What is the best dog flea treatment? Let's find out with this buyer's guide!
© alexei_tm - Shutterstock
Best dog flea treatment: our selection of the best products for dogs in 2024
Fleas can irritate your dog all year round. They also carry diseases, so it is important to choose an effective treatment for your pet.
Whether you need a preventive or curative flea treatment, an anti-flea collar, spray, pipette, shampoo or even pills, there is a wide choice of antiparasitic solutions for dogs. Some treatments only repel insects, while others are highly effective at killing fleas. You can also choose between chemical and all-natural flea repellents.
The choice of flea treatment product for your dog depends on your expectations, as well as on your pet’s age, weight, habits and environment. Think about whether they’ll be living in a flat or a house with a garden for example, or whether young children are present too. It is important to treat the animal all year round, without interruption. You should start administering a dog treatment as soon as you bring your two-month-old puppy home.
Are you about to welcome your first dog? You'll see, it's a lot of fun! Fleas, on the other hand, are much less so. We’ve put together this product comparison to help you deal with these unwanted guests.
Summary
What flea treatment products are available for dogs?
There are many different types of flea treatment products and accessories. One of the most common ones are flea pipettes. They are easy to use: simply pour a few drops onto the dog's skin in the folds of their neck. Then you have flea sprays, which are administered onto the animal’s hair. Anti-flea collars for dogs offer long-term protection from parasites. You can also opt for tablets that are added to the animal's food. However, this type of anti-flea product will only eradicate the parasites present in your dog’s hair and not those in its environment. If your dog is heavily infested with fleas, an anti-flea shampoo is a possible solution, if somewhat radical. Flea powders also work very well, but should not be used on dogs with skin wounds.
How do I choose between the best flea treatments for dogs?
In order to make the right choice, you have to decide whether you are looking for a curative or preventive treatment, or a solution that guarantees both. You should also make the distinction between natural dog flea repellents and chemical antiparasitic products. The latter option consists of highly efficient active molecules that act as both insecticides and repellents. They also start working almost immediately. The list of such molecules includes dimethicone, permethrin and fipronil. If your pet has sensitive skin or cannot tolerate chemical flea repellents, opt for a natural, plant-based product (lavandin, margosa, geraniol, etc.) Most of the time, these treatments are only repellents. However, there are treatments for dogs with essential oils that are insecticidal, which means they kill the existing fleas.
Which type of anti-flea product should I choose for my dog?
It all depends on a number of factors including the weight and breed of your pet, but also on the desired duration of protection and the personality of your dog. For example, anti-flea sprays can be frightening for anxious doggos: they might not be able to tolerate several dozen sprays. The household where the animal lives also influences the choice of treatment. Some of your family members may develop an allergy or an unpleasant sensitivity to the product. If you have young children, avoid anti-flea collars as kids may touch them before putting their hands in their mouth. If your pet likes to get into the water on walks, do not use flea sprays, as contact with water will quickly reduce their effectiveness.
When should I treat my dog with flea control products?
Puppies should generally be treated from the age of 2 months. However, if your litter is infested with fleas, there are also products that are suitable for puppies that are only a few days old. You will then need to protect your pet with a flea control product throughout the year. It is best to avoid breaks in treatment as parasites are active all year round. That’s especially true if you live in a flat, and heating in winter stimulates flea development. If you decided to stop applying the treatment in winter, remember to start again once warm weather comes back around.
Can I make my own dog flea treatment?
Yes, there are several anti-flea solutions that you can make yourself. Grandma's remedies are much gentler and more natural for your pup! To make one, combine 75 ml of apple cider vinegar, 75 ml of spring water and 8 drops of rosemary or lemon essential oil. These two plants are known to repel parasites. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it not only on your dog’s hair, but also on their cushion and all their favourite spots in the house. This essential oil-based dog flea repellent won't kill the parasites, but it will let them know that they need to find another place to call home. You can also rub a clove of garlic cut in half against your pet's coat.
Is dog flea treatment mandatory?
Flea treatment for dogs is not compulsory in the same way as vaccinations or identification, but it is highly recommended! Flea bites are very unpleasant for dogs, as they keep itching. The animal can then develop an allergy that can lead to serious skin problems. In addition, fleas are often infected with tapeworm eggs, which then colonise the digestive tract. The presence of fleas on your pet can also be a danger to your entire household, as these unwanted guests sometimes bite humans. They carry diseases and can cause infections and allergic reactions.
