Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Dogs love being outside to sniff out scents and play a game of fetch in the yard. Unfortunately, our playful pooches can come into contact with all kinds of nasty pests while exploring the wilderness. Flea and tick treatments and prevention help stop your best friend from bringing back unwanted guests along with their favorite ball.
These come in a range of options, from shampoos and sprays to topical treatments, collars, and chewable tablets. We put together these reviews to help you decide which flea and tick treatment is the best for your dog.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs
Veterinarian recommended
Kills and repels fleas within 24 hours
Kills and repels ticks within 48 hours
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Best Value
Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo
Cedarwood oil moisturizes skin
Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older
Five natural essential oils
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Premium Choice
FRONTLINE Flea and Tick Treatment
Waterproof protection
Kills adult fleas, larvae, eggs, lice, and ticks
Disrupts the flea lifecycle
Check Price
Best for Puppies
K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Treatment
For puppies 7 week of age and older and weighting 4lbs or more
Kills fleas, lice, ticks, and mosquitos
Starts working within 12 hours
Check Price
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea & Tick Shampoo
14 weeks’ protection against fleas and ticks
Kills fleas and ticks on contact
Soothes irritated skin
Check Price
The 10 Best Flea and Tick Treatments and Prevention for Dogs
Recommended by veterinarians, the Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs is the best overall flea and tick treatment and prevention for dogs. It’s designed to start killing and repelling fleas and ticks within 24–48 hours of fitting the collar on your dog. The collar is 27.5 inches long to suit medium, large, and giant breeds and is water-resistant to prevent the formula from wearing off during rainy walks or dips in ponds.
Purpose: Prevention
Breed Size: Medium, large, and giant
Product Form: Collar
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
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Along with working against fleas, ticks, and lice, the Seresto collar uses a long-lasting formula to prevent infestations for up to 8 months.
While Seresto does manufacture flea collars for small dogs, this one is designed for large breeds and might be too big for your puppy.
Pros
Veterinarian recommended
Kills and repels fleas within 24 hours
Kills and repels ticks within 48 hours
27.5-inch adjustable collar
Water-resistant
8-month protection
Cons
Small dog breeds require a different product from the same brand
Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo is free of parabens, artificial colors, and fragrances. it contains five natural essential oils, including cedarwood oil to moisturize and soothe irritated, flea-bitten skin. As the best flea and tick treatment and prevention for dogs for the money, it’s affordable and safe for dogs 12 weeks and older.
Veterinarian recommended
Kills and repels fleas within 24 hours
Kills and repels ticks within 48 hours
27.5-inch adjustable collar
Water-resistant
8-month protection
- Veterinarian recommended
- Kills and repels fleas within 24 hours
- Kills and repels ticks within 48 hours
- 27.5-inch adjustable collar
- Water-resistant
- 8-month protection
Small dog breeds require a different product from the same brand
- Small dog breeds require a different product from the same brand
Purpose: Treatment
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Shampoo
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
Along with killing fleas and ticks, the shampoo works to repel mosquitos. It doesn’t interfere with topical flea and tick treatments either, so you can combine it with your existing flea protection regime.
Some users have complained about the strong smell of this shampoo. Unfortunately, it can’t be shipped to California.
Pros
Cedarwood oil moisturizes skin
Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older
Five natural essential oils
No artificial colors or fragrances
Kills fleas, ticks, and repels mosquitos
Paraben-free
Doesn’t interfere with topical flea treatments
Cons
Can’t be shipped to California
Contains a strong smell
Formulated with fipronil and (s)-methoprene, Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Large Dogs works by disrupting the life cycle of your dog’s fleas. With the option of a 6- or 8-month supply, you can prevent infestations by killing existing fleas, lice, and ticks and put an end to larvae and eggs too.
Cedarwood oil moisturizes skin
Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older
Five natural essential oils
No artificial colors or fragrances
Kills fleas, ticks, and repels mosquitos
Paraben-free
Doesn’t interfere with topical flea treatments
- Cedarwood oil moisturizes skin
- Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older
- Five natural essential oils
- No artificial colors or fragrances
- Kills fleas, ticks, and repels mosquitos
- Paraben-free
- Doesn’t interfere with topical flea treatments
Can’t be shipped to California
Contains a strong smell
- Can’t be shipped to California
- Contains a strong smell
Purpose: Prevention
Breed Size: Medium and large
Product Form: Liquid
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
As this topical treatment is released from your dog’s oil glands, it offers waterproof protection and is safe from being washed away during your dog’s swim sessions.
