It is usual for your dog to get an occasional itch. However, constant scratching should be a cause of concern. The itchiness could be caused by dry skin, allergies, or something as bad as a flea infestation.

So, fleas are not only a problem for you as a human but to your dogs, as well. These bugs can turn out to be a nightmare, particularly when they start multiplying uncontrollably. However, there is something you can do to avoid this infestation, which can cause health problems for you and your pet.

Flea treatments are the solution to this problem! They are useful in offering protection to your dogs throughout the year.

There are so many options available on the market, and it will, therefore, be wise to get the best for your little friend. Keep reading to get additional information on the 10 best flea treatments for dogs of 2020.

The Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention is useful for killing and repelling fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. It works by killing the harmful parasites even before they get a chance to bite your beloved pet. It comes in a convenient one-month topical solution. That means you only have to apply it once a month to get all year protection.

It features three active ingredients, namely imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen, which spread over your dog’s fur and skin to kill and repel fleas, ticks, lice, and mosquitoes. The formulation starts working within 12 hours after application and keeps working for 30 days. It contains four monthly applications to last you through a couple of months.

It’s recommended by vets and is suitable for larger dogs weighing over 55 pounds. The formulation is waterproof, meaning your dog stays safe even when they get wet. The treatment is formulated to kill fleas at all life stages, providing effective treatment.

Key Features
  • Acts quickly and lasts long
  • Offers 30 days of protection
  • Broad-spectrum
  • Waterproof
  • Recommended by veterinarian
Specifications
  • Format: Topical
  • Package Size: 1.6 ounces
  • Active Ingredients: imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen
  • Effectiveness Time: 30 days
  • Brand: Bayer Animal Health
Pros
  • Broad-spectrum – kills and repels fleas, ticks, lice, and mosquitoes
  • Offers 30-day protection
  • Waterproof meaning your dog can get wet without interfering with the treatment’s efficacy
  • Easy to apply
  • Acts fast to kill parasites
Cons
  • Requires a few hours to set in during which time your dog should refrain from getting wet
Editors choice

2. Frontline Plus for Dogs

9.57 / 10
Read Reviews

This flea treatment offers an exhaustive solution for flea and tick control. It kills fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and lice. It’s a trusted brand that vets have been recommending for the past 20 years. It's waterproof, acts fast, and is long-lasting for more efficient treatment.

The treatment is approved for use on dogs that range between 45 to 88 pounds. The treatment’s ability to kill both adult fleas and larvae stops current infestations while also preventing new infestations. By killing ticks, the treatment also prevents the transmission of Lyme disease.

Frontline Plus for dogs incorporates two active killing ingredients: S-Methoprene and fipronil. The former kills adult fleas and ticks while the former kills the eggs and larvae. The long-lasting formula gets stored in your dog’s oil glands offering non-stop flea and tick protection for 30 full days. This treatment is excellent if you're looking for reliable flea medicine from an established and trusted brand.

Key Features
  • Fast-acting and long-lasting formulation
  • Waterproof
  • Broad range
  • Offers 30-day protection
  • Veterinarian approved
Specifications
  • Format: Topical
  • Package Size: 0.64 ounces
  • Active Ingredients: S-Methoprene and Fipronil
  • Effectiveness Time: 30 days
  • Brand: Frontline
Pros
  • Acts fast to kill fleas and ticks
  • It's waterproof, so it keeps working even after your dog gets wet
  • Offers 30 days of protection
  • Kills adults, larvae, and eggs of fleas and ticks
  • Broad-spectrum in that it kills fleas, ticks, and lice
Cons
  • It’s not suitable for dogs that weigh less than five pounds
  • Becomes inactive in case your dog gets wet before the treatment completely dries

The Advecta II Flea Treatment is formulated to break the life cycle of fleas by acting on all stages, including adults, eggs, and larvae. It kills fleas and lice within 12 hours of application and prevents re-infestation for up to four months. It’s also effective against chewing lice by treating current infestations and preventing future breakouts.

The formulation is waterproof and remains effective even after your beloved pet gets wet. This treatment comes as an easy-to-apply solution that’s suitable for both dogs and cats. It continues to offer protection for up to four weeks after application. The fragrance-free formulation is also fragrance-free, meaning your dog won’t have to endure a scent they might not like.

It’s also ideal for smaller dogs weighing anywhere from three to ten pounds. The active ingredients effectively work to kill parasites without harming your pet’s fur or skin. The treatment lasts for one month; however, under situations of heavy infestation, treatment may be required at intervals less than the recommended four weeks.

