Best Flea & Tick Medications for Dogs: Vet Guide & Picks

The Best Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs: A Vet-Approved Guide

Keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and healthy means protecting them from tiny, pesky parasites. Fleas and ticks aren't just annoying; they can cause real trouble, from itchy bites and nasty allergic reactions to serious illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis.

Luckily, there are tons of great medications out there designed to keep your pup protected. To pick the absolute best flea and tick medications for dogs, you'll want to think about your dog's age, weight, and daily adventures, plus any health quirks they might have. And hey, how you give the medicine matters too – do you prefer an easy chew or a spot-on treatment?

Our team at Petscarelab put together this guide to help you sort through the options. We’ll break down veterinarian-recommended choices, explain the different types of treatments, and give you solid advice on picking what’s right for your furry best friend.

• Best Overall: Simparica TRIO
• Best Oral Chew: NexGard
• Best Topical: Frontline Plus
• Best Water-Resistant Topical: K9 Advantix II
• Best for Puppies: Revolution Plus
• Best for Broad-Spectrum Protection: Bravecto
• Best Collar: Seresto Flea & Tick Collar
• Best Affordable: PetArmor Plus

What Are Fleas and Ticks, and Why Are They So Bad for Dogs?

Fleas are like tiny, super-jumpy vampires. These wingless insects love to feast on blood, quickly making themselves at home in your dog’s fur. The result? Intense itching, irritated skin, and even allergic reactions (known as flea allergy dermatitis). For puppies, a bad flea problem can even lead to anemia, and if your dog swallows an infected flea while grooming, they could get tapeworms.

Ticks, on the other hand, are creepy little arachnids – cousins to spiders – that also crave blood. Instead of jumping around, they latch onto your dog’s skin for days or even weeks. Ticks are infamous for spreading all sorts of serious diseases:

• Lyme disease: This one can cause limping, achy joints, fever, and even kidney problems.
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Watch out for fever, joint pain, throwing up, diarrhea, and even neurological issues.
• Ehrlichiosis: Expect fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and bleeding problems.
• Anaplasmosis: Similar to ehrlichiosis, this can bring on fever, tiredness, and joint pain.

These diseases can hit your dog hard and cause long-lasting damage, so preventing them is absolutely vital.

How to Pick the Best Flea and Tick Medication for Your Pup

Choosing the right flea and tick medication feels like a big decision, but if you consider a few key things, you’ll find the perfect match for your dog.

Consider Age and Weight

• Every medication has specific guidelines. Always check the label to make sure it’s safe for your dog’s age and weight. Puppies need extra care here, as some ingredients aren't safe for them.

Evaluate Lifestyle and Environment

• Does your dog love to explore the woods, romp in tall grass, or hang out with other animals? They might be at a higher risk for fleas and ticks. If so, a powerful, broad-spectrum protector is a smart move.
• And if your dog is a water lover, splashing in lakes or the ocean, a water-resistant topical or an oral medication makes more sense.

Account for Health Conditions

• Dogs with conditions like epilepsy, allergies, or liver/kidney disease might react differently to certain ingredients. Always chat with your vet before starting any new medication, especially if your dog has existing health issues or takes other medicines.

Understand Types of Medication

• Oral Chews: These are tasty, super easy to give, and don't get washed off by baths or swimming. They work from the inside out.
• Topical Treatments (Spot-Ons): You apply these to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. They spread across the skin and fur, offering great protection, but you might need to avoid bathing for a day or two after application.
• Collars: Flea and tick collars release active ingredients that spread over your dog’s skin or create a protective shield. They're a convenient, long-term choice but need to fit just right and be checked for any skin irritation.
• Shampoos and Dips: These are mainly for getting rid of existing infestations, not usually for ongoing prevention.

Know What It Protects Against

• Some meds only target fleas, while others offer broad protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other worms. Think about your dog’s risks and what your vet recommends.

