It can be quite overwhelming for pet parents to choose the right flea and tick treatment for dogs among hundreds of options. You’ve probably noticed that the options don’t all work the same way. Some target fleas only others add ticks, mosquitoes, or heartworm prevention into the mix and they have different durations and active ingredients. The most important thing to consider is which parasites your dog actually needs protection against. This blog covers five of the popular topical flea and tick products for dogs, what’s actually in them, and how to think through the choice for your own dog.
What Is a Topical Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs?
A topical, or “spot-on,” treatment is a liquid product applied directly to a dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, at the base of the neck, or along the entire back from the base of the neck to the tail, where it can’t easily be licked off. These liquid products come in applicators that contain active ingredients to protect your dog for up to 30 days or longer, depending on the product.
How Do Topical Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs Work?
After application, the active ingredients work according to the product’s specific mechanism to provide protection beyond the application site. Depending on the product, topical treatments either kill parasites on contact, or kill them once the parasites bite the treated dog and ingest the ingredients in the treatment.
Benefits of Using Topical Flea and Tick Treatments
- Many topical products are applied using a single-dose applicator, making the dosage administration convenient. However, dosing frequency varies by product.
- Topical flea and tick preventatives may be a convenient option for pets that are picky eaters or have sensitive stomachs.
- Many topical also target the flea life cycle, and not just adult fleas, by using ingredients that stop eggs and larvae from developing, thus helping prevent flea re-infestations.
- Some offer repellent activity against ticks or mosquitoes in addition to killing them, and a few extend coverage to other parasites like lice, ear mites, or heartworm. Not every topical does all of this, though. Coverage varies significantly by product.
- Some topical treatments are water-resistant, making them a suitable option for dogs who like to swim.
5 Popular Topical Parasite Treatments for Dogs
1. Frontline Plus for Dogs
- Active Ingredients: Fipronil and (S)-methoprene
- Parasite Coverage: Fleas, Ticks, and Chewing Lice
- Protection Duration: 30 Days
Frontline Plus for Dogs is a fast-acting parasite protection formula for dogs. Fipronil and (S)-methoprene, the two active ingredients in the product, kill fleas, flea eggs, and larvae, ticks, and chewing lice for up to 30 days. Frontline Plus is waterproof and is approved for use in dogs that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 5 pounds.
2. Bravecto Topical for Dogs
Active ingredient: Fluralaner
- Parasite Coverage: Fleas and Ticks
- Protection Duration: Up to 12 weeks
Bravecto Topical for Dogs provides up to 12 weeks of powerful flea and tick protection in dogs. The topical solution contains fluralaner, which kills fleas, and treats and controls ticks, including black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and brown dog ticks, for up to 12 weeks, with protection against lone star ticks lasting for 8 weeks after a single dose.
The topical solution comes in a convenient Twist’n’Use applicator and resists swimming and bathing for the full dosing period, when used as directed. Bravecto Topical is approved for dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older, weighing at least 4.4 pounds. It is available in five different strengths with color-coded packaging for accurate weight-based dosing in dogs.
3. Revolution for Dogs
- Active Ingredient: Selamectin
- Parasite Coverage: Fleas, American Dog Ticks, Ear Mites, Sarcoptic mange, and Heartworm disease
- Protection Duration: Up to 30 days
Revolution for Dogs is a topical parasiticide for dogs that is applied monthly. Revolution’s active ingredient, selamectin, prevents heartworm disease, kills adult fleas, and prevents flea eggs from hatching. It treats and controls ear mites and sarcoptic mange, and controls infestations caused by American dog ticks for one month. Revolution is available as a colorless to yellow, ready-to-use solution in single-dose tubes for topical treatment of dogs 6 weeks of age and older.
4. Advantage for Dogs
- Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid
- Parasite Coverage: Fleas and Lice
- Protection Duration: Up to one month
Advantage for Dogs is a fast-acting flea treatment for dogs. It contains imidacloprid that kills fleas on contact, meaning there’s no need for fleas to bite. Reinfesting fleas stop biting within just 3-5 minutes, and fleas are killed for a month. Advantage is a flea-and-lice-only product and does not have a labeled tick claim. Advantage is an easy-to-apply spot-on treatment that is safe to use on puppies from birth and on pregnant and lactating animals.
5. K9 Advantix
- Active Ingredient: Permethrin and Imidacloprid
- Parasite Coverage: Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes, Flies, and Lice
- Protection Duration: Up to one month
K9 Advantix is a monthly spot-on treatment that is applied to your dog’s skin. It contains permethrin and imidacloprid that kill fleas and ticks, on contact, so they do not have to bite your dog to get killed. In addition, K9 Advantix repels flying, biting insects, including mosquitoes, sandflies, and stable flies, reducing irritation and the risk of transmission of diseases and parasites to your dog. K9 Advantix is suitable for dogs and puppies 7 weeks of age and older.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the topical parasite treatment options available for dogs. When choosing the right option, consider the parasite coverage your dog needs and the age and weight requirements of the product, as discussed above. You can check out different dog flea and tick products from reputable brands at DiscountPetMart. If you still have any questions, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian for personalized guidance.
FAQs
How long after applying a topical treatment can my dog get wet?
Water resistance and bathing or swimming instructions vary by product, so check the specific label before getting your dog wet.
Which of these products also prevents heartworm?
Among the products discussed in this article, only Revolution for Dogs is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease when administered monthly.
Can I use any of these on a puppy?
Minimum age requirements vary by product. Revolution is labeled for puppies 6 weeks of age and older, while Frontline Plus, Advantage, and K9 Advantix have different minimum-age requirements. Bravecto Topical is labeled for dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. Always check the product label to confirm that your puppy meets the applicable age and weight requirements before use.
If I have both a dog and a cat at home, which products should I avoid?
If your dog and cat interact closely, talk with your veterinarian before choosing a product, particularly if the product contains an ingredient that may be harmful to cats.
