Best Flea Treatments for Dogs
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How We Found the Best Flea Treatments for Dogs
Flea Treatments for Dogs We Reviewed:
Best Flea Treatments for Dogs
When you’re a pet owner, fleas are a very real risk to your dog and your household. You likely take your dog outside a lot, so the chances of him catching fleas are pretty high. When a flea infestation starts, it can be hard to get rid of.
At the same time, an infestation of your dog can quickly move to an infestation of your home. Fleas love cats and dogs, but they will feed on pretty much any mammals—including you and your family.
Not only do you want to prevent an infestation, but you also want to relieve your canine from the irritating bites that come from a flea. Below you will find we have reviewed some of the best flea treatments for dogs. Read on to find your perfect solution.
BEST MONTHLY TREATMENT
Bayer Animal Health Advantage II for Dogs
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Soothing formula for bite relief
- Kills all stages of flea life cycle
- Kills on contact
- Cleans and conditions fur
- Rids dogs of loose dandruff, dirt, and scales
Cons
- Won’t eradicate home from fleas
Features & Specs
- Available for different sized dogs
- For dogs 7 weeks or older
- Comes in 4 pre-measured doses or more per pack
- Active Ingredients are Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen
- 30 days of protection
This veterinarian-recommended flea treatment for dogs works through topical application. Bayer Animal Health Advantage II for Dogs effectively kills all the stages of the flea life stages on contact. Since it kills through contact, that means the fleas do not have to bite your dog for it to start working.
With a simple application just once a month, this odorless and waterproof formula will treat, prevent, and control fleas and ticks.
This particular formula is available for multiple sizes of dogs and in different dosages. It is made to start working quickly and last long.
BEST SHAMPOO
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Kills all flea life stages
- Waterproof
- Odorless
- Vet-recommended
- Contact killing
- Works fast
- Effective prevention
Cons
- Some reports saw loss of fur near application area
Features & Specs
- Active ingredients are Methoprene, Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide
- 24 ounces
- For cats and dogs
- 28 days of protection
Adams Flea and Tick Shampoo is designed to kill fleas at all stages of their lifecycle, from eggs to adults and everything in between. The formula includes powerful active ingredients that work quickly and has a long-lasting residual effect.
This same formula also contains ingredients that are excellent for soothing and relieving your dog from irritating flea bites. Using aloe, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal, you will feel better knowing your dog is more comfortable after using this shampoo.
Although this formula is strong, it is also gentle enough to use on young puppies and kittens.
BEST SPRAY
Adams Plus Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Dogs
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Kills adults, larvae, and eggs
- Kills ticks
- Repels as well as kills
- Provides relief to bites
- Direct application
- Contact killing
- Long-term effects
Cons
- Strong scent
Features & Specs
- Active ingredients are Methoprene, Etofenprox and Piperonyl Butoxide
- 16 and 32 ounces
- Good for cats and dogs
- 2 months of protection
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Spray can be used on both your dogs and your cats to kill fleas throughout the entirety of their life cycle. The active ingredients will break the lifecycle, giving you as long as two months of long-term protection.
Other ingredients in this formula soothe the bites left on your dog. It kills on contact and can be used both inside and outside.
A good alternative to oral treatments, spray this directly on your pups, taking caution around their face, mouth, and other sensitive areas.
Seresto Cat Flea Collar
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating: ProsLong-lasting protectionRemoves the need for any other treatmentsKills bugs before they can bite ConsCan cause allergic...
Seresto Dog Flea Collar
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating: ProsLong-lasting protectionFast-acting ingredientsEasily adjustable for different sized dogs ConsLess effective after...
Advantage Dog Flea Treatment
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating:Pros Prevents infestations Prevents biting Works for indoor and outdoor dogs Cons Doesn't work for ticks...
BEST POWDER
Zodiac Flea & Tick Powder
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Kills fleas, ticks, and lice
- Long-term control
- Fast-acting
- Easy to use
- Convenient use
- Multi-purpose use
- Affordable
Cons
- Some pets may be allergic – use caution
Features & Specs
- 6-ounce container
- Active ingredients are Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide
- Use for cats and dogs
Powders are another alternative option to flea control on your infested canine. Powders are very easy to use and don’t require any water or washing. The Zodiac Flea and Tick Powder is a very simple shaker. Use the packaging to distribute the powder formula over your dog’s fur. Massage the powder into their fur, so it reaches their skin where the fleas hide out.
A small amount goes a long way, and soon you will see the powder working to kill fleas on contact. This formula will also fight off ticks and lice.
