The 6 best flea and tick treatments for dogs in 2024

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Fleas and ticks are harmful parasites that can cause a number of health issues in dogs. The best flea and tick treatments for dogs protect your pet from these common pests, as well as lice, mites, intestinal worms, and life-threatening heartworm infections. You can find safe and effective treatments in the form of topical spot-ons, chewable tablets, shampoos, and collars. Many dog flea medicines must be prescribed by your veterinarian, but some are available without a vet prescription, also known as over-the-counter (OTC).

To make our recommendations for the top flea and tick treatments, we spoke with veterinarians who explained how pet owners can control parasites in puppies and adult dogs. Then we researched products using the Companion Animal Parasite Council's quick product reference guide. Our top pick is Advantage Multi, a prescription medicine that prevents and controls fleas and protects against heartworm when used monthly. If you're looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, we recommend Frontline Plus for dogs, a monthly topical flea and tick treatment that you apply once a month.

It's important to ask your veterinarian what type of flea and tick preventative is best for your pet. The ideal product depends on your dog's temperament, lifestyle, and the most common parasites where you live. 

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best flea and tick treatments for dogs

Best topical preventative overall: Advantage Multi for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best OTC topical preventative: Frontline Plus for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best pill: Simparica TRIO - See at Chewy

Best collar: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best shampoo: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor - See at Chewy

Best for young puppies: Capstar for Dogs - See at Chewy

Best topical preventative overall

Not even the best flea medicines control every harmful parasite, but Advantage Multi for Dogs comes close. It's also one of our top picks for the best flea and tick treatments for puppies.

Advantage Multi is a topical spot-on product that contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin, which prevent flea infestations by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs. It also prevents heartworm, mange mites, and three intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms). But if your dog already has worms, your vet may recommend treating them with one of the best dog dewormers. As with all medications that prevent heartworm, your dog needs a heartworm test before starting Advantage Multi and annually after that.

Advantage Multi is easy to use: Every 30 days, apply it to your dog's skin at the base of their neck between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication is absorbed and dries within hours. Unlike other topical preventatives, you don't need to wear gloves to apply Advantage Multi. If you get the product on your hands, just wash them with soap and water. For a half-hour after application, keep dogs from licking the application site, either on themselves or other treated dogs. Children should not touch the application site for two hours.

Advantage Multi does not prevent ticks. If you need to control ticks, consider Frontline Plus for Dogs, Bravecto Topical for Dogs, or K9 Advantix II.

Best OTC topical preventative

Among the best flea and tick treatments for dogs, Frontline Plus is our top pick because it kills ticks and fleas, controls flea infestations, and kills chewing lice with one easy application. Each dose of Frontline Plus lasts up to three months for flea control. If you're concerned about ticks or biting lice, apply it monthly.

Frontline Plus has been used and trusted by pet owners for over 20 years. Parasites do not have to bite your dog for the treatment to work because the medicine works on contact. Its active ingredients, fipronil and S-methoprene, work together to kill parasites and break the flea life cycle. Fipronil kills adult fleas and ticks, while S-methoprene prevents flea eggs, larvae, and pupae from developing. If your pet has a lot of fleas, it can take up to a month of consistent use to get rid of them because flea eggs can be in your home but not on your dog.

Frontline Plus is easy to use. Squeeze all the liquid in the tube onto one spot of your dog's skin between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication spreads across the skin and gets stored in their oil glands. Then it distributes itself continuously via the hair follicles.

Best pill

Simparica TRIO is our pick for the best flea and tick treatment for dogs in pill form. The fast-acting chewable tablet kills more parasites than any other oral product. It starts to work within four hours and kills 100% of adult fleas on dogs within eight hours.

It may be tough to choose between an oral or topical flea control product because there are pros and cons to each type of product. In some cases, an oral preventive is a better choice. For instance, some dogs with sensitive skin can't tolerate spot-on treatments. "Oral products have the benefit of broad coverage to reach every spot of skin without the chance of the product being washed off," says Dr. Kate Crumley, a veterinarian with Blue Heron Consulting.  

You can give the liver-flavored tablets with or without food once a month. The treatment contains three ingredients (sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel) and provides an entire month of protection against more parasites than any other oral product. Simparica TRIO is also safe for some of the youngest puppies and smallest dogs. It requires a prescription from your veterinarian and a negative heartworm test. You should use it with caution if your dog has a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures.

Best collar

Editor's note: A March 2021 investigation by USA Today reported 1,700 animal deaths and other adverse reactions linked to Seresto flea collars. It's unknown if the EPA-approved pesticides used in the collar caused these incidents. You can read more about the safety of Seresto collars in our FAQs.

Flea collars were once the go-to method for flea control, but most collars don't offer the same level of protection as topical and oral treatments. One noteworthy collar is the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs, which uses sustained-release technology to provide eight months of continuous protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, four species of ticks, chewing lice, and mange mites.

In general, the best flea and tick treatments for dogs are topical spot-on and oral preventatives, but the Seresto collar might be a good option in certain situations. Dr. Kelley Lay, a relief veterinarian in Nashville, Tennessee, says that traditional flea and tick collars are generally not very effective. She has even seen allergic reactions and other issues with some of them. However, she says the Seresto collar is safe and effective and recommends it to clients with pets who don't tolerate topical or oral flea and tick preventives.

