The Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs: Reviewed

Written by Judie Sigdel
Updated: October 25, 2023
© kobkik/Shutterstock.com

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Best forProduct
Best OverallTrifexis Chewable Tablet for Dogs
Best Flea & Tick for Dogs & PuppiesHartz Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies
The Best Topical Flea And Tick Prevention For DogsFrontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs

How To Prevent Fleas, Ticks, and Lyme Disease In Dogs

If you’re serious about protecting your dog from fleas, ticks, and Lyme disease you need to take a few steps.

  1. If possible, remove shrubbery and tall grassy areas immediately around your home. These are tick hotbeds and the most likely place for your dog to get a tick, raising their risk of exposure to Lyme disease.
  2. Make sure you check your pet and yourself for ticks immediately after coming inside. The earlier you can spot a tick the better. Often times they can be removed prior to latching on and before they’ve had a chance to spread Lyme disease.
  3. Give your dog a thorough bath regularly. Use a shampoo appropriate for your dog’s age and coat length. A-Z Animals recommends weekly bathing.
  4. Brush your dog frequently. Use your hand as well as a brush to locate any latched ticks.
  5. Use a flea and tick prevention product. There are three main flea and tick prevention products: oral, topical, and wearable. We have selected the best from each category and reviewed them below, including our all-around #1 choice for flea and tick prevention in dogs.
  1. Trifexis Chewable Tablet for Dogs

    •Chewable tablet for preventing flea & tick infestation in dogs

    •Also works on heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms

    •Comes in 5 different dosages depending on weight

    Check Chewy
  2. Hartz Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies
    • The patented collar is soft and flexible to the touch for the ultimate in comfort
    • Features two buckles for strong hold, yet it's easy to apply and remove
    • Active ingredients are released and protect your pet for up to 6 months
    • Convenient 2-pack provides a full year of protection
    • Active ingredients: Deltamethrin and (S)-Methoprene
    Check Amazon
  3. Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs

    •Most comprehensive

    •Kills adult and larvae fleas & ticks

    •Easy application every few months

    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Top Picks for the Best Flea and Tick Treatments: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: TRIFEXIS Chewable Tablet for Dogs

Trifexis rightfully takes its place as top-of-the-line flea and tick prevention because of its easy administration and outstanding coverage. Not only does Trifexis prevent against flea and tick infestations from the inside out but also protects against heartworm infection. Additionally, Trifexis may even treat infections of hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms — nasty intestinal parasites — in adult canines. This multi-purpose medication comes in a beef-flavored, chewable tablet, straightforwardly given as a treat to pups once a month. Doses come in five different weight ranges so, as puppies grow their weight range will vary until they remain consistent in weight. After reaching adulthood, most dogs tend to remain the same weight making it easy to determine the correct dosage. The medication is on the pricey side but not much more than other chewable and topical flea and tick medications of lesser efficacy. Also, you will need a prescription from a veterinarian in order to purchase it.

While an excellent choice for prevention, some owners are not completely sold on the idea of oral medications presenting certain chemicals into their pet’s systems. Certain adverse side effects and even allergic reactions have been reported so it is necessary to consult with a veterinarian prior to beginning your dog on Trifexis, especially if your pet is on other medications. It is also recommended that all dogs already on or beginning the prevention receive a heartworm test at least once yearly to ensure they are free from heartworms and will not experience damage caused if positive for the disease.

Pros and Cons of TRIFEXIS Chewable Tablet for Dogs

ProsCons
Trifexis is easy to administer and provides outstanding coverage.Adverse side effects and allergic reactions have been reported, so it’s important that you consult your veterinarian before administering this medication.
In addition to fleas and ticks, this product protects against heartworm infection.This product may interact with other medications your dog is taking, so, again, consult your veterinarian before administering it to your pet.
It may also treat infections of the following intestinal parasites: hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.Some dogs don’t like the flavor of the medication and refuse to take it willingly.
This medication comes in a chewable, beef-flavored tablet that you give your dog once a month.This medication is pricey, but not dramatically much more than other options that may be less efficacious.
Doses are available for five different weight rangesSome pet owners don’t like the idea of giving their dog an oral medication for flea and tick control.
Dogs taking this medication need to be tested at least once a year to ensure that they are heartworm-free.
You must have a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase it.
#1 Best Overall: TRIFEXIS Chewable Tablet for Dogs
Trifexis Chewable Tablet for Dogs

