Fleas and ticks in dogs are a common cause of itching, hair loss, redness, and discomfort. Dogs often pick up fleas and ticks from grassy parks, wooded trails, kennels, or even other pets.
Fleas and ticks can hide in fur for weeks and are easy to overlook. Left untreated, they can lead to secondary skin infections, transmit serious diseases, or, in some cases, allergic reactions in dogs. That’s why early detection and consistent prevention are essential.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we discuss flea and tick control for dogs, covering some of the most common flea and tick pills for dogs and other products!
Overview:
- Fleas and ticks can pose serious health risks for dogs.
- A variety of treatment and preventive options are available to protect dogs against fleas and ticks, including oral medications, topical solutions, and collars.
- The best choice depends on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and individual health needs.
Are Fleas & Ticks Harmful to Dogs?
Yes, aside from itching and discomfort, fleas and ticks can also be the source of other health issues in dogs, such as the following:
1. Allergic Reactions
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common allergies in dogs, triggered by just a single flea bite. It causes intense itching, redness, hair loss, and inflamed skin. While less common, tick bites also cause localized allergic reactions in some dogs.
2. Secondary Skin Infections
Constant scratching and biting caused by flea or tick irritation can break your pet’s skin, leaving them vulnerable to bacterial skin infections. These infections often require antibiotics and can lead to scabbing, oozing sores, or more widespread dermatitis if left untreated.
3. Anemia
Heavy flea and tick infestations can lead to blood loss and anemia, especially in puppies or small dogs. Anemia, if left untreated, can become life-threatening.
4. Tick-Borne Diseases
Ticks can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. These diseases may cause uncomfortable symptoms (e.g., fever, weakness) as well as life-threatening complications. Some tick-borne diseases can become chronic or fatal if left untreated.
5. Flea-Borne Diseases
Fleas aren’t just a cause of itchiness in dogs; they also carry harmful pathogens. Dogs can contract tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas or suffer from bacterial infections, such as cat scratch fever.
Dog Flea And Tick Prevention vs Control
Some pet parents may wonder: “What is the difference between preventing and controlling fleas and ticks in dogs? Don’t the products overlap?”
The short answer: While many products serve both purposes, there’s a key difference between simply preventing fleas and ticks versus actively managing or controlling an existing infestation.
Here’s the key difference between flea and tick prevention and treatment:
A. Dog Flea And Tick Prevention
Flea and tick prevention for dogs focuses on stopping infestations before they begin. Preventive products either repel parasites before they bite or kill them quickly after attachment, reducing the risk of disease transmission and breaking the life cycle early.
B. Flea And Tick Control For Dogs
Flea and tick control, on the other hand, addresses an active infestation, whether it’s fleas crawling on your dog or ticks already embedded in the skin. This involves fast-acting treatments, combined with longer-term products to make sure that all life stages of fleas and ticks are addressed.
In addition, your vet may also recommend a general clean-up to remove hidden eggs and larvae and to reduce places where fleas and ticks can hide. Clean-up recommendations include:
- Washing dog bedding
- Vacuuming floors and carpets
- Clearing the yard and yard treatments
I. Flea And Tick Pill For Dogs
Flea and tick pills for dogs are generally intended for prevention, as they typically kill only adult fleas and ticks (NOT the eggs and larvae). Among the products listed below, Capstar is the only one that is NOT a preventive; it’s designed solely for fast, short-term relief from active flea infestations.
Note: To find the best flea and tick preventive for your dog, we always recommend consulting a trusted vet. Most of the following are available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME.
1. NexGard
- Application: Prevention, treatment (for some cases)
- Against adult fleas and ticks
NexGard is a widely recognized, fast-acting flea and tick pill for dogs that targets the adult life stages of both fleas and ticks. This product starts working within just 4 hours. NexGard also comes in a chewable consistency and has a palatable beef flavor, making administration relatively easy.
2. Bravecto
- Application: Prevention, treatment (for some cases)
- Against adult fleas and ticks
Bravecto is a flea and tick pill for dogs formulated to kill adult fleas and ticks. It is known for its extended duration of protection, lasting up to 12 weeks against fleas and some tick species, and 8 weeks against lone star ticks. It is a great choice for busy pet parents. Bravecto also has a chewable consistency like most on this list, and it has a pork liver flavor that appeals to some dogs.
3. Credelio
- Application: Prevention, treatment (for some cases)
- Against adult fleas and ticks
Next on our list of flea and tick pills for dogs is Credelio. This monthly preventive is generally well-tolerated, especially in small dogs. Credelio is also chewable and beef-flavored, making it appealing to many dogs.
4. Simparica Trio
- Application: Prevention, treatment (for some cases)
- Against adult fleas and ticks
- Additional: kills heartworm larvae, adult roundworms, & adult hookworms
Simparica Trio is a monthly flea and tick pill for dogs that also provides broad-spectrum protection against common internal parasites.
Many pet parents favor this product because it can serve as a dog’s anti-tick, flea, and heartworm preventive in one. In addition, Simparica Trio also kills adult roundworms and hookworms.
