The Best Flea Treatment & Prevention for Dogs in 2025
Fleas can be harmful to your dog. In addition to making them uncomfortable and itchy, fleas can lead to more serious skin problems, diseases, or tapeworms. For these reasons, finding a quality flea treatment and preventative for your dog is extremely important.
A monthly treatment can ensure that any fleas, larvae, or eggs on your dog are killed and help make sure that they don’t get fleas in the future. To help you determine which flea treatment you’ll want to use with your dog, we have conducted a review of five of the best options. Read through our reviews below to help you pick the right product to use with your pup.
Our Top 6 List
Last update on 2024-12-15 at 03:11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick & Mosquito Repellent
Bayer K9 Advantix II will protect your dog from ticks, chewing lice, mosquitoes, and biting flies in addition to fleas. It is designed to work on contact, so any fleas that come in contact with your dog will be killed; they don’t need to bit him first for Bayer K9 Advantix to take effect. This product will also kill flea eggs and flea larvae, so any fleas that are soon to hatch won’t have the opportunity to do so.
To be effective, you will need to use this product each month. The pack comes with four doses that will need to be applied to the back of your dog’s neck. Within 12 hours of applying each dose, it will start working to kill fleas and will continue working for 30 days.
The active ingredients in each dose of Bayer K9 Advantix are Imidacloprid, permethrin and pyriproxyfen. When you apply a dose on your dog, these ingredients will spread out over your pup’s skin to effectively protect their whole body. Be sure to give your dog a dose each month to keep them well-protected.
This product is a top choice of many veterinarians. Unlike some other flea prevention products, this option will also keep your dog protected against mosquitoes.
Pros
- This product also kills mosquitoes, chewing lice, ticks, and biting flies.
- One dose will continue working for 30 days.
- It will start killing fleas within 12 hours of applying it.
Cons
- It may take a bit longer for your pet’s hair to dry completely after applying this product.
2. Advecta II Topical Treatment for Dogs
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The Advecta II treatment is designed to break the flea life cycle and kill fleas in all stages. It will effectively get rid of adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. In addition to killing fleas, this product will also help protect your dog from chewing lice.
This pack contains four monthly treatments. Each month, simply apply one of the tubes of liquid to the back of your dog’s neck. The active ingredients in this product, pyriproxyfen and imidacloprid, will spread out over the skin to provide protection across their body.
The treatment will begin killing fleas and providing protection for your dog within 12 hours. It will continue working for a month.
This product’s formula is fragrance-free and waterproof. You won’t need to worry about your dog smelling weird after it is applied, and you will not wash the treatment if you give your dog a bath or they get wet outside.
You can choose from a pack for dogs between 3 and 10 pounds or dogs between 11 and 20 pounds.
Pros
- When you apply the product, it will kill fleas in all stages of the life cycle.
- Your dog won’t smell weird after giving them their treatment.
- The treatment is waterproof, so you’ll still be able to bathe your dog.
Cons
- This product can only be used on dogs who weigh less than 20 pounds.
3. Frontline Plus Flea Medicine
Another well known brand for flea prevention and treatment is Frontline. Frontline Plus Flea Medicine for Dogs can help remove fleas from any stage in the lifecycle from your dog and keep them protected against future infestation. This product is designed to get to work quickly and provide protection for 30 days.
Frontline Plus Flea Medicine for Dogs is a waterproof treatment. You won’t need to worry if your dog gets wet in the rain, and you’ll be able to bathe them as usual when you use this product.
The two main ingredients in this treatment option are fipronil and (S)-methoprene. One ingredient works to kill fleas and ticks, the other works to get rid of larvae and flea eggs.
In addition to providing protection against fleas, flea larvae, and flea eggs, Frontline Plus Flea Medicine for Dogs will also protect your dog from lice and ticks.
This option is designed to be used on dogs who weight between 45 and 88 pounds. It is not recommended to use it on puppies who are younger than 8 weeks. There are three doses in this pack, so it will last for three months.
Pros
- This treatment will kill fleas in all stages of the life cycle.
- Frontline Plus is waterproof.
- Once you apply a treatment to your dog, it will start working quickly.
Cons
- If your dog has longer hair it may be more challenging to apply this product to the skin on the back of their neck.
4. Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Treatment
If you are looking for a product that your dog can take orally, consider the Capstar treatment for small dogs. This pack includes six tables that are designed to be used by dogs who weight between 2 and 25 pounds.
After you give your dog an oral dose, it will start working very quickly from the inside of your dog to the outside. Within just 30 minutes, this pill will start killing any ticks on your dog.
This is not a preventative option. It is designed to work quickly to kill fleas on your dog. If your dog gets re-infested, you can give them a second dose (as frequent as one per day).
Pros
- This pill works quickly to kill fleas on your dog.
- You won’t need to worry about your dog’s neck being wet and unsafe to touch with this product.
- You can give a second dose if your dog gets re-infested with fleas.