Active Ingredients and Their Mechanisms

Different ingredients work in different ways to kill or repel parasites. Here are a few common ones:

• Fipronil: Messes with fleas’ and ticks’ nervous systems (think Frontline Plus).
• Permethrin: A synthetic chemical that acts as a nerve toxin for insects (like in K9 Advantix II; just know it's toxic to cats).
• Afoxolaner, Fluralaner, Lotilaner, Sarolaner (Isoxazolines): These oral meds target the nervous system of fleas and ticks (examples: NexGard, Bravecto, Credelio, Simparica).
• Selamectin, Moxidectin: Often paired with other ingredients for wide-ranging protection, including heartworm prevention (like Revolution Plus, Simparica TRIO).
• Imidacloprid, Flumethrin: You'll find these nerve toxins in some collars (like Seresto).

Always Talk to Your Vet

• This is the most important step! Your vet can look at your dog’s unique needs, suggest the best product, and give you prescriptions for medical-grade options, which are often more effective and safer than what you find over-the-counter.

The 8 Best Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs

All prices can change.

Best Overall: Simparica TRIO

Cost: $50-$65 for a 3-month supply
Type: Oral chew
Active Ingredients: Sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, ticks (Gulf Coast, American Dog, Black-legged, Lone Star, brown dog ticks), heartworms, roundworms, hookworms

Simparica TRIO is a fantastic all-in-one choice for parasite protection. This oral chew, which you'll need a vet’s prescription for, protects against fleas, five types of ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

What makes Simparica TRIO so great is how easy it is. One monthly chew simplifies your dog’s entire parasite prevention routine, so you don't need to juggle multiple medications. The chew is tasty, making it easier for most dogs to take. Plus, since it’s an oral treatment, you don't have to worry about messy topical applications or it washing off in water. The active ingredients — sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel — work together to hit different parasites, giving your dog robust protection.

Pros:

• Wipes out fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms
• Super convenient, just one chew a month
• Most dogs love the taste
• Doesn't get affected by baths or swimming

Cons:

• You need a prescription
• Costs more than some other options
• Some dogs might get a mild stomach upset

Best Oral Chew: NexGard

Cost: $55-$70 for a 3-month supply
Type: Oral chew
Active Ingredients: Afoxolaner
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, ticks (Black-legged, American Dog, Lone Star)

NexGard is an awesome choice if your dog prefers an oral medicine and needs strong flea and tick protection. This monthly beef-flavored chew is really palatable, which means giving it to your dog is often a breeze.

NexGard uses afoxolaner, an ingredient that overstimulates the nervous system of fleas and ticks, killing them off. It’s effective at killing fleas before they can lay eggs, stopping the flea life cycle in its tracks. It also offers solid protection against three common tick species: Black-legged (deer), American Dog, and Lone Star ticks. Since it’s an oral medication, baths, swimming, or grooming won’t mess with its effectiveness, giving your dog consistent protection no matter what they’re up to.

Pros:

• Yummy beef-flavored chew
• Crushes fleas and three common tick species
• Water doesn't affect its oral protection
• Works fast, killing fleas within 8 hours

Cons:

• You need a prescription
• Doesn't protect against heartworms or intestinal worms
• Some dogs might have mild tummy troubles

Best Topical: Frontline Plus

Cost: $45-$60 for a 3-month supply
Type: Topical spot-on
Active Ingredients: Fipronil, (S)-methoprene
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks (Black-legged, Brown Dog, American Dog, Lone Star), chewing lice

Frontline Plus is a long-time favorite and a trusted topical flea and tick treatment. It’s perfect for dog owners who like a spot-on application and want reliable protection against a range of external parasites.

You apply Frontline Plus directly to the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. It contains two active ingredients: fipronil, which kills adult fleas and ticks by messing with their nervous systems, and (S)-methoprene, an insect growth regulator that stops flea eggs and larvae from developing. This double action makes it super effective at controlling and preventing infestations. After 24 hours, it's waterproof, so your dog can still enjoy their normal baths and swims.

