Looking for the best flea medicine for dogs? Look no further. Today’s post looks at the most effective treatments to keep off fleas.
Fleas are not only a nuisance but can also cause serious health issues such as anemia, dermatitis or even tapeworms to your pet.
These tiny creatures cause so much harm and it is no picnic to have them around your house. The worst bit is the presence of one flea indicates that it has friends and relatives around.
Pets can pick up fleas from other pets, wildlife, feral animals or from nature that is, from tall grasses and bushes. Some indoor pets also get fleas without interacting with the environment.
The main task is picking the right prevention and treatment for your dog as there are so many options out there from pills to shampoos and everything in between.
12 Best Flea Medicine for Dogs
When looking for the best flea medicine for dogs, the wide array of products in the market can make the process stressful. To help ease the work, today’s post outlines the best flea medicine for dogs that have stood the test of time. Let’s dive in!
1)K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick & Mosquito Prevention for Extra Large Dogs
This topical flea medicine is one of the best flea medicine for dogs. It comes in an easy application tube and will protect your furry friend from fleas, ticks, lice, biting flies and mosquitos.
The flea treatment for dogs can be applied in both prevention and treatment. It works through contact and all these parasites do not have to bite the dog for them to be gotten rid of.
It is suitable for dogs that weigh 55 pounds and above and it can be used all year round. On application, it takes about 12 hours to eradicate the fleas and it will be active for about 30 days. This medicine can however not be used on cats and its active ingredients are imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen.
What we Like
- Easy to apply at the back of the neck.
- It works through contact.
- Suitable for dogs of 55 pounds and above.
- It can be used all year round.
- An application starts working after 12 hours and can actively last for up to 30 days.
- Active ingredients are imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen
2) Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs
These highly effective oral tablets are a great option for a pet owner looking for the best flea medicine for dogs. The fast action time is a notable attribute of these tablets are they start eradicating fleas in 30 minutes after administration and will kill 90% of adult fleas within 4 hours.
The convenience of this medicine is that you do not require any prescription from a vet and in the case of a re-infestation you can simply give another dosage.
The 11.4mg dosage is suitable for dogs and cats weighing 2 to 25 pounds while the 57mg dosage is suitable for those weighing 25.1 – 125 pounds. The prescription of this medicine is a simple as giving your dog one tablet a day until the flea problem is resolved. The active ingredient is Nitenpyram.
What we Like
- One Capstar tablet starts eradicating fleas in 30 minutes of administration.
- Kills 90% of fleas within 4 hours in dogs.
- Can be used for both cats and dogs.
- Does not require a prescription from a vet.
- The 11.4mg dosage is suitable for dogs and cats weighing 2 to 25 pounds.
- The 57mg dosage is suitable for those weighing 25.1 – 125 pounds.
- In case of a re-infestation, you can simply administer another dose.
- The active ingredient is Nitenpyram.
3) Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Large Breed Dog Treatment
Are you looking for a topical treatment that is effective and waterproof? Then the Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Large Breed Dog Treatment is the right choice for you. Your dog can still have its regular baths and go swimming while still using this medicine.
The active ingredients include Fipronil, (s)-Methoprene and are approved on dogs weighing 45-88lbs and suitable for ones that are older than 8 weeks. It is not only used to treat and prevent flea infestation but is also suitable for biting lice and tick infestation.
This medicine kills the entire lifecycle of fleas, that is, adult fleas, their egg and larvae, and prevents new infestations. As one of the best flea medicine for dogs, Frontline Plus dog treatment infuses into the oil glands of the pet’s skin and will effectively treat and prevent flea infestation for up to 30 days after application.
What we Like
- Topical treatment.
- Suitable for the treatment and prevention of flea, tick and lice infestation.
- Waterproof thus your dog can still have its baths and swims.
- Active ingredients are Fipronil, (s)-methoprene.
- Suitable for dogs weighing between 45-88lbs.
- Suitable for dogs older than 8 weeks.
- Kills the entire lifecycle of the flea.
