What types of flea and tick treatments should I use for my pet?

Warmer weather means flea and tick season is fast-approaching.

When you have cats and dogs, protecting them from fleas and ticks is important year-round—not just during these peak months—and can protect your fur babies from preventable allergic reactions, dermatitis, Lyme disease, anemia and other health concerns connected to these common pests. Not to mention that keeping them out of your pets’ fur means keeping them out of your home. 

Different types of flea and tick treatments to consider

There are a variety of different types of flea and tick treatments to consider, including natural remedies, over-the-counter medications and prescriptions, as well as different forms, such as spot treatments, collars and pills.

The best option for your pet depends on their age, weight, lifestyle and health history, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for keeping your pet protected and comfortable. To find a solution that works for your pet, it’s best to familiarize yourself with these different options and discuss with your vet.

• Flea and tick collars
• Topical flea and tick treatments
• Oral flea and tick treatments
• Flea and tick shampoos and sprays
• Natural or plant-based flea treatments
• Environmental flea control for your home and yard

Flea and tick collars 

Flea and tick collars are common ways to prevent pests from wreaking havoc on your pet’s fur. These wearable devices have active ingredients that target fleas and ticks and spread onto the pet’s skin and fur with long-lasting results. 

• Who it’s best for: Pets that are exposed to outdoor environments, especially wooded areas  
• Pros: Can last up to 8 months, available with both chemical and natural ingredients, low maintenance, and over-the-counter 
• Cons: Some pets might experience irritation from the constant contact.  
• Availability: Over-the-counter 

Shop popular flea and tick collars

• Seresto Flea & Tick Collar For Dogs
• Alzoo Natural Plant Based Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs
• Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs

Topical flea and tick treatments 

Topical flea and tick treatments are also called “spot-on” medications. These liquid formulas are designed to be applied topically—typically between the shoulder blades—and can kill or repel fleas and ticks. This kind of flea and tick prevention can last up to 30 days. 

• Who it’s best for: Dogs and cats with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters  
• Pros: Can kill fleas rapidly, are a great alternative to oral medications for picky eaters, more budget-friendly
• Cons: Potential skin irritations or hair loss can occur in some pets  
• Availability: Over-the-counter and prescription available 

Shop popular topical flea and tick treatments

• Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Large Dogs
• K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dog
• PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs

Oral flea and tick treatments 

Oral flea and tick treatments are a common way to prevent these pests, especially when going the prescription route. These medications are typically available in pill form, but you can also get liquid form. 

• Who it’s best for: Dogs and cats with a higher risk of infestation, including pets that swim regularly or are bathed often (since this can reduce the effectiveness of topicals) 
• Pros: Not as messy as topical options, long-lasting protection, more exact dosing, prevents potential skin irritation 
• Cons: Some pets are too picky to take oral flea and tick treatments  
• Availability: Over-the-counter and prescription available 

Shop popular oral flea and tick treatments

• Flea Away Flea & Tick Oral Treatment for Dogs & Cats
• Advantus Dogs Fast Acting Oral Flea Treatment Soft Chewable
• Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs, Count of 6

Flea and tick shampoos and sprays

Flea and tick shampoos and sprays are another topical option to consider. These medicated topicals kill fleas, larvae, and ticks on contact and provide immediate relief. While they are effective, they don’t provide long-term benefits, so they work best as a secondary or immediate form of relief. 

• Who it’s best for: Dogs and cats who are experiencing a flea infestation and need immediate relief. These are also great as a precaution for pets who might have been exposed to ticks. 
• Pros: Can kill pests on contact and provide immediate relief, easy to apply, a great form of secondary relief
• Cons: Don’t provide long-term benefits. 
• Availability: Over-the-counter  

Shop popular flea and tick shampoos

• Wondercide Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
• Vet's Best Advanced Flea & Tick Peppermint Shampoo for Dogs
• Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo Sensitive Skin for Cats & Dogs

Natural or plant-based flea treatments 

Natural flea treatments are also available. These types of flea treatments feature natural ingredients vs. the chemicals found in traditional formulations. While they aren’t as strong, they work well as a secondary line of defense to repel pests. 

• Who it’s best for: Owners who are interested in natural remedies for their pets, as well as those looking for a secondary pest repellent. 
• Pros: Formulated with natural ingredients, available in a variety of forms 
• Cons: Works better as a secondary line of defense  
• Availability: Over-the-counter 

Are natural flea and tick treatments effective? 

Natural flea and tick treatments can be a good alternative to more conventional options—though it’s worth having realistic expectations around natural flea and tick prevention vs. prescription or conventional over-the-counter (OTC) options. These alternatives can target pests, but might not be strong enough to manage an infestation. Because of this, they’re considered more of a repellent, and owners like to use them as a secondary line of defense or to provide short-term relief. 

Environmental flea control for your home and yard 

In addition to the different types of flea treatments for cats and dogs, it’s also worth looking at your home and yard and taking the necessary prevention precautions to keep pests at bay. This looks like frequent vacuuming, washing pet beds and sheets (if your pet sleeps with you), maintaining lawns, and reducing moisture and shady areas where pests can thrive. Additionally, applying pest control like diatomaceous earth can help with prevention efforts. 

• Who it’s best for: Pets who experience regular issues with fleas, owners who want to take extra precautions   
• Pros: Most prevention efforts are free or budget-friendly
• Cons: There is more effort involved on the owner’s part 
• What to buy:Adams Flea & Tick Home Spray for Indoor House Treatment, First Saturday Lime Monthly Pet Insect Repellent, Vet's Best Flea & Tick Yard & Kennel Spray for Dogs.

What are the best flea and tick treatments? 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for flea and tick prevention, and the best treatment plan depends greatly on your pet’s age, weight, lifestyle, and health history. While some options are more convenient than others, the most important thing to consider is your pet’s overall well-being. To learn more about which flea and tick treatment works best, consult with your vet. 

Do flea and tick treatments require a prescription?

Not all flea and tick prevention requires a prescription. There are OTC options available, which you can find in-store and online at pet stores. While these can be an effective treatment for your pet, some pests might have developed a resistance to these OTC options. Because of this, some owners prefer stronger, more effective options that require a veterinary prescription for proper dosage and overall safety. If you’re not sure which option is best for your pet, consult with your veterinarian about the pros and cons and whether or not your dog or cat is a candidate for prescription flea and tick treatments in the first place. 

How often should flea and tick treatments be used?

Most topical and oral flea and tick medications are used monthly for year-round protection. However, there are some more longer-lasting specialized options out there that can last up to 12 weeks and even up to 8 months. 

Can dogs and cats use the same flea and tick treatments? 

No, dogs and cats cannot use the same flea and tick treatments. Flea and tick prevention for dogs contains chemicals such as pyrethrin, which are toxic to cats. If cats take these treatments, they could experience seizures, tremors, and death. 

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