Fleas and ticks are parasites that are prevalent year-round in most parts of the United States and can cause discomfort and illnesses such as anemia, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Fleas and ticks pose a health risk to you and your dog, so it’s important to prevent your dog from getting bitten by fleas and ticks. No matter where you live, your dog should be on a flea and tick preventative all year round, even in winter.
Remember, flea and tick prevention for dogs is only effective if administered on time and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, so if you miss a dose or don’t stick to a flea and tick prevention schedule, you are putting your pup at higher risk.
Our panel of veterinarians has compiled their top choices for the best medications for flea and tick control based on clinical observations, product effectiveness for patients, safety, cost and other factors.
Flea and tick products for dogs: what to look out for
When choosing the right flea and tick preventative for your puppy, it’s important to first consult with your veterinarian to choose the right one based on your puppy’s age and health.
Your veterinarian can also help you find the best flea and tick preventative for your dog’s lifestyle and determine whether a capsule, chew, or topical preventative would be more suitable.
Some flea and tick products offer additional benefits, such as heartworm and hookworm prevention. Your dog should also receive a regular heartworm preventative to protect against heartworm disease, especially if the product does not contain a heartworm preventative.