Pros:

• Reliable, with a long-standing good reputation
• Effective against all flea stages (eggs, larvae, adults) and four types of ticks
• Waterproof after 24 hours
• You can buy it over-the-counter (no prescription needed)

Cons:

• It’s a topical application, which some dogs and owners aren't fond of
• Might not be as fast-acting as some oral medications
• Doesn't protect against heartworms or intestinal worms
• Some people have reported fleas building up resistance over time

Best Water-Resistant Topical: K9 Advantix II

Cost: $60-$75 for a 4-month supply
Type: Topical spot-on
Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid, permethrin, pyriproxyfen
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, ticks (Deer, American Dog, Brown Dog, Lone Star), mosquitoes, biting flies, chewing lice

K9 Advantix II is a fantastic choice for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially where mosquitoes and ticks are abundant, or for frequent swimmers. This topical treatment is specially made to be water-resistant and offers broad-spectrum protection.

It combines three active ingredients: imidacloprid (kills adult fleas), permethrin (kills and repels ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies), and pyriproxyfen (an insect growth regulator that prevents flea eggs and larvae from developing). The permethrin is really valuable because it acts as a repellent, meaning fleas and ticks don't even have to bite your dog to be affected. This gives an extra layer of defense against disease transmission. It stays effective for up to four weeks, even after swimming or bathing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: K9 Advantix II contains permethrin, which is highly poisonous to cats. If you have cats at home, be extremely careful to keep your dog and cats separated, especially after you apply the treatment and until it's completely dry.

Pros:

• Kills and repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
• Water-resistant, perfect for active dogs
• Effective against all flea life stages
• Helps protect against biting flies and chewing lice
• You can buy it over-the-counter

Cons:

• TOXIC TO CATS because of permethrin. You must keep your dog strictly away from cats until it’s dry.
• It's a topical application
• Doesn't protect against heartworms or intestinal worms

Best for Puppies: Revolution Plus

Cost: $65-$80 for a 3-month supply
Type: Topical spot-on
Active Ingredients: Selamectin, sarolaner
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, flea eggs, Black-legged ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, heartworms

Revolution Plus is an excellent choice for puppies thanks to its wide range of protection and its safety for young dogs. This monthly topical treatment offers comprehensive defense against multiple parasites, giving your new furry family member a healthy start.

Revolution Plus brings together selamectin and sarolaner. Selamectin tackles heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites, while sarolaner specifically targets fleas and ticks. This combination effectively kills adult fleas, stops flea eggs from hatching, and protects against Black-legged ticks. It’s safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds, which is a huge benefit for new puppy parents looking for reliable protection right from the beginning.

Pros:

• Broad protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms
• Safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks and 2.8 pounds
• Also treats ear mites
• Waterproof after 24 hours

Cons:

• You need a prescription
• Topical application might not be everyone's favorite
• Only protects against one type of tick (Black-legged)

Best for Broad-Spectrum Protection: Bravecto

Cost: $60-$80 for a 3-month supply (one chew)
Type: Oral chew
Active Ingredients: Fluralaner
Frequency: Every 12 weeks (3 months)
What it protects against: Fleas, ticks (Black-legged, American Dog, Brown Dog, Lone Star), canine demodicosis, sarcoptic mange, ear mites

Bravecto stands out for its incredibly long-lasting, broad protection, making it perfect for busy owners who want extended peace of mind. Just one Bravecto chew gives your dog 12 weeks (that’s 3 whole months!) of continuous protection against fleas and four common types of ticks.

Its active ingredient, fluralaner, is a systemic medication. This means it circulates throughout your dog’s bloodstream after they eat it. When fleas and ticks bite your dog, they ingest the fluralaner and are killed. This extended effectiveness means you give your dog medicine less often, seriously simplifying your parasite prevention routine. Beyond fleas and ticks, Bravecto also treats and controls canine demodicosis, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites, offering a powerful solution for several external parasite issues.

Pros:

• Super long-lasting protection (12 weeks) from a single dose
• Wide protection against fleas, four types of ticks, and several mites
• Oral administration isn't affected by water
• Tasty chew
• You give fewer treatments

Cons:

• You need a prescription
• Higher upfront cost (though it's spread over 3 months)
• Does not protect against heartworms or intestinal worms (other than mites)
• Some dogs may experience digestive upset

,

The Best Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs: A Vet-Approved Guide

Keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and healthy means protecting them from tiny, pesky parasites. Fleas and ticks aren't just annoying; they can cause real trouble, from itchy bites and nasty allergic reactions to serious illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis.

