Choosing Flea and Worm Treatment for Your Dog | PDSA (2024)

Contents

  • Overview
  • Checking your dog’s parasite risk
  • Going on holiday?
  • Prescription vs non-prescription treatments
  • Where to buy your dog’s parasite treatment
  • Spot-on, tablet liquid or collars?
  • Preventing side effects
  • FAQ's

Overview

  • There are many different flea and worm treatments available for dogs these days, which can make choosing the right one confusing – especially as most dogs need more than one product to stay protected.
  • It’s important to know which parasites your dog is at risk of, then to make sure you buy a treatment that protects them completely.
  • It’s also important to consider what type of product will be easiest to give – e.g. a tablet, liquid, or spot-on.
  • This guide will help you decide which parasite treatment(s) to use on your dog, and where to buy them.

Choosing Flea and Worm Treatment for Your Dog | PDSA (1)

Checking your dog’s parasite risk

The parasites your dog is at risk of catching depends on their age, lifestyle, location, and the animals they live with. The best way to check your dog’s parasite risk is to speak to your vet, or use a reputable online UK parasite risk checker. As a general rule, most dogs in the UK should be regularly treated for:

  • Fleas
  • Roundworm
  • Tapeworm

Then, depending on where you live and their lifestyle, you may also need to treat them for:

  • Lungworm (if they live in a high risk lungworm area)
  • Ticks (if they live in a high risk tick area, or spend a lot of time in long grass).

Going on holiday?

If you plan to take your dog on holiday, it’s important to research the parasite risk for the area you’re visiting, and protect your dog accordingly. Lungworm and ticks are a particular risk in certain areas of the UK. If you are travelling overseas, it is best to contact your vet for tailored advice on parasite risks for the country you are travelling to.

Prescription vs non-prescription treatments

Where possible, it’s best to stick to parasite treatments that have been prescribed by your vet. However, if this isn’t possible, it’s important to understand the other types of treatment available, and how to select one that suits your dog. Below is a brief summary:

Prescription treatments

  • A prescription parasite treatment can only be prescribed by your vet, and for this to happen they need to physically check your dog, assess their individual health needs and advise you on the most suitable treatment.
  • Once your vet has prescribed a treatment, you can choose to buy it directly from them, or from a registered online pharmacy (using the prescription they have written for your dog).
  • Prescription parasite treatments are extremely likely to be effective and safe if used correctly.
  • We advise using prescription parasite treatments wherever possible.

Non-prescription treatments

There are two main types of parasite product that don’t require a vet prescription:

1. Treatments that require your pet’s details

  • This type of product can be bought from a vet practice, online pharmacy, or from a locked cabinet in a human pharmacy or pet shop.
  • To buy this type of treatment, you will need to provide the retailer some details about your dog, such as their name, age, breed, weight, and when they last had a parasite treatment. The retailer will then use these details to check the product you are buying is safe for your dog.
  • How effective these treatments are varies – some work very well, others less so. These treatments may not be suitable for all pets or situations, and may not consider individual health problems.

2. ‘Off-the-shelf’ products

  • This type of product can be picked up off-the-shelf in supermarkets, corners shops, human pharmacies, pet shops and on online pharmacies.
  • They can be sold by anyone, and have no restrictions – meaning you don’t need to provide any details about your pet.
  • These products are often less reliable and less effective than prescription products, and as a result may not get rid of fleas and worms.
  • Not all treatments will be suitable for your dog as an individual, especially if they have any health concerns.

Where to buy your dog’s parasite treatment

Your vet practice

  • Your vet clinic is a great place to buy your dog’s flea, tick and worm treatments. They will stock a range of reliable treatments, and be able to give you advice about which ones to use and how often.
  • Vet practices tend to mainly stock prescription treatments - which require your dog to be seen, and non-prescription treatments - which require you to give some details about your dog.
  • As mentioned above, where possible we advise buying prescription parasite products for your dog.

