Part of ensuring that your dog is healthy is taking care of fleas as soon as you see them. While you could target each individual flea you spot using a special flea comb, this is incredibly time-consuming and won’t necessarily remove the eggs as well as adult fleas. You are much better off finding a best flea killer for dogs at the first sign of these pests. If left alone, a single flea can easily turn into dozens or hundreds in no time at all. Don’t put your dog’s health at risk and instead invest in an effective flea killer. Now you just have to figure out which one you should buy. The following information will get you started.
Contents
Comparison table of best flea killer for dogs
| Product image | Name | Size | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Fresh 'n Clean Flea and Tick Conditioning Shampoo for Dogs and Cats | 1-gallon | $$ | 4.7 |
 | Flea and Tick Repellent Collar for all sizes of Dogs and Cats | 25" inches Repellent Collar | $ | 4.9 |
 | Advantix for Dogs 20-55 Lbs 6 Month Supply | Not listed | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | Greenway Formula 7 Tick & Flea | 1-gallon | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Spot On Dog3 ea (pack of 2) | 3 applications(pack of 2) | $$ | 4.5 |
 | Advantage Flea Killer for Dogs, TEAL, 1120LBS. 4 Month Supply, U | Not listed | $ | 3.9 |
 | Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs and Cats | 6 tablets | $ | 3.9 |
 | Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs and Cats | 6 tablets | $ | 4.0 |
 | Pet Fleas Are History - 100% Natural Flea and Tick Prevention Powder for Dogs and Cats | 4.16 oz powder | $ | 4.1 |
 | Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs | For over/upto 18 lbs dogs | $$ | 3.8 |
Examples of the best flea killer for dogs
With a better idea of how to find the best flea killer for dogs, you should be on your way to recognizing effective products that are safe for your pooch. You can select a product yourself or make things even easier and buy one of our top-rated picks.
10. Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs, 8 Month Protection
If you want an affordable flea-killing collar, this option from Bayer Seresto works well. It kills fleas as well as Adult fleas, flea larvae, ticks and provides a full eight months of protection so you don’t have to worry about anything for over half a year. The secret is the 10-percent concentration if Imidacloprid and 4.5-percent of Flumethrin. The collar is meant for over 7 weeks of age and older and above 18 lbs(8 kg) of dogs, it comes in two sizes for large and small dogs. The collar is also flexible and soft for comfort. It is water-resistant so it will not lose power following a swim or bath.
9. Pet Fleas Are History – 100% Natural Flea and Tick Prevention Powder for Dogs and Cats – Spray and Collar Alternative – Eco-friendly and Family Safe (4.16 oz)
For those in search of the best flea killer for dogs that is natural, this is a great choice from Pest Peeve. It is a powder that you apply directly to your pooch’s fur and it is actually safe to use on cats as well. The product can kill fleas from a current infestation or prevent future ones and doesn’t include any chemicals. Instead, it is completely natural and made within the United States. It also comes with a “Pest Free” Guarantee.
8. Novartis Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs and Cats
These flea tablets are an oral form of medication and it includes six tablets in each box, perfect for those with multiple pets. The tablets are designed for pooches that weigh at least 25 pounds. After giving your canine the tablet, the fleas will die within four hours. These are also safe for cats, but take six hours to kill fleas on felines. If the first dose doesn’t do the job to your satisfaction, you can give your pooch another dose the next day.
7. Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs and Cats, 6 Count, 2 – 25 lbs, Blue
This is incredibly similar to the previous Capstar product, containing six tablets that work on either dogs or cats. They take up to six hours to kill fleas in cats or up to four hours with dogs. This treatment targets adult fleas in particular, killing nearly all of them so your pooch can experience relief. This version of the flea tablets is designed for animals weighing between two and 25 pounds.
6. Advantage Flea Killer for Dogs, TEAL, 1120LBS. 4 Month Supply, U
This is easily a best flea killer for dogs as it is highly effective and from a trusted brand. As soon as you apply this spot treatment, fleas will stop biting your canine within just three or five minutes and it will begin to kill the fleas within an hour. After just 12 hours, between 98 percent and all of the fleas will be dead. You should apply this flea killer monthly, putting it between your dog’s shoulder blades. The package includes a four-month supply, meaning four doses.
5. PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Spot On Dog3 ea (pack of 2)
This particular version of PetArmor Plus is designed for dogs who weigh between 45 and 88 pounds and it should only be used on canines. The package includes three applications, making it a good option if you have several larger dogs. The medication lasts a long time and starts working incredibly quickly. It is also waterproof, making it a good choice if your dog likes to swim or play in the rain.
4. Greenway Formula 7 Tick & Flea – 1 Gallon.
Another natural choice, this is a unique option among the best flea killers as it is a spray. It comes with complete instructions for application, but essentially, you just put it in a spray bottle and apply it to your pooch. The spray has a pleasant smell and lasts a full 30 days. The formula is natural, making it safe for your children to pet your canine immediately following the application. It is proven to work as the entomology department of a major university tested it, confirming it kills ticks at contact and takes care of fleas.
