or ticks attached to your dog’s skin. Some dogs may develop small scabs or skin irritation from flea bites. However, these signs can have other causes as well. If you notice severe symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Q. What if I miss a dose?
When you miss a dose, it creates a gap in protection against these fleas and ticks. Simply follow the instructions on your product label for when to administer the next dose and resume the recommended schedule. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian for further guidance.
Q. Is a monthly chew better than a longer-lasting one like Bravecto?
Not necessarily “better.” Bravecto’s 12-week protection means fewer doses to remember across a year, which some dog parents find easier to stay consistent with. A monthly product just provides protection for a shorter interval each time. Whichever product is appropriate for your dog, following the recommended dosing schedule consistently is important for maintaining protection.