What is the best way to prevent fleas and ticks?
The best way to prevent fleas and ticks is to use a combination of methods. First, keep your yard clean and free of debris. Second, consider using a natural insecticide such as diatomaceous earth.
Third, use a flea collar or spot-on treatment on your dog. Finally, check your dog regularly for fleas and ticks and remove them promptly if you find any.
Now that you know more about the best flea medicine for dogs without vet prescription in 2022, its time to share more details about our top 15 picks:
Your dogs health may be quite complicated and tough to comprehend. Pupper’s goal is to give dog owners the information they need in order to make the greatest choice for their dogs.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat (PUFA). Omega-3s are also known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3s in the form of EPA and DHA must be consumed in the diet. Theyre found in fatty fish, such as salmon, and in flaxseeds and other plant sources.
DHA is essential for proper functioning of the brain and eyes. EPA helps to decrease inflammation throughout the body. Both EPA and DHA are necessary for a healthy coat and skin.
Pupper Omega has been carefully formulated to include the ideal ratio of omega-fatty acids. Pupper Omega is number one on the list of the best flea medicine for dogs without vet prescription in 2022.
NexGard Flea and Tick Chewables are a monthly chewable tablet for dogs that kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis) and the treatment and control of American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) infestations in dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older, weighing four pounds of body weight or greater.
NexGard Flea and Tick Chewables are safe for use in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs. The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials were vomiting, dry/flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy and lack of appetite.
NexGard Flea and Tick Chewables are available in four different chewable tablet sizes for oral administration to dogs of different weights.
Capstar Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs is a fast-acting, safe and effective flea treatment for dogs. Capstar Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs begins working within 30 minutes to kill adult fleas on dogs.
Capstar Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs is available in four different tablet sizes for oral administration to dogs of different weights. The most common side effects reported in dogs include itching, scratching, licking, and panting.
Bravecto Chewable Tablets for Dogs is a long-lasting, fast-acting chewable flea and tick treatment for dogs that starts working within two hours and lasts 12 weeks. Bravecto Chewable Tablets for Dogs is safe for use in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs.
The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials were vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and anorexia. Bravecto Chewable Tablets for Dogs are available in four different chewable tablet sizes for oral administration to dogs of different weights.
PetArmor Plus for dogs protects your dog from pesky pests. This simple topical solution kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice for up to 30 days—protecting your BFF for a full month.
Biting insects are noxious for you and your pets, not to mention a threat to your canines health. They can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other diseases that you dont want to pass on to your dog.
Its like a spray because it kills mites, such as sarcoptic mange and deer ticks. It also destroys deer tick, dog tick, American dog tick, and lone star tick nymphs. Its an excellent solution to your annoying issue.
Advantus is a chewable flea treatment for dogs that starts working within one hour to kill adult fleas. Advantus is safe for use in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs.
The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials were vomiting, dry/flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy and lack of appetite. Advantus is available in four different chewable tablet sizes for oral administration to dogs of different weights.
PetArmor CAPACTION Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs is a fast-acting, safe and effective flea treatment for dogs. PetArmor CAPACTION Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs begins working within 30 minutes to kill adult fleas on dogs.
PetArmor CAPACTION Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs is available in four different tablet sizes for oral administration to dogs of different weights. The most common side effects reported in dogs include itching, scratching, licking, and panting.
With PetHonesty Flea & Tick Defense, a hickory-bacon-flavored chew your dog will think is a treat, you may safely eliminate pesky pests without using chemicals. These vet-approved, pesticide-free morsels are intended to be used in place of chemical pesticides for repelling fleas, ticks, mosquitos,
Theyre comprised of natural ingredients like coconut oil, flaxseed, garlic, and brewers yeast. Even better, each chew is brimming with vitamins and omegas that aid your buddy in developing daily and long-term resistance to seasonal pests while also supporting his immune system, skin, and joint health.
Depending on his weight, give your furry friend one to three chews per day.
The safe and effective solution for protecting your dog or cat from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes is Flea Away Natural Flea, Tick & Mosquito Repellent. It works by masking the smell of Co2, which attracts the fleas.
Even if you see a flea, dont worry—it will never bite your pet and cause her to develop itchy, irritating dermatitis. Flea Away also prevents ticks from becoming engorged, making them easier to remove.
Furthermore, its a vitamin supplement thats both tasty and good for their liver. It also offers a slew of health advantages, since its an entire vitamin in a delicious liver flavor.
Simparica Trio is a monthly, beef-flavored chewable tablet that prevents fleas, ticks, and sarcoptic mange in dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older.
Simparica Trio also kills deer ticks (the major carrier of Lyme disease), American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks. The most common side effects reported in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, dry/flaky skin, and lethargy.
The best flea and tick medicines for dogs
Best topical flea preventive overall: Advantage Multi for Dogs – See at Chewy With an easy application once a month, Advantage Multi for Dogs treats, controls, and prevents more parasites than any other topical product.
Best OTC topical flea preventive for dogs: Frontline Plus for Dogs – See at Chewy Available without a prescription, Frontline Plus for Dogs kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice on contact.
Best oral flea control product for dogs: Simparica TRIO – See at Petco Simparica TRIO treats, controls, and prevents more parasites than any other oral product, offering a full month of protection with one easy-to-give flavored pill.
Best flea control product for young puppies: Capstar for Dogs – See at Chewy Capstar for Dogs is safe for puppies as young as 4 weeks old and starts killing fleas within 30 minutes.
Best flea collar for dogs: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs – See at Chewy The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs offers eight months of protection against fleas and ticks in all life stages.
