10 Best Flea Treatments for Dogs in 2026, 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 can come discomfort, hair loss, scabs, anemia, and other issues caused by the diseases they can carry.

“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. Some also target other types of parasites. The best flea and tick treatments for dogs are effective, easy to administer, formulated to protect against the specific parasites posing a threat to your pet, and backed by science and research studies.

To help you find the right option, our panel of veterinary experts rounded up their top choices for the best dog flea and tick treatments.

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 for dogs 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 for you to administer to your specific pet, 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. Efficacy can change based on how often your pet goes swimming or how often they are bathed, so make sure you pick a product right for your pet’s lifestyle. Even the best flea and tick treatments for dogs only work when given on time, and when following the manufacturer’s directions on dosing.