Table of Contents
What are fleas?
How can my dog get fleas?
What is the best flea treatment?
How to treat for dog fleas
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What is the best flea treatment for dogs?
- By Katie
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- February 18, 2025
- 4 MIN READ
If you're a dog owner, you’ll know that fleas are an absolute nightmare. These tiny pests can turn your pup’s life—and yours—into an itchy misery. But don’t worry! With the right flea treatment, you can keep your furry friend flea-free and happy. Keep reading to be a flea expert and choose the best treatment for your pooch!
What are fleas?
Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that feed on the blood of animals, including dogs. They’re incredibly fast, can jump impressive distances, and reproduce at an alarming rate. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, meaning an infestation can quickly spiral out of control. Not only do they cause relentless itching, but they can also lead to skin infections, allergic reactions, and even transmit diseases.
How can my dog get fleas?
Dogs can pick up fleas almost anywhere. These crafty critters thrive in warm, humid environments and can lurk in grass, carpets, bedding, and even on other pets. Here are the most common ways your dog might end up with fleas:
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Contact with other animals – Whether it’s another dog at the park or a curious sniff of a hedgehog in the garden, fleas are easily passed from one animal to another.
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Infested environments – Fleas love to hide in carpets, bedding, and furniture. If your home, car, or a kennel has had fleas before, they could be lying in wait for their next host.
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Human carriers – Fleas can hitch a ride on your clothes or shoes and make their way onto your dog.
Once they find your pet, fleas will hop on, start feeding and rapidly multiply. So you need to act fast!
There are various flea treatments available, but not all are equally effective. Here’s a quick rundown of the main options:
Spot-on flea treatments
These are liquid treatments applied directly to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. They work by spreading across the dog’s skin and coat, killing fleas on contact and providing long-lasting protection. Some also tackle flea eggs and larvae to break the flea life cycle.
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Pros:
Fast-acting and highly effective
Long-lasting protection (usually up to a month)
Easy to apply
Some also protect against ticks and other parasites
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Cons:
Needs to be reapplied monthly
Can wash off if your dog swims frequently
Flea collars
Flea collars release insecticides that either kill fleas on contact or after they bite. Modern collars are much more effective than older versions and can provide protection for several months.
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Pros:
Long-lasting (up to 8 months)
Convenient—no need to apply monthly treatments
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Cons:
Some dogs may find collars irritating
Less effective for dogs with thick fur
Doesn’t always kill fleas immediately
Oral flea medications
These tablets work from the inside out, killing fleas when they bite your dog. Some act almost instantly, while others offer long-term protection.
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Pros:
Fast-acting
No mess—ideal for dogs who hate topical treatments
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Cons:
Some require a vet prescription
Some only kill adult fleas, meaning you may need additional treatments for eggs and larvae
Flea sprays and shampoos
Flea sprays and shampoos kill fleas on contact and provide temporary relief, but they don’t offer long-term protection.
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Pros:
Good for instant flea removal
Useful for heavy infestations
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Cons:
Only a short-term solution
Requires frequent application
What is the best flea treatment?
While all the treatments mentioned above have their place, spot-on flea treatments are widely regarded as the best option. Why? Because they offer the perfect balance of convenience, effectiveness, and long-lasting protection. Unlike oral medications, they don’t require fleas to bite to be effective, and they’re much easier to use than flea sprays or shampoos.
Spot-on treatment like Itch Flea Treatment for Cats and Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs are reliable and highly effective. This treatment kills all adult fleas on your pet within 24 hours and protects against ticks and lice too. When applying spot-on treatment to your pet, it’s important to follow vet-approved aftercare - check out our house rules!
How to treat for dog fleas
If you’ve spotted fleas on your dog, don’t panic! Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting rid of them:
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Apply spot-on treatment: Choose a vet-approved spot-on flea treatment and apply it as directed, like the Itch Flea Treatment for Cats and Dogs. This will start killing fleas within 24 hours and put a halt to all other stages of the flea life cycle.
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Treat your home: Fleas don’t just live on your pet—they’re also in your home! Wash your dog’s bedding, vacuum carpets and furniture, and consider using a household flea spray, like Itch Flea Home Spray to kill eggs and larvae.
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Get the big guns out: If you a battling a full blown infestation, try the Itch Flea Eradication Kit to Get Rid Of Fleas from your pet and your home. This is our proven method to remove fleas FAST or we'll give you your money back!
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Use a flea comb: A fine-toothed flea comb can help remove adult fleas from your dog’s fur. Dip the comb in soapy water to drown the fleas as you go.
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Consider flea prevention year-round: Even if you think fleas are gone, prevention is key! Continue using a monthly spot-on treatment to stop future infestations.
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Check for tapeworms: Fleas can carry tapeworms, which your dog can ingest while grooming. If your dog has had fleas, it’s worth checking with your vet about a deworming treatment, just in case.
No one wants fleas in their home or on their furball, so choose the right treatment and keep fleas at bay. Spot-on flea treatments stand out as the best choice, offering an effective, hassle-free solution. Just remember—prevention is always better than cure!
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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