Flea infestations are never pleasant for pet owners and their beloved pooches. Even though these pesky tiny parasites are usually harmless, they can crawl all over your dog and spread disease. Removing and preventing fleas regularly is key to keeping them and your home flea-free.
We’ll also discuss some safe flea treatments to give you and your dog the relief you deserve.
A flea treatment is a topical agent that kills fleas on contact. There are many different types of flea treatments, so it’s essential to know which one your vet recommends for your dog. Some flea treatments are systemic, while others are not. With a systemic flea treatment, the product is absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream and reaches all parts of their body. Systemic flea treatments are more powerful and practical but can also be more dangerous. Choosing which flea treatment to use depends on your dog’s individual needs and circumstances.
Topical Flea Treatments
Topical flea treatments are applied to dogs' skin rather than taken internally. The most common topical flea treatments for dogs include powders, shampoos, and collars. Most of these are not safe to use on your dog’s skin regularly, as they can be very messy and make your dog’s coat smell bad. They are typically only used as a one-time treatment when your dog is experiencing a serious flea problem.
It is advised to consult with a veterinarian before using any of these products.
Advantage Flea Treatment
Advantage is a common brand name for several flea treatments, including those above. It’s a top-rated product and comes in spot-on and top-spot applicator forms. Advantage products are most often used as a flea treatment for dogs, but they can also be used on cats. Advantage is a systemic product, killing both fleas and ticks on contact. It effectively kills adult fleas and flea eggs on your dog within 12 hours. And, because it’s a systemic product, it reaches all parts of your dog’s body, even its tail.
Advantage Plus Flea Treatment
Advantage Plus is the most advanced flea treatment for dogs. It’s the only flea treatment that can kill fleas and flea eggs on your dog within 24 hours. What makes this possible is a unique ingredient called Permethrin. Permethrin is a synthetic version of a chemical found in many plants, commonly known as the “organic” pesticide. Unlike many other pesticides, Permethrin does not harm beneficial insects. This means greater flea control with less risk of side effects for you and your dog.
Frontline Plus Flea Treatment
Frontline Plus is another name for the same flea treatment as Advantage Plus. It’s a topical spot-on for dogs and comes in a convenient pump-top applicator that allows you to easily target spots on your dog without worrying about reapplying or getting it on your hands or clothes. It’s very effective and safe against fleas, ticks, and biting lice. Plus, it’s Frontline’s best-selling product and is very effective. What makes this flea treatment a better option than others is that it’s safe for your dog’s coat.
K9 Advantix Flea Treatment
As the name suggests, K9 Advantix is a flea treatment for dogs who are friends with dogs. This means that your dog is most likely infested with fleas, and Advantix is the only thing between you and a relief from the fleas. It’s a topical spot-on that kills fleas within 24 hours and prevents new fleas from developing for 14 days. What makes it so effective is the inclusion of two other active ingredients: Lindane and Permethrin. Lindane is a pesticide that kills mosquitoes, while Permethrin is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring pesticide found in many plants. Put, K9 Advantix kills fleas and ticks on contact and prevents new fleas from developing for an entire month.
NexGard Flea Treatment
NexGard is another popular systemic flea treatment for dogs. It’s available as a spot-on or oral paste and is effective against fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. What makes it stand out from other similar products is that it’s EPA-approved as a pesticide. This means for you and your dog that it’s much safer to use on your dog than other flea treatments. Furthermore, it’s effective against even the most stubborn flea infestations.
Frontline Plus for Dogs
Frontline Plus for Dogs is a topical spot-on for dogs that is effective against fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae. It’s also safe for your dog to wear around the house and yard. It’s often recommended for dogs with flea allergies, as it’s one of the few spot-one that doesn’t contain flea powder. Plus, it comes in a convenient roll-on tube that allows you to easily apply it to your dog without getting it on your hands or clothes.
Seresto Flea Treatment
Seresto for dogs is a topical flea treatment for dogs that is effective for one year.
Flea treatments for dogs are a necessary evil in many ways. Without them, our dogs would constantly be covered in fleas and unable to go outside. Unfortunately, not all flea treatments are created equal, and it’s essential to know which ones are safe to use on your dog.
It doesn’t help that there are so many options on the market today. Knowing which one to choose can be challenging, so we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the worst flea treatments for dogs. Keep reading to find out more about what the research has to say about these products and some of the risks that come with using these kinds of products.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.