- Can treat and prevent pests for up to 30 days after application.
4) Vet’s Best Dog Flea + Tick Home Spray
Vet’s Best Spray is arguably one of the best flea medicine for dogs. Pet owners speak highly of the spray due to its high potency when it comes to fleas’ control. This spray is effective in eradicating fleas at all life stages, ticks and mosquitoes.
This flea treatment contains 100% certified natural oils with pest-fighting properties and the active ingredients include peppermint oil, eugenol, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
You can attach the spray to your garden hose to get rid of dog-biting pests in your home without damaging your plants and pets and without harming the humans around. It is easy to use and safe for the whole family.
It can be safely applied to dogs that are older than 12 weeks. Mostly it is sprayed on dog’s bedding, surfaces, furniture, crates, kennels and any other surface that you may deem appropriate.
What we Like
- Contains 100% certified natural oils.
- Active ingredients include peppermint oil, eugenol, and sodium lauryl sulfate
- Easy to use.
- Can be used on the skin of dogs that are older than 12 weeks.
- Eradicates fleas at all life stages, ticks and mosquitoes.
- Can be sprayed on surfaces, beddings, kennels and more.
5) PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment for Dogs
If you are looking for an affordable yet effective topical treatment then this would be a good option to consider. The PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Squeeze-On Treatment as the best flea medicine for dogs kills fleas at all life stages, lice and ticks and will last for up to 30 days after application. It is waterproof allowing your pet to take baths without compromising the medicine effectiveness.
It comes in a package that will last you for more than 6 months thus economical. Easy to apply as you just need to open the package and dispense the gel on your pet’s coat. It is suitable for dogs that are over 8 weeks of age and the active ingredients include Fipronil, (s)-Methoprene.
What we Like
- Easy to apply.
- Suitable for dogs and puppies that are over 8 weeks of age.
- Will last for up to 30 days after application.
- Active ingredients include Fipronil, (s)-Methoprene.
- Waterproof
- Kills fleas at all life stages, lice and ticks.
6) Advantage II Flea Treatment for Medium Dogs
This topical treatment is undoubtedly one of the most notable flea treatments for dogs in the market. It will not only kill adult fleas but will also get rid of flea larvae that lurk around your home.
The fleas die as soon as they come into contact with your pet’s skin and they don’t get to bite your pet. This medicine is however only used to particularly prevent and protect your pet against fleas but not any other dog-biting pests.
The active ingredients include Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen. The Advantage II Flea Treatment is suitable for medium dogs weighing between 11-20 pounds and those that are older than 7 weeks. It is fragrance-free and starts killing fleas 12 hours after application. Its effectiveness will last for over 30 days.
What we Like
- Fragrance-free.
- Suitable for dogs that weigh between 11-20 pounds.
- Used to particularly prevent your dog from flea infestation and not any other pests.
- Suitable for dogs that are older than 7 weeks.
- Starts killing fleas 12 hours after application.
- Effectiveness will last for up to 30 days.
- The active ingredients include Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen.
7) Vet’s Best Flea + Tick Dog & Cat Wipes
Formulated with essential oils and plant-based ingredients such as peppermint oil and eugenol from clove plants, these wipes are designed to kill pests on contact thus your pet does not have to be bitten first.
They are ultra-soft and they feel good on your pet’s skin. Crafted to eradicate fleas, flea eggs, ticks and mosquitoes, these wipes are suitable for dogs and cats that are at least 12 weeks old.
They are easy to apply and can be used on surfaces, pet bedding, dog’s crate and so on. They are convenient to use and will help you deal with targeted areas for example the back of the tail. Besides, they are free from resins thus safe for you and your pet. They are also torn resistant making the whole experience convenient.
What we Like
- Formulated with natural ingredients.
- Contain essential oils such as peppermint oil and eugenol from clove plants.
- Kill pests through contact.
- Suitable for both cats and dogs that are at least 12 weeks old.
- Help you deal with targeted areas easily.
- Easy to use.
- Free from resins.
- Tear-resistant.