Frontline Plus needs to be re-applied once a month, and the protection can become ineffective if you miss an application. It’s also recommended for dogs in the suggested weight range; a smaller or larger breed will require a different formula product with a specific dose of the formula, they have several options to cover dogs from 5-132 pounds
Pros
Waterproof protection
Kills adult fleas, larvae, eggs, lice, and ticks
Disrupts the flea lifecycle
6- or 8-month supply
Cons
Must be applied once a month
Recommended for dogs in the mentioned weight range
4. K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs
Purpose: Prevention
Breed Size: Puppies, medium, large, and giant
Product Form: Liquid
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
Puppies can need protection against fleas and ticks too, and K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs starts killing fleas, lice, ticks, and mosquitos within 12 hours of applying it on your dog. Recommended by veterinarians, the formula provides waterproof protection against infestation and is available in 2-, 4-, or 6-month supplies. Along with killing pests on contact, it also disrupts the flea lifecycle to help stop infestations from continuing.
Waterproof protection
Kills adult fleas, larvae, eggs, lice, and ticks
Disrupts the flea lifecycle
6- or 8-month supply
- Waterproof protection
- Kills adult fleas, larvae, eggs, lice, and ticks
- Disrupts the flea lifecycle
- 6- or 8-month supply
Must be applied once a month
Recommended for dogs in the mentioned weight range
- Must be applied once a month
- Recommended for dogs in the mentioned weight range
This option is formulated for puppies 7 week of age and older and weighting 4lbs or more larger dogs should use a different treatment plan. Since K9 Advantix II is a topical treatment, it needs to be applied once a month to reach its maximum effectiveness, but it shouldn’t be used more often than that.
Pros
Starts working within 12 hours
Waterproof
Disrupts the flea lifecycle
Kills fleas, lice, ticks, and mosquitos
Available in 2-, 4-, or 6-month supplies
Veterinarian recommended
Cons
Needs to be re-applied once a month
Recommended for puppies 7 week of age and older and weighting 4lbs or more
Smaller dogs should use a different treatment
The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Flea & Tick Shampoo is suitable for use on dogs 12 weeks and older. Available in 16-ounce or 1-gallon bottles, Veterinary Formula is safe for multi-pet households and offers 14 weeks of protection against infestations.
Starts working within 12 hours
Waterproof
Disrupts the flea lifecycle
Kills fleas, lice, ticks, and mosquitos
Available in 2-, 4-, or 6-month supplies
Veterinarian recommended
- Starts working within 12 hours
- Waterproof
- Disrupts the flea lifecycle
- Kills fleas, lice, ticks, and mosquitos
- Available in 2-, 4-, or 6-month supplies
- Veterinarian recommended
Needs to be re-applied once a month
Recommended for puppies 7 week of age and older and weighting 4lbs or more
Smaller dogs should use a different treatment
- Needs to be re-applied once a month
- Recommended for puppies 7 week of age and older and weighting 4lbs or more
- Smaller dogs should use a different treatment
The 0.15% pyrethrins contained in the recipe kill fleas and ticks on contact, and the included aloe and lanolin soothe your puppy’s flea-bitten and irritated skin.
This shampoo shouldn’t be used on nursing puppies or pets younger than 12 weeks of age or more than once a week. It also targets eggs or larvae and doesn’t interrupt the flea lifecycle, enabling eggs to hatch and prolong infestations.
Pros
14 weeks’ protection against fleas and ticks
Kills fleas and ticks on contact
Safe for multi-pet households
16-ounce or 1-gallon bottles
Contains aloe and lanolin
Soothes irritated skin
Cons
Unsuitable for puppies less than 12 weeks old
Doesn’t kill flea eggs and larvae
Shouldn’t be used more than once a week
Sold in a supply lasting either 3 or 6 months, PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs uses veterinarian-recommended ingredients to kill fleas, larvae, eggs, and ticks. The included fipronil and (s)-methoprene kill pests on contact and put an end to the flea reproductive cycle to stop ongoing infestations, protecting your dog for up to 12 weeks. Like other topical treatments, this one is waterproof.
14 weeks’ protection against fleas and ticks
Kills fleas and ticks on contact
Safe for multi-pet households
16-ounce or 1-gallon bottles
Contains aloe and lanolin
Soothes irritated skin
- 14 weeks’ protection against fleas and ticks
- Kills fleas and ticks on contact
- Safe for multi-pet households
- 16-ounce or 1-gallon bottles
- Contains aloe and lanolin
- Soothes irritated skin
Unsuitable for puppies less than 12 weeks old
Doesn’t kill flea eggs and larvae
Shouldn’t be used more than once a week
- Unsuitable for puppies less than 12 weeks old
- Doesn’t kill flea eggs and larvae
- Shouldn’t be used more than once a week
Purpose: Prevention
Breed Size: Large, and giant
Product Form: Liquid
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
Although PetArmor offers 12 weeks of protection, your dog can still pick up fleas from their environment. To properly protect your best friend, you should pair use this with treatments for your home and garden. For the prevention treatment to be effective, it should be applied once a month.