•Chewable tablet for preventing flea & tick infestation in dogs

•Also works on heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms

•Comes in 5 different dosages depending on weight

Check Chewy

2. The Top Flea and Tick Prevention Collar For Dogs: Hartz UltraGuard ProMax Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies

When it comes to the best flea and tick medicated collar for canines, our top choice is Hartz Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies. You simply put the collar on your dog and you’re good to go. No messy applications, no daily medicine.

This patented collar is designed with your dog’s comfort in mind. It’s soft and flexible to the touch. It features two buckles for secure hold, yet it’s easy to apply and to remove. Its active ingredients, Deltamethrin and (S)-Methoprene, protect your dog from fleas and ticks for up to six months. And since they come in packs of two, your best friend will be free from these pests for a full year.

Pros and Cons of Hartz UltraGuard ProMax Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies

ProsCons
This product is easy to use: no daily medication and no mess. Jut put it on your dog and you’re done.None
The collar is soft and flexible so your dog will be comfortable.
This easy-on-easy-off collar features two buckles so you can be sure that it’s secure.
Two active ingredients, Deltamethrin and (S)-Methoprene, protect your pet from fleas and ticks for up to six months.
They come in packs of two so your dog will be protected for a whole year.
Best Flea & Tick for Dogs & Puppies
Hartz Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies
  • The patented collar is soft and flexible to the touch for the ultimate in comfort
  • Features two buckles for strong hold, yet it's easy to apply and remove
  • Active ingredients are released and protect your pet for up to 6 months
  • Convenient 2-pack provides a full year of protection
  • Active ingredients: Deltamethrin and (S)-Methoprene
Check Amazon

3. The Best Topical Flea And Tick Prevention For Dogs: Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment

If you want the most effective topical flea and tick medicine for dogs A-Z Animals recommends Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs.

Frontline Plus provides the most comprehensive flea and tick prevention among topical products in the marketplace today. With a decades-long track record of high performance and safety we have no problem recommending Frontless Plus.

Frontline Plus is waterproof and lasts for a full 30 days. With two main active ingredients (fipronil and (S)methoprene). Frontline Plus kills both adult fleas and ticks as well as eggs and larvae. The solution simply needs to be applied to your dog at the neck and along their back once every few weeks to be effective.

The only issue with Frontline Plus is some dog owners may be sensitive to the smell after application. Also, though it claims to be waterproof, it’s possible that the efficacy will diminish if your pet is exposed immediately or regularly to water. If you have a dog that likes to swim often we recommend the chewable or collar options listed above. As a reminder: there are different products for the size of your dog.

  • Small dogs (5-22lbs)
  • Medium dogs (23-44lbs)
  • Large dogs (44bs+)

Pros and Cons of Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment

ProsCons
Frontline Plus has made safe, high-performance flea and and tick treatments for decades.Some dog owners are sensitive to the product’s smell after application
This topical flea and tick medication is waterproof and provides protection for 30 days.Though the manufacturer claims that this product is waterproof, it is possible that it will be less effective if it’s exposed to water immediately after application or frequently after application.
It kills eggs and larvae as well as adult fleas and ticks.
Simply apply to your dog’s neck and along their back every few weeks.
This product is available in sizes for small, medium, and large dogs based on weight.
The Best Topical Flea And Tick Prevention For Dogs
Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs

•Most comprehensive

•Kills adult and larvae fleas & ticks

•Easy application every few months

Check Chewy Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Flea and Tick Prevention

Nowadays there seems to be a daunting number of options for flea and tick medication, which may make choosing for the first time or switching products difficult. Some easy ways to narrow down the search include form of application, efficacy, cost, breed, and overall temperament of your dog.

