The Best Flea And Tick Prevention For Dogs
Keeping Fido safe from unwanted diseases carried by fleas and ticks is one of the most important, yet frustrating, chores when it comes to taking care of your beloved pal. That's because flea and tick preventatives don't always work, and they can be expensive. With that in mind, we've separated the best from the rest and have brought you this list of some of the most effective flea and tick remedies out there. From liquids to chews and even a collar, we've got something that will work for your sweet pup.
What We Look For
When it came to finding the best options for flea and tick preventatives, our primary focus was on three main points: safety, efficacy, and practicality. Because flea and tick preventatives can contain potent and sometimes harmful ingredients, we wanted to ensure that we were finding the safest option on the market for your dog. However, it’s important that these products actually work. For example, K9 Advantix II’s Flea and Tick Prevention is potent and effective, working for a full month after just one application. But you have to make sure you don’t touch the area of application for a full 24 hours, which is tricky with young children. For a safer option with kids in the home, Furaland Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs is an edible formula that doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or ingredients. But it may not provide the best protection on its own against ticks, especially in a heavily infested area. For a closer look at the rest of our picks, have a look at our list below.
K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention
Potent and effective
Simply put, this stuff is powerful. Repelling ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes, this formula will keep your dog itch-free, bite-free, and pest-free. And that means your home is protected, too. Containing a dropper that’s appropriate for one, once-a-month dose, you can apply this every thirty days for optimal protection. Simply rub in between the shoulder blades and leave to dry, and your pet and home are easily and safely protected from nasty bugs.
Pros:
- We like that we only have to apply this product once per month.
- The drops, once applied, are completely waterproof, so your pup can still enjoy a swim.
Cons:
- Just be sure to avoid touching this powerful product once applied. If you do, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands or areas of exposure.
PetArmor Plus Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
All-around protection
Providing excellent coverage for all stages of fleas, including larvae, this flea and tick prevention for dogs is one of the best all-around coverages out there. In fact, it can even protect against lice – a major hassle to get rid of if your dog ever has an infestation. This box contains one application, which provides protection for up to a full month.
Pros:
- The active ingredients in this formula work to completely disrupt the flea life cycle, effectively stopping an infestation.
- If you’re on a budget, this is an excellent option.
Cons:
- Just make sure to reapply this after thirty days for full, continued coverage.
Furaland Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
Protective treats
The flea and tick prevention chews are ideal for homes with children, as there are no messy oils or toxic collars to keep small hands away from. With quality ingredients masked in a chicken flavor, all that your pup needs to do is eat the appropriate number of treats per day to stay fully protected from fleas and ticks. And with absolutely no chemicals, these treats are excellent for a more sensitive dog.
Pros:
- If holistic practices are important to you, then these treats are an ideal option.
- These are ideal for homes with small children or with folks who have sensitivities to chemicals.
Cons:
- For further tick prevention, tick spray may be necessary for heavily infested areas.
Amazon Brand Solimo Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs
More bang for your buck
Providing six full-month doses of topical formula, this value pack of flea and tick treatment is an excellent option if you’re on a budget. But just because you’re on a budget here doesn’t mean that it’s not effective. In fact, this formula works to kill all forms of fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in a fast-acting blend of ingredients that will work within hours.
Pros:
- This is a cost-effective approach to eradicating a flea, tick, and/or lice infestation.
- Each application is easy to apply and doesn’t drip or rub off.
Cons:
- The smell is a bit strong at first but dissipates quickly.
Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
No-nonsense protection
Proving to be completely effective against harmful ticks, fleas, and lice, this collar is easy to use and doesn’t require much thought beyond making sure that it’s on. And once it is on, it will provide a full eight months of protection with just one collar. The collar itself isn’t greasy or messy, has no scent, and is comfortably worn as a regular collar. For a no-nonsense approach to flea and tick prevention, this is an excellent option.
Pros:
- If your dog has a reaction to this collar, it’s very easy to discontinue use and it’s effective almost immediately, as opposed to topical solutions that remain on the dog for a full month.
- We love how user-friendly this collar is, as you can simply put this on as a regular collar and completely forget about it for eight full months.
Cons:
- It’s important to keep children’s hands away from this collar, as it does contain toxic ingredients that can get on their skin with contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you re-apply flea and tick preventatives?
This depends on the methods that are used. Typically, you’ll need to reapply every month, but this can vary greatly. For the best option for your dog, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian and go with their most recommended method. Regardless, you’ll need to follow the specific instructions of your particular flea and tick preventative.
Are flea and tick preventatives safe?
Although typically preventatives contain harmful chemicals that humans should not come in contact with, they’re designed to be safe on animals. However, some dogs can react to certain formulas. If you suspect that your pup is reacting, contact your vet as soon as you notice symptoms and follow their advice. As far as human contact, make sure to wash thoroughly with soap and warm water upon any contact.
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