Reviewed by Dr. Hannah Hart, DVM
Whether you’re seeking a fast-acting solution for an active flea infestation or your dog detests topical treatments, flea and tick pills for dogs may be an appropriate option. Formulated with powerful active ingredients, these pills start working quickly to kill external parasites like fleas and ticks. Some products can be administered safely several days in a row to help you get a tricky situation under control, while others are designed to deliver long-lasting protection against new infestations. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for flea and tick pills for dogs:
Always consult your veterinarian before administering any type of flea and tick treatment or prevention. In an active infestation, your vet can assess its severity and help determine the best course of action. Some products require a prescription, because your vet must provide instructions for safe use. Once you and your vet land on a suitable strategy, use Chewy’s Autoship to keep your supply of flea and tick pills for dogs coming as often as you need them.
Both pills and topical treatments can be effective in killing fleas and ticks on dogs. How quickly a product works and its method of action depends on the active ingredients. Consult your vet to determine what kind of flea and tick treatment is best for your dog.
Vets sometimes recommend flea and tick pills for dogs as a fast-acting and cost-effective alternative to other treatments. Some products can also be purchased over-the-counter, but always consult your vet before giving your dog any medication.
Whether you need a prescription for flea and tick pills depends on the ingredients in the product. While most flea and tick pills for dogs require a prescription, products made with nitenpyram and imidacloprid often do not.
Oral flea treatment can last for as long as a month or as little as 24 hours. The duration of flea control action will vary depending on which treatment you choose. Some dog flea pills and chews are designed to kill fleas on your pet and then stop working. Others provide continuous protection for 30 days, killing fleas whenever they bite. For continuous flea protection, monthly oral treatments with insect growth regulators are widely considered the best.
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