PetArmor Plus is available in four different packages for different sized dogs: the 5-22 pounds dose is suitable for puppies in that weight range that are 8 weeks and older. They also have products for dogs in the weight ranges of 23-44 pounds for medium dogs, 45-88 pounds for large dogs, and 89-132 pounds for X large breeds.
Pros
12-week protection
Waterproof
Kills fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks
Disrupts the flea lifecycle
Available in 3- or 6-month supplies
Uses veterinarian-recommended ingredients
Cons
Has to be re-applied once a month
Dogs can still pick up fleas from the environment
Should be partnered with flea treatments for your home and garden
The TropiClean Maximum Strength Natural Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo uses natural ingredients, like lemongrass and sesame oils, to protect your dog from fleas for up to 7 days. Along with killing adult fleas, TropiClean kills flea larvae, eggs, ticks, and mosquitos.
12-week protection
Waterproof
Kills fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks
Disrupts the flea lifecycle
Available in 3- or 6-month supplies
Uses veterinarian-recommended ingredients
- 12-week protection
- Waterproof
- Kills fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks
- Disrupts the flea lifecycle
- Available in 3- or 6-month supplies
- Uses veterinarian-recommended ingredients
Has to be re-applied once a month
Dogs can still pick up fleas from the environment
Should be partnered with flea treatments for your home and garden
- Has to be re-applied once a month
- Dogs can still pick up fleas from the environment
- Should be partnered with flea treatments for your home and garden
This shampoo is sold in 20-ounce or 2.5-gallon bottles for long-lasting use even in multi-dog households. It’s also safe to use in combination with topical flea treatments.
Although TropiClean uses natural ingredients, it shouldn’t be used on puppies less than 12 weeks old. Due to the flea protection relying on the scent of the product, the effects don’t last as long as some other options. Also, the bottle has been known to break open during the shipping process.
Pros
Kills fleas, larvae, eggs, ticks, and mosquitos
7-day protection
Available in 20-ounce or 2.5-gallon bottles
Natural ingredients
Doesn’t interfere with topical treatments
Cons
Shouldn’t be used on puppies less than 12 weeks old
The bottle can break during shipping
The protection against pests doesn’t last long
PetHonesty Flea & Tick Defense Soft Chews are a chemical-free way to keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitos away from your dog. The recipe uses natural ingredients — coconut oil, garlic, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast — to protect against infestation and doesn’t contain corn, wheat, soy, or GMOs. These ingredients, alongside the included omega fatty acids and vitamins, can strengthen your canine’s immune system to keep your best friend healthy.
Kills fleas, larvae, eggs, ticks, and mosquitos
7-day protection
Available in 20-ounce or 2.5-gallon bottles
Natural ingredients
Doesn’t interfere with topical treatments
- Kills fleas, larvae, eggs, ticks, and mosquitos
- 7-day protection
- Available in 20-ounce or 2.5-gallon bottles
- Natural ingredients
- Doesn’t interfere with topical treatments
Shouldn’t be used on puppies less than 12 weeks old
The bottle can break during shipping
The protection against pests doesn’t last long
- Shouldn’t be used on puppies less than 12 weeks old
- The bottle can break during shipping
- The protection against pests doesn’t last long
Purpose: Prevention
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Soft chews
Life Stage: Adult
Although the chews are hickory bacon flavored to encourage your dog’s appetite, some fussy canines may dislike the taste and refuse to eat them. Since they’re recommended for daily, long-term use to be effective, PetHonesty chews should be used alongside other flea and tick treatments.
Pros
Chemical-free
Repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitos
No corn, wheat, soy, or GMOs
Strengthens your dog’s immune system
Hickory bacon-flavored
Cons
Might require consistent, long-term use to be effective
Should be used alongside other flea and tick treatments
Fussier dogs may dislike the flavor
The Adams Topical Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs & Cats offers protection for multi-pet households without having to worry about mixing up topical treatments or frequent baths. This spray treatment is sold in 16- or 32-ounce bottles. Adams Spray helps kill fleas, larvae, eggs, and ticks and repels mosquitos for up to 2 months after the initial application.