Online pharmacies

  • Online pharmacies are also a good place to buy parasite treatments, however, they stock a wide range of products that vary in effectiveness - so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
  • First, check that the website you are buying from has been checked by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), if they have been, they will display the VMD logo which guarantees all products on their website have been safety tested.
  • Then, when buying online, our vets recommend sticking to products that require a prescription from your vet, or products that require you to provide details about your dog.
  • We don’t advise buying ‘off-the-shelf’ products (that can be bought without providing any of your pet’s details) because they can be much less reliable.

Pet shops and human pharmacies:

  • Pet shops and human pharmacies can’t sell prescription products because there is no vet on site. Instead, they tend to stock a range of non-prescription products that vary in effectiveness so, again, it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
  • If buying from a pet shop or human pharmacy, stick to the type of products that come from a locked cabinet and require you to provide details about your dog.
  • We advise against ‘off-the-shelf’ products that can be purchased without providing any of your pet’s details because they can be much less reliable.

Supermarkets and other shops

Supermarkets and other types of shop such as corner shops usually only sell ‘off-the-shelf’ products that don’t require any information about your pet – our vets don’t recommend buying these products as they can be unreliable.

Spot-on, tablet liquid or collars?

Another important consideration when choosing a parasite product for your dog is which type of medication will be easiest to give. Luckily, there are several different types:

  • Spot-on pipette – small vials of liquid, applied to the skin, usually on the back of the neck. Some dogs won’t notice you applying a spot-on, whereas others are wrigglier which can make applying one tricky. Check out our video below for help on how to apply this to your dog.
  • Tablet or chew - can work well if your dog loves their food as some are flavoured, or can be hidden in a treat.
  • Liquid or paste – can be put directly into your dog’s mouth or mixed with food.
  • Collars – with one exception, flea collars tend to be less effective than the other options.

Choosing Flea and Worm Treatment for Your Dog | PDSA (5) Video found at youtu.be/clRQBXw23gk

Choosing Flea and Worm Treatment for Your Dog | PDSA (6)

Preventing side effects

Side effects from parasite medications are rare, and tend to be very mild when they do happen. Common side effects include:

  • Itchy skin, hair loss and sores where a ‘spot-on’ product is applied
  • Low energy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Drooling
  • Reduced appetite

There are a few things you should check before giving a parasite medication to keep your dog’s risk of side effects as low as possible.

Is the product suitable for your dog’s age?

Certain products are only suitable from a certain age, for example not all products are suitable for puppies less than 8 weeks old.

Is the product suitable for your dog’s weight?

Make sure you have the right dose of product for your dog’s current weight.

Is the product suitable for your dog’s breed?

Some parasite treatments can cause side effects in certain breeds of dog, for example Border Collies can’t tolerate an ingredient called Ivermectin.

Has your dog had previous reactions?

Has your dog had any previous reactions to medications? If so, don’t give them any products that contain the same active ingredients.

Are there any other animals in the house?

Some dog flea products contain permethrin which is toxic to cats, fish and birds.

Always speak to your vet if your dog has any side effects, they will advise you what to do, and might recommend a different product for next time – the chances are that your dog will be perfectly fine with a product that has different ingredients. If necessary, your vet will also report your dog’s side effects to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). Serious side effects are extremely uncommon but if your pet develops any, contact your vet immediately.

FAQ's

  • Can I use natural flea and worming treatment for my dog?
  • Can I use a flea collar?
  • How often should I treat my dog for parasites?
  • Can you give flea, tick and worming treatments together?
  • Can I use flea shampoo to treat fleas on my dog?
  • Do I have to treat other animals in the same house?
  • Can fleas live on humans?
  • How do I get rid of fleas in the house?

Can I use natural flea and worming treatment for my dog?

There is no evidence that natural flea treatments such as diatomaceous earth, apple cider vinegar, garlic, or essential oils can be used to treat fleas. Garlic is toxic to dogs and cats so should never be used as a flea treatment, and many essential oils are also poisonous for cats.