In terms of flavor and consistency, Simparica Trio is chewable with a pork liver flavor that dogs find appealing.
5. Capstar
- Application: Initial treatment (relief)
- Against adult fleas
Capstar is a fast-acting anti-flea chewable tablet for dogs. It provides immediate relief during active flea infestations or rescue situations. Capstar can kill adult fleas within 30 minutes, making it highly effective for initial flea treatment. However, it only lasts for 24 hours, making it unsuitable for prevention or as a standalone treatment.
II. Topical Anti-Tick & Flea for Dogs
Topical anti-flea and tick products are applied directly to a dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. They’re often recommended for dogs who have sensitivities to oral medications. These products are typically used for dog flea and tick prevention; however, they can also be used for treating active infestations.
Note: The following topical products offer up to 30 days of protection. To find the best product for your dog, we always recommend consulting a trusted vet. All of the following are available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME.
1. Advantage II
- Application: Prevention, treatment
- Against fleas: Kills adult fleas, larvae, & eggs
- Additional: Kills chewing lice
Advantage II is a topical flea control solution for dogs. It is known for its effectiveness in breaking the flea life cycle. It is generally well-tolerated by dogs, including senior dogs and puppies over 7 weeks of age, within the specified minimum weight.
2. Frontline Plus
- Application: Prevention, treatment
- Against fleas: Kills adult fleas, larvae, & eggs
- Against ticks: Kills adult ticks
- Additional: Kills chewing lice
Frontline Plus is a topical treatment for dogs (and cats) that targets both fleas and ticks. It is known for being reliable and generally well-tolerated by most dogs, including senior dogs and puppies over 8 weeks old, within their specified minimum weight.
3. K9 Advantix II
- Application: Prevention and treatment
- Against fleas: Kills adult fleas, larvae, & eggs
- Against ticks: Kills adult ticks
- Additional: Kills and repels mosquitoes; kills chewing lice
K9 Advantix II is a topical treatment for dogs against fleas and ticks with a track record of over 20 years. It is widely known as a non-prescription product that not only kills fleas and ticks but also kills and repels mosquitoes. Due to its mosquito-repellent action, this product may be recommended for pet parents who plan to go hiking with their dog.
4. Revolution (Selamectin)
- Application: Prevention and treatment
- Against fleas: Kills adult fleas, larvae, and eggs
- Against ticks: Kills some tick species
- Additional: suppresses heartworm larvae; kills adult roundworms & hookworms; kills ear mites and Sarcoptes mites (sarcoptic mange)
- Active for 30 days
Revolution (Selamectin) is a prescription-only topical flea preventive for dogs with limited anti-tick properties. However, it is known for its broad-spectrum coverage, which includes internal parasites such as adult roundworms, adult hookworms, and heartworm larvae.
Note: Revolution can be a suitable topical alternative for dogs that do NOT tolerate oral heartworm preventives well.
III. Best Flea And Tick Collars For Dogs
The best flea and tick collars for dogs offer long-lasting protection by killing adult fleas and ticks, as well as other life stages, depending on the product.
Typically, tick and flea collars are recommended over oral or topical options for dogs that are difficult to medicate orally or have skin sensitivities to topical medications. These collars are designed primarily for prevention, but many can also help treat active infestations.
Note: To find the best flea and tick collar for your dog’s needs, we recommend consulting a trusted vet. The collars featured below are available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME.
1. Seresto Collar
- Application: Prevention, treatment
- Against fleas: Kills adult fleas & larvae
- Against ticks: Kills and repels adult ticks
The Seresto Collar is one of the best flea and tick collars for dogs, known for its long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks, as well as its strong repellent action against ticks. Each Seresto collar remains effective for up to 8 months.
2. Provecta Pro Collar
- Application: Prevention, treatment
- Against fleas: Kills adult fleas, larvae, & eggs
- Against ticks: Kills adult ticks
- Additional: repels mosquitoes
Provecta Pro is one of the best flea and tick collars for dogs. It kills adult fleas and ticks while also preventing the development of flea eggs and larvae. This collar can also repel mosquitoes, making it a great option for dogs that spend time outdoors. Protection lasts for up to 6 months.
Final Thoughts on Flea & Tick Control & Prevention For Dogs
As a final reminder, we always recommend that pet parents consult a veterinarian for personalized guidance on the best flea and tick products. A vet can help determine the most effective and safest option for your dog’s specific needs, whether it's for treatment, prevention, or year-round protection.
Experience All-in-One, Fear Free Vet Care at Sploot!
If you have further questions about flea and tick preventives or treatment, we’re here for you! Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one vet care, with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services under one woof™.
Our experienced veterinarians offer treatment for fleas and ticks in dogs, along with personalized recommendations on preventive measures to keep these parasites at bay. We offer a Fear Free vet care experience that prioritizes your pet's well-being.
Our vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Chicago are open 365 days a year for extended hours, offering utmost convenience.
Easily book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app! Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