Chemical-free
Repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitos
No corn, wheat, soy, or GMOs
Strengthens your dog’s immune system
Hickory bacon-flavored
- Chemical-free
- Repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitos
- No corn, wheat, soy, or GMOs
- Strengthens your dog’s immune system
- Hickory bacon-flavored
Might require consistent, long-term use to be effective
Should be used alongside other flea and tick treatments
Fussier dogs may dislike the flavor
- Might require consistent, long-term use to be effective
- Should be used alongside other flea and tick treatments
- Fussier dogs may dislike the flavor
Purpose: Treatment
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Spray
Life Stage: Adult
To repel mosquitos, this product uses a strong smell that some users find unpleasant. It’s recommended for use on puppies older than 10 weeks and might cause stains if it comes into contact with furniture, carpet, or clothing. The spray applicator is also easy to break and doesn’t last long.
Pros
Helps kill fleas, larvae, eggs, and ticks
Available in 16-ounce or 32-ounce bottles
Repels mosquitos
2-month protection
Suitable for multi-pet households
Cons
Should be used on dogs 10 weeks or older
Might stain if it comes into contact with the carpet, furniture, or clothing
Spray applicator breaks easily
Strong smell
- NexGard Chew for Dogs
Check Latest Price
Purpose: Treatment and prevention
Breed Size: Medium and large breeds
Product Form: Chews
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
Beef flavored to entice even the fussiest canine to eat it, the NexGard Chew for Dogs is an FDA-approved solution to tick and flea infestations. The formula is recommended by veterinarians to provide 30-day protection against fleas and ticks while remaining gentle enough to use on puppies 8 weeks and older.
Helps kill fleas, larvae, eggs, and ticks
Available in 16-ounce or 32-ounce bottles
Repels mosquitos
2-month protection
Suitable for multi-pet households
- Helps kill fleas, larvae, eggs, and ticks
- Available in 16-ounce or 32-ounce bottles
- Repels mosquitos
- 2-month protection
- Suitable for multi-pet households
Should be used on dogs 10 weeks or older
Might stain if it comes into contact with the carpet, furniture, or clothing
Spray applicator breaks easily
Strong smell
- Should be used on dogs 10 weeks or older
- Might stain if it comes into contact with the carpet, furniture, or clothing
- Spray applicator breaks easily
- Strong smell
Check Latest Price
Purpose: Treatment and prevention
Breed Size: Medium and large breeds
Product Form: Chews
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
Besides being expensive, NexGuard has a long list of potential side effects and is only available with a prescription from a veterinarian. The product shouldn’t be used more than once a month.
The chews themselves might also be too hard for dogs that find it difficult to chew or have missing teeth. While they’re safe for canines, they’re toxic to cats and should be used with caution in multi-pet households.
Pros
Recommended by veterinarians
FDA approved
Kills fleas and ticks
Beef flavor
Suitable for puppies 8 weeks and older
30-day protection
Cons
Prescription only
Can cause serious side effects
Expensive
Should only be used once a month
Chews might be too hard for dogs with missing teeth
Toxic to cats
Recommended by veterinarians
FDA approved
Kills fleas and ticks
Beef flavor
Suitable for puppies 8 weeks and older
30-day protection
- Recommended by veterinarians
- FDA approved
- Kills fleas and ticks
- Beef flavor
- Suitable for puppies 8 weeks and older
- 30-day protection
Prescription only
Can cause serious side effects
Expensive
Should only be used once a month
Chews might be too hard for dogs with missing teeth
Toxic to cats
- Prescription only
- Can cause serious side effects
- Expensive
- Should only be used once a month
- Chews might be too hard for dogs with missing teeth
- Toxic to cats
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Flea and Tick Treatment for Your Dog
Deciding that you need a flea and tick treatment for your dog is only half the battle. From there, you have to navigate the mismatch of collars, topical solutions, shampoos, and even oral medications. They all have their pros and cons.
Your dog’s preferences, the severity of their infestation, and how much time you have to spare for repeated flea treatments are all things to bear in mind when making your final choice. To help you take the first step, we put together this guide to show you the difference between each treatment and its benefits and disadvantages.
What to Consider When Buying a Flea and Tick Treatment for Your Dog
Before we get into the various types of treatments available, there are a few other things that can help make your final choice easier.
Longevity
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a flea remedy is how long it’ll last. Some treatments only kill fleas on contact and have to be repeated every day or so for the best results. This can eat into your already busy schedule.
Other treatments have a much longer success rate at preventing infestations. While you have to remember to make a note of when to repeat the treatment, they’re less time-consuming for people who aren’t at home often.
Waterproof
Dogs get wet. Even if they do everything to avoid the hose and dreaded bath time, you’ll still find them wading through muddy ponds, splashing in puddles, and racing about in the rain. Not all flea treatments are waterproof, and all these soggy activities can wash away the effects, making your dog accessible to fleas again.
