Protect your pooch from irritating insects with the best flea treatments for dogs. These nasty little bugs can cause all sorts of problems for your furry friend, so knowing how to prevent and treat flea infections is a vital part of owning a dog.
While they might seem like an annoyance for your pets, fleas can actually have serious health implications for your dog. The main symptom of a flea infestation will be itchy, sore skin, but fleas can carry other parasites like tapeworms, cause anemia, or, in rare cases, even carry the plague.
None of that sounds great, so it’s important to stay on top of your dog’s health. The best cure is always prevention, so we’d recommend regular flea prevention treatments — either as a topical treatment or a flea collar. You should also be checking your dog’s fur often for signs of infestation. You’ll naturally have plenty of chances to look for critters while cleaning your pooch with the best dog shampoo and best dog conditioners.
We consulted with expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey on this guide to the best flea treatment for dogs, reviewing a range of collars, tablets, chews, and spot-ons to make sure you can find the right treatment for your dog. And if you have cats in your home too, be sure to check out our best flea treatment for cats guide.
Dr Hannah Godfrey is a small animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but focussed on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.
PetsRadar's pick of the best flea treatment for dogs
Topical flea treatments are typically applied once a month to a dog’s back or neck, and can provide weeks of protection against flea infestations. Usually effective against both fleas and ticks, their efficacy and how well they are tolerated by dogs depends on the active ingredients.
Frontline Plus is our pick for best flea treatment for dogs because it is easy to use, safe for dogs of almost all sizes, effective at killing both fleas and ticks at all stages of life, and waterproof (after 24 hours).
While some flea treatments are either effective or easy to use, Frontline Plus has been a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick treatment for years for its combination of effectiveness, ease of use and being well-tolerated by dogs.
Frontline Plus is a monthly, topical liquid that’s one-and-done for up to 30 days of protection against both flea and tick infestations. Frontline Plus contains two separate active ingredients that, combined, kill fleas and ticks and their eggs and larvae for up to 30 days with one application. If your dog doesn’t like to be fussed with, the once-a-month dosage is a boon.
Frontline Plus begins killing fleas after four hours, and within 12 hours kills 100% of fleas on contact, so a flea doesn’t have to bite your dog to be affected. However, the chemicals are hazardous to humans, so it’s important to avoid touching freshly-applied Frontline. Application on dogs with long-hair coats is more difficult than on smooth coat pups, as it’s important to get the solution close to the dog’s skin.
Advantix kills more insects than Frontline, proving lethal to mosquitos and lice in addition to fleas and ticks, but it’s more expensive – up to 30% more than Frontline Plus. Whether that extra coverage is worth it to you will depend largely on your environment and the likelihood that your dog will encounter mosquitos or lice often enough to warrant the prevention.
We put the NextStar Flea & Tick Topical treatment to the test to see how it performed and how easy it was to use. Our tester Michael used this treatment on his two dogs Petey and Tito and was impressed with how easy this product was to use. Designed to be effective for 30 days before reapplication is needed, NextStar’s Flea & Tick Topical is made in various sizes depending on the size of your dog. Michael tested the 5-22lbs variety as his dogs weigh 10lbs each.
Michael said, ‘[The packing] is easy to open, instructions are explicitly clear – reasonably, no one should be able to mess up how to apply the product’. The product simply needs to be applied down the ridge back of the dog. During testing, Michael found the application simple and his dog Tito was ‘non-plussed’ while he applied it.
This product is waterproof and you can bathe your dogs not too long after applying. In terms of the product’s application, Michael said, ‘The product has no distinct odor, but it does seem kind of greasy, even after a few days.’
Overall, this flea treatment did everything we needed it to. It was easy to apply, effective and our tester’s dogs found the process comfortable.
Topical treatments can be really expensive and when you consider that you have to reapply them every 30 days, the cost can soon add up. Thankfully, Hartz have created an incredibly affordable three-pack that you can pick up for under $6 - now that's what we call a bargain!
Effective against fleas and ticks, this topical treatment gets to work fast, killing any parasites on your dog's coat in just 15 minutes and preventing future outbreaks. It's waterproof 48 hours after application and can be used on puppies and dogs over the age of 12 weeks and weighing more than 5 lbs.
