When To Start Flea and Tick Prevention for Puppies

How to Prevent and Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks on Dogs

8 Things to Know About the Tick Life Cycle

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Many of our veterinarians use <a href="https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/simparica-simparicatrio">Simparica®</a> on their own pets. It’s highly effective (perfect for pups who spend their summers hiking and camping) and more cost-effective than other medications on the market. The chewable is liver-flavored, so most dogs think they’re getting a yummy treat and will take it happily. That said, this chew may not be suitable for dogs who have a history of seizures, and your pup must be at least 6 months old to begin this preventative.

Regular Simparica® is perfect for dogs who are already on a heartworm and intestinal parasite preventative. But if you’re also looking for heartworm medication, <a href="https://www.chewy.com/brands/simparica-trio-11145" target="_blank">Simparica® Trio</a> acts as a monthly dewormer, too.

Simparica® Chewable Tablet

Our vets agreed Simparica is the best overall flea and tick medication for stopping fleas and ticks that latch onto your dog.

<a href="https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/nexgard">NexGard® Chews</a> are effective against fleas and most ticks (including <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/8-types-ticks-dogs">the Lone Star tick</a>, the primary cause of <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_ehrlichiosis">ehrlichiosis in dogs</a>). The medicine kills existing fleas within eight hours and is safe for puppies that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh 4 pounds or more. As with Simparica®, NexGard® may not be recommended for dogs with a history of seizures.

NexGard® Chew for Dogs

Our vet panel agreed this is the best flea and tick medication for prevention.

For picky dogs who don’t like taking oral medications, Bravecto® Topical Solution is an effective flea and tick preventative. The topical treatment lasts up to 12 weeks and kills existing fleas and attached ticks within the first 12 hours—as long as you don’t bathe your dog or let them go swimming for three days after application. And, like its chewable counterpart, this topical may not be recommended for use on dogs with seizure history. Puppies need to be a little older to safely take this medication, too—they must be at least 6 months old and weigh 4.4 pounds.

Bravecto® Topical Solution

For up to three months of protection, don’t bathe your dog for three days after using this topical.

Our veterinarians recommend <a href="https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/trifexis-spinosad-milbemycin-oxime">Comfortis™</a>&nbsp;as a <a href="https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/fact-sheet-pet-owners-and-veterinarians-about-potential-adverse-events-associated-isoxazoline-flea" target="_blank">potentially safer</a> flea prevention for many dogs that experience seizures. But remember: Each dog is different, so always talk to your vet before starting your pup on a new medication.

This convenient once-a-month tablet protects your pup against flea infestations. While highly effective against fleas (killing 100% of fleas in just four hours), Comfortis™ doesn’t prevent tick infestations or <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/6-tick-diseases-dogs">tick-borne illnesses</a>. It’s safe for dogs at least 14 weeks old.

Comfortis™ Chewable Tablet

A flea medication generally safer for dogs with a history of seizures.

If your dog refuses to take oral medication (even when <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/how-give-dog-pill-using-foods-are-safe">hidden in peanut butter</a>), <a href="https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/seresto-flumethrin-imidacloprid">Seresto® collars</a> can be a good solution. Just one collar can repel and kill ticks and fleas for up to eight months, making it a budget-friendly, over-the-counter option for keeping your pet safe. The collar is also water-resistant, so you don’t have to remove it during bathing or afternoon swims. That said, its effects can be reduced if your pup bathes or swims more than once per month.

Make sure your pet (or a curious child!) doesn’t chew on the collar. While occasional hand-to-mouth contact should be OK, ingestion can pose safety risks.

Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar

This flea and tick collar from Seresto® is budget-friendly and lasts up to eight months.

Think of <a href="https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/capstar">Capstar®</a>&nbsp;as a Band-Aid®: If your pet is crawling with fleas and needs help ASAP, this over-the-counter product starts killing those pesky parasites within 30 minutes. Capstar® helps squash the infestation until you can work with your veterinarian to determine a long-lasting flea and tick medication for preventative care. It’s a great short-term fix for a big flea problem.

Capstar® Flea Oral Treatment

This fast-acting medication kills fleas within 30 minutes, but it’s only a short-term fix.

While many other flea and tick medications can only be used in pups at least 8 weeks old, <a href="https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/revolution">Revolution®</a> monthly topical can be used for 6-week-old puppies and dogs who are under 5 pounds. Along with killing fleas and ticks, it offers protection against a broad spectrum of parasites including heartworms, ear mites, and intestinal parasites.

Revolution® Topical Solution

As the best flea and tick medication for puppies, Revolution® is the go-to for very small and/or very young dogs. 

This shampoo kills fleas and ticks on contact, helping your pup during an infestation. But, while it can be helpful when you’re in a bind, it’s important to know that any flea and tick shampoo isn’t an effective treatment on its own.

Shampoos don’t offer protection from future fleas and ticks, so they can’t be used as a substitute for preventative medication. Instead, flea and tick shampoos serve as a quick treatment in conjunction with another medication to completely get rid of a flea infestation on your pup. Always discuss any flea and tick shampoo or other products you are using with your veterinarian.&nbsp;

Featured Image: Adobe/5second

Advantage™ Flea and Tick Shampoo

Though it’s the best flea and tick shampoo, it’s not a substitute for monthly preventatives.

The 8 Best Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs

The product reviews in this article are compiled from feedback provided by a panel of veterinarians that are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD. 
 
Veterinarians are asked to provide honest reviews of the products based on their knowledge and practical experience and review information published by the manufacturer. The opinions expressed are their own and not reflective of Chewy. Manufacturers cannot pay to be included in Vet Verified, and product reviews are never made available to manufacturers before publication. Similarly, the veterinary review panel does not receive any external compensation of any type for their review. Product links are to Chewy’s website where the product can be purchased.

Flea and ticks are year-round parasites, so it’s important to keep your pup safe with the proper preventatives. Here are the best flea and tick medications for dogs, approved by vets.

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