8) Frontline Spray for Dogs & Cats
The Frontline Spray is absolutely the best flea medicine for dogs and cats. The spray gives your pets fast relief from pest biting as it acts very fast. It is good for adult cats and dogs as well as puppies and kitties that are over 8 weeks old.
It is waterproof and will still be effective after regular baths, swims, or sun exposure. This spray will eradicate existing bugs and will also prevent new ones from forming.
However, it is not effective for eggs that are yet to hatch. It is quite easy to use as you will spray it all over your pet’s body and wait for it to dry. The active ingredient is Fipronil which is effective for bugs and safe on your pet’s skin and will last for up to 30 days after application.
What we Like
- Fast-acting thus relieves your pest biting almost immediately.
- Waterproof
- Last for up to 30 days after application.
- Easy to use.
- The active ingredient is Fipronil
- Suitable for adults both cats and dogs and kittens and puppies that are at least 8 weeks old.
9) Virbac Knockout E.S. Area Treatment Spray
The Virbac treatment spray is undoubtedly the best flea medicine for dogs. You can fully rely on this flea treatment for dogs when it comes to flea control in your pet and your home.
Suitable for carpets, rugs, drapes, upholstery, pet bedding, and floor cracks, this spray will prevent any flea infestation from occurring for up to 7 months as it contains pyriproxyfen (NYLAR Insect Growth Regulator) that prevents growing fleas to develop into mature adults that might harm your pet.
The pyrethrin and permethrin contained in the spray are efficient for killing any active bugs and will not leave any unpleasant odor, stains, or stickiness when used. One bottle covers an area of up to 2100 square feet and contains the highest level of environmental adulticides for effectiveness.
What we Like
- Prevents re-infestation from occurring for up to 7 months.
- Suitable for carpets rugs, drapes, upholstery, pet bedding, and floor cracks
- One bottle can cover an area of up to 2100 square feet.
- Do not leave an unpleasant odor, stickiness, or stains.
- Contains pyrethrin and permethrin that is very effective in killing bugs.
- Contains the highest level of environmental adulticides for effectiveness.
10) Sentry FiproGuard Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs
This is a spot-on treatment that is effective in killing fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks and chewing lice. It is fast-acting and relieves your pet from biting bugs after a short while.
It is veterinarian approved and contains fipronil, and (s)-Methoprene which is effective in killing any pests. This topical treatment is waterproof thus your dog can take regular baths and swims without reducing the effectiveness of the medicine.
The effectiveness of this topical flea medicine will last for up to 30 days after application. It is suitable for all adult dogs and puppies that are at least 8 weeks old. Sentry FiproGuard Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs can stop the flea life cycle and kills flea eggs and larvae for up to 12 weeks.
What we Like
- Veterinarian approved.
- Last for up to 30 days after application.
- Suitable for all adult dogs and puppies that are at least 8 weeks old
- Waterproof
- Active ingredients include fipronil, and (s)-methoprene.
- Will last for up to 30 days after application.
- Stops flea life cycle and kills flea eggs and larvae for up to 12 weeks.
11) Adams Plus Flea & Tick Pet Spray
Adams Plus Spray ranks top among the best flea medicine for dogs. Not only does the flea treatment for dogs keep fleas at bay but is very effective against other pests such as ticks and bugs.
This pet spray stops the life cycle as it contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) that will break the lifecycle of a flea for up to 8 weeks and prevents new infestations from forming. It gives your pets quick relief from biting fleas. The convenient trigger on the spray makes it easy to apply.
The Adams Plus Flea & Tick Pet Spray is known for killing Deer ticks that transmit Lyme disease to your four-legged best friend. This spray can be used to spray household areas that may be infested with bugs and where eggs and larvae hide.
It protects your home from future infestation and has been approved by veterinarians. It gives immediate and long-lasting protection from fleas for up to two months.
What we Like
- Contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) that will break the lifecycle of a flea.
- Prevents new infestations from forming.
- Gives your pet immediate and long-lasting relief from bugs.