While some pet parents report that this formula from Hartz isn't as effective as a brand like Frontline, others say they've had overwhelming success with this topical. Given how affordable it is, we feel it's well worth a shot if you're looking for an affordable way to keep fleas at bay.
Flea collars offer a more budget-friendly way to protect your pup against flea infestations. As their name implies, they’re worn around a dog’s neck, though they’re not intended to act as a replacement for a tag-displaying collar.
Our pick for best flea collar, the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar by Bayer, offers eight months of protection with one application. And at a cost close to that of six months of topical treatments, Seresto can save you money. Applying it is as easy as putting the collar on your dog and leaving it there.
Seresto differs from most flea collars in its design. Made from a unique polymer matrix, it releases low levels of its active ingredients over long periods of time, maintaining its effectiveness for up to eight months. It starts killing fleas within 24 hours and controls them at all stages of its lifecycle.
Seresto is odorless, non-greasy, and kills fleas on contact, so they don’t have to bite your dog for it to work. Seresto is water-resistant, so it can be worn during baths or for swimming, although frequent exposure to water can reduce its length of effectiveness. Dog owners worried that a collar might catch or choke their pup will be pleased to know that Seresto features a two-way release safety feature. It also features visibility reflectors to help keep your dog safe at night.
If your dog has a thick, fluffy coat, a flea collar needs to be adjusted to get close enough to your dog’s skin so it can be most effective. One other caveat is while other treatments provide a monthly reminder to maintain your pup’s medication, it’s easy to lose track of how long your pup has been sporting its current collar. With a little extra vigilance (or at least a note on your calendar), a flea collar is an excellent, budget-friendly way to keep your dog flea-free.
If you’re looking for a shampoo that will kill fleas, ticks, lice, and their eggs on contact but still be gentle on your furkid’s skin and coat, then this formula from Adams is a great choice.
Designed for sensitive skin but suitable for all skin types, it has a rich and creamy texture for the perfect lather and it comes packed full of aloe vera, lanolin, and oatmeal to soothe the skin.
Containing an insect growth regulator that kills and prevents flea development for up to 28 days and it’s infused with coconut oil for a clean and fresh scent. We love that this shampoo is safe for use on both dogs and cats (great if you have a multi-pet household!) and is suitable for ages 12 weeks and up.
As well as killing parasites, this deeply conditioning shampoo is also ideal for removing dandruff, dirt, and scales, and depending on the size of your pet, you’ll only need to use 1-2 tbsps per wash, so the bottle should last you a good while.
It always feels like you’re getting away with something when you trick your dog into thinking their medicine is a treat, but we can live with the guilt. Chewable flea treatments for dogs provide a mess-free option that your dog will genuinely enjoy and can last as long as (or longer than) other treatments. The downside is they can be expensive and can have more frequent side effects than other types of flea medications.
Our pick for the best chewable flea treatment is NexGard. NexGard is effective at killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs and it comes in a beef flavor that most dogs seem to like, making it one of the easiest flea treatments to apply.
The trade-off for that ease of use is a laundry list of possible side-effects. Because your dog is digesting the treatment, side-effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
The only real way to know how your dog will react to NexGard is to give it to them and observe their behavior over the next 24-48 hours. Any negative reaction is usually temporary, but talk to your vet about it should you see any symptoms. NexGard is veterinarian-recommended and FDA-approved.
If you're looking for a gentle and natural way to rid both your hound and home of fleas, this formula from Vet's Best is well worth a try. It's important to remember that once your dog has fleas, so too does your house, so a flea spray is a great way to treat your bedding, carpets and clothes, as well as your pooch.
This effective formula contains certified natural essential oils and plant-based ingredients that provide a safe and fast acting formula for flea and tick removal and prevention. It will also kill flea larvae and eggs, as well as mosquitos and the mist sprayer is gentle enough to be applied to dogs and puppies over the age of 12 weeks.
If you’re after a flea treatment for dogs that is fast-acting and will provide instant relief to your pooch, these Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs are ideal. Formulated with the active ingredient of Nitenpyram, this makes them highly effective in getting rid of fleas in dogs. These fast-acting tablets start to work in just 30 minutes, and have a 90% success rate in killing adult fleas in four hours.
