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The 10 Best Flea Treatments for Dogs

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best flea treatment for dogs - dog flea

Fleas are among the most common problems facing dogs, so it may come as no surprise that there is a wide variety of prevention and treatment options on the market today. You may choose a flea shampoo, a flea collar, a flea comb, a powder, sprays, tablets, over-the-counter medicines, and even prescriptions.

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This article discusses 10 of the most popular anti-flea products available. Each one uses a different technique for killing or preventing fleas, so there should be something to suit every dog owner. Most flea treatments are available over-the-counter. However, some tablets and spot-on topical treatments require a prescription from a veterinarian.

Product FAQ

​1. Do all flea treatments use chemicals to kill and prevent fleas?

​2. Which type of flea treatment is best for my dog?

​3. Do flea treatments kill any other pests?



How We Reviewed

​We looked at flea shampoos, collars, sprays, powders, over-the-counter liquids and prescription flea treatments, and we chose the ones with the highest ratings and the most success at preventing and killing fleas. In addition, we considered both chemical-containing products and those that use only natural ingredients.



Overall Price Range

​A flea comb, at $4.31, is among the least expensive options, while shampoos and sprays range from about $12 to $20. On the higher end, are prescription medicines in the $30 range and a collar for $50. For prices on prescription treatments, check with your veterinarian.



Top 10 Flea Treatments for Dogs

1. Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets

Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment for Large Dogs, 6 Doses, 57 mg...

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​Key Features

  • ​This is a single box with six tablets.
  • ​You may purchase this product without a prescription.
  • ​Dog owners may give one dose once a day.
  • ​This treatment kills more than 90 percent of adult fleas.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​Capstar is safe for puppies and kittens, as long as they are at least four weeks old and weigh at least two pounds. The tablets are safe for pregnant and breeding animals, and fleas die within four hours of contact.

​CONS

  • ​This is a short-duration flea adulticide. The effectiveness lasts 24-48 hours. It does not prevent fleas from returning or protect a home from future infestations.

2. Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Prevention

K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for Extra-Large Dogs 6-Pack,...

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​Key Features

  • ​Advantix is sold in four different boxes, depending on the dog’s size.
  • ​You may purchase two, four, or six doses in a box.
  • ​This is a topical treatment that is applied to two or three spots on the dog’s back from shoulder to base of tail.
  • ​It starts killing fleas within 10 minutes. Within a 12-hour period, 98 percent of adult fleas will be dead.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​This product is veterinary recommended. It is waterproof and kills all flea life stages. One treatment protects dogs for 30 days. Fleas do not have to bite in order to die, and ticks do not have to attach to a host to be eliminated.

​CONS

  • ​Do not use this product on cats.

3. Wahl Dog and Puppy Shampoo

Wahl 4-In-1 Calming Pet Shampoo – Cleans, Conditions, Detangles &...

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​Key Features

  • ​This shampoo naturally repels fleas for up to one week.
  • ​It does not use any toxic chemicals or harsh detergents.
  • ​It contains cedar oil as a flea repellant, plus rosemary and mint as a pleasant scent.
  • ​It comes in two sizes, 24 ounces and 64 ounces.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​This is a concentrate, so you only need to use a small amount to work up a good lather.

​CONS

  • ​This product does not kill fleas.

4. Fleabusters Rx for Fleas

Fleabusters Rx for Fleas Plus, 3 lb

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​Key Features

  • ​Fleabusters is a powder that attaches to larvae and dehydrates them.
  • ​It comes in one size, a 3-pound canister.
  • ​This product comes with a one-year satisfaction guarantee. Consumers may return it for a full refund if it fails to last one year.
  • ​It treats carpets, area rugs, baseboards, and upholstered furniture.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​Children and pets may go into a room right after it’s been treated with Fleabuster. It is odorless and can treat up to 1,200 square feet. You only need to use a small amount for the product to be effective.