Best flea shampoo for dogs: Sentry Flea and Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal for Dogs and Puppies – See at Chewy Sentry Flea and Tick Shampoo kills fleas, ticks, and flea eggs and larvae for up to 10 days while soothing dry, irritated skin.
With just one easy monthly application, Advantage Multi for Dogs treats, controls, and prevents more parasites than any other topical product.
Pros: Kills and prevents six types of parasites including heartworm, once-monthly treatment, easy to administer, safe for use in puppies 7 weeks and older and weighing at least 3 pounds
Cons:Kills and prevents six types of parasites including heartworm, once-monthly treatment, easy to administer, safe for use in puppies 7 weeks and older and weighing at least 3 pounds
No preventive covers every single parasite that could harm your dog, but Advantage Multi for Dogs comes close. Advantage Multi is a topical spot-on product that contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin to prevent flea infestations by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs. It also prevents heartworm, mange mites, and three intestinal parasites: roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. As with all medications that prevent heartworm, your dog needs a heartworm test prior to starting Advantage Multi and annually thereafter.
Advantage Multi is easy to use: Just apply every 30 days to the dogs skin at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication is absorbed and dries within hours. Unlike with some other topical preventives, you do not need to wear gloves to apply Advantage Multi. If you get the product on your hands, simply wash with soap and water. For a half-hour after application, keep dogs from licking the application site, either on themselves or other treated dogs. Children should not touch the application site for two hours after application.
Available without a prescription, Frontline Plus for Dogs kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice on contact.
Pros: Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, all life stages of ticks and chewing lice for one month; safe for use in dogs and puppies at least 8 weeks of age that weigh at least 5 pounds; safe for use in breeding, pregnant and nursing dogs; fleas dont have to bite for it to work
Cons:Not recommended for puppies younger than 8 weeks of age; does not prevent any parasites other than fleas, ticks, and chewing lice
Frontline Plus is our top nonprescription recommendation because it kills ticks and fleas, controls flea infestations, and kills chewing lice, all with one easy application. When used primarily for flea control, each dose of Frontline Plus lasts up to three months. If ticks or biting lice are a concern, apply it monthly.
Frontline Plus has been used and trusted by pet owners for more than two decades. Parasites die on contact — they do not have to bite your dog for the treatment to work. Its active ingredients, fipronil and S-methoprene, work together to kill parasites and break the flea life cycle. Fipronil kills adult fleas and ticks while S-methoprene prevents flea eggs, larvae, and pupae from developing. Completely breaking the flea life cycle can sometimes take up to a month of consistent use, especially if your dog is heavily infested because flea eggs can be in your home but not on your dog.
Frontline Plus is easy to use. Squeeze the entire contents of the tube onto one spot to your dogs skin between the shoulder blades. The liquid medication spreads across your dogs skin and gets stored in the oil glands. It distributes itself continuously via the hair follicles.
Simparica TRIO treats, controls, and prevents more parasites than any other oral product, offering a full month of protection with one easy-to-give flavored pill.
Pros:Protects against more parasites than any other oral product, once-monthly dog flea treatment, safe for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older weighing at least 2.8 pounds, easy to administer alone or in food
Cons: Not labeled for use in puppies younger than 8 weeks or breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs
Our pick for the best oral flea prevention and control product for dogs is Simparica TRIO, a chewable tablet that is fast-acting and kills more parasites than any other oral product. It starts to work within four hours and kills 100% of adult fleas on dogs within eight hours.
Choosing between an oral or topical flea control product is tough for some dog owners. There are pros and cons to each type of product. In some cases, an oral preventive is a better choice. For instance, some dogs with sensitive skin cant tolerate spot-on treatments.
“Oral products have the benefit of broad coverage to reach every spot of skin without the chance of the product being washed off,” Crumley said. “Rarely, a pet will have mild intestinal upset with any oral product. If that occurs then that pet will do better with one of the system-absorbed topical choices.”
The liver-flavored chewable tablets can be given with or without food once a month. In addition to providing a full month of protection against the most parasites of any oral product, Simparica TRIO is also labeled for use in some of the youngest and smallest puppies and dogs.
Simparica TRIO contains three ingredients: sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel. It requires a prescription from your veterinarian, as well as a current negative heartworm test. It should be used with caution in dogs with a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures.
What pet owners need to know
The EPA recommends pet owners read the entire label before using the flea control product and follow all directions carefully. Your veterinarian can provide additional guidance on safely using the Seresto collar or other flea control products.
To protect against counterfeit Seresto collars, purchase from a reputable pet product website, brick-and-mortar store with a guarantee program, or your veterinarian. Chewy, Petco, and Petsmart told Insider they purchase Seresto collars directly from Elanco.
Call Elanco product support (800-422-9874) to verify product authenticity.
If your pet has an adverse reaction, immediately remove the collar and call your veterinarian. Tim Carroll, deputy press secretary for the EPA, also advises pet owners to contact the National Pesticide Information Center and report adverse reactions on the EPAs website.
Best flea and tick medications for your dog
Fleas and ticks aren’t just gross—they’re dangerous. Both can carry diseases that can affect your dog, and they can put people at risk as well.
Anyone who has had to tackle a flea infestation or pull ticks off of their dog knows how important it is to use a quality flea and tick prevention product. So how do you choose which is the best flea and tick pill for your dog?
All of the prescription flea and tick pills for dogs are very effective, and there are a variety of options to meet your pet’s specific needs.
Your veterinarian likely has one or two preferred products that they are the most familiar with, and they can help you find the best flea and tick pills for your dog.