Walking outdoors, playing in the park, and even setting up playdates with other dogs and puppies can be great activities for your beloved pooch. However, these activities may pose some problems for your pet, particularly when they come into contact with fleas and ticks, as well as the various diseases they bring.
Because of this, having the right protection from fleas and ticks is essential. Not only are they for the benefit of your dog’s health and comfort, but these can also give you the peace of mind you need knowing you can prevent diseases from affecting you as well.
Thankfully, there are many flea treatment options to choose from. Whether it be collars, topical formulas, shampoos, sprays, and the like, you can choose what works best on your dog depending on their weight, age, and of course, the type of application you prefer. Below are some of the best offerings today.
Flea Treatments and How These Work
Flea treatments are simply medications or procedures that are used to address flea infestations in your pet dog. These provide your pet with the protection they need against fleas and ticks, prevent them from further scratching, and keep the fleas at bay.
These types of treatments come in different forms. These include topical drops, collars, sprays, shampoos, powders, and many others. Depending on the chosen application, these work by killing fleas and ticks, while others repel and treat fleas.
Telltale Signs Your Pet Has Fleas
One of the telling signs that your dog already has fleas is that these creatures are already jumping on the different parts of your pet’s body. Apart from these, you may also find that your pup has been scratching, chewing, or licking a particular part of its body more than usual, especially as flea bites are extremely itchy.
In addition to these, you may also want to keep your eyes peeled for hair loss, scabs, and hot spots. They may also become restless during this time as having fleas are quite uncomfortable.
Importance of Flea Treatments and Prevention
Fleas and ticks are undoubtedly uncomfortable and irritating for your dog. After all, these are considered types of parasites. As such, flea prevention and cure are important for your pooch’s health and protection, more so when these can bring about other illnesses.
Fleas can make your pet feel more uncomfortable and irritated. Beyond this, they can also lead your poor pup to suffer from tapeworms, hair loss, allergic dermatitis, and many others.
By consistently working to prevent fleas and ticks from infesting and hurting your pet, you can give your dog a safe, comfortable, and happy life.
Check Out the Best Flea Treatments for Your Dog
Finding the right flea treatment for your pupper can be challenging, especially with so many flea treatments available on the market today. To make it easier, we have rounded up some of the best and most effective flea treatments you can use on your dog. Take a look at these.
Bayer K9 Advantix II for Large Dogs
Topical treatments such as the Bayer K9 Advantix II for dogs is an ideal way to keep the fleas and pests at bay every month. This only requires once a month application. Plus, it helps that the formula is waterproof as well, making it easier to treat fleas and ticks that your dog comes in contact with.
This starts working within 12 hours upon application and is designed to kill not just fleas, but also ticks, lice, and mosquitos. Even at seven weeks old, the K9 Advantix II can already be used on your pup to prevent infestations.
Besides being used at a young age, it’s also worth mentioning that this flea treatment is easy to apply thanks to its tube applicator.
Pros:
- Comes in different-sized packs
- Works within 12 hours
- Remains waterproof
Cons:
- The product is only suited for large dogs weighing 21 to 55 pounds
Bayer K9 Advantix II for Extra Large Dogs
If you’re looking for flea treatment for your extra-large dog, the Bayer K9 Advantix II has got you covered. Made for dogs weighing over 55 pounds, these only require you to apply the treatment once a month and you’re good to go. Once applied, this topical treatment will work in just 12 hours. New fleas and pests, however, are killed within 2 hours after protecting your dog with this treatment.
Apart from addressing the flea infestation of your dog, you’ll be at peace knowing this can also kill and repel ticks and mosquitos at the same time, allowing your pet to be more comfortable wherever he goes. The formula also goes waterproof after 24 hours of application.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Lasts as long as 30 days
- Easy application
Cons:
- Requires dogs to be over 55 pounds and at least seven weeks old
Vectra 3D for Puppies
Those who want a fast-acting flea treatment will appreciate what Vectra 3D has to offer. It works as fast as two hours and already reduces fleas and ticks in just 24 hours thanks to its masterful use of three strong pesticides as active ingredients, namely Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen, and Permethrin.
On top of killing fleas, the Vectra 3D is also great for preventing the growth and development of flea eggs, larvae, and pupae from furthering. It also repels and kills ticks, lice, and mites.
This fast-acting flea treatment’s protection lasts up to a month. It dries up quickly to a non-greasy feel, making the application easier, especially with the help of its patented applicator.
Pros:
- Works in as little as 2 hours
- Easy to use applicator
- Available in packs of 3 or 6 doses
Cons:
- Dogs have to be anywhere from 56 to 95 pounds to use the product
Vectra 3D for Medium Dogs And for Puppies over 8 weeks old
Vectra 3D works on contact on your medium dogs even before fleas, ticks, lice, and more bite your dog, making it one fast-acting agent before anything harmful even happens in the first place. The great thing about all this is that in just five minutes, it claims to reduce flea feeding.
In addition to its fast-acting properties, Vectra 3D also contains potent pesticides to help it become effective. Because of this, it results in eliminating not just ticks and lice, but fleas from all stages.
The Vectra 3D has quite an elegant formulation with its non-greasy and fast-drying formula. Besides this, it has an easy-to-use applicator that can get into the nooks and crannies of your dog.
Pros:
- Fast-drying
- Great applicator
- Does not require tick or flea bites for pests to die
Cons:
- Can only be used for dogs 8 weeks old weighing 21 to 55 pounds
Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
Those who have larger dogs may want to go for hassle-free whole-body protection with the use of a Seresto Flea and Tick Collar. A fit for larger breeds, this particular flea treatment collar is a great idea as this can fit necks up to 23 inches, even if they are over 18 pounds, as the collar is adjustable.
This collar uses active ingredients that are stored in the matrix and released in low concentrations, letting it kill more fleas and ticks over time. What’s more, this Seresto collar also works on contact while the low concentration release allows it to last for 8 months.
Pros:
- Kills on contact
- Kills existing fleas within 24 hours
- Adjustability makes it easy to use and attach to your dog
Cons:
- Designed for large dogs only
- Submersion in water reduces the length of efficacy
PetArmor Max Flea for Extra Large Dogs
PetArmor Max Flea is a topical spot-on product that helps kill and repel fleas, ticks, and more. It lasts well for one month with its waterproof formula while killing fleas within 12 hours after application. It kills not just adult fleas, but fleas from every stage of life, including eggs and larvae.
On top of killing fleas, this flea treatment product is also adept at killing and repelling different types of ticks and mosquitoes. A box already fetches you a six-month supply, so all you have to do is separate one tube from the rest and use it as directed.
Pros:
- Fully waterproof flea treatment
- Kills and repels fleas in just 12 hours
Cons:
- This particular pack is made only for extra-large dogs
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
For dogs that have sensitive skin, you will find that the Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo is quite gentle while still remaining effective in killing many ticks and fleas. It contains ingredients such as aloe vera, lanolin, and oatmeal to be extra soothing on your pooch. At the same time, it gets your dog squeaky clean with just a few drops.
The shampoo is safe to be used every 7 to 10 days for baths or as needed to thoroughly weed out fleas. But, you’ll be happy to know that this contains an insect growth regulator that can kill and prevent fleas for up to 28 days from its egg to the adult stage.
Pros:
- Gentle formula
- Has a good scent
Cons:
- Requires frequent application
Final Thoughts
Using a flea treatment can help ensure your dog’s safety and comfort at all times. With these aforementioned products, you can prevent fleas and ticks from affecting your dog’s wellbeing.