Can I use a flea collar?

Apart from one exception, our vets don’t recommend flea collars because they don’t tend to be very effective. One exception is a ‘flea and tick’ collar containing ‘Imidacloprid’ and ‘Flumethrin’, which has been safety tested and proven to work for seven to eight months once fitted to your pet. This collar can only be bought directly from vets, online pharmacies, and some human pharmacies/pet shops (from a locked cabinet). It’s non-prescription, but requires details about your pet before you can buy it.

How often should I treat my dog for parasites?

How often you need to treat depends on what product you’re using and what parasites you’re treating for. If you bought your dog’s treatment from your vet then follow their advice on when to treat your pet, otherwise follow the instructions in the packet of your flea, worm, or tick treatment.

Can you give flea, tick and worming treatments together?

Yes, some flea, tick and worm products are fine to give together, but always check with your vet beforehand. If it’s the first time your dog is having the treatment, your vet team might recommend leaving a few days between different products in case any of the products cause side effects. Although side effects are very rare, leaving a few days in between them will allow you to know which product could have caused an issue.

Can I use flea shampoo to treat fleas on my dog?

Unfortunately flea shampoos often aren’t effective at killing fleas.

Do I have to treat other animals in the same house?

Alongside treating your dog, you will need to treat any other dogs, cats, and rabbits in the house. You will also need to treat the house with a household flea spray to kill any eggs that can develop into adult fleas. It is also necessary to wash any pet bedding at 60°C.

Can fleas live on humans?

No, dog fleas typically do not live on humans. While they may bite humans, they cannot live permanently on humans.

How do I get rid of fleas in the house?

The best way to get rid of fleas in the house is through vacuuming followed by the use of a household flea spray.

Published: January 2024

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Please note, our vets and nurses are unable to respond to questions via this form. If you are concerned about your pet’s health, please contact your vet directly.

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Choosing Flea and Worm Treatment for Your Dog | PDSA (7)

Written by vets and vet nurses. This advice is for UK pets only. Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst.

Choosing Flea and Worm Treatment for Your Dog | PDSA (2024)

FAQs

What is the safest flea and worm treatment for dogs? ›

Pills with the active ingredients lufenuron, nitenpyram, or spinosad can be a better option, for both animals and humans, than treatments that leave residue on fur that might get on hands or furniture.

What is the number 1 vet recommended flea treatment for dogs? ›

Our vets agree Simparica is the best overall flea and tick medication for stopping fleas and ticks that latch onto your dog. Many of our veterinarians use Simparica® on their own pets.

What is the safest heartworm, flea, and tick prevention for dogs? ›

Our pick for the best overall flea and tick preventative for dogs is Zoetis Petcare's Simparica Trio. The monthly chew is an all-in-one formula that kills fleas and ticks and protects against heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms. Plus, it's FDA-approved to block the infections that may cause Lyme disease.

How to choose flea and tick treatment for dogs? ›

Choosing a Flea and Tick Combination Medicine for Dogs
  1. The product is the correct species for your pet (dog versus cat)
  2. The product is within the correct weight range for your pet.
  3. The product protects against the appropriate parasites.
  4. Whether the product should be given with food.
May 21, 2024

Is Simparica Trio killing dogs? ›

Safe for Most Dogs: When used as directed by a veterinarian, Simparica Trio is generally safe and effective for most dogs. Possible Side Effects: Some uncommon side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and skin irritation.

What is the least toxic flea medicine for dogs? ›

Pyriproxyfen and s-methoprene are relatively safe ingredients when it comes to flea and tick control.

Is NexGard better than Frontline? ›

Considering the composition, Frontline Plus and Nexgard, both are safe and reliable treatments. Either of these treatments is equally effective in protecting dogs from fleas and infestations caused by fleas including flea allergy dermatitis. When it comes to controlling ticks, Nexgard offers more.

