Best Flea & Tick Treatments for Dogs and Cats in 2024
No matter the season, fleas and ticks are terrible to deal with. Therefore, veterinarians across the globe recommend using flea and tick prevention treatments for pets year-round. In this blog, we have listed the 5 best flea and tick treatments in 2024 along with some information on how to use them correctly to help pet parents shield their furry companions effectively.
Best Flea & Tick Treatments – Our Top Picks
- Nexgard for Dogs – Best Flea & Tick Chew
NexGard is one of the most effective oral chewable treatments for fleas and ticks. Each soft beef-flavored chewable dose of NexGard lasts for one month and is active against fleas, Lone Star ticks, black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and brown dog ticks. NexGard protects from various flea and tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease in dogs.
NexGard is the perfect flea and tick chewable for dogs, especially if you want to avoid messy spot-on applications. The chew is highly palatable and is easily accepted by dogs. NexGard chewables are available in four different pack sizes for small dogs, medium dogs, large dogs, and extra large dogs.
- Bravecto for Dogs – Best 3 Monthly Chew
Bravecto is the longest-lasting flea and tick chew for dogs. One dose of Bravecto lasts for 12 weeks, offering three times longer powerful protection to your dog as compared to other flea and tick oral chews. It kills fleas and multiple tick species including black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks.
Bravecto chews for dogs are easy and convenient to use. The meat-flavoring and soft texture is loved by dogs, so you don’t have to hide the pills in cheese, peanut butter, or fruits. Bravecto chews are available in different strengths for toy dogs, small dogs, medium dogs, large dogs, and extra large dogs.
- Simparica Trio for Dogs – Best All-Rounder Chew
Simparica Trio is a triple-action chewable treatment that protects your dog with three proven ingredients designed for defense. It not only protects your dog from fleas and ticks, but also works against heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms. Simparica Trio effectively blocks infections that may cause Lyme disease by killing deer ticks.
It prevents flea infestations by killing fleas before they can even lay eggs. It starts killing fleas within 4 hours and offers 100% effectiveness against fleas in 8 hours. Simparica Trio chews are safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks old, weighing at least 2.8 lbs.
- Revolution Plus for Cats – Best 6-in-1 Spot-on
Revolution Plus is a 6-in-1 topical spot-on treatment for cats. One application a month can help protect your cat from both indoor and outdoor parasites. Revolution Plus is highly effective against fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms.
It starts killing fleas within 6 hours and kills 100% of adult fleas for 5 weeks. It controls 3 types of ticks including black-legged ticks (a.k.a. deer ticks) American dog ticks and Gulf Coast ticks. Revolution Plus is available in three pack sizes for small cats, medium cats, and large cats.
- Bravecto Plus for Cats – Best Topical Solution
Bravecto Plus spot-on is a powerful broad-spectrum parasite preventative for cats. It protects cats from fleas, ticks, and heartworm for two months and treats intestinal worms such as roundworms and hookworms.
It is quite simple to apply and can be safely used on cats and kittens older than 6 months of age, weighing at least 2.6 lbs. Bravecto Plus comes in three different pack sizes for small, medium, and large cats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Flea and Tick Products on Pets
Getting rid of bloodthirsty parasites like fleas and ticks can be challenging. Here’s what you should keep in mind in order to use flea and tick treatment on your pets correctly:
- Use the correct pack sizes.
Ensure that you use the appropriate dosage for your pet based on their weight. Read the dosage guidelines provided by the manufacturers and choose the appropriate strength or pack size for your pet to ensure the efficacy of the product.
- Select the correct application site.
If you’re using topical tick and flea products, apply them in areas that are hard for your pet and other pets to reach, like the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Isolate the pet after application.
If you are using topical products, isolate your pet for a few minutes until the application site dries. Otherwise, other pets may accidentally lick the product while grooming or playing with each other.
- Monitor your pet for side effects.
All brand-name flea and tick treatments are generally safe for pets; however, it is always advisable to monitor for any signs of adverse reactions like skin irritation, excessive scratching, or behavioral changes. If you notice any reactions, contact your vet immediately.
- Never miss a dose.
Staying consistent is the key to keeping your pet safe from fleas and ticks. Even if you miss a dose, administer the next dosage as soon as possible to ensure your pet remains protected from the bugs.
- Keep your environment clean.
Regularly clean and vacuum your bedding, carpets, and furniture to eliminate fleas from your environment. A single flea or tick left in your surroundings can multiply into a whole new infestation again.
- Consult your veterinarian.
Never use any flea and tick treatment without consulting your veterinarian. They can recommend the most suitable product for your furry companion based on their age, health status, and species.
The Bottom Line
That was our list of the best flea and tick treatments in 2024! Please note that the products we have listed here were selected on the basis of their popularity on our website BudgetVetCare but we have many other options for you to explore.
If you want to save yourself and your pet from the troubles of fleas and ticks, consider using a flea and tick treatment year-round. Always keep the above tips in mind to use your flea and tick treatments correctly and consult your veterinarian immediately in case of any doubts.
