8 Best Flea Treatments for Dogs in 2025, Recommended by Vets 

A flea and tick treatment for your dog is a must, as these year-round parasites are prevalent throughout the U.S., and with them come discomfort and diseases, such as anemia, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 

“Fleas and ticks carry diseases that are much easier to prevent than treat, especially ticks,” says Chewy veterinarian Stephanie Howe, DVM. “And many pets have allergies to fleas themselves. We can prevent a lot of discomfort by keeping up with prevention.” 

Flea and tick treatments for dogs come in a variety of forms—from chews to topicals to collars. To help you find the right option for your pet, our panel of veterinary experts rounded up their top choices for the best dog flea and tick treatments. 

Keep in mind, even the best flea and tick treatments for dogs only work when given on time, and when following the manufacturer’s directions on dosing. You’ll have to treat your home and yard as well since these pests live not only on your pet but also in the surrounding environment.  

If you miss doses, aren’t consistent with your flea and tick control schedule, or forget to treat the environment, too, your pup is at higher risk of becoming infested.  

Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs: What To Consider

When selecting the right flea and tick treatment for your dog, always consult your veterinarian and choose one that is not only easy to administer but also is appropriate for your pet’s age, weight, and coverage needs.  Consider the following factors to help you narrow down the choices:

Prescription or OTC

Some flea treatments for dogs are readily available over the counter, while others are only available with a prescription from a veterinarian.

Veterinarians typically recommend prescription dog flea and tick medications, as these have undergone rigorous safety and clinical trials and are considered highly effective. Prescription medications may also prevent against other parasites, like mites and intestinal worms. 

You can also find over-the-counter options that treat and prevent fleas and ticks without a prescription, often in tablet, collar, shampoo, or topical solution form.  

Types of Parasites Treated

Speak with your veterinary team to determine which parasites pose a risk to your dog, based on their lifestyle, environment, and other factors.  

There are several types of ticks that can be found throughout the U.S. and pose a threat to your dog. For example, the Lone Star tick, the primary cause of ehrlichiosis in dogs, is very common in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central United States.  

Fleas and ticks aren’t the only parasites your dog needs protection from. Most veterinarians recommend flea and tick prevention and treatment options that offer broad-spectrum coverage, offering protection against heartworms and/or intestinal worms like hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. 

Your Dog’s Health, Age, and Weight

Flea and tick products are formulated for certain ages, weights, and health conditions, with some not appropriate for dogs under 8 weeks old, weighing under 4 pounds, or with a neurological disorder. 

Form of Treatment

Flea and tick treatments come in a variety of forms: tablets, capsules, chews, collars, topical spot-ons, sprays, and shampoos. Choose one that’s easy to administer, as they are only effective if you follow the directions. 

Efficacy

Depending on their ingredients, some flea and tick medications are more effective than others. Also, treatments can last anywhere from one day or so to several months. Check the product packaging for length of effectiveness, and follow the dosing directions carefully to ensure full efficacy.