The tablets are small and easy-to-swallow which makes them suitable to give to puppies four weeks and older. And while they may be tiny tablets, a single dose is strong enough to get rid of any parasite infestation in minutes. This should relieve the unpleasant scratching and discomfort your canine companion is experiencing. But they are also safe to give daily should your pooch get infested again.
The Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs are slightly more expensive than other treatments on the market, and you only get six in a pack. However, these tiny tablets are fast-acting and provide long-lasting protection, making it a worthwhile purchase.
If your canine companion is currently crawling with fleas and you're looking for a fast, effective and affordable way to kick those hitchhikers to the curb, then these tablets from CapAction are just the ticket.
While rival Capstar has long dominated the market when it comes to oral flea medication, CapAction is beginning to bridge the gap, offering a product that is substantially more accessible and affordable for those on a budget while containing exactly the same ingredients.
Getting to work within 30 minutes, this pack of six tablets treats flea infestations fast and is suitable to use on puppies and dogs over four weeks of age and weighing between 2-25 lbs. Vet-recommended, CapAction is safe, easy to use and will have your hound feeling happy again in no time.
If your canine companion is on the larger size, then the Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Large Dogs is ideal. Specially formulated for dogs weighing 45 to 88 pounds, this fast-acting treatment will kill adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, chewing lice and ticks.
The long-lasting effects are due to its two active ingredients, fipronil and (S)-methoprene, that effectively disrupts the life cycle of fleas and prevents future infestations.
It’s simple to use with one application directly onto your canine companion. Part your dog’s hair between the shoulder blades, place the tip of the applicator above the skin and squeeze the contents of the applicator in a single spot. It’s advisable not to apply on top of the haircoat, and to avoid contact until dry. Another bonus is it’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying if your pooch gets wet.
Although the treatment lasts for 30 days, you can always reapply afterwards for that extra protection against pesky fleas and parasites. You can buy from three doses up to eight doses for an 8-month supply.
One downside mentioned by a few customers is the treatment can leave a greasy residue on fur. But this will easily come off in a day or two. It’s also worth noting that it is rather expensive compared to other treatments. However, the Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Large Dogs is an effective, fast-acting, flea treatment that’s easy to use and will quickly solve your pup’s discomfort. Which makes it a worthwhile investment.
If you have a pint-sized pooch weighing between 4-10 pounds, then this topical treatment from Advantix is well worth considering. Easy to apply and offering 30 days of protection, this formula starts working within 12 hours of application, killing fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact.
We love that this treatment is waterproof after 24 hours, so it's a great choice if your little one likes getting wet. The only downside is that unlike some brands that contain three applications, you'll only get two in this pack, although this is factored into the price, so don't worry, you won't be paying more for less!
All-in-all, this is a really great topical treatment for small dogs from a reputable and well reviewed brand. Oh, and did we mention it's vet-recommended? Great for giving you peace of mind that you're using a safe and effective formula on your furkid.
Looking for a tasty way to supplement your dog's existing flea treatment? Then look no further than these tasty savory-flavored chews! Fast-acting and long-lasting, they contain the active ingredient Imidacloprid which spreads throughout your dog's body to kill fleas fast.
With a rich and meaty flavor, these chews are suitable for all breeds over 23 lbs and they have a soft texture, which makes them ideal if your pup has sore teeth or gums that makes chewing a challenge.
Available without a prescription, the ingredients in the chew get to work killing fleas as quickly as one hour after consumption. Safe and effective, you can give one soft chew every 24 hours and they can be used alongside can be used together with heartworm preventatives, dewormers, shampoos and antibiotics.
Just one thing worth noting - the chews can only treat fleas, they can't prevent them. With that in mind, you'll want to make sure you invest in a flea collar or topical flea treatment to ensure your pup is protected from pesky parasites 24/7.
Looking for an alternative to leading brand Frontline Plus? Aimed at dogs aged 8 weeks or older, PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Prevention is a waterproof treatment that is aimed at disrupting the flea lifecycle, taking effect within 24 hours to kill fleas, eggs, larvae, ticks, and chewing lice.
It's very easy to apply, with instructions included should you have any trouble. Each dose lasts for a month with a regular six-issue packet providing up to six months of protection.
While the product has a successful track record of breaking the flea cycle and is lauded by pet owners for its ease of use, the high price may be a drawback for some.
