The 8 Best Flea and Tick Prevention Products for Dogs in 2020

While Bravecto is a prescription-only medication that will require approval from your vet, it’s one of the best flea and tick preventatives on the market. A single dose of these flavored chews provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks (up to 8 weeks for Lone Star ticks)—nearly three times longer than most monthly treatments. It kills 98.7 percent of the targeted parasites within 24 hours and is effective as both a preventative measure and means of stemming an infestation. The chew is available in dosages for both large and small breeds and is recommended for dogs 6 months and older.

Customers write that Bravecto Chews are the only flea and tick treatment they give their dogs. The product has a palatable flavor, and most dogs will eat them like a treat. While it’s a bit more expensive than some competing preventatives, the fact that it lasts far longer helps reduce the initial sticker shock.

Frontline is one of the most trusted names in flea and tick prevention, and Frontline Plus is a great pick for your large breed. This easy-to-apply topical treatment offers 30 days of protection against fleas, ticks, chewing lice, and mites. It also includes (S)-methoprene, which attacks flea eggs and larvae before they have a chance to hatch, breaking the cycle of infestation. It’s safe to use with dogs weighing between 45 and 88 pounds and is applied directly to the skin. 

Many customers have been using Frontline Plus for years with great results. It’s a product that can give you some much-needed peace of mind when you let your dog outside to play—some mention that it’s effective even in heavy tick seasons. The application process is also a breeze, especially if your dog tends to turn up his nose at medications disguised as treats.

For small breeds, we’re fans of Advantage II Flea Treatment. Ideal for dogs weighing between 3 and 10 pounds, this monthly topical preventative protects against fleas, eggs, and larvae. It’s formulated to kill fleas at all stages of the life cycle and doesn’t require any biting to work effectively. It’s also fast-acting, working within 12 hours of application. The product is safe to use with dogs 7 weeks and older, and is even waterproof—so you don’t need to worry about it coming off when your dog hops in the lake or pool. 

Advantage II Flea Treatment is available in packages of four or six treatments, and customers write that it works quickly and effectively, with several noting that fleas were eliminated within hours of putting it on their dog. If you’re looking for a trusted flea preventative for your small dog, this is the one—just bear in mind that it is purely a flea preventative and will not be effective against ticks.

Flea collars are another time-tested prevention method, and our favorite is Seresto’s 8-Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar. Formulated to kill pests on contact, this non-greasy and odorless collar is highly effective against fleas, ticks, larvae, and nymphs. It starts to work within 24 hours and lasts far longer than topical treatments—saving you from needing to remember when you last treated your pet. It can be used on dogs aged seven weeks and older, weighing over 18 pounds, and is available in sizes for small as well as large breeds.

Customers write that they haven’t seen a single flea or tick on their dog since they started using the Seresto 8-Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar. If your dog has a sensitive stomach and doesn’t tolerate oral treatments well (or you’re not a fan of topical treatments), this can be a great alternative. 

Want to protect your best friend against fleas and ticks without worrying about chemical formulations or unwanted side effects? Natural Care Dog & Cat Flea & Tick Spray is an all-natural, plant-based product using ingredients like peppermint oil and clove extract. While it’s not a monthly treatment, it does a great job of killing fleas, ticks, and flea eggs on contact, making a solid addition to your prevention plan. Thanks to its natural formulation, it’s safe to use throughout the home and can be sprayed on countertops, upholstery, and bedding without fear.

Natural Care Dog & Cat Flea & Tick Spray works almost immediately, customers write and is surprisingly effective for a completely chemical-free product. It also has a peppermint scent most buyers find pleasant, but more importantly, it visibly kills fleas with just a few puffs of spray.

If your dog is in need of instant relief from an infestation, Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo is a great first step before starting them on a preventative. This shampoo instantly kills fleas and ticks (and even repels mosquitos) and has a sulfate and paraben-free formulation that uses essential oils instead of harsh chemicals. Just work it into a lather and use it as you would any other shampoo with your dog. While it can work for up to four weeks at a time, it should still be used in conjunction with a preventative for more effective treatment.

Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo is safe to use on dogs that have sensitive or flaky skin and leaves coats shiny after every use. Customers write that it’s one of the best shampoos they’ve purchased—you can see the fleas falling off after your dog’s been lathered up. It also has an agreeable fragrance thanks to natural ingredients like peppermint and clove oil.

Spray products are another great tool when you’re in the thick of a flea infestation. Vet’s Best Dog Flea + Tick Spray is a chemical-free mix of essential oils and natural ingredients that kills fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on contact, while also repelling mosquitos. Its non-staining formula is safe to use around the house, including furniture, bedding, and flooring. Similar to shampoo, this spray can be a great first step to remove irritating fleas from your dog's coat. After the initial infestation is under control you can work to treat your home and yard.

According to customers, Vet’s Best Dog Flea + TIck Home Spray reliably kills fleas and ticks, and can also be used before letting your dog outside to play during peak season for pests. It can be used on dogs 12 weeks and older and is available in a 32 and 96-ounce bottle.

Need to pull out the big guns? Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Feal Treatment for Dogs starts working within 30 minutes of ingestion, giving your pup some much-needed relief. A single dose of this oral treatment kills 90 percent of adult fleas and can be given once a day until the infestation has been resolved. There are two dosages available based on your dog’s size, and the product can be used on dogs and puppies four weeks and older, and weighing over two pounds. It can also be used in conjunction with a longer-lasting preventative.

While Capstar won’t solve your flea problem (it only works for 24 hours), it’s useful as a first step when dealing with an infestation. Customers write that it works “lightning-quick,” and is great when used with a topical or oral treatment. You’ll watch fleas die and jump ship en masse as the product takes effect.