The Best Puppy Flea & Tick Medicines

Nothing is more joyful than taking a new puppy home! It is because the first year of a puppy’s existence is crucial. It lays the groundwork for a long, healthy, and happy presence. They should receive exercise (but not too much), the optimal diet for their quickly developing bodies, and, most crucially, parasite prevention.

Fleas and ticks can be a significant issue for pets. They can cause significant discomfort and occasionally illness. It is therefore essential to safeguard your dog against these pests. It can be tough to choose the proper protection. Still, it’s necessary to find something safe for young puppies and effective against fleas and ticks.

You’re in luck! With reviews, we found seven of the best tick and flea medicines to help you choose the best one for your new puppy. Let’s get started!

The 7 Best Puppy Flea & Tick Medicines

1. NexGard Chews for Dogs


These chewable pills kill adult fleas before they lay eggs. The pill will also kill ticks as soon as they bite. The FDA approves the formula to help prevent Lyme infections. These pills also provide safe and effective protection for one month. They have a flavor your dog will enjoy, making them simple to give. Puppies can start taking these pills at eight weeks old.

These pills are powerful and contain the chemical afoxolaner in the isoxazoline class. Some dogs can have tremors after taking this drug, even if they don’t usually have tremors or seizures. You should talk to a vet if you are worried about something.

Pros

  • Vet recommended
  • FDA approved for tick and flea prevention
  • Protects for up to 1 month
  • The delicious flavor makes administration a breeze

Cons

  • Some dogs may experience tremors or convulsions as a result.

2. Dogs’ ZoGuard Flea & Tick Spot Treatment


The finest flea and tick medication is ZoGuard Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs, which contains Fipronil (9.8 percent) and (S)-methoprene (8.8 percent ). This formula kills fleas, flea eggs, larvae, ticks, and chewing lice and prevents mites that cause sarcoptic mange. It starts to work quickly, lasts up to a month, and is waterproof.

Some customers said this formula worked but lasted only for a week or two.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • It contains clinically proven components
  • It kills fleas and ticks on contact.It helps prevent sarcoptic mange mites.
  •  It helps prevent sarcoptic mange mites.
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Not long-lasting

3. Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs


If you want to protect your dog from ticks and fleas, Simparica Trio Chewable Tablets are an excellent choice. These tablets not only protect your dog from fleas and ticks but also heartworms (with the help of Moxidectin), ticks and fleas (with Sarolaner), and roundworms and hookworms (with Pyrantel).

The mixture eliminates fleas before they may lay eggs, as well as five tick types. It has a delicious liver flavor, making it easy to give to your puppy. The formula works within 4 hours and is 100% effective after 8 hours. However, some dogs have possible side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors or seizures.

Pros

  • A trio of potent ingredients
  • Effective against heartworm, hookworm, and roundworms
  • It kills five types of ticks
  • Delicious liver flavor
  • Begins working within 4 hours

Cons

  • Expensive
  • It Might result in vomiting or diarrhea
  • Can cause some dogs to have tremors or seizures

4. Capstar Flea Oral Treatment for Dogs


Capstar Flea Treatment for Dogs Taken by Mouth is a pill that starts working in 30 minutes and kills 90% of fleas in four hours. The pills include nitenpyram, which is safe and effective for people and four-week-old puppies. Capstar claims one dose should do the trick, but if your dog gets fleas again, you can give them a pill once daily. If you have any leftover pills, you can store them, and they will keep their potency. You can also give your dog a pill monthly to prevent re-infestation.

This product is effective on fleas but doesn’t work for ticks and other parasites. It also doesn’t kill all life stages of fleas, so you’ll likely need to keep using it, which can be both frustrating and expensive.

Pros

  • Begins working within 30 minutes
  • 90% effective after 4 hours
  • Puppy dogs as young as four weeks old are safe.
  • It can be used as a preventative too.

Cons

  • Not effective on ticks and other parasites
  • It doesn’t kill all flea life stages

5. Small Dog Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Spot Treatment


Frontline has been a popular choice for preventing ticks and fleas in pets for a long time. The Frontline Plus Spot Treatment contains ingredients that kill adult fleas, flea eggs, larvae, chewing lice, and ticks. It starts working quickly and lasts for up to 30 days. Plus, it’s waterproof after 24 hours.

