Warm weather is great for outdoor adventures — but it also means flea and tick season is in full swing.
If you’re preparing for summer and searching for the best flea and tick prevention or treatment for your dog or cat, you’re not alone. With so many products on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
To make it easier, here’s a breakdown of the most effective flea and tick options, how they work, and which types veterinarians recommend most often.
Types of Flea and Tick Medications
Flea and tick products fall into two main categories: systemic and topical. Each has its own benefits depending on your pet’s lifestyle and household needs.
Systemic Flea and Tick Medications
Systemic products are oral medications that work from the inside out. After your pet takes the medication, fleas and ticks are killed when they bite.
These products typically last anywhere from one to three months, depending on the brand and formulation. Systemic options are primarily used for dogs.
Why vets recommend systemic products
- No residue on fur or skin
- Safe for households with young children
- Long-lasting protection
- Not affected by bathing or swimming
Because the medication stays inside your pet’s body, there’s no risk of kids touching treated fur — making these products a popular choice for families.
Topical Flea and Tick Medications
Topical products are applied directly to your pet’s skin and include both preventative treatments and short-term treatments.
Preventative topicals are usually applied monthly and work by spreading across the skin’s natural oils. Treatment products include shampoos, dips, and sprays designed to kill fleas or ticks on contact.
Topical options are commonly used for both dogs and cats and can be especially helpful when dealing with an active infestation.
What About Flea Collars?
While flea collars are still available, most veterinarians no longer recommend them.
Traditional flea collars are less effective because fleas tend to gather near the rear of the body — far from where a collar sits. Additionally, many older collars contain organophosphates, which have been associated with side effects such as:
- Excess nasal discharge
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory irritation
Modern flea and tick medications offer safer and more reliable protection.
Vet-Recommended Flea and Tick Products
Here are some commonly vet-recommended options for flea and tick control:
- Simparica Trio Chewable Tablets for Dogs
Oral monthly protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. - Bravecto Chews for Dogs
Long-lasting oral protection that works for up to 12 weeks. - Revolution Topical Solution for Dogs
A monthly topical preventative that protects against fleas, heartworms, and certain parasites. - Vet Basics Lime Sulfur Dip
Often used for specific skin conditions or parasite concerns under veterinary guidance. - Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
A fast-acting shampoo that kills fleas on contact and helps disrupt the flea life cycle.
Always consult your veterinarian before starting a new flea and tick product, especially if your pet has health conditions or is taking other medications.
The Bottom Line
The most effective way to deal with fleas and ticks is to prevent them before they ever become a problem.
By keeping your dog or cat on a consistent flea and tick preventative schedule, you can avoid infestations, protect your home, and keep your pet comfortable year-round.
Prevention is easier, safer, and far less stressful — for both you and your pet 🐾
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