Supply
Several flea treatments, like topical ointments, come in a small bulk supply. Since they’re designed to be used once a month, you can often buy them in boxes ranging from one to six or even eight products. A larger supply can cost more up front, but you won’t have to worry about buying more of the same brand every month to keep up with your dog’s treatment.
That said, if you find that the treatment doesn’t work as well as you’d hoped, a 6-month supply could end up going to waste if you end up not using it.
Treatment vs. Prevention
At first glance, it can be easy to think that treatment and prevention are the same things. While they’re often combined to make it easy to treat your dog for fleas, their intentions are different.
Treatment is the initial application. These products are designed to kill fleas as soon as the pests come into contact with them.
Prevention, on the other hand, is the lasting effects that are formulated to keep working for as long as possible. These products absorb into your dog’s skin or bloodstream and are released slowly until you need to reapply them.
For example, a flea shampoo is technically a treatment. While it can use scents to ward off or kill fleas for a short amount of time after bathing, it’s formulated to kill the fleas on contact after you wash your dog. Topical treatment is more of a prevention measure. It’ll kill fleas for as long as the chemicals are effective.
Multi-pet Households
Many flea treatments formulated for dogs are toxic to other pets, like your cat. This isn’t a problem as long as you keep dog-only treatments away from their feline siblings. However, this can be easier said than done, especially if your pets enjoy snuggling up together for a nap.
It can also be an issue if you treat both animals for fleas and ticks at the same time. If you rush through the application or are a little tired, it’s easy to reach for the canine treatment instead of the feline one.
To be safe, keep the flea treatments for your pets separate, and try to keep their treatment days separate too. This will enable you to focus on either your cats or your dogs without risking a mix-up with their medication.
What Types of Flea and Tick Treatment and Prevention Are There?
Now that you know what to consider when buying your dog a flea and tick treatment, here are the types of treatments and prevention that you can buy for your dog. The best one for your pooch might take a while to find, but with some effort, you’ll soon have the best solution for your situation.
Collars
If you need a long-lasting prevention measure, collars are the way to go. These adjustable, rubbery collars are coated in chemicals designed to kill fleas and ticks for up to 8 months — provided that your dog wears one. For the hot summery months, collars can be especially useful because they provide consistent protection even when your excitable canine launches themselves into every body of water available.
They often fit beneath your dog’s existing collar so you don’t have to worry about ruining their street-cred. Always remember to leave room for two fingers when putting any type of collar on your dog.
Topical Solutions
Monthly treatments often come in the form of a solution that you place evenly along your dog’s spine. The chemicals used absorb into your canine’s skin and sit in their oil glands to be released slowly throughout the month. Provided that you keep your dog away from water until it’s dry, most brands are waterproof and offer protection even when your dog goes swimming.
Shampoos
If your dog enjoys bath time, purchasing flea shampoos can make bathing sessions more useful. Not only do they often soothe irritated skin, but they’re designed to kill fleas on contact. They often use more natural ingredients than other chemical flea treatments too.
The downside to shampoos is the frequency at which they have to be used. Many natural shampoos in particular only last about a week before needing to be reapplied. This can keep your dog smelling fresh, but it can also strip their fur of healthy oils.
Shampoos are also generally recommended to be used alongside other flea treatments, like collars or topical solutions for the best results.
Sprays
Although similar to shampoos, flea sprays don’t lather and don’t need to be washed away. They’re simple to apply, requiring you to just grab the bottle and spray your dog’s fur — being mindful of their eyes. It’s best to use these in places that aren’t at risk of staining, as some formulas can stain fabric.
Also, remember to make sure the spray is suitable for use on your pet. Several sprays are only designed for use on carpets, furniture, or your garden.
Chewable Tablets
Daily treatments can take the form of chewable tablets. They’re designed to be a one-off treatment to kill fleas quickly without having to wait for 1 or 2 days for a collar or topical solution to start working.
Final Thoughts
Our reviews covered the best flea and tick treatment and prevention for dogs to help you and your favorite hound avoid pest infestations. There is a wide range of options, including the best overall option, the Seresto Flea & Tick Collar, with its 8-month long protection. The budget-friendly choice, Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo, is a natural treatment that moisturizes your dog’s skin.
Whatever option you choose, your dog will be grateful for the relief from itchy flea infestations and from creepy-crawly tick bites.
Related article:
- How to Remove a Tick From a Cat Safely & Easily
- How to Get a Tick off a Dog With Dish Soap (Step-By-Step Guide)
Featured Image Credit: Naurora, Shutterstock