- Kills deer ticks which are notorious for spreading Lyme disease.
- Easy and convenient to use.
- Approved by veterinarians.
- Protect your home from fleas for up to two months.
12) Natural Care Dog & Cat Flea & Tick Spray
This flea and tick spray has been formulated using botanical oils from plants such as peppermint oil and clove extract to give the highest quality and efficiency when it comes to treating your pets from pests.
As the best flea medicine for dogs, it kills fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitos on contact ensuring that your cats and dogs are always safe from unwanted and unwelcome pests. It comes in a 360 degrees continuous spray for easy and convenient use.
The bottle is also of high quality thus you will not experience any leakages during shipping. Due to the natural nature of this spray, it is safe to use on pets that are at least 12 weeks old and does not have any health hazard implications to your family. You can use the spray on pet bedding, kennels and household surfaces without worrying that it will leave some stains.
What we Like
- Safe on cats and dogs that are at least 12 weeks old.
- Formulated using botanical oils from plants such as peppermint oil and clove extract.
- Comes in a 360 degrees continuous spray for easy use.
- High-quality packaging to avoid leakages during shipping.
- It kills fleas, flea eggs, ticks and mosquitos on contact in that the pest does to have to bite your pet to die.
- Safe for the whole family.
- Do not leave stains on surfaces.
Related Posts
Best Flea Medicine for Dogs Buying Guide & FAQs
What to Look Out for When Purchasing the Best Flea Medicine for Dogs
Active Ingredients
The main ingredients determine the efficiency of dog medicine. The most common effective ingredients include; Afoxolaner (Brand name NexGard), Fipronil (Brand name Frontline), Fluralaner (Brand name Bravecto), Nitenpyram (Brand name Capstar), Spinosad (Brand name Comfortis).
You should however ensure that your pet is not allergic to a certain active ingredient as this would bring adverse side effects. The best flea medicine for dogs should be manufactured with high-potency ingredients that spare no pests.
Potential Toxins
Some of the active ingredients contained in the flea medicine might be toxic to pets in the house, pregnant women and babies. This is mainly common in flea collar and topical application medicine. Consult with your vet or do some research to ensure that everyone in the house is safe with the purchased flea medicine.
Medication Interaction
Some flea medications may interfere with the functioning of other medicine being administered to your dog. They may make the medicine useless and to be safe, you should consult with your vet before taking up new medicine.
Potential Side Effects
Much as most flea medicine in the market are FDA approved and are claimed to have no side effects or very mild side effects, it is good to double-check with the vet to ensure that your particular dog will not be affected by the medicine.
Dog’s Size, Age, Breed and Weight
Always confirm the right dosage for you dog as different medicine have different formulations for dogs of different size and different weights. Some medicine is breed-specific as certain breed will react differently. Also, ensure that your dog is of the advised age to avoid adverse side effects by some medicine.
See Also
Types of Best Flea Medicine for Dogs
Oral Tablets
These are typically given to pets that have already been attacked by fleas. They are available either over-the-counter or can be prescribed by a veterinarian and are the most effective way to get rid of fleas and ticks. They are also less messy to administer though can be quite pricey.
Advantages of Oral Tablets
- Very effective and results are almost immediate.
- Easy to administer.
- They will not pose danger to other pets or children in the household.
Disadvantages of Oral Tablets
- Costly
- Some require a veterinarian prescription.
Topical Treatments
These are spot-on treatments that mostly come in small liquid doses that you are supposed to apply directly to your pet’s skin most preferably at the back of the neck where oil glands are located. The glands will absorb the medicine and redistribute it throughout the pet’s body.
Advantages of Oral Topical Treatments
- They are a good substitute for pets that are especially not cooperative when it comes to taking oral medicine.
Disadvantages of Topical Treatments
- Can be messy on the hands during application.
- They can be harmful to other members of the family if accidentally ingested
- The pet can rub it off thus no results will be yielded.
- Some pets might not cooperate during application.