Cons
- This is not a preventative. It will kill fleas your dog has, but will not provide protection against future infestations.
5. Frontline Plus for Dogs
Another option to consider if your dog weighs between 5 and 22 pounds is the Frontline Plus. This is a preventative treatment that is designed to break the life cycle of the flea. It will kill adult fleas, eggs, and larvae to completely get rid of infestations and prevent them from occurring.
One dose of this formula will provide 30 days of protection. When you use the applicator to place the liquid on the skin on the back of your dog’s neck, it will spread out over their body and get stores in their oil glands on their skin. There are three doses in this pack, so it will last for three months.
In addition to protecting your dog from fleas, this treatment will also kill ticks and chewing lice. You will be able to help keep your dog comfortable and healthy by applying Frontline Plus for Dogs every month.
Three single-use applicators are in the pack. To use the applicator, simply break off the tip and place the edge of the applicator directly against the skin on the back of your dog’s neck. Then squeeze out the entire contents of the tube into that one spot.
Pros
- Easy-to-use applicators are included to help you apply the treatment on your dog.
- When you apply Frontline Plus, it will get stored in your dog’s oil glands. This allows it to keep your dog protected against fleas for 30 days.
- This product will also keep your dog protected against chewing lice and ticks.
Cons
- This option does not provide protection against mosquitoes.
Verdict & Review
Bayer K9 Advantix II
Pros
- Works on mosquitoes, chewing lice, ticks, and biting flies
- Works for 30 days
- Kills fleas within 12 hours
Cons
- After applying, it may take longer for your pet's hair to dry completely.
The Bayer K9 Advantix II is our top pick flea treatment for dogs. When you use this product, you will be providing your dog with protection against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, and chewing lice for 30 days. It also starts working quickly, and can begin killing fleas after just 12 hours.
Giving your dog a dose is simple. Just use the single-use dosing tube to put the solution on the back of their neck. It will spread over their skin, providing protection for their entire body. With all of these benefits, it is no wonder that many veterinarians recommend Bayer K9 Advantix II.
Buying Guide
Flea preventative treatments are essential, such as getting a flea collar. They can help ensure that your dog is protected against fleas and some of the more serious issues that can be associated with getting fleas. You will want to be sure that you select the right product for your dog, so read through our buying guide to help you make your selection.
Weight
It is very important to select a flea treatment that includes your dog’s weight. Look closely at each option, since some are designed for large dogs and some are designed for small dogs. You want to be sure you choose a product that will provide enough coverage for your dog’s size, without being too much.
Length of Protection
Next, look for how long a dose of treatment should continue to work. Many products will provide protection for 30 days, but some may be more or less, so be sure to look closely before making a purchase. You should also pay attention to how quickly the product will start working and providing protection for your dog once it is applied.
Other Parasites Covered by the Treatment
Another key thing to look for is what other parasites will also be killed or prevented by the flea treatment you select. Some flea treatments will also provide protection against lice, mosquitoes, or ticks. If these are common problems in your area, or you just want to be extra precautions, look for a treatment that will also get rid of these other parasites.
Type of Treatment
Some flea treatments are liquids that you apply to the back of your dog’s neck, while others are oral treats or pills. Both are effective, so you can use other factors to help you decide which option you’ll prefer.
If your dog is a picky eater or hard to give a pill to, you may decide to choose a liquid treatment. If you have young children that won’t be able to avoid touch the back of your dog’s neck for a while after the treatment has been given, a pill or treat option may be the best fit for your needs.
FAQ
Does my dog really need a flea treatment?
Yes, it is a very good idea to protect your dog with a flea treatment. Fleas can be a big nuisance, and can also cause health threats to your dog.
If your dog gets fleas, they’ll be very itchy and will likely scratch themselves frequently. This can lead to rashes, hair loss, odors, or bumps on your dog’s skin, all of which will be very uncomfortable for them. Some of these problems could even turn into an infection, which could be much more serious for your dog.
Since fleas are out year-round, it is important to be consistent and give your dog their treatment every month. This will kill any fleas they may have and keep them protected against any new possible infestations.
How long can fleas live on a dog?
A flea can live on a dog for somewhere between two and three months. However, this doesn’t mean that if your dog has fleas, they will clear up in two to three months on their own. The fleas on your dog frequently mate and lay new eggs. So, until your dog has been treated for fleas, they will likely remain infested.
If my dog gets fleas, will my house be infested?
Yes, if your dog has fleas, it is possible that they will move to other areas in your home. Fleas prefer softer areas, such as blankets, carpets, or furniture. If your dog has fleas, after treating your dog, you will need to thoroughly clean these surfaces in your home with a produce designed to get rid of fleas.
We are the Pet Dog Pals, a group of avid pet owners, bloggers, product testers, and writers for all your canine needs! We own a collective 16 dogs and 21 cats to help us test and review pet products. Our top lists and tips come from experience to help you be the best dog owner you can be!