Luckily, there are tons of great medications out there designed to keep your pup protected. To pick the absolute best flea and tick medications for dogs, you'll want to think about your dog's age, weight, and daily adventures, plus any health quirks they might have. And hey, how you give the medicine matters too – do you prefer an easy chew or a spot-on treatment?

Our team at Petscarelab put together this guide to help you sort through the options. We’ll break down veterinarian-recommended choices, explain the different types of treatments, and give you solid advice on picking what’s right for your furry best friend.

• Best Overall: Simparica TRIO
• Best Oral Chew: NexGard
• Best Topical: Frontline Plus
• Best Water-Resistant Topical: K9 Advantix II
• Best for Puppies: Revolution Plus
• Best for Broad-Spectrum Protection: Bravecto
• Best Collar: Seresto Flea & Tick Collar
• Best Affordable: PetArmor Plus

What Are Fleas and Ticks, and Why Are They So Bad for Dogs?

Fleas are like tiny, super-jumpy vampires. These wingless insects love to feast on blood, quickly making themselves at home in your dog’s fur. The result? Intense itching, irritated skin, and even allergic reactions (known as flea allergy dermatitis). For puppies, a bad flea problem can even lead to anemia, and if your dog swallows an infected flea while grooming, they could get tapeworms.

Ticks, on the other hand, are creepy little arachnids – cousins to spiders – that also crave blood. Instead of jumping around, they latch onto your dog’s skin for days or even weeks. Ticks are infamous for spreading all sorts of serious diseases:

• Lyme disease: This one can cause limping, achy joints, fever, and even kidney problems.
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Watch out for fever, joint pain, throwing up, diarrhea, and even neurological issues.
• Ehrlichiosis: Expect fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and bleeding problems.
• Anaplasmosis: Similar to ehrlichiosis, this can bring on fever, tiredness, and joint pain.

These diseases can hit your dog hard and cause long-lasting damage, so preventing them is absolutely vital.

How to Pick the Best Flea and Tick Medication for Your Pup

Choosing the right flea and tick medication feels like a big decision, but if you consider a few key things, you’ll find the perfect match for your dog.

Consider Age and Weight

• Every medication has specific guidelines. Always check the label to make sure it’s safe for your dog’s age and weight. Puppies need extra care here, as some ingredients aren't safe for them.

Evaluate Lifestyle and Environment

• Does your dog love to explore the woods, romp in tall grass, or hang out with other animals? They might be at a higher risk for fleas and ticks. If so, a powerful, broad-spectrum protector is a smart move.
• And if your dog is a water lover, splashing in lakes or the ocean, a water-resistant topical or an oral medication makes more sense.

Account for Health Conditions

• Dogs with conditions like epilepsy, allergies, or liver/kidney disease might react differently to certain ingredients. Always chat with your vet before starting any new medication, especially if your dog has existing health issues or takes other medicines.

Understand Types of Medication

• Oral Chews: These are tasty, super easy to give, and don't get washed off by baths or swimming. They work from the inside out.
• Topical Treatments (Spot-Ons): You apply these to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. They spread across the skin and fur, offering great protection, but you might need to avoid bathing for a day or two after application.
• Collars: Flea and tick collars release active ingredients that spread over your dog’s skin or create a protective shield. They're a convenient, long-term choice but need to fit just right and be checked for any skin irritation.
• Shampoos and Dips: These are mainly for getting rid of existing infestations, not usually for ongoing prevention.

Know What It Protects Against

• Some meds only target fleas, while others offer broad protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other worms. Think about your dog’s risks and what your vet recommends.