Flea Collars
Not only are flea collars good for getting rid of fleas, but they are also an effective way of preventing flea attacks. Some collars use oil and they may go for a long time without the need for replacement.
See Also: Best Flea Collar for Cats
Advantages of Flea Collars
- They are a good way of preventing flea infestation.
- They do not need frequent replacement.
- Some of the flea collars use natural Oils.
Disadvantages of Flea Collars
- Easily chewable especially if you do not fit them properly.
- Can slip off if not fitted properly.
- Dogs might term it as a nuisance.
- Due to the method of administration, they accumulate on the dog’s neck and do not distribute evenly to the rest of the body parts.
Related Post: Best LED Dog Collars
Flea Sprays
Designed to be used differently, some of the sprays are meant to be sprayed directly to your pooch; others are meant to be sprayed to the dog house while others are sprayed to the dog’s bedding. Their effectiveness and safety vary depending on the ingredients used to make the spray.
Advantages of Flea Sprays
- You do not have to directly apply the spray to the dog’s skin depending on which spray you have purchased.
Disadvantages of Flea Sprays
- There is a great variance in efficiency depending on which brand of spray has been purchased.
Flea Shampoos
They have proved efficient in eradicating a huge number of fleas almost immediately. They can be used in controlling a severe infestation before the application of other types and methods of flea treatment.
Advantages of Flea Shampoos
- Some shampoos can be soothing to the canine’s skin.
- You can use Shampoos with other types and methods of treatment.
- Reduces the flea population by a big margin.
Disadvantages of Flea Shampoos
- Shampoos are not the best choice when it comes to long-term protection.
- They cannot be used to prevent fleas from infesting your pet.
- Labor intensive when washing the dog.
Natural Flea Treatments
These are natural oils that can be used in the place of insecticides however they are not too effective in the control of fleas. Always have in mind that not all-natural substances are safe and it is safer to consult your veterinarian before administering these natural flea treatments.
Advantages of Natural Flea Treatments
- Natural thus free from synthetic chemicals and insecticides.
Disadvantages of Natural Flea Treatments
- You are not guaranteed safety when using them.
- They are not as effective as the other types of Flea treatments.
Benefits of the Best Flea Medicine for Dogs
- To keep off infections that are caused by flea – Fleas will cause itchiness which eventually results in sores. Sores, just like a wound, if left unattended they will be infected causing an infection to your pooch.
- Prevents Hair Loss – As the dog tries to satisfy the itching urge that is caused by fleas, it might end up losing some hair. The sores will also lead to hairless patches on your dog’s skin. This would result in an unhealthy and unpleasant-looking dog and no one wants to own such a pet.
- To avoid the infestation from worsening – Once your dog is flea-infested, the fleas lay eggs which eventually hatch into more fleas. If they are left unresolved, the fleas will keep hatching thus increased infestation. As a pet owner fleas should be eradicated as soon as possible to avoid the situation from getting out of hand.
- To avoid the risk of anemia – Fleas suck on your dog’s blood. The more they are and the longer they stay on your dog’s body, the more blood your dog loses. A lot of blood loss will eventually lead to an anemic dog which is a serious health condition. Fleas should be treated with urgency to avoid this.
- To mitigate the spread of other infectious diseases – Fleas can be vectors of diseases and can also transmit other parasites such as tapeworms. There are countless diseases that fleas harbor and transmit that you do not want on your dog thus you should take preventive measures to avoid a flea infestation.
- Prevents transmission of fleas from one pet to the other – In a household, if one pet is infested by fleas, more likely than not, other animals will also get attacked. To prevent a whole pandemic in your home it is advisable to take all the precautionary measures to avoid a flea infestation and to treat one as soon as it happens.
- Ensure access to all pet services – flea-infested pets are usually denied most of the pet services like dog’s daycare and grooming as nobody wants fleas transmitted from your dog to their dogs. So, to ensure your pet is not exempted from such places, you should prevent your pets from any flea infestation using the best flea medicine for dogs.
