Dogs give us daily doses of unconditional love.
They are like furry therapists for whatever ails us! The least we can do is to make sure they are happy and healthy.
When we see them suffering from fleas with non-stop itching and scratching, we know we should do whatever we can to help them.
Fleas aren’t just a gross nuisance. They can cause serious health issues such as anemia, dermatitis, and tapeworms.
But knowing how to get fleas off of your dog can be difficult. There are so many flea treatment options available and they all claim to be the best. It’s time to cut to the chase and figure out the best flea treatment for dogs so that your dog can get back to being their goofy, loveable self.
Our Top Dogs Flea Treatment (2018)
Short on time? Check out below our top Dogs Flea Treatment of 2018. Continue reading if you want to learn more!
What are the most common types of flea treatment for dogs and how do they work?
Dog Flea Medicine Pills
Flea pills for dogs are probably one of the best options for flea treatment. Pills are available over-the-counter or from your veterinarian. Prescribed pills are more expensive than over-the-counter pills s and include a stronger dosage of medication. While prescribed pills are stronger,some prescribed medications can produce unwanted side effects and harm your dog. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s medical history to get the best pill option for your pet.
How do flea pills work? Some flea pills kill fleas and their eggs, while others only kill adults or eggs, so you could need multiple treatments to eradicate all of the fleas. Other than directly spraying insecticide on a flea on your dog’s skin, pills provide one of the fastest ways to kill fleas on your dog as you’re treating the problem from the inside-out.
Topical Applications
Topical flea applications include shampoos, powders, and sprays that are sometimes used together with your primary flea product. When most people think of topical flea treatment, they are thinking of flea drops or spot treatments that go on the back of your dog’s neck and spread across the surface of their skin.
Flea drops can last up to 30 days and are effective at getting rid of fleas on your dog quickly. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to the oils used in the formulas.
What are some cheap or inexpensive flea treatments for dogs?
Flea Collar Treatment
Flea collars are a good prevention strategy to keep fleas off your dog, and there are some that claim to kill fleas though they have mixed reviews. They are best for keeping fleas away from your dog’s face which is a favorite breeding ground, and for keeping new fleas from taking up residence after your dog’s bath and treatment.
With the invention of spot topical treatments, dog flea collars are not as popular as they used to be, but newer versions that can last up to 8 months are gaining in the market. These high-end flea collars are more expensive, but they work much better than older models.
Further Reading
Flea Spray Treatment
The biggest benefit of flea sprays is that they kill fleas in all stages of their life cycle on contact. Dog owners like to have a flea spray on hand to provide instant relief when they see their dog going nuts trying to catch and bite fleas.
It’s the one time when you can clearly see your dog say “Thank you” with those puppy-dog eyes because the sprays are often formulated to make sore skin immediately feel better as well.
Home Remedy Treatment
Some dog owners choose to try natural methods to kill and prevent fleas with varying results. Garlic, vinegar, lemon, essential oils, and salt are common ingredients in homemade flea sprays.
However, keep in mind that even natural ingredients can be dangerous for your dog so make sure you know exactly what you are doing, and ask your veterinarian, to avoid any negative health side effects.
What to know about flea treatment for dogs with sensitive skin?
Dogs that have allergies or have had a flea problem for a long time could have issues with flea treatments due to their sensitive skin. Many of the flea treatments available contain chemicals than can be unpleasant and cause reactions for certain dogs.
If you suspect your dog has an allergy, you should make a visit to your vet for testing to determine which products your dog’s skin can handle.
If your dog has skin that is red or patchy from flea bites and scratching, there are flea treatments with additional conditioners and medications to calm and soothe the hot spots. These products have ingredients like aloe and oatmeal, which are good for raw and irritated skin. Even if you purchase something “all natural,” be sure to test the product in a small area first to make sure your dog doesn’t have a reaction to it.
A veterinarian can prescribe medication like steroids as a pill or cream to help the skin heal and not react as much to any flea products you apply.
There are also natural and organic products for flea treatment, which may be more manageable for your dog’s sensitive skin. The trade off with these is that the flea control will most likely not be as effective as with a chemical insecticide and may require you to apply it a couple of times.