3. Advantix for Dogs 20-55 Lbs 6 Month Supply
Advantix is another well-respected brand in the world of flea killers, so can trust this product. The dosage applies for large dogs weighing between 20 and 55 pounds. It will kill any fleas on your dog within just 12 hours and do so before they get the chance to lay eggs. Any re-infesting fleas will be killed within two hours and even fleas in the larvae stage are killed, whether they are on the dog or come into contact with him.
2. Flea and Tick Repellent Collar for all sizes of Dogs and Cats
Another good choice for those in search of a flea-killing collar, this product from Super Pet Care will fit any size dog. The collar is 24.8 inches long but can be adjusted to work well with smaller pooches. It is waterproof, working even through baths or a swim. The collar provides a full six months of protection and is completely natural without any pesticides. In addition to fleas and their larvae, it kills and repels ticks, lice, and mosquitos.
1. Fresh ‘n Clean Flea and Tick Conditioning Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
If you prefer the best flea killer for dogs that is a shampoo, consider this option. It contains natural pyrethrins that will kill fleas as well as ticks quickly without exposing you or your canine to harsh chemicals. The pleasing fragrance will last between grooming sessions and you can freshen the scent just by wiping your pooch’s coat using a moist towel. You can use it on kittens or puppies who are at least 12 weeks old.
What You Need To Consider
Because flea killers contain chemicals, you should always do your research carefully before buying one. Keep the following factors in mind when choosing the best flea killer for dogs.
- Oral Medicines
A popular type of flea killer is an oral medication. These tend to be effective and easy to use as you just need to get your dog to swallow it. Certain oral medications do have side effects, however, so always read the instructions and cautions before buying.
- Spot Treatments
Spot treatments are the most popular type of flea killers for dogs and also tend to be preventative. These treatments are placed on your pup’s neck where he can’t reach and will usually last at least a month, if not several. They are highly recommended by vets.
- Shampoos
For pooches that are heavily infested, the best flea killer for dogs will be a shampoo. These are used just like any other dog shampoo, but typically require extra care around the eyes and face in general. With a flea-killing shampoo, you will see the bathwater filling with dead fleas in no time. Just keep in mind that the effects of a flea shampoo don’t typically last as long as those of a spot treatment or oral medication. Because of this, the shampoo is best used in combination with other treatments or as a first step in severe cases.
- Collars
Perhaps the simplest type of flea killer you will find is a medicated collar. These collars concentrate the active ingredients in one of the most popular spots for fleas to hide, the neck. Despite being in this one spot, they still effectively kill fleas all over your dog, provided you choose a collar of the right size. Collars typically last at least a month to several months, slowly releasing the active ingredient over time.
- Kills Eggs As Well
When looking at a flea killer ensure that the product not only kills the adults, but takes care of the eggs as well. There are several insecticides known as growth regulators that stop fleas and other insects from finishing their growth cycle and turning into adults. Ingredients like methoprene or pyriproxyfen are growth regulators that you should look for in the ingredient list. Remember that a single female flea lays between 20 and 40 eggs each day; killing the eggs or stopping them from growing is crucial.
- Kills Other Pests
Most flea-killers will also kill ticks, but you should double check. You should also be able to find a product that kills lice, mites, mosquitos, and other pests if this is important to you.
- Also Preventative
The vast majority of flea-killing products you find will also work as preventative tools to keep fleas away, but you should also confirm this is the case. After all, you don’t want to rid yourself of all the current fleas just to have the problem repeated.
- Natural Or Chemicals
Most of the highest-rated flea killers for dogs will contain chemicals such as insecticides that are safe for canines. If your pooch has sensitive skin or you simply don’t like using chemicals, there are some natural alternatives available as well. When choosing a natural flea killer, be extra sure to read reviews as these may or may not work as well as chemical-based treatments. The right natural solutions will be as effective, but there are also many natural products that don’t live up to their claims.
- Age And Weight Requirements
Almost every single flea killer you find will be designed for dogs that are at least seven or eight weeks old as the chemicals used are too strong for young puppies and can be harmful to their health. If your dog is still young or is very old, pay attention to the age requirements for the product.
Flea killers also have weight ranges in which they are effective. Choosing a medication designed for a pooch that is too large will provide an excessive amount of chemicals that can be harmful for your canine. If you choose a product with a weight range too small for your dog, the treatment may not be effective. Because of this, you should always follow the instructions for dog weight.
- Do You Have Cats?
Even if you use a different product on your cat than you do on your dog, you should avoid anything with pyrethroids or amitraz on your canine if you have both types of animals. These chemicals are so toxic to cats that even if they rub next to a pooch that was recently treated, they can get sick.
- Safety For People
When choosing the best flea killer for dogs, make sure that it is safe for use around people, especially if you have young children. With most products, there is only a risk of coming in contact with insecticides or other chemicals for several minutes after application (in the case of topical medications). Don’t choose a product that has an ingredient which is toxic to pets or humans as you want to be able to touch your pooch following application.
Conclusion
Any of the above options will give you a best flea killer for dogs that should provide relief for your pooch in days, if not hours. You can even sometimes combine methods, such as a flea-killing collar with a spot treatment, to get better results. No matter which product you choose, make sure to choose quickly as you want to minimize your pooch’s suffering.