Sign in Pro
Best Flea Treatments For Dogs Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Using monthly treatments can help your pet in a variety of ways. I help to avoid allergic reactions as well as skin infections from the friction produced due to constant itching or scratching. You can also reduce the risk of worms and other parasites that are commonly transported by these types of irritants. The following buying guide contains helpful tips to assist you in selecting your best option.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Capacity
These types of medication typically come in individual doses and a single dose can generally last for up to four weeks. This is because the treatment does not just lay on the surface of the skin but is absorbed by it, so your pet carries it around in their system for constant protection during that four week period. Each application contained in a package is therefore considered a monthly dose.
Based on the brand you select and the price range of your selection, you can receive different amounts of dosage per package. Smaller and less expensive brands, for example typically carry between three and four doses per container. This means that you will need to reorder quite a few times during the year to ensure your pet has year round treatment.
The bigger named brands and the ones with more experience tend to have more doses per package. It is common to see them carry up to six doses per container which will last you for a period of six months. This means you only need to reorder once for the year which offers pet owners a level of convenience. Many have opted into acquiring both boxes at check out which will ensure their pet has year round protection from external parasites.
Effectiveness
There are some manufacturers who design their products to kill on contact. These selections usually work by drying out the exoskeleton of the parasites as soon as they come into contact with the solution. This means that they do not need to bite into your pet in order for them to be eradicated. It also ensures that all stages of the pest including eggs and larvae can be killed.
The medication used in these products are absorbed into the cells of the skin and remain there for extended periods of time that can go up to four weeks. This allows the medication to act as a preventative measure during this time. Since the treatment is within the cells there is no chance for a reinfestation. Almost every brand will have multiple doses per box allowing pet owners to provide year-round protection for their friends.
Generally, it can take up to twelve hours for this type of medication to become active and start eradicating pest infestations such as fleas and ticks. This is largely due to the way the active compounds operate and the time it will take to completely incapacitate the parasite. There are some ingredients, however, that work faster than others allowing some brands to have an almost instant response. These can kill irritants within ten minutes of application.
Use
Many of these products offer a triple action formula which is designed to kill fleas across all life cycles. This means that eggs, larvae, and adults are all destroyed through the application of this item. Because these parasites tend to lay eggs, it is a vital feature to be able to take care of them at any stage as clearing out the adults and leaving the eggs can result in reinfestation in the future.
These products are not just for use in emergency situations, they can also be used as a preventative measure. With parasites that carry diseases, you can never be too cautious. Many manufacturers design their models to remain active even past the initial treatment. Protection can continue for up to four weeks in some brands which allow you to administer monthly treatments to your pet.
There is a range of parasites besides fleas that can be controlled using this same formula. These include ticks who are usually present along with the fleas and can also be present with lice. There are some companies that can address up to ten different external parasites. Common inclusion on this list are mosquitoes who, much like their counterparts, carry diseases that can harm your pet.
Brand
Frontline is a company that has spent almost twenty years building a reputation for high-quality products that deliver results. This has caused them to be at the top of the list when it comes to vets and what they are willing to recommend to pet owners. They use high-quality ingredients such as fipronil and methoprene. Their formula is designed to be stored in the oil glands so you get a full thirty days worth of protection from each application.
Sentry Pet Care is known for its similarities to the frontline brand. They cater to the health and well being of various pets including dogs. Their product lines include medication for external parasites such as fleas and ticks. They also treat internal pests such as worms. The company also offers training and additional information for pet owners who would like to make use of behavioral training for their friends.
Vetriscience Laboratories has over forty years of experience under their belt. The put a lot of research behind their products to ensure consumers receive high quality and effective medication. This brand has been recommended by vets as a safe option that can be used to supplement traditional therapies offered in their field. They have a unique product line that is certain to cover the needs of your companion.
Materials
Pyriproxyfen is the ingredient in this item that disrupts the life cycle of external parasites. It stops the eggs from being able to hatch, preventing any reinfestation once the adults have been killed. This compound will work on the eggs of both fleas as well as ticks. Since it does not work on adults, this selection is usually paired with another compound to complete treatment of bacteria carrying external parasites.
There are brands on the market that make use of a compound called fipronil which is a common insecticide. It works when the substance is ingested but it can also prove effective upon contact. This substance kills pests by crippling their nervous system, it does this by binding their nerve endings which results in their eventual death as they are unable to carry out basic bodily functions.