The collar is nongreasy, odor-free, lightweight, and adjustable for dogs of all sizes. Your dog can wear it alongside their regular collar, and it has a safety system to keep them safe if the collar gets caught on something. The collar's active ingredients, imidacloprid and flumethrin, are released in low concentrations over your dog's skin and coat to kill fleas and ticks on contact within 24 hours. You don't need to remove this water-resistant collar during swimming or bathing with one of the best dog shampoos.

Best shampoo

Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo is our top pick for the best flea and tick shampoos for dogs. In addition to killing fleas, flea eggs and larvae, ticks, and lice for up to 28 days, the shampoo soothes skin that has become dry and irritated from flea bites and constant scratching. 

The shampoo contains synthetic pesticides commonly included in flea and tick shampoos: pyrethrins and S-methoprene (Precor). It also contains piperonyl butoxide to enhance the effectiveness of those pesticides. Oatmeal helps heal irritated and itchy skin, and the shampoo has a pleasant coconut scent. 

Lay says flea shampoos are fine to use alongside prescription flea control medications. However, shampoos shouldn't be considered the first or best line of defense against fleas. Veterinarian-prescribed, year-round prevention remains the gold standard. Despite marketing claims, these shampoos don't provide substantial flea protection after the bath, so your dog may be susceptible to repeated infestations. Some ingredients in shampoos can also irritate the skin.

Best for young puppies

You want to eliminate fleas as quickly as possible if your dog has a heavy infestation, especially if they're a young puppy. Available without a prescription, Capstar for Dogs is the only flea control product safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds. With other topical and oral flea control medicines, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and sometimes older.

The active ingredient in Capstar, nitenpyram, works within 30 minutes and kills more than 90% of adult fleas in as little as four hours. It only protects for 24 hours, but it is safe to give daily if necessary. Daily dosing is helpful for young puppies who might not be old enough for an oral or spot-on treatment that provides long-term protection. Once your puppy is old enough, you should follow up with a flea control product that provides a month or more of protection.

What to look for in flea and tick treatments for dogs

Safety and efficacy: The best flea and tick treatments for dogs are ones that are approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can check the Animal Drugs @ FDA database to see if a medication is FDA-approved. If you don't see a drug listed in the FDA database, check the EPA's Pesticide Product and Label System to see if it's been approved by the EPA, which regulates some flea and tick treatments containing pesticides.

Number of parasites treated: Using a product that protects against more than just fleas is convenient. While your veterinarian can advise you on which product is best for your dog, we generally favor products that cover more parasites. 

There are some exceptions. For instance, Capstar treats only fleas, but it is the only medicine available for puppies younger than 6 weeks. OTC products, like Frontline Plus, protect against additional parasites such as ticks and lice but not heartworms. Products that treat heartworm always require a veterinary prescription.

Ease of use: The easier it is to use a product, the better. For example, chewable tablets are quick and easy to give your dog, provided they like the flavor. Products that require a person to wear gloves when they apply it or require the treated animal to stay away from children or other pets for a while may be a hassle. 

Minimum age and weight: Flea treatments are intended for dogs above a minimum age and weight. Your options for a very young puppy will be more limited until they are older and weigh more. 

Prescription vs. over-the-counter: Some flea control products are available over the counter. Others require a prescription from your veterinarian. You can buy prescription medicines from your veterinarian or online pet pharmacies and stores like Chewy, Petco, and PetSmart.

Prescription flea control products typically cost more than OTC options because they protect against more parasites, most importantly, deadly heartworms. Dogs must test negative for heartworms before starting a heartworm preventive. 

Types of flea and tick medications: There are several types of treatments, including topical, oral, collars, shampoos, and sprays. Cost, convenience, ease of use, and effectiveness vary among these products. Your vet can help you determine the best type for your dog. We advise against flea sprays because topical spot-ons and oral products are more effective. Remember that some dogs with sensitive skin may not tolerate topical products. Crumley says that frequent bathing or swimming may also reduce the effectiveness of a topical product that remains on the skin's surface.

Natural vs. synthetic: Our experts do not recommend using natural products instead of veterinarian-recommended topical and oral flea control. While natural treatments can deter fleas and ticks, they won't eliminate an infestation. "If you use them, be prepared to apply them at least daily before your pet goes outside for the best chance of keeping the hitchhikers from latching on," Crumley says. If you also have kitties at home, avoid natural flea control products containing essential oils because some can be toxic to cats.

Other pets in your home: Any product labeled for use in only dogs should never be given to a cat. Some ingredients can be toxic to cats. While any dog-only flea product can harm felines, cats are especially sensitive to pyrethrins. If you're looking for a safe product for your cat, check out our guide to the best flea and tick treatments for cats.

How we selected the best flea and tick treatments for dogs

We consulted two veterinarians for advice regarding the treatment and prevention of fleas and other parasites in dogs. This information guided our selection of the best flea and tick treatments for dogs, but our experts did not endorse any of the products included in this guide unless explicitly quoted.