- Compliance with renting standards – Most landlords have set rules of flea subjection. Flea infested pets are also a nuisance to neighbors due to all the shortcomings that fleas come with if they happen to be transmitted. To create a peaceful and habitable environment, always treat flea infestation as soon as you notice it and also avoid fleas at all costs.
6 Tips for Preventing Fleas at Home
No matter how intense you treat fleas on your pet, if you don’t intentionally create an environment that will keep off fleas, then the infestation will keep on reoccurring. Below are some tips on how you can ensure that fleas are not constantly in our homes.
- Clean your pet’s bedding and other items such as toys that your dog uses with soap or detergent regularly and dry them under the sun. This will ensure that the flea, flea eggs, and larva are killed.
- Keep shrubs in your compound well-spaced. This allows sunlight to get to the leaves and branches thus reducing the number of pests harbored.
- Ensure that your yard is well fenced- Preferably use an electric fence that keeps off feral animals. Fleas are many at times harbored in these animals and when they sneak into your backyard, they end up bringing fleas and flea eggs which might infest your pet. Do not leave food outside as it will attract the undomesticated animals.
- Keep a clean and tidy back yard – Fleas will many at times hide on cracks and bushes that are dark and moist. Tidy up shrubs and mow your lawns frequently. Constantly spray your backyard with appropriate pesticides to keep off the bugs before they get to your pets.
- Remove adult bugs, their eggs, larvae and pupa by using a pet hair vacuum, mopping, wiping and sweeping your floor often even on the dark corners. Ensure that you dispose of the bag with the vacuumed dirt immediately.
- Fog your home – You should get a professional to occasionally fog your home as the chemicals used will effectively kill fleas at all life stages.
Best Flea Medicine for Dogs FAQs
Q: What are the Symptoms of Flea Infestation?
A: The most common symptom of a flea infestation is intense itching where your dog is always scratching with no symptoms of relief. The infestation is common during spring and summer.
Even when your dog not scratching, it is advisable to use a flea comb once in a while on your dog’s fur. Also, be on the lookout for flea dirt around your house as this would mean that fleas are moving in and necessary caution needs to be taken.
Q: Which parts of the dog’s body do Fleas attack?
A: Fleas can be hard to find especially on dogs that have very thick fur. If your dog has only a few fleas, they might be buried in its fur making it hard for you to spot them.
Fleas will attack any part of your dog’s body and love the dark warm areas. However, they are notorious for chomping your pooch’s stomach, the base of the tail, the backside of the ears, under the legs, on the neck and back legs.
Q: What Do You Do to Your House If It Is Flea-Infested?
A: If your house is infested by fleas, you can use do the following to start eliminating fleas.
- Use a powerful vacuum on floors, cracks and other tight spaces to get rid of the fleas, their eggs, and larvae hidden there. Dispose of the bag immediately.
- Employ a steam cleaner with high heat and soap to get rid of the larvae.
- Wash bedding in hot water and dry them in high heat or under the sun.
- Use chemical treatment.
Q: Can Fleas Bite People Without Pets at Home?
A: Yes, fleas will bite humans that do not own pets. They can harbor in tall grasses, woodpiles, storage areas, cracks and crevices and other dark areas too. Fleas will leave red bites on you. If you realize a pest infestation in your home, you should call a pest control person.
Q: How are Fleabites Treated?
A: Flea bites will often go away without any treatment. You can however apply over-the-counter anti-itch creams and antihistamines to relieve itching and swelling. You should also try as much as possible to not scratch the area but the anti-itch and antihistamine will help. However, the best way to prevent the bites is to get rid of the fleas so that flea bites never occur.
Conclusion
Which of the above best flea medicine for dogs will you try first? If your pet often gets infested by fleas, you should consult with your veterinarian for a lasting solution for flea control as some areas are more prone to fleas than others.
Always ensure that the medicine chosen is safe for your dog, your other pets and your entire family. Weigh the pros and cons of each method chosen and come to an informed decision of how to fight fleas and other bugs. However, prevention is the best way to avoid flea infestation.