Permethrin is an insecticide that is designed to repel and kill external parasites such as ticks, fleas, mites, and lice. It belongs to a group called pyrethrins which unlike their synthetic counterparts pyrethroids come from natural sources and limits the possibility of your pet having diverse reactions from the medication. It works by inducing paralysis in the insect that ultimately results in its death.
10 Best Flea Treatments For Dogs
1. Frontline Plus
The Frontline Plus is waterproof which allows the treatment to last longer after being administered. This flea treatment for dogs has been recommended to pet owners by vets for over ten years. It is tested and proven to kill parasites such as ticks and fleas within twelve hours after the formula has been applied and remains active for up to one month. This selection attacks all three life stages from eggs all the way through to adults.
Use
The formula used in this selection can be used to effectively prevent the life cycle and activity of disease-carrying parasites which include fleas and ticks. It also controls the activity of lice.
Brand
Frontline has built a reputation for safe and effective treatments and has, therefore, earned the trust of veterans worldwide. This product continues to be one of the most recommended and has held that title for over ten years.
Cost and Value
The Frontline Plus has a high price range, however, the easy to use applicator allows you to treat a single spot with the entire dose. Since the product is waterproof it stays on during all your pet’s daily activities.
2. Advecta II
The Advecta II kills eggs, larva and adult fleas with the same ingredients as those used by Bayer Advantage II. This is easy to use and safe for pets to use from the age of seven weeks. You can expect results within just twelve hours of your initial application with a period of protection that extends for up to four weeks. This formula is waterproof for long-lasting results including lice control.
Materials
There are two main active ingredients included in this formula and they are the same ones used by major brands such as Bayer Advantage II. They are listed as pyriproxyfen and imidacloprid.
Capacity
This selection contains four applications per package. Since only one application should be used at any given time and lasts for a period of up to four weeks. This four application package lasts for a total of up to four months.
Cost and Value
The Advecta II has a low price range. The waterproof solution is scent free and guaranteed to withstand any activity your pet chooses to engage in during the protective period.
3. Bayer Advantix K9
The Bayer Advantix K9 tick prevention is recommended by vets and attacks fleas in all their stages of life. This can kill parasites without them having to ingest it, from the moment it comes into contact with them they are vanquished. It also offers the added protection of repelling other common irritants that transmit diseases such as mosquitoes. Each application lasts for up to four weeks.
Effectiveness
The formula in this medication works by drying out the skin of these pests and this is done upon contact with the solution. This ensures they do not need to bite your pet in order to be eradicated and all stages can be contained with a single dose.
Use
Both fleas and ticks are killed using the Bayer Advantix K9 and, since it stays in the system for up to four weeks, it also acts as a preventative measure for future attempts at infestation. Mosquitoes are also included in the scope of control for this selection.
Cost and Value
The Bayer Advantix K9 has a medium price range. Each dose of this formula lasts for up to four weeks after initial use, providing users with four months worth of protection per package.
4. Sentry Fiproguard Plus
The Sentry Fiproguard Plus squeeze on formula kills all life stages of fleas and ticks with a thirty day protection period after initial application. This kills all three life stages of external parasites such as fleas and ticks, from eggs all the way up through to adults. It is easy to use and each model of the formula is designed to work with pets of a specific weight range. Safe for use on your friend once they are eight weeks or older.
Brand
The sentry brand is a well-established company that has made a reputation for catering to the health care of friends such as dogs. They cater to fleas, ticks, worms and even provide behavioral training programs and information for pet owners.
Materials
One of the main ingredients used in the manufacturing of this product is fipronil. This insecticide attacks the nervous system of insects by binding their nerve endings which results in death should they ingest or be exposed to the compound.
Cost and Value
The Sentry Fiproguard Plus squeeze on formula has a medium price range. It is effective at killing and preventing external parasites at all cycles of life from eggs all the way up through to adulthood.
5. Bayer Advantage for Medium Dogs
The Bayer Advantage for Medium Dogs is easy to apply and starts working within twelve hours of initial use. This flea treatment starts working within twelve hours of application and offers triple action protection, killing parasites from the eggs stage all the way up through to adults. The formula paralyzes the fleas and ticks upon contact so they won’t need to bite into your pet in order to be killed.
Capacity
This selection contains four applications per package. Since only one application should be used at any given time and lasts for a period of up to four weeks. This four application package lasts for a total of up to four months.
Effectiveness
The medication contained in this selection begins to kill pests within twelve hours of the initial application and continues to offer protection for up to four weeks after initial exposure to the formula.
