The Best Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs

By PetMD Editorial on Jun. 28, 2022

Fleas and ticks are parasites that can be found in almost every climate and location where dogs live. These pests take up residence on your dog and live by biting the dog and feeding on their blood. In the process, they can cause allergic reactions, infections, and other serious health complications. Vets typically recommend year-round flea and tick prevention for dogs.

If you see symptoms of flea infestation, such as skin lesions, excessive itching, or visible flea droppings (often called “flea dirt”) on your dog’s skin, it may mean your treatment program needs adjusting. Also, if you see a tick on your dog, you should first remove the tick and then clean the area. Monitor for symptoms of tick-borne illness, such as swollen joints, reluctance to move, loss of appetite, or lameness.

Advantage II and Advantage Multi

Advantage II contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen. Together, these medications work quickly to control fleas and lice. It kills fleas at multiple life stages, from egg to adult. Advantage II does not control ticks. Advantage Multi contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin. It controls adult fleas, as well as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It also treats sarcoptic mange and helps prevent heartworm disease. Advantage Multi does not target ticks.

Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment for Dogs, 3-10 lbs

Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment for Dogs, 11-20 lbs

Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment for Dogs, 21-55 lbs

Advantage II Flea Spot Treatment for Dogs, over 55 lbs

Advantage Multi Topical Solution

Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Dogs, 3-9 lbs

Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Dogs, 9.1-20 lbs

Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Dogs, 20.1-55 lbs

Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Dogs, 55.1-88 lbs

Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Dogs, 88.1-110 lbs

Bravecto

Bravecto contains the active ingredient fluralaner, which controls flea and ticks. It is also available as a topical treatment that is given every 3 months. Bravecto should be used with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Bravecto is available as chews that can be given monthly or every 3 months, available in the following strengths:

Bravecto Chew for Dogs, 4.4-9.9 lbs

Bravecto Chew for Dogs, 9.9-22 lbs

Bravecto Chew for Dogs, 22-44 lbs

Bravecto Chew for Dogs, 44-88 lbs

Bravecto Chew for Dogs, 88-123 lbs

Frontline Gold, Frontline Plus and Frontline Shield

Frontline Gold contains the active ingredients fipronil, (s)-methoprene, and pyriproxyfen. It kills multiple life stages of fleas, as well as controlling ticks and lice.

Frontline Plus contains fipronil and (s)-methoprene. It is topical medication that controls fleas, ticks, and lice but is not as fast-acting as the Frontline Gold formulation

Frontline Shield contains the active ingredients fipronil, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen. It kills multiple life stages of fleas, as well as controlling ticks, chewing lice, and stable flies. It also repels mosquitos, stable flies, and ticks. Frontline Shield is highly toxic to cats, so use care or avoid it entirely if you have cats in the household.

Frontline Gold

Frontline Gold Flea & Tick Treatment for Small Dogs, 5-22 lbs

Frontline Gold Flea & Tick Treatment for Medium Dogs, 23-44 lbs

Frontline Gold Flea & Tick Treatment for Large Dogs, 45-88 lbs

Frontline Gold Flea & Tick Treatment for Extra Large Dogs, 89-132 lbs

Frontline Plus

Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Small Dogs, 5-22 lbs

Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Medium Dogs, 23-44 lbs

Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Large Dogs, 45-88 lbs

Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Extra Large Dogs, 89-132 lbs

Frontline Shield

Frontline Shield Flea & Tick Treatment for Extra Small Dogs, 5 - 10 lbs

Frontline Shield Flea & Tick Treatment for Small Dogs, 11 - 20 lbs

Frontline Shield Flea & Tick Treatment for Medium Dogs, 21 - 40 lbs

Frontline Shield Flea & Tick Treatment for Large Dogs, 41 - 80 lbs

Frontline Shield Flea & Tick Treatment for Extra Large Dogs, 81 - 120 lbs

K9 Advantix

K9 Advantix II contains the active ingredients imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen. Together, these medications treat ticks, mosquitos, chewing lice, and multiple life stages of fleas. K9 Advantix II is applied monthly. K9 Advantix II is highly toxic to cats and should be used with caution in households that include cats.

K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs, 4-10 lbs

K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs, 11-20 lbs

K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs, 21-55 lbs

K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs, over 55 lbs

NexGard

NexGard contains the active ingredient afoxolaner, which is the isoxazoline class of drugs. NexGard treats fleas, Black-legged (deer) ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks. This product is available as a chew that is given once a month. It should be used with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.

NexGard Chew for Dogs, 4-10 lbs

NexGard Chew for Dogs, 10.1-24 lbs

NexGard Chew for Dogs, 24.1-60 lbs

NexGard Chew for Dogs, 60.1-121 lbs

Simparica Trio

Simparica^© Trio combines the active ingredients sarolaner (in the isoxazoline class of medications), moxidectin, and pyrantel. Together, these medications target a wide range of parasites, including larval (juvenile) heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms, as well as providing flea and tick control against a variety of tick species.

Simparica© Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs, 5.6-11 lbs.

Simparica© Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs, 11.1-22 lbs.

Simparica© Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs, 22.1-44 lbs.

Simparica© Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs, 44.1-88 lbs.

Simparica© Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs, 88.1-132 lbs.

According to the manufacturer, Simparica© Trio is well-tolerated. In clinical studies, side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, polyuria, hyperactivity, and polydipsia. Complete safety information is available on the product’s safety label. If you suspect your dog is experiencing side effects after taking Simparica©, contact your vet.

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