Active Ingredients and Their Mechanisms

Different ingredients work in different ways to kill or repel parasites. Here are a few common ones:

• Fipronil: Messes with fleas’ and ticks’ nervous systems (think Frontline Plus).
• Permethrin: A synthetic chemical that acts as a nerve toxin for insects (like in K9 Advantix II; just know it's toxic to cats).
• Afoxolaner, Fluralaner, Lotilaner, Sarolaner (Isoxazolines): These oral meds target the nervous system of fleas and ticks (examples: NexGard, Bravecto, Credelio, Simparica).
• Selamectin, Moxidectin: Often paired with other ingredients for wide-ranging protection, including heartworm prevention (like Revolution Plus, Simparica TRIO).
• Imidacloprid, Flumethrin: You'll find these nerve toxins in some collars (like Seresto).

Always Talk to Your Vet

• This is the most important step! Your vet can look at your dog’s unique needs, suggest the best product, and give you prescriptions for medical-grade options, which are often more effective and safer than what you find over-the-counter.

The 8 Best Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs

All prices can change.

Best Overall: Simparica TRIO

Cost: $50-$65 for a 3-month supply
Type: Oral chew
Active Ingredients: Sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, ticks (Gulf Coast, American Dog, Black-legged, Lone Star, brown dog ticks), heartworms, roundworms, hookworms

Simparica TRIO is a fantastic all-in-one choice for parasite protection. This oral chew, which you'll need a vet’s prescription for, protects against fleas, five types of ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

What makes Simparica TRIO so great is how easy it is. One monthly chew simplifies your dog’s entire parasite prevention routine, so you don't need to juggle multiple medications. The chew is tasty, making it easier for most dogs to take. Plus, since it’s an oral treatment, you don't have to worry about messy topical applications or it washing off in water. The active ingredients — sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel — work together to hit different parasites, giving your dog robust protection.

Pros:

• Wipes out fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms
• Super convenient, just one chew a month
• Most dogs love the taste
• Doesn't get affected by baths or swimming

Cons:

• You need a prescription
• Costs more than some other options
• Some dogs might get a mild stomach upset

Best Oral Chew: NexGard

Cost: $55-$70 for a 3-month supply
Type: Oral chew
Active Ingredients: Afoxolaner
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, ticks (Black-legged, American Dog, Lone Star)

NexGard is an awesome choice if your dog prefers an oral medicine and needs strong flea and tick protection. This monthly beef-flavored chew is really palatable, which means giving it to your dog is often a breeze.

NexGard uses afoxolaner, an ingredient that overstimulates the nervous system of fleas and ticks, killing them off. It’s effective at killing fleas before they can lay eggs, stopping the flea life cycle in its tracks. It also offers solid protection against three common tick species: Black-legged (deer), American Dog, and Lone Star ticks. Since it’s an oral medication, baths, swimming, or grooming won’t mess with its effectiveness, giving your dog consistent protection no matter what they’re up to.

Pros:

• Yummy beef-flavored chew
• Crushes fleas and three common tick species
• Water doesn't affect its oral protection
• Works fast, killing fleas within 8 hours

Cons:

• You need a prescription
• Doesn't protect against heartworms or intestinal worms
• Some dogs might have mild tummy troubles

Best Topical: Frontline Plus

Cost: $45-$60 for a 3-month supply
Type: Topical spot-on
Active Ingredients: Fipronil, (S)-methoprene
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks (Black-legged, Brown Dog, American Dog, Lone Star), chewing lice

Frontline Plus is a long-time favorite and a trusted topical flea and tick treatment. It’s perfect for dog owners who like a spot-on application and want reliable protection against a range of external parasites.

You apply Frontline Plus directly to the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. It contains two active ingredients: fipronil, which kills adult fleas and ticks by messing with their nervous systems, and (S)-methoprene, an insect growth regulator that stops flea eggs and larvae from developing. This double action makes it super effective at controlling and preventing infestations. After 24 hours, it's waterproof, so your dog can still enjoy their normal baths and swims.