Key Features
  • Effective within 12 hours
  • Waterproof
  • Fragrance-free formulation
  • Kills both fleas and lice
Specifications
  • Format: Topical
  • Package Size: 0.6 ounces
  • Active Ingredients: Pyriproxyfen and Imidacloprid
  • Effectiveness Time: Four months
  • Brand: Advecta
Pros
  • Quick-action formulation
  • Versatile in that it’s suitable for killing both fleas and lice
  • Fragrance-free formulation eliminates any odd odors
  • Waterproof means it remains active after your pet gets wet
  • Easy application process
Cons
  • Relatively shorter effectiveness time compared to other treatments in the same price range

This a fast-acting treatment that comes in tablet form and is suitable for both cats and dogs. It starts working in only 30 minutes for rapid effectiveness. One dose kills 90 percent of adult fleas within four hours. This quick action formulation ensures that adult fleas are dead even before they get a chance to lay eggs and start infesting your beloved pet.

The treatment is available in two dosages that is 11.4 milligrams for smaller dogs between 2 and 25 pounds and 57 milligrams for dogs ranging between 25.1 to 125 pounds. The administration is done orally by giving your dog the tablet directly or by hiding the tablet in their food. This treatment may be used alongside other treatments such as antibiotics or deworming medications without causing interference.

The oral delivery ensures there’s no mess that you might encounter with other treatments that require rubbing off. In case your pet gets a re-infestation, you can safely administer another dose once each day until the issue stops.

Key Features
  • Easy oral administration
  • Suitable for both dogs and cats
  • Comes as a single-dose treatment
  • Kills parasites fast
Specifications
  • Format: Oral
  • Package Size: 0.6 ounces
  • Active Ingredients: Nitenpyram
  • Effectiveness Time: 30 days
  • Brand: Elanco Animal Health
Pros
  • The oral administration makes it easy to give without creating a mess
  • Single dose treatment offers one-time relief
  • Acts fast to kill parasites
  • Suitable for both dogs and cats making it a versatile option
Cons
  • It may prove less effective on long-haired dogs

This flea treatment comes in a 6-tablet pack and is suitable for dogs who are 25 pounds or more. It’s quick-acting and starts working in 30 minutes after application. The active ingredient is Nitenpyram and offers an ideal solution for flea control.

A single tablet is suitable for killing fleas and keeping infestation at bay. The formulation also makes this a safe option for pregnant or nursing dogs. If you're looking for a great alternative to topical treatments, then this is an ideal go-to option. The oral intake of the treatment means it’s not messy and leaves no harsh smells.

The treatment begins working 30 minutes after application and continues to offer protection for 30 days. Incase infestation continues, the treatment may be administered once a day until the issue disappears. The oral intake means the treatment provides protection that won't wear off quickly, even if you wash your pet.

Key Features
  • Comes in a 6-tablet pack
  • Suitable for dogs that are 25 pounds and above
  • Quick, 30-minute action
  • Ideal for dogs that are four weeks and older
  • Odor-free formulation
Specifications
  • Format: Oral
  • Package Size: 1.44 ounces
  • Active Ingredients: Nitenpyram
  • Effectiveness Time: 30 days
  • Brand: PETARMOR
Pros
  • Highly effective, single dose formulation
  • Effective against adult fleas
  • Suitable for older dogs or pregnant, lactating dogs
  • Odor-free formulation means your dog can swallow without a fuss
  • Oral administration makes it a mess-free treatment option
Cons
  • Does not attack eggs and larval stages
  • It’s not suitable for preventing future infestation

This treatment is a suitable option for dogs and puppies alike. It works within 12 hours and kills any re-infesting fleas within 2 hours. During application, apply the entire contents of the applicator on three spots along your dog’s back. Repeat this action once every month for effective results.

The treatment is ideal for larger dogs that are 55 pounds and over. It offers a waterproof treatment solution so that even if your dog goes for a dip in the pool of gets wet, the treatment remains effective. This treatment effectively kills adult fleas as well as larvae and eggs, making a complete treatment solution.

Aside from killing the eggs and larval stages, it also prevents flea eggs from maturing into adults, thereby breaking the life cycle. It offers one-month flea protection upon application. Care should be taken when administering this treatment to prevent ingestion by your pet, as this could have adverse effects on the dog.