Frontline is one of the most popular and trusted brands of flea and tick prevention products. It can be expensive, but protecting your pet may be worth it. Some customers have stated that the product caused itching and redness at the application site.

Pros

  • A reputable brand in flea and tick protection
  • It kills ticks, chewing lice, fleas, flea eggs, and larvae.
  • Fipronil and (S)-methoprene are present.
  • Suitable for puppies older than eight weeks.
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Expensive
  • It may irritate the skin of some dogs.

6. Dog K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Spot Treatment


K9 Advantix II is a veterinary-approved, water-resistant treatment that kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact. The medication is efficient against all stages of flea development, along with lice and biting flies. It is also 100% waterproof and effective for up to 4 weeks.

The formula starts to work within 12 hours and contains the active ingredients imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen. These ingredients help prevent flea and tick infestations. Some customers say this solution caused their dog to feel itchy in the application area for a few days.

Pros

  • Vet suggested
  • 100 percent waterproof tick, flea, mosquito, and lice repellent
  • It starts functioning within 12 hours

Cons

  • Expensive
  • It resulted in cutaneous inflammation in some canines

7. Dog Vectra Flea & Tick Spot Treatment


The Vectra Flea & Tick Spot Treatment deters and kills fleas, mosquitoes, biting sand flies, mites (excluding mange mites), and ticks on contact. The waterproof formula is quick drying and fast-acting. It begins to work within minutes of application and can be used on puppies as young as eight weeks. The treatment contains:

  • The active ingredient is dinotefuran.
  • Pyriproxyfen.
  • Permethrin has all been proven to protect against flea and tick infestations.

A few customers said that this solution didn’t work on their puppies, or it worked for about a week, but the fleas and ticks returned. Some dogs also had skin irritation at the application site.

Pros

  • It kills fleas, ticks, and various other parasites
  • Quick-drying and fast-acting
  • Waterproof
  • It can be used on puppies starting at eight weeks old

Cons

  • It May is not effective on all dogs
  • A short period of efficacy
  • It May cause skin irritation

Buyer’s Guide

When you have a new puppy, you should do a few things. One alternative is to immunize them. Another possibility is to train them. They need socialization, too. Finally, it would help if you think about flea and tick prevention. Most flea and tick medications are for babies at least eight weeks old. You should start using them if your puppy lives in an area with ticks or fleas.

There are different ways to keep fleas and ticks away. The most common ones are shampoos, sprays, collars, chewable tablets, and spot treatments. Collars work a little, but the best ones are the chewable pills and the spot treatments. They are easy to give to a puppy, and they like their taste.

Puppies are vulnerable to getting sick, so you’ll want to prevent flea and tick infestations. But you also don’t want to use any medicine that might make your puppy sick. A few things to consider when choosing flea and tick treatment for your dog.

Are Medicines for Fleas and Ticks Safe for Puppies?

Most flea and tick medications are safe for puppies if you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, some puppies may have adverse reactions to certain medicines. Mostly, these side effects happen between one and twelve hours after taking the drug. And they depend on the drug. Among the most common side effects,

  • Itching

  • Tremors

  • Excessive salivation

  • Lethargy

  • Diarrhea

You should call your vet immediately if your puppy has any adverse effects. If you used a spot treatment, it is recommended to wash the area with gentle soap and warm water. Most dogs recover quickly from these reactions, but it is essential to follow the instructions carefully. Make sure you use the proper medication for your dog’s age and weight.

Is Flea and Tick Medication Necessary?

Fleas and ticks can be quite bothersome to your dog. They are also capable of causing significant ailments. Fleas can transmit tapeworms to your dog. Ticks can give your dog many illnesses, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.

Flea and tick medication can help prevent these illnesses, but you must also treat your home. After walks, check your dog for fleas and ticks and remove any that you find. In most cases, ticks need to remain stuck for 36-48 hours or more to transmit disease, but the quicker you get rid of them, the better.

 

Flea and Tick Protection for Puppies

When a new puppy enters your house, you must take all reasonable steps to ensure they live a long and fulfilling life. It includes flea and tick protection, getting them vaccinated, socializing them, and starting a preventive care routine that provides for heartworm preventatives.