Additionally, you will notice this product has a very nice scent, making it pleasant to use. It is extremely convenient and can also be used throughout your home and in your vacuum.
BEST FOR HOME
Wondercide Flea & Tick Control: Pets & Home
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Kills all stages of life
- Kills fleas and ticks
- 100% natural ingredients
- Fresh scent
- Repels
- Safe for pets and people
- Use on furniture
- No staining
Cons
- Higher price point
Features & Specs
- Active ingredients: Cedar Oil, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Lemongrass Oil and Sesame Oil
- 4, 16, and 32 ounces
- Available in a gallon jug
- Kills ants on contact
- Available scents: Lemongrass, Rosemary, Cedar and Peppermint
- Use on cats and dogs
- 2 months of protection
While many flea treatments are full of chemicals and are not always safe to use around children and other pets, Wondercide Flea and Tick Control is the complete opposite.
Made from 100% natural active ingredients, this spray is effective without the use of harsh chemicals. In fact, its natural ingredients even give it a much more pleasant smell than other synthetic products.
This spray is safe for both dogs and cats and can be used on furniture, carpets, drapes, and other fabrics without fear of staining. It kills fleas at all stages of their lifecycle, ensuring your home is safe from their vicious bites.
Ph balanced to enhance your dog’s skin and fur; this product is both safe and effective.
Tips for Protecting Curious Pets Who Like To Wander
Curious pets can get themselves into a variety of hazardous situations. It is important for pet owners to take steps to protect their pets both indoors and outdoors.
Adams Flea And Tick Spray For Cats And Dogs Review
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating: Pros Starts killing fleas within 5 minutes Kills adult fleas and larvae Repels mosquitoes Cons Uses insecticides May cause mild skin irritation Not safe for...
Bifen Bifenthrin Review
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating: Pros Highly Effective Kills numerous insects Indoor and outdoor Cons Needs diluting Toxic Kills honey bees Ease of...
Additional Advice
Nothing brings down your dog’s happy-go-lucky fun like a flea infestation. Our hearts go out to our furry friends when we see them suffering from the irritating bites of these pesky insects. Not only are our pets suffering, but our homes are in danger of becoming infested as well. Read on to learn more about fleas and how you can try to prevent them.
About Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals. We most commonly see fleas infesting pets like cats and dogs, but they will latch onto any warm-blooded being they can find to feed.
Once an adult flea finds a host, such as your beloved family dog, they will begin to feed. Shortly after they start feeding, they will begin to mate and produce eggs. A female flea can produce as many of 40 to 50 eggs a day and more than 2,000 in her lifetime. This is how a small problem can become such a huge issue so fast.
Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will spin themselves into a cocoon and develop first into pupae and then a full-grown adult. The cycle continues quickly, as a flea can develop into an adult in just 21 days. From here, they will either continue living on the same host or move onto a new one.
Identifying an Infestation
Since these insects are so tiny, it may be hard to recognize an infestation right away. You may not see it until it has grown significantly.
The first thing to look for is the obvious sign of your dog itching more than usual. The bites from fleas often cause allergic reactions in your pets. A single bite can become very itchy, and the itching will soon cause red, sore spots on your dog’s skin.
If you notice this intense itching, it’s time to take a closer look. Depending on the amount of fur your dog has, it may be hard to actually see the fleas. Be sure to check the good hiding places, like the underbelly and groin areas. It’s helpful to check anywhere that the fur is thinner.
You can also check for what is referred to as “flea dirt.” Flea dirt is just another way to say flea feces. Flea feces is basically just dried, digested blood. You may be able to see these flakes on your dog’s skin. To test if they are in fact feces, you can add a drop of water to your sample. If you see a brown ring around the flake, you know it’s flea feces.
A larger infestation will start to show signs on the people living in your home as well—you may see bites or fleas on you and your family members.
Helpful Tips
The first thing you should do when you realize you have an infestation is treat your pet. The host is where the fleas are living and reproducing; a female flea is more likely to lay her eggs on its host than anywhere in your home. Treat your dog, and then move onto the next step: treating your home.
Even if you treat the pet that is hosting the fleas, your job is not complete. You will need to treat your home to ensure the problem is 100% gone. There are many home products you can use to kill fleas. Foggers and spray are great for both indoors and outdoors. Vacuums and steamers are also great tools to kill fleas.
Once you have treated your pets and your home, it is important to maintain a clean household on a regular basis. Vacuum and clean your pet’s bedding, blankets, and food dishes regularly. Consider using regular treatments like collars and monthly ointments for prevention.
You may also want to regularly treat your yard, especially if you let your dog out frequently.