Key Features
  • Waterproof
  • Suitable for larger dogs that are 55 pounds and over
  • Topical application
  • Effective against flea eggs, larvae and adults
  • Offers one-month protection
Specifications
  • Format: Topical
  • Package Size: 0.6 ounces
  • Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen
  • Effectiveness Time: 30 days
  • Brand: CrossBlock II
Pros
  • Effective against all life stages including eggs, larvae, and adults
  • Waterproof formulation
  • Easy topical application
  • Offers 30-day protection against infestation
Cons
  • It’s not suitable for smaller dogs, less than 55 pounds in weight
  • Proves to be toxic if accidentally ingested by your pet resulting in health complications

This treatment is an excellent option for your flea and tick control measures, and in fact one of the very best flea treatments for dogs you can find right now. The formulation not only kills fleas and ticks but also repels them helping to avoid any cases of future infestation. The repellent properties make use of aromatherapy oils to get rid of parasites and leave your pet smelling fresh.

The formulation is completely free of chemicals and is approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA). It features eleven botanical ingredients to help kill existing pests and repel new ones. Once the essential oils get absorbed into your dog’s skin, your dog gets to enjoy continued protection.

For best results, you might want to combine this treatment with Arava Flea and Tick Control Shampoo. The pleasing scent leaves a pleasant fragrance that becomes more discreet after a day or two. The ingenious formulation ensures minimal hair loss, irritation, and allergic reaction, making for a happy, flea-free dog.

Key Features
  • Formulation with eleven active botanical ingredients
  • Simple application process
  • Broad-spectrum
  • Suitable for a variety of dog sizes
  • Versatile in that it kills and repels parasites
Specifications
  • Format: Topical
  • Package Size: 1.2 pounds
  • Active Ingredients: Geranium, Cinnamon, Clove, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Thyme, Soybean, Eastern Red Cedar, Citronella and Castor
  • Effectiveness Time: 30 days
  • Brand: Arava
Pros
  • Broad-spectrum since it repels nearly 500 different insect species
  • 11 different botanical ingredients leave your dog smelling fresh after treatment
  • It’s suitable for different sized dogs
  • Application is simple
Cons
  • Not all dogs may like the scent after treatment

The VECTRA 3D Purple for Dogs may be used on dogs and puppies that are at least eight weeks old. It’s a fast-acting treatment that works on reducing flea numbers and feeding within five minutes after administration. It then kills fleas within six hours. The best part is that parasites don't have to bite your pet to die.

Aside from fleas, it also acts against ticks, mosquitoes, sand flies, and mites. It lasts long and dries rapidly, offering an ideal topical treatment solution for your pet's parasites. Its waterproof feature ensures it remains active after bath time or swimming.

Each dose is given after a month and controls the development of all flea stages. It also prevents and controls flea re-infestation. This feature makes it a great option if you’re looking for a long-term parasite control option. It’s ideal for larger dogs that weigh anywhere between 56 and 95 pounds.

Key Features
  • Waterproof
  • Comes with six doses
  • Given as one dose per month
  • Suitable for 56 to 95-pound dogs
  • Fast-acting formulation
Specifications
  • Format: Topical
  • Package Size: 1.6 ounces
  • Active Ingredients: Dinotefuran, Permethrin, and Pyriproxyfen
  • Effectiveness Time: 30 days
  • Brand: VECTRA 3D
Pros
  • Acts within five minutes to provide quick relief
  • The waterproof feature means it won't wear off after a bath or a swim
  • Easy to apply
  • The six-dose package saves you time buying more treatment for half a year
  • A single dose per month means you don't have to keep re-applying
Cons
  • The treatment is not ideal for dogs that weigh less than 56 pounds

The SENTRY Capguard Oral Flea Control Medication is ideal for dogs and felines alike and comes as east-to-take tablets. The tablets contain Nitenpyram as an active ingredient, which is a recommended active ingredient by vets. It’s an oral flea control medication that’s available as an over-the-counter option.

It acts fast by killing adult fleas within 30 minutes of ingestion, and it lasts up to 24 hours per pill. The oral administration means you don’t have to struggle with topical application. Oral intake also means that it won’t rub off after a while, offering stress-free treatment. It comes in two sizes: for dogs between 2 and 25 pounds and dogs over 25 pounds.

When giving the pill, you may opt to give it to your dog directly or hide it in their food. It's been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, making it certified as safe for use on your pets.