Flea Treatment Reviews
Here are the best dog flea treatment reviews for getting rid of fleas and making sure they don’t come back.
The Capstar flea pills are one of the most popular over-the-counter oral medications for flea control. The active ingredient, nitenpyram, kills any adult fleas on your dog.
This makes it a good product to use along with a product that kills eggs and larvae, like lufenuron, which is an insect growth regulator (IGR).
Pros
- Will kill fleas within 4 hours
- Single dose starts to work within 30 minutes
- No need for a prescription
Cons
- Dog can get re-infected once medication wears off (24 hours)
- Need to use with other products for flea prevention
One of the best topical applications is the well-known brand, Frontline. This package has three vials so it’s good for a three-month supply. Each vial is applied on the back of the neck and the oil naturally spreads along the surface of your dog’s skin killing fleas and preventing their return.
For a full review of Frontline Plus, check out this article.
Pros
- Kills fleas, eggs, and larvae
- Lasts 30 days
- Easy to apply and waterproof
- Kills all the fleas on your dog within 18 hours
- Safe for pregnant or nursing dogs
Cons
- Fleas could be resistant in some areas
- May bother dogs with sensitive skin
- Doesn’t repel fleas or ticks
The trusted Bayer brand Advantix has been a popular formula for topical flea treatment drops. With three active ingredients of Imidacloprid, Permethrin, and Pyriproxyfen, Advantix provides one of the strongest formulations available over-the-counter.
While it is waterproof, some people report reduced effectiveness with weekly baths.
For a full review of K9 Advantix II, check out this article.
Pros
- Has an IGR for killing eggs and larvae
- Still works after bathing or swimming
- Kills 98-100% of fleas within 12 hours
- 6-month supply
- Also kills ticks and mosquitoes
Cons
- More costly than other brands, but can be cheaper online
- Multiple insecticides, which can be harsh for sensitive dogs
- Smaller dogs may have allergies to permethrin
The Seresto flea collar is the number one alternative to monthly topical applications like drops. The clean, non-greasy, and odor-free formula is slowly released from the collar and is active up to 8 months.
The collar itself is safe and has a release mechanism if your dog gets tangled up.
Pros
- Kills and repels fleas, eggs, and larvae
- Also kills and repels ticks
- Waterproof
- Don’t need to do monthly applications
Cons
- Not normal, but can have side effects like lethargy and vomiting
- Sometimes expensive, but cheaper than topical options
What’s great about Vet’s Best is that this flea spray contains no pyrethrins, permethrins, or cedar oil which are a few ingredients that can irritate sensitive dogs.
This product is safe to use on dogs’ fur and skin as well as around the home on their bedding, furniture, and carpet.
For a full review of Vet's check out this article.
Pros
- Kills adult fleas and their eggs
- Non-staining, all-natural formula
- Safe for most sensitive dogs
- Pleasant peppermint scent
Cons
- Not long-lasting so may have to continuously spray
- Clove scent can be too strong for some
- Not as effective as a chemical product in most cases
The Bottom Line:
Bayer’s Advantix Flea Control for Dogs is the clear winner after studying the best dog flea treatment reviews. It’s easy to apply with a once per month application of drops and it is easier to administer than pills.
For pets who spend a lot time of outdoors, Advantix is the leader in prevention of pest-borne illnesses. Not only does it have a strong combination of insecticides to kill fleas and their eggs faster, it also kills other pests like ticks and mosquitoes, which can cause Lyme disease and heartworm.
Regardless of which product you choose to apply to your dog, you will most likely need other products for getting rid of fleas in carpet, bedding, or outside in your yard. If you find fleas keep returning, there is probably an area that’s being missed and must be addressed. Just be careful with using multiple products on your dog as too many chemicals can become toxic. It’s important to ask your veterinarian before combining flea treatments with your dog.
Fleas don’t have to be the norm for you or your pet. Advantix is likely a good place to start in tackling your flea problems and seeing your dog stress-free, relaxed, and healthy again.
