No matter what season it is, any time your dog or cat starts scratching, your first thought might be, “When was their last flea treatment?” If you can’t quite remember, then it could be a sign that your pet needs another dose (if you’re unsure, ask your vet). That being said, the sheer number of options might have you wondering which one is really the best.
In this article, we’ve got the answers to all your flea infestation questions, from “what is the most effective flea treatment for dogs” to “what flea treatment do vets recommend for cats” and even “how to get rid of fleas on dog bed covers.” With these top flea and parasite treatment options, your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors any time of year.
Best for puppies, kittens and small pets
APVMA registered flea, tick, and worm treatments are safe and effective. But it’s stilll important to give small animals the right tablet, chew or spot-on treatment for their size. If you have a puppy, kitten or small pet, try one of these:
Revolution Pink Puppies & Kittens
What sets it apart:
- It protects against fleas, internal parasites like heartworm and intestinal worms, and ear mites
- It kills fleas at any life stage
- Safe for use in puppies and kittens from 6 weeks of age
What could be better:
- It provides only monthly protection
- It does not protect against ticks (which is ok for indoor puppies and kittens)
Revolution is highly effective in killing fleas within one day of treatment and preventing new infestations between treatments. While you do have to reapply monthly, you can order Revolution Pink in packs of 15 so that you don’t have to worry about running out!
Simparica Trio Purple Very Small Dogs
What sets it apart:
- Disrupts the flea life cycle in one treatment
- Treats and prevents ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms
- Comes in a tasty liver flavoured chew
- Cost-effective all-round protection
What could be better:
- It provides only monthly protection
The Simparica Trio Purple Flea treatment is effective in treating and preventing fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms and comes in a tasty, bite-sized chew. Most dogs enjoy the liver flavour and you can purchase a three month supply for your very small puppy.
Best for large pets
Credelio Plus Green Large Dogs
What sets it apart:
- Effectively kills ticks, fleas, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms
- Fast-acting, fleas will begin to disappear within 2 hours
- Comes in a chewable tablet to be fed with or after meals
- Cost-effective all-round protection
What could be better:
- It provides only monthly protection
Credelio Plus Green is a monthly chewable tablet that actively fights a range of external and internal parasites. It should be given with or after meals and dogs should be monitored afterward to watch for adverse reactions. This flea and parasite treatment is available in 3 and 6 packs.
Revolution Plus Green Large Cats
What sets it apart:
- It kills and prevents fleas, ticks, lice, mites and internal parasites like heartworm and intestinal worms
- It uses a dual-action formula for extra protection against fleas (compared to regular Revolution for cats)
- It’s quick drying, which lowers the risk for ingestion through grooming
What could be better:
- It provides only monthly protection
Revolution Plus is an easy-to-apply flea treatment for cats weighing 5.1-10kg. It’s a monthly spot-on formula that works to kill flea eggs, larvae and adults while also protecting against ticks, lice, mites, and intestinal parasites.
Best chewable treatment
What sets it apart:
- Comes in dog-friendly flavours
- Protects against fleas, intestinal parasites, heartworm and three varieties of tick
- Available in 1, 3 and 6 packs
What could be better:
- It provides only monthly protection
Nexgard Spectra chewable tablets work great against a range of external and internal parasites and tend to be loved by food-loving dogs. A single dose provides coverage for one month and works quickly so that your dog is flea-free in no time.
Best spot-on treatment
What sets it apart:
- One single treatment lasts for 6 months against fleas and paralysis ticks
- Spot-on treatment for fussy dogs that won’t eat a chew
- Fast-acting formula starts killing fleas before they can continue the life cycle
What could be better:
- Does not treat intestinal worms or heartworm
While the price point for this spot-on flea and tick treatment may seem high, you won’t have to worry about another treatment for 6 months. Simply apply the product to your dog and live flea-free and paralysis tick-free for half a year.
What sets it apart:
- Treats fleas, ear mites, and worms parasites for up to 3 months
- Treats paralysis ticks for 10 weeks
- Quick acting agents kill fleas before they can complete the life cycle
What could be better:
- Treats fleas for 3 months, ticks for 10 weeks, heartworm for 2 months – the coverage could be confusing for cat owners
- Does not treat whipworm and tapeworm
Cat Owners swear by the effectiveness of Bravecto Plus against fleas and other parasites. This spot-on treatment is easy to apply and fast acting to interrupt the flea life cycle.
Best value treatment
What sets it apart:
- One dose provides 3 months of coverage against fleas and paralysis ticks
- Great value option
- Can be combined with a monthly worming tablet
What could be better:
- Does not treat intestinal worms or heartworm
If you’re looking for an affordable flea and tick prevention chewable that lasts longer than one month, Bravecto is a great choice. Your dog will be flea-free within 8 hours and tick-free within 24.
Best overall option
For dogs: Nexgard Spectra
Even though it may be on the pricier end of the spectrum, when it comes to “What is the most effective flea treatment for dogs,” Nexgard Spectra is a reliable choice. It provides wide coverage, a fast-acting formula, and flavours that will make your dog think they’re getting a special treat. Well worth the price point!
For cats: Revolution Plus for Cats
Not many flea treatments provide as much coverage as Revolution Plus for Cats. Your feline friend will also be protected from ticks, ear mites, intestinal worms and heartworm, and you can save time and money by purchasing a convenient 6 month supply.
Stop searching, “how to treat flea infestation,” and start getting rid of those pesky parasites!
Now that you know all of the best flea and parasite medications on the market, you can stop the search and put in your order. Remember to be mindful of giving your pet the right dosage and reading the instructions carefully. Before you know it, your pet will be flea-free!