Key Features
  • Oral administration tablet
  • Suitable for dogs and cats
  • Comes in two variations that are for pets between 2 and 25 pounds and pets above 25 pounds
  • Kills adult fleas on your pet
Specifications
  • Format: Oral
  • Package Size: 4 ounces
  • Active Ingredients: Nitenpyram
  • Effectiveness Time: 24 hours
  • Brand: SENTRY Pet Care
Pros
  • Quick action time of 30 minutes
  • Comes in two variations for different pet sizes
  • Oral administration eliminates potential messiness
  • Versatile in that it offers protection for both cats and dogs
Cons
  • Relatively short 24-hour effectiveness time
  • Only kills adult fleas without addressing egg and larval stages of the parasites

This treatment comes with three active ingredients, namely permethrin, imidacloprid, and pyriproxyfen. These three ingredients effectively fight against flea and tick infestation. The active formulation not only kills parasites but also serves to repel them. It comes in four weight breaks that make it a convenient option for continued pet protection.

It features an easy-to-apply topical formulation that attacks fleas and ticks at all their life stages, starting from eggs to larvae to adults. It requires a monthly treatment regimen with a single dose of treatment staying effective for up to 30 days. It’s a treatment that’s effective for dogs that are seven weeks or older or for dogs that weigh 11 to 20 pounds.

It's a vet-recommended product, with lots of vets finding its results satisfactory. Aside from addressing fleas and ticks, this treatment also treats lice infestations and repels mosquitoes making it a versatile treatment option. Its waterproof functionality means you don't need to re-apply it after washing your dog or after a day spent in the swimming pool.

Key Features
  • Powerful, effective ingredients
  • Easy-to-apply topical formulation
  • Offers 30 days of protection
  • Broad-spectrum protection
  • Comes as a four-month supply
Specifications
  • Format: Topical
  • Package Size: 2.4 ounces
  • Active Ingredients: Permethrin, Imidacloprid, and Pyriproxyfen
  • Effectiveness Time: 30 days
  • Brand: TevraPet
Pros
  • Four-month supply ensures you don’t have to keep rushing to the drug store for more treatment
  • Offer protection against a vast number of parasites including fleas, ticks, lice, and mosquitoes
  • It’s easy to apply
  • Offers 30 days of protection
  • Interferes with all life stages
Cons
  • It’s toxic upon ingestion

As mentioned earlier, the market is flooded with different types of flea treatment for dogs. These are the main types available:

Oral Tablets and Chews- The medicines are quick and effective. They work by traveling through your dog’s bloodstream to the skin surface, where they eventually kill the biting fleas.

Topical Flea Solutions- These are commonly available in liquid form. They treat existing fleas and also help in preventing future outbreaks.

Collars- Flea collars are a great strategy to keep off the fleas from your dog’s face, although some of the products claim to kill the bugs.

Flea Sprays- They are useful in killing the fleas throughout their lifecycle stages. They are best applied between the baths because they can wash away once the dog gets wet.

Flea shampoos-These are used just like any other bath product, although some may be required to stay on your pet’s skin for a few minutes before rinsing.

So, if you are not careful, you can easily pick the wrong product. To avoid this, you have to put first the safety and interest of your pet when shopping. Consider various factors before you walk into that agro vet shop or supermarket.

To start with, think about the usage of the medicine that you are about to buy. Does it prevent the immature bugs from developing and reproducing, or does it kill the adult fleas?

Another factor to consider is the treatment’s effectiveness. Since there are many species of fleas, it will be wise to discuss with your veterinarian about the possible types of insects on your dog.

After that, find out if the treatment you are about to purchase is effective against these species. Alternatively, you can go for broad-spectrum medicines that can fight several species.

Also, consider you and your dog’s preferences. Does your dog find it hard to stay calm during the application of the treatment? Well, if that is the case, then you might require a flea collar. However, if you have a tight schedule and want something invisible on your dog, you can try out the oral flea preventives.

Another thing to consider is whether the medicine is meant for cats or dogs or both. Nevertheless, stay away from such kind of treatments. The best flea medication, in this case, should be specifically designed for dogs only.

If you decide to go against this, then you might end up harming your pet. Some ingredients may be safe for the cat but not for the dog. Therefore, make sure always to read the labels and use the product as instructed.

Now that you already know what to consider when shopping, you can also go through the following list of the 10 best flea treatments for dogs of 2020 to help you in deciding, the faster to get back to enjoying playing with and pampering your best furry friend.

Resources— 1800 Pet Meds, Pet Md, Pest Strategies, Pet Sami

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