Pros:

• Reliable, with a long-standing good reputation
• Effective against all flea stages (eggs, larvae, adults) and four types of ticks
• Waterproof after 24 hours
• You can buy it over-the-counter (no prescription needed)

Cons:

• It’s a topical application, which some dogs and owners aren't fond of
• Might not be as fast-acting as some oral medications
• Doesn't protect against heartworms or intestinal worms
• Some people have reported fleas building up resistance over time

Best Water-Resistant Topical: K9 Advantix II

Cost: $60-$75 for a 4-month supply
Type: Topical spot-on
Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid, permethrin, pyriproxyfen
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, ticks (Deer, American Dog, Brown Dog, Lone Star), mosquitoes, biting flies, chewing lice

K9 Advantix II is a fantastic choice for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially where mosquitoes and ticks are abundant, or for frequent swimmers. This topical treatment is specially made to be water-resistant and offers broad-spectrum protection.

It combines three active ingredients: imidacloprid (kills adult fleas), permethrin (kills and repels ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies), and pyriproxyfen (an insect growth regulator that prevents flea eggs and larvae from developing). The permethrin is really valuable because it acts as a repellent, meaning fleas and ticks don't even have to bite your dog to be affected. This gives an extra layer of defense against disease transmission. It stays effective for up to four weeks, even after swimming or bathing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: K9 Advantix II contains permethrin, which is highly poisonous to cats. If you have cats at home, be extremely careful to keep your dog and cats separated, especially after you apply the treatment and until it's completely dry.

Pros:

• Kills and repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
• Water-resistant, perfect for active dogs
• Effective against all flea life stages
• Helps protect against biting flies and chewing lice
• You can buy it over-the-counter

Cons:

• TOXIC TO CATS because of permethrin. You must keep your dog strictly away from cats until it’s dry.
• It's a topical application
• Doesn't protect against heartworms or intestinal worms

Best for Puppies: Revolution Plus

Cost: $65-$80 for a 3-month supply
Type: Topical spot-on
Active Ingredients: Selamectin, sarolaner
Frequency: Monthly
What it protects against: Fleas, flea eggs, Black-legged ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, heartworms

Revolution Plus is an excellent choice for puppies thanks to its wide range of protection and its safety for young dogs. This monthly topical treatment offers comprehensive defense against multiple parasites, giving your new furry family member a healthy start.

Revolution Plus brings together selamectin and sarolaner. Selamectin tackles heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites, while sarolaner specifically targets fleas and ticks. This combination effectively kills adult fleas, stops flea eggs from hatching, and protects against Black-legged ticks. It’s safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds, which is a huge benefit for new puppy parents looking for reliable protection right from the beginning.

Pros:

• Broad protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms
• Safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks and 2.8 pounds
• Also treats ear mites
• Waterproof after 24 hours

Cons:

• You need a prescription
• Topical application might not be everyone's favorite
• Only protects against one type of tick (Black-legged)

Best for Broad-Spectrum Protection: Bravecto

Cost: $60-$80 for a 3-month supply (one chew)
Type: Oral chew
Active Ingredients: Fluralaner
Frequency: Every 12 weeks (3 months)
What it protects against: Fleas, ticks (Black-legged, American Dog, Brown Dog, Lone Star), canine demodicosis, sarcoptic mange, ear mites

Bravecto stands out for its incredibly long-lasting, broad protection, making it perfect for busy owners who want extended peace of mind. Just one Bravecto chew gives your dog 12 weeks (that’s 3 whole months!) of continuous protection against fleas and four common types of ticks.

Its active ingredient, fluralaner, is a systemic medication. This means it circulates throughout your dog’s bloodstream after they eat it. When fleas and ticks bite your dog, they ingest the fluralaner and are killed. This extended effectiveness means you give your dog medicine less often, seriously simplifying your parasite prevention routine. Beyond fleas and ticks, Bravecto also treats and controls canine demodicosis, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites, offering a powerful solution for several external parasite issues.

Pros:

• Super long-lasting protection (12 weeks) from a single dose
• Wide protection against fleas, four types of ticks, and several mites
• Oral administration isn't affected by water
• Tasty chew
• You give fewer treatments

Cons:

• You need a prescription
• Higher upfront cost (though it's spread over 3 months)
• Does not protect against heartworms or intestinal worms (other than mites)
• Some dogs may experience digestive upset