5 Best Flea and Tick

1. Bravecto Chews for Dogs


Bravecto oral chews are a good option for breeds with thick or long coats. Topicals can be hard to apply correctly on these dogs, but Bravecto protects against fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks. 

The downside to using chews to treat parasites is that they don’t kill them immediately. Your dog needs to bite the chew for the parasites to die. To purchase these items, it would be beneficial if you also got a prescription from your physician. If Lyme disease is prevalent where you live, you should talk to your vet about getting your dog vaccinated against it.

Pros

  • Chewable formula
  • Protects for up to 12 weeks
  • Kills fleas quickly

Cons

  • It doesn’t kill ticks on contact
  • Not all dogs like the taste

2. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo


Adams dog shampoo is a great way to kill fleas and ticks and get your dog clean simultaneously. The shampoo contains aloe, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal, making it gentle on your and your pup’s skin. Plus, it smells good too!

The manufacturer says that the shampoo insect growth regulator (IGR) can kill fleas and stop their development for up to 28 days. However, Dr. Melissa Hall, a Dutch vet expert and board-certified veterinary dermatologist caution that the shampoo may not perform as effectively as you hope. She advises using it in combination with another treatment. Otherwise, you will need to reapply for this product frequently.

Pros

  • Gentle, nourishing formula
  • Pleasant scent
  • Good for current infestations

Cons

  • The formula is toxic to cats
  • It needs to be reapplied frequently

3. Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray for Pets + Home


Wondercide spray uses natural ingredients like lemongrass and cedarwood oil to repel insects. You can use it on your dog or as a room spray to kill fleas and ticks. It comes in several scents, but we don’t recommend the peppermint scent because it can be toxic to dogs and cats.

Spray them all over your dog’s body to ensure they are parasite-free, in the armpits and between their toes. You must frequently reapply the product because it is unclear how long it will be effective.

Pros

  • Mostly plant-based formula
  • It can be used on pets or household surfaces
  • Smells good

Cons

  • Must be reapplied frequently
  • Some pets are afraid of spray nozzle
  • Avoid the peppermint scent version

4. Sentry Fiproguard Plus for Small Dogs


A medication for fleas and ticks is explicitly made for dogs weighing 4-22 pounds. This Sentry product is applied to your dog’s back every 30 days and kills chewing lice, ticks, fleas, flea eggs, and larvae on contact. You will need scissors to open the tubes. Once it dries, your dog will not be able to lick it off, and it will be safe for your dog to get wet after a few days.

Pros

  • Stops flea lifecycle
  • Waterproof after it dries
  • More affordable than comparable products

Cons

  • Not safe for cats
  • It doesn’t work as fast as some other treatments

5. Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for Small Dogs


Not all flea and tick treatments are safe for puppies. You should check with your vet to see if a particular treatment is safe for your puppy. K9 Advantix can be used safely on dogs as young as seven weeks old, and a small dog variety is made for dogs weighing between 4 to 10 pounds.

The treatment uses three ingredients: a flea adulticide, a repellant, and an insect growth regulator. The topical kills instantly and lasts for 30 days. It means that fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes don’t have to bite your pup for it to be effective. It starts killing fleas 12 hours after application. This product is not safe for use on cats.

Pros

  • Safe for young puppies
  • It kills insects in contact
  • Begins working in 12 hours

Cons

  • Not safe for cats
  • It doesn’t always last full four weeks

Frequently Asked Questions About Flea And Tick For Puppies

What Is The Safest Flea And Tick Treatment For Puppies?

There are many flea and tick control options, but newer dog flea collars are usually a safe bet. The Seresto collar is a popular option that uses flumethrin and imidacloprid to kill fleas at different stages of development and ticks.

Can An 8-Week-Old Puppy Have Flea Medicine?

Many puppies aged eight weeks and older can be treated with standard flea control products. There are different options, including spot-ons, tablets, and collars. Advantage spot-on is suitable for pets from eight weeks old.

Is Flea Shampoo Safe For Puppies?

Flea shampoos and collars are not usually effective, Grognet says. However, the Seresto collar is designed to release its active chemicals (imidacloprid and flumethrin) slowly.

How Often Should A Puppy Have Flea Treatment?

According to Dr. Huggett, most veterinary medicines you apply to your dog to kill fleas should be used monthly to prevent flea infestation.

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