Form of Application

The aforementioned brands give some insight as to the forms of flea and tick prevention: topical, chewable, and collars. The seemingly easiest form is as a chewable treat, a tasty treat to feed your dog occasionally and forget about in the meantime as it works from the inside out. However, some owners do not entirely love the idea of their pets ingesting chemicals for long term usage. Also, many dogs can be picky about the flavor and be unwilling to take the medication as a treat, posing an issue for owners having to force the chewable or hide it in various other foods. However, chewable forms of flea and tick medication are thought to be the most effective, as they will not wash off and can last longer than a month. Chewable medications may be expensive and do have to be given on a regular schedule, either on a monthly or every-several-months basis. It is important to consult a veterinarian when giving your dog any form of oral medication simultaneously with other medications.

On the other hand, if chewable flea and tick prevention is not an option for your pet due to particular aversions or negative effects, topical medications are thought to be the second most effective form, as they are absorbed into your pet’s system to last longer and work better. Topicals can be more affordable than chewables and research has proven them to work well. On the downside, if your pet has longer fur it may be more difficult to apply without shaving a small patch of fur. Topical medication may also have an odor and is not necessarily ideal for getting on human skin.

Flea collars, another popular option, are good for long-term usage without chemical ingestion or absorption into your pet’s bloodstream. They are highly effective and affordable with easy application to your pet’s neck. However, irritation around the collar may occur, especially if worn with another collar or if your pet is allergic to one or more ingredients in the collar. Again, fur length may also deter efficacy of a flea and tick collar. Lastly, effectiveness of the collar decreases over time worn, so it is necessary to still remain cautious when getting to the end of the collar’s dated period.

Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Canine Flea and Tick Prevention

As a pet owner, I understand the need to choose the best products for my animals to ensure their overall health, well-being, and happiness. Adventuring outside is of utmost importance for me and my dog, so it is necessary that I keep him on flea and tick prevention to block potential discomfort or disease. Personally, I chose chewable medication for him based on his excitement for treats, long fur, and sensitive skin. When looking into products for this article, our choices depended on consumer reviews, complaints, veterinary advice, and research into ingredients. Ultimately, our top picks are ones we deem to be the safest, most reliable, effective, affordable, and practical.

The Different Types of Flea And Tick Prevention: Pros and Cons

The answer to the best flea and tick product for your dog may vary based on your preference and your dog’s unique traits. Please consult the pros and cons list below before deciding which type of flea and tick prevention method is best for you.

Chewable

ProsCons
These are the best at ensuring maximum efficacy at all times (if instructions are followed).They can be expensive.
Dogs often consider them to be treats.They must be given on a regular schedule.
They’re the best at ensuring maximum efficacy at all times (if instructions are followed).Sometimes pets refuse to eat them.

Collar

ProsCons
Collars are the easiest method to apply.They can cause irritation.
They last for months.They are less effective during the last few months of wearing.
They’re relatively affordable.

Topical

ProsCons
Topicals are highly effective when used correctly.They can be smelly.
One dose lasts for 30 days.They’re a poor choice for water-bound dogs.
They have a decades-long track record of success.You may experience mixed results with long haired breeds like Golden retrievers.

Up Next…

Now that you’ve covered the bases of preventing against fleas and ticks, you may want to check out some of our related articles for your canine pals!

Best forProduct
Best OverallTrifexis Chewable Tablet for Dogs
Best Flea & Tick for Dogs & PuppiesHartz Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies
The Best Topical Flea And Tick Prevention For DogsFrontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs
About the Author

My passion is writing about animals. I’ve published articles on pet parrots, birds, and small animal care and reviews about pet food and products. I have an ever-evolving aviary and menagerie that has included cockatiels, parakeets, conures, European starlings, a chukar partridge, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. I’m also the author of Faith without Labels: a Guide to Eclectic Spirituality.

The Best Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs: Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the most effective flea and tick treatment for dogs?

TRIFEXIS Chewable Tablet for Dogs are easy to administer since they’re beef-flavored, chewable tablets that you give your dog just once a month.. Plus, they provide protection against heartworm infection and may provide protection against hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infection.

Are flea and tick treatments safe for dogs?

Flea and tick treatments are generally safe for dogs, though not every treatment is right for every dog. Your veterinarian will let you know which product is best for your pup based on a number of criterion, including whether it is on other medication.

Can you get flea and tick medication without a vet prescription?

Trifexis requires a prescription from a veterinarian. You do not need a prescription for the Hartz Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies or for Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.