How to choose the best flea treatment for your dog
1. Treatment type
If you struggle to give your dog tablets, or you think they’re too fussy to be interested in a medicated chew or treat, it’s a good idea to look at the non-oral options. Certain topical spot-on products and medicated collars are very effective, as long as they are veterinary licensed.
2. Licensed or unlicensed products
Not all flea treatments are equally effective, even if they look similar and seem to contain the same ingredients. Your veterinary clinic will be stocked with licensed products that undergo stringent testing both for safety and effectiveness. Some of these will be prescription-only, meaning your veterinarian will need to have given your dog an examination recently to be able to prescribe them. Of course, some products available online or from the pet store are also effective, but others are not regulated in terms of the amount of the active ingredient contained within the treatment, meaning they may not work well. Your veterinarian will be able to suggest some trusted over-the-counter products.
3. Active ingredients
The active ingredient is important for several reasons. Firstly, if your dog has ever had any side effects after receiving treatment for fleas, it would be sensible to avoid using similar products that contain the same active ingredient in case another reaction occurs. Secondly, if you find that the flea treatment you are currently using isn't doing the trick and your dog still has fleas, you might want to choose a product with a different active ingredient that may be more effective. Finally, certain dog breeds are more likely to experience reactions to certain active ingredients, for instance, ivermectin is best avoided in collies. Therefore, knowing the active ingredients in the flea treatment you intend to buy is important.
4. Check the details
Not all dog flea treatments are suitable for all dogs. Ensure that the product you select is dog-specific and meant for your dog’s weight, age, and breed. If your dog is pregnant, lactating, or has any health conditions, check the information leaflet or ask your veterinarian before using any flea treatments.
How to tell if your dog needs flea treatment?
It’s best to treat your dog for fleas as a preventative rather than wait until you see live fleas on them. This will ensure that they don’t develop sore or itchy skin or skin infections and stop them from bringing fleas into your home. Licensed veterinary flea products are safe and effective to use as a preventative and any side effects are rare and relatively mild.
If you spot signs that your dog has fleas, including hair loss, nibbling, scratching, flea dirt, or oozy or red skin lesions, it’s important to treat your dog as soon as possible and seek advice from a veterinarian in case they need additional medication to clear any infection or help the skin heal. You might also need to treat your home for fleas by hot washing any removable soft furnishings and using a pet-safe household flea spray.
Can you use all flea treatments on puppies?
Not all flea treatments are safe for use in puppies. Very young puppies and those under 2lbs/1kg in weight should only be treated with a specifically licensed product, which is usually a fipronil-based flea spray solution. It’s important to read the instructions carefully when treating young puppies, as the application process can vary with weight. Once your puppy is over 2lbs/1kg, other treatment options, like spot-ons and chews, are available.
How can you prevent your dog from getting fleas?
The best way to prevent your dog from getting fleas is to treat all cats, dogs, and rabbits in your household for fleas regularly. The exact frequency of treatment may vary depending on the product used, so you should always read the instructions on the label; however, most involve monthly treatment. If you’re using a flea control treatment regularly on your dog, but you’re still finding fleas, speak to your veterinarian for advice.
Should I clean my house if my dog has fleas?
Prevention is the best strategy, but it’s not foolproof and if you do get a flea infestation, they can be a real nightmare to get rid of, even when you’re using flea treatments on your dog.
“The reason your dog’s fleas won’t go away even after treating them with a vet-approved product, is the fleas are living elsewhere in your home or on other pets.” explains Dr Hannah Godfrey. “Fleas can jump onto your dog, bite and feed from them, then jump off again, so when you apply a flea product to your dog, you’re only actually treating the population of fleas that he’s carrying at that moment, not the others elsewhere in the environment.”
If you want to be free of the infestation for good, then yes, you’ll need to treat your home too. Dr Godfrey recommends using a “ pet-safe, vet-approved flea spray on the rest of your home, paying attention to the instructions on the can.” You should also regularly vacuum carpets and hot wash any blankets, towels, or other fabrics that your dog lies on.
“I see lots of dog owners at their wit’s end because their dog still has fleas, but treating their dog, other pets, and the home at the same time almost always solves the problem” encourages Dr Godfrey. Just make sure you don’t let off the gas when the fleas seem to be gone. As our expert vet puts it, “you should keep up with flea treatment even after your dog’s fleas are gone, or it won’t take long for them to get fleas again”.