​CONS

  • ​Some people may be sensitive to the powdery substance. While Fleabusters can rid your home of fleas, you may need a different product to treat the yard.

5.  Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray for Dogs and Home

​Key Features

  • ​This product kills fleas, ticks, and flea eggs without the use of harsh chemicals.
  • ​It may be used in the yard and inside the home, on dog bedding, crates, kennels, blankets, pillows, upholstery, and carpets.
  • ​It is safe for puppies who are at least 12 weeks old.
  • ​The bottle has an induction style sealed cap that, together with a detached spray, prevents leaks.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​This spray won’t stain anything, and it may be used indoors and outside.

​CONS

  • ​If misdirected, the spray could get on surfaces that must then be wiped off.

6. Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar

Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs, 8-Month Flea and Tick Collar...

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​Key Features

  • ​One collar provides eight months of protection against fleas.
  • ​The flea collar contains the active ingredients, which are released gradually and protect the dog from the tip of the nose to the tail.
  • ​This product also helps treat and control sarcoptic type mange and lice.
  • ​With Seresto, dog owners can avoid monthly topical treatments.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​Seresto is non-greasy and odorless and can be worn with the dog’s regular collar. It can also be purchased without a prescription. The collar is water-resistant, so it can be worn while bathing or swimming.

​CONS

  • ​This product is more expensive than shampoos and powders. Some dogs may have a reaction to this collar.

7. Wondercide Flea, Tick and Mosquito Control Spray for Dogs, Cats and Home

Wondercide Natural Flea, Tick and Mosquito Spray for Dogs, Cats, and...

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​Key Features

  • ​Wondercide uses natural ingredients to kill and repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.
  • ​It uses no chemical pesticides.
  • ​The active ingredients in this spray are cedar oil and lemongrass oil.
  • ​This product also stops itching and scratching.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​Wondercide is safe for children, puppies, kittens, senior pets, and even nursing mothers. It does not stain and can be used on pets, bedding, furniture, and flooring.

​CONS

  • ​Some people may not like the spray.

8. Safari Flea Comb

Safari Dog Flea Comb with Double Row of Teeth - 770071

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​Key Features

  • ​Using a double row of teeth, this comb safely pulls fleas and debris out of dog fur.
  • ​It helps dog owners find skin and coat problems.
  • ​It is ideal for all dog breeds.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​This flea comb is perfect for using right after applying flea powders or shampoos.

​CONS

  • ​This product does not kill fleas and other pests.

9. Frontline Plus for Dogs

FRONTLINE Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs (Large Dog, 45-88...

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​Key Features

  • ​This is a long-lasting treatment that uses a liquid formula to give non-stop protection from fleas for 30 days.
  • ​It is a topical liquid that owners apply to one spot between the dog’s shoulder blades once a month.
  • ​It kills adult fleas within 12 hours of application.
  • ​It also kills parasitic life stages of ticks.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​Frontline is a waterproof treatment that also kills lice. It can be used in puppies eight weeks old and older.

​CONS

  • ​This formula must be applied once a month. People who are sensitive to chemical odors will find the smell very strong.

10. Arava Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs

Arava Flea & Tick Prevention Collar - for Dogs & Puppies - Length-22''...

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​Key Features

  • ​This is a flea and tick collar designed specifically for dogs.
  • ​It kills 95 percent of fleas and ticks within 24 hours.
  • ​It kills and repels fleas and ticks continuously for eight months.
  • ​This one-size-fits-all collar is easy to adjust to a dog’s neck size.

​​Specific Purpose

PROS

  • ​This product comes with a lifetime guarantee. The company will purchase it back from a consumer who is not satisfied. It uses an all-natural formula to kill and repel pests.

​CONS

  • ​None


The Verdict​

​If you have a current flea infestation, the best flea treatment for dogs to use is the Fleabuster Rx for Fleas. If you are concerned about using chemicals, the best natural product is Wondercide Flea, Tick and Mosquito Control Spray for Cats, Dogs, and Home. The best flea collar on the market is the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar.