Fleas are one of the most difficult parasites to control and prevent for dogs. However, there are many flea products which are available for use in controlling fleas on dogs.
Frontline Plus® Flea and Tick Medicine for Dogs
Frontline Plus® is one of the most commonly used flea and tick preventive medications. Frontline Plus® is a liquid topical medication which is applied once per month and is effective in preventing both fleas and ticks.
It should be noted that Frontline Plus® is a different product than Frontline Top Spot® and Frontline Spray®. Frontline Top Spot® and Frontline Spray® are not effective in killing flea eggs and larvae, while Frontline Plus® contains an active ingredient that does kill flea eggs and larvae, therefore breaking the flea life cycle and preventing re-infection of the dog by fleas.
Promeris® Flea and Tick Medicine for Dogs
Promeris® is similar to Frontline Plus® in that it is liquid topical medication which should be applied once monthly. Promeris® is effective in controlling both fleas and ticks. In addition, Promeris® is also used to treat demodectic mange.
When Promeris® is applied to a dog, dog owners will notice a strong smell of eucalyptus for several hours afterward. Some owners find this scent objectionable, others do not.
Advantage® and Advantage Multi® Flea Medicine for Dogs
Advantage® is a topical product used in dogs on a monthly basis to prevent and control fleas. Advantage® also kills lice.
Advantage® differs from Advantage Multi® in that Advantage Multi® contains an additional active ingredient which also prevents heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. Neither Advantage® nor Advantage Multi® is labeled to control ticks.
Revolution® Flea Medication for Dogs
Revolution® is also a topical liquid medicine which is used once monthly for dogs. Revolution® in dogs is effective in controlling not only fleas but also prevents heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, sarcoptic mange mites (which cause scabies) and one species of tick (known as Dermacentor variabilis). It should be noted that there are many other species of ticks which can infect dogs and Revolution® is not considered to be effective in controlling these ticks.
K9 Advantix® Flea Medicine for Dogs
K9 Advantix® is a topical medication which should be applied to the skin of a dog monthly. K9 Advantix® prevents and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, repels biting flies and kills lice.
Sentinel® Flea Medication for Dogs
Sentinel® for dogs is a beef-flavored tablet which is administered monthly to prevent flea infestations. Sentinel® works by killing flea eggs and larvae and has no effect on the adult flea. Therefore, though Sentinel® is effective in preventing and controlling flea infestations, when Sentinel® is used alone in a pre-existing flea infestation, it will likely take several months to control the flea infestation fully.
Sentinel® for dogs is also effective in preventing heartworm infection in dogs and also helps control roundworm, hookworm and whipworms in dogs.
Comfortis® Flea Medications for Dogs
Comfortis® flea medication for dogs is a tablet which is administered monthly to control fleas in dogs. It is effective only against fleas.
Capstar® Flea Medications for Dogs
Capstar® flea medication is also a tablet which is effective in controlling fleas on dogs. However, unlike Comfortis®, Capstar® needs to be given more frequently, often on a daily basis.
Deciding Which Flea Medication is Best for a Dog
The best flea medication for any particular dog will depend on the dog owner's expectations and needs. Some owners prefer flea medications which can be relied on to prevent heartworms in addition to fleas. Others prefer a flea medication which will control ticks as well, particularly if their dogs spends time in tick-infested areas. Some owners prefer a topical product rather than giving their dog a tablet. Others prefer a tablet rather than dealing with a liquid topical medication.
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