What flea treatment do groomers use? ›

First, groomers choose a flea shampoo that will eliminate fleas while gently cleaning the pet's skin and coat. There are many brands and types of flea shampoo for dogs available, some have pesticides such as pyrethrin or permethrin in them, which are highly effective at killing parasites on contact.

What do veterinarians use for flea control? ›

Topical flea medications for cats and dogs
  • Advantage II (imidacloprid / pyriproxyfen)
  • Bravecto (fluralaner)
  • Cheristin (spinetoram)
  • Frontline Plus (fipronil / methoprene)
  • K9 Advantix II (imidacloprid / permethrin / pyriproxyfen)
  • Revolution Plus (selamectin / sarolaner)
  • Vectra 3D (dinotefuran / pyriproxyfen / permethrin)

Do dogs really need flea and tick medicine? ›

The answer is yes, flea and tick preventatives need to be applied year-round in order to keep your pets safe. Read on to learn more about how fleas and ticks operate, the dangers they can harbor, and how best to protect your dogs and cats.

Is topical or oral flea medication better? ›

A study published in Veterinary Parasitology seems to back up the veterinarians and flea product makers. The ninety-day study found that topicals were 88.4 percent effective, while oral treatments were 99.9 percent effective. There were 128 dogs from five states involved in the study.

What worms does Simparica Trio not cover? ›

Simparica Trio has not demonstrated efficacy against whipworms or tapeworms in dogs or puppies. However, if you are dispensing Simparica Trio to a dog or puppy and such dog or puppy is found to be positive with tapeworms demonstrated in the fecal sample, we will provide you Cestex (epsiprantel) free of charge.

What is the number one vet recommended flea treatment? ›

Simparica TRIO is our pick for the best flea and tick treatment for dogs in pill form. The fast-acting chewable tablet kills more parasites than any other oral product. It starts to work within four hours and kills 100% of adult fleas on dogs within eight hours.

Can I get NexGard without a vet prescription? ›

Can you get NexGard without a prescription? NexGard cannot be obtained without a prescription from a veterinarian. While there are plenty of over-the-counter options for flea and tick control and prevention, many of these tend to be unsafe and ineffective.

What is the best flea treatment for dogs in 2024? ›

Best Flea Treatments for Dogs and Cats
  • Finding the right treatment. ...
  • Frontline® Flea Spray for Dogs and Cats. ...
  • Frontline® Plus for Dogs and Cats. ...
  • Seresto™ Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats. ...
  • Capstar® Flea Control for Dogs and Cats. ...
  • Advantage® II for Dogs and Cats. ...
  • Sentry Fiproguard for Cats. ...
  • Effix for Dogs.

What is the safest worm treatment for dogs? ›

There are many safe ways to de-worm your dog. The sooner the worms are gone, the sooner your pet will get healthy and feel better. Your vet will give your dog medicine by mouth , a shot or use a topical dewormer (like Advantix, or Revolution) to kill the worms.

What flea treatment do vets recommend? ›

Best flea treatments for dogs and cats
  • How do I know if my pet has fleas? ...
  • Finding the right treatment. ...
  • Frontline® Flea Spray for Dogs and Cats. ...
  • Frontline® Plus for Dogs and Cats. ...
  • Seresto™ Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats. ...
  • Capstar® Flea Control for Dogs and Cats. ...
  • Advantage® II for Dogs and Cats.

What is the best non prescription flea treatment for dogs? ›

Both NexGard and Frontline kill fleas at all life stages, plus ticks. Both treatments have their advantages. There are several Frontline products: Shield, Plus, and Gold. Our top choice for an OTC flea preventive is Frontline Plus, which also protects against chewing lice and helps control sarcoptic mange infestations.

Is Credelio safe for dogs? ›

Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The safe use of Credelio in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are weight loss, elevated blood urea nitrogen, increased urination and diarrhea.

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