We also conducted research using the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. This helpful reference includes all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals along with each product's active ingredients, directions for how to use it, and which parasites it controls.

Dog flea and trick treatments FAQs

What do vets recommend for fleas?

Getting rid of fleas can take several days to weeks. Veterinarians recommend a multipronged approach: Kill the existing fleas, prevent new infestations, and treat the environment, both indoors and outside. If you have multiple pets, treat them at the same time. Treating inside your home involves vacuuming where flea eggs and larvae like to hide, such as cracks and crevices, and washing bedding in hot water. Treating outdoors involves eliminating any areas where fleas could hide, such as piles of leaves and tall grass. If this process seems daunting, you can hire a pest control service.

What is the most effective flea treatment for dogs?

There is no single treatment that works best for all dogs. The best flea and tick treatments for dogs vary in many ways, including how many parasites they target, active ingredients, safety restrictions, and how long they're effective. The most desirable treatments provide long-lasting protection, target adult fleas as well as eggs and larvae, and are effective against other parasites, such as heartworm and intestinal worms. Your veterinarian can help you select the most appropriate product for your dog.

Do dogs really need flea and tick medicine?

Yes. Not only are fleas and ticks a big nuisance, they also carry diseases that can make dogs extremely ill. Although you may be tempted to use parasite preventives only in spring and summer, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites are resilient. Veterinarians recommend that dogs stay on broad-spectrum parasite preventives all year.

What are the types of flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Flea and tick medicines are available as oral and topical products, collars, and shampoos. Oral products are chewable tablets, while topical products are ointments that go directly on the skin. Flea collars have fallen out of favor because they are less effective than oral and topical treatments. Shampoos are also less effective and do not provide long-lasting flea protection. These medicines are available over the counter or by prescription and contain different active ingredients to kill and repel fleas and ticks. 

What kills fleas permanently?

To eliminate fleas permanently, you'll need to do more than kill adult fleas. The other developmental stages, egg and larvae, must also be eliminated. Products that kill the early stages of fleas are the most effective. Year-round flea and tick treatment is also crucial to preventing future infestations. It may take several weeks before all the fleas are gone.

Which is better, NexGard or Frontline?

Both NexGard and Frontline kill fleas at all life stages, plus ticks. Both treatments have their advantages. There are several Frontline products: Shield, Plus, and Gold. Our top choice for an OTC flea preventive is Frontline Plus, which also protects against chewing lice and helps control sarcoptic mange infestations. Compared to Frontline Plus, NexGard kills fleas more quickly (4 hours versus 12 hours) and ticks (24 hours versus 48 hours). For this reason, NexGard is a better choice for preventing the transmission of Lyme disease from ticks. Some veterinarians also use NexGard to treat mange.

What is the safest flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Flea and tick medicines are FDA-approved to be safe and effective. However, these medicines also have safety restrictions depending on age, weight, and whether a dog is pregnant or nursing. Some treatments also have safety warnings for dogs with a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders. As you evaluate flea and tick medicines, check the label to ensure it's safe for your dog. 

What is the difference between prescription and OTC flea medicine?

Some flea control products are sold over the counter, while others require a prescription. Prescription products typically cost more than OTC treatments because they protect against more parasites, including heartworms. However, OTC options can still provide effective, long-lasting treatment against fleas and other parasites.

Can I get flea and tick medicine without a vet prescription?

Yes, OTC treatments are available without a prescription. These medicines usually do not protect against as many parasites as prescription flea and tick products.

Do flea collars work?

Yes. Flea collars work but are generally less effective than topical or oral treatments. Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs provides eight months of protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, ticks, and mange mites. Lay recommends flea collars for dogs that cannot tolerate topical or oral flea products. 

Is Seresto harmful to dogs?

In March 2021, USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published a report alleging that the Seresto flea collar is linked to thousands of adverse incidents in pets and humans. To date, 2,500 pet deaths have been allegedly linked to the collar.

Elanco published a statement defending the collar's safety and efficacy. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Pet Poison Hotline followed suit. The EPA recommends pet owners read the entire label before using any flea collar and follow all directions carefully. Your veterinarian can provide additional safety guidance. Purchase a Seresto collar only from a reputable online retailer, brick-and-mortar store with a guarantee program, or your veterinarian. To verify product authenticity, call Elanco product support at 800-422-9874. If your pet has an adverse reaction, immediately remove the collar and call your veterinarian. Tim Carroll, EPA's press secretary, advises pet owners to contact the  National Pesticide Information Center and report adverse reactions to the EPA.

How can I tell if my dog has fleas?

Fleas are hard to see with the naked eye. Look for signs of a flea infestation on your dog, including nonstop biting, scratching, or licking and red, irritated skin. Flea dirt, a rust-colored mixture of blood meal and dried feces, is a telltale sign of fleas and can be found in places your dog spends time, such as their bed. Running a flea comb against the direction of your dog's fur can pick up the dirt. You can often see it on your dog in hard-to-reach places like the base of the tail, middle of the back, and groin. Other signs include pale gums, which are a sign of anemia, and patches of hair loss.