The 8 Best Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs in 2024, Recommended by Vets
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Fleas and ticks are year-round parasites prevalent throughout most of the U.S., and with them come discomfort and diseases such as anemia, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Because of the health risks fleas and ticks pose to you and your dog, it’s important to prevent them from biting your pooch. No matter where you live, your dog should be on flea and tick preventatives all year round—even during the winter.
Keep in mind, flea and tick preventatives for dogs only work when given on time, and when following the manufacturer’s directions on dosing. So if you miss doses, or aren’t consistent with your flea and tick schedule, your pup is at higher risk.
Our veterinarian panel rounded up their top choices for best flea and tick medications based on their clinical observations, effectiveness of the product on patients, safety, cost, and other contributing factors.
Flea and Tick Products for Dogs: What To Look For
When selecting the right flea and tick preventative for your pup, it’s important to chat with your vet first to determine what makes sense based on their age and health.
Your vet can also help you find the best flea and tick preventative depending on your dog’s lifestyle and whether a capsule, chew, or topical preventative would be better suited.
Some flea and tick options also offer additional benefits, such as protection against heartworms or hookworms. Your dog should also be on a routine heartworm preventative to protect against heartworm disease—especially if it’s not included in their flea and tick preventative.