Cost and Value
TheBayer Advantage for Medium Dogs has a high price range. It is designed to be used on dogs only and should not be given to cats as the compounds contained in the formula can prove fatal to them.
6. Pro-Sense
The Pro-Sense flea prevention is safe to use from twelve weeks of age and prevents reinfestation for up to four weeks after initial use. It acts as a preventative for up to five external parasites that carry disease including mosquitoes and remains active for up to four weeks. It is safe for all pets that are over the age of twelve weeks with a three month supply contained in each package. This formula kills on contact, no need for biting by these pesky irritants.
Use
Both fleas and ticks are killed using this item and since it stays in the system for up to four weeks it also acts as a preventative measure for future attempts at infestation. Mosquitoes, lice, and mites are also included in the scope of control for this selection.
Materials
Permethrin is the main active ingredient used in the production and it belongs to the pyrethrin family which is natural insecticides that are safe for your pet to use and free from adverse side effects.
Cost and Value
Pro-Sense flea prevention has a low price range. Each package contains detailed directions on how to accurately apply the treatment to your pet and has one of the most diverse groups when it comes to pest prevention.
7. Vetri-Science Laboratories
The Vetri-Science Laboratories defense formula starts working quickly after the initial use with protection that lasts for some time after. It is designed to target parasites based on the weight of your pet. The main ingredients used in this formula include fipronil which is effective on a range of external parasites including fleas, ticks, lice, and mosquitoes. Each box contains three doses and is waterproof for long-lasting results.
Brand
This option from Vetri-Science Laboratories offers a range of supplements that can be utilized alongside your visits to the vet. They use high-quality products that have been tested for safety and efficiency under the watchful eye of professional vets.
Capacity
This selection contains three applications per package. Since only one application should be used at any given time and lasts for a period of up to four weeks. This three application package lasts for a total of up to three months.
Cost and Value
The Vetri-Science Laboratories defense formula has a low price range. This waterproof formula ensures the treatment remains active even after your pet has been exposed to water or moisture.
8. Adventure Plus
The Adventure Plus dog formula offers triple flea protection and starts working almost instantly upon contact. It is designed to kill on contact so your pet won’t have to be bitten by parasites in order for the formula to kill them. The active ingredients used in this item is similar to those contained in the Advantage II selection and mirrors its waterproof protection for longer lasting results.
Materials
There are two main active ingredients included in this formula and they are the same ones used by major brands such as Bayer Advantage II. They are listed as pyriproxyfen and imidacloprid.
Effectiveness
The formula in this medication works by drying out the skin of these pests and this is done upon contact with the solution. This ensures they do not need to bite your pet in order to be eradicated and all stages can be contained with a single dose.
Cost and Value
The Adventure Plus dog formula has a low price range. It is approved for use in the United States of America and is also packaged and manufactured locally in homegrown factories.
9. Provecta Advanced
The Provecta Advanced dog formula is easy to use and waterproof for a longer lasting result after initial application. It is designed to work according to the weight range of your pet. The formula only needs to be applied once for protection than spans up to four weeks. External parasites that carry diseases such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice are all controlled with the use of this item.
Capacity
Provecta Advanced contains four applications per package since only one application should be used at any given time and lasts for a period of up to four weeks. This four application package lasts for a total of up to four months.
Use
Both fleas and ticks are killed using this item and since it stays in the system for up to four weeks it also acts as a preventative measure for future attempts at infestation. Mosquitoes, lice, and mites are also included in the scope of control for this selection.
Cost and Value
The Provecta Advanced has a moderately low price range. It is a great alternative to larger brands which tend to have more expensive products. This brand offers a high level of efficiency.
10. CrossBlock
The Crossblock contains individually packaged monthly doses that last for a period of three months. This flea treatment for dogs is safe to be used from the age of seven weeks and has the unique privilege of being linked to Advantage II products as a generic model. Not only does it have the same active ingredients but it also shares the same high level of efficiency consumers have come to associate with the Bayer brand.
Effectiveness
The formula works by drying out the skin of these pests and this is done upon contact with the solution. This ensures they do not need to bite your pet in order to be eradicated and all stages can be contained with a single dose.
Materials
There are two main active ingredients included in this formula and they are the same ones used by major brands such as Bayer Advantage II. They are listed as pyriproxyfen and imidacloprid.
Cost and Value
The Crossblock (3 pack) flea preventative has a low price range. All product details are contained in an insert found within your product kit. It has waterproof properties for longer lasting results.
