Is your dog experiencing excessive itching, hot spots, and skin infections? These could be flea infestation symptoms. Read on to discover the best flea treatment in 2020 to kill fleas fast.
Did you know an adult female flea can lay up to 50 eggs in a day? Unfortunately, this is a sad truth. These small yet annoying creatures breed so fast and in fact, can survive months without feeding as they are not just lurking around for the blood but for the warmth too. Don’t let your dog suffer from a painful flea infestation. There are ways to prevent future infestations using the best dog flea treatment products in the market. In this article, we will shed light on useful information including:
- What are the early signs of a dog flea infestation?
- How do dogs get fleas?
- How to prevent dog fleas?
What Are the Early Signs of Dog Infestation?
It’s not easy to see fleas as they’re very small and will not become obvious until you take a closer look. To help with, the following steps should be taken:
- Use of a fine-toothed comb and brush to spot any small brown dots moving about
- Look out for any patches with hair loss
- If your dog is anaemic it could be an indicator of extensive flea bites
- Take a keen look at the ears and tail
- Check for “flea dirt”. Fleas leave their poo on your dog’s fur and to confirm this, put some of it on a piece of moistened tissue and you’ll notice it turns red. This is from the blood ingested by the flea.
How Do Dogs Get Fleas?
Dogs get fleas from other dogs or the environment. As mentioned earlier, these tiny bloodsucking insects love to jump on dogs for the warmth too. You can trust that you will find them almost everywhere during the Australian summer. Plus, they’re capable of jumping near a foot in the air which makes it easy for them to move about as if they’re in their own colony.
How to Prevent Dog Fleas?
There are several ways to deal with flea infestation and treatment that depend on what’s most practical for the dog owner and the state their dog is in. These include:
Oral Flea Treatments for Dogs
Most of them will actually protect from more parasites than fleas. They prevent ticks, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. They’re made with some chewy ingredients that only need to be ingested once a month. Manufacturers have made them tasty enough to be taken without the need to mix them with anything else.
Topical Flea Treatments for Dogs
These treatments are applied directly on the dog’s body especially between the base of the neck or shoulder blades. They’re also known as “spot-ons” and they’re meant to spread all over your pet’s body and sweat glands which then produces a repelling smell to fleas and other parasites.
Flea Collars for Dogs
As the name suggests, these are collars with a concentrated chemical to repel and kill fleas and some ticks. Flea collars are especially useful if you notice your dog always scratching their face and areas around it. This essentially means that the rest of their body is left exposed and so you may need to use another treatment so as to keep them protected all over.
Powders, Sprays and Shampoos
Before oral treatments came into existence, these were very popular options for dealing with flea infestation. In order for them to be effective, they need to cover all the hidden parts of your dog’s body. Plus, one is supposed to avoid the dog’s eyes and mouth making them both inconvenient and toxic.
7 Best Dog Flea Treatments in 2020
This list has been curated based on customer reviews online with the topmost on the list having the most positive feedback from customers. We believe that this is proof enough that they work and that there are happier dogs out there because of them.
An easy-to-use spot-on, Advocate is applied monthly to both rid your dog of existing parasites and provide ongoing protection. The powerful ingredients in Advocate provide fast relief from fleas, prevent deadly heartworm and help protect your dog and your family from most intestinal worms including roundworms, hookworms and whipworm.
“I have used this product on my dog for 14 years, it’s a very good product. It keeps your pets free of unwanted fleas, ear mites, heart worm etc. It’s easy to apply and you always have a section to tear off and place on your calendar to ensure you never miss a dosage.”
By Magpies on Amazon
NexGard Spectra delivers the most complete protection from fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms available, in one monthly chew. At the end of a 3-month Australian field study, 100% of owners reported that it was well-received by their dogs. It is easy to give with or without food, whichever is most convenient for you. It is not affected by bathing, swimming or shampooing – unlike some sprays, spot-on formulations or collars.
“Great product for tick and flea control and affordable.”
By Sonya on Amazon
Bravecto Fluralaner Chewable Tablet provides treatment and protection against fleas and ticks. Bravecto Tablets are fast-acting, killing over 98 percent of infestations within 2-12 hours. It can be given to your dog orally to treat and prevent flea infestations for up to 3 months with a single dose. It is recommended that you seek advice from your veterinarian before using this medication. It is suitable for small dogs weighing between 4.5-10 kg. Available in orange colour.
“I used it for my best four legged friend, would not be without it.”
By Sue on Amazon
Advantix for dogs kills fleas and ticks on contact meaning they don’t have to bite your dog to be affected by the active ingredients. Advantix also repels ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies and stable flies. Available as a simple water-resistant (see product label for details) spot-on treatment for dogs of all sizes and puppies from seven weeks of age, Advantix is the simple solution to keep your pet safe for life. Do not use on cats.
“Great value considering I have 3 dogs. Product works and easy to apply.”
By Casey on Pet Circle
Sentinel Spectrum is a tasty monthly chewable treatment that protects your dog from fleas, heartworm, intestinal worms and tapeworm. The chew is beef-flavoured and research has demonstrated that 97% of dogs will eat it straight out the packet!
The best part is, Sentinel Spectrum Tasty Chews don’t leave behind a sticky, chemical residue on your dog’s fur. Sentinel Spectrum Blue is for large dogs weighing 22-45kg.
“I put my dog on this a year ago and wouldn’t go back to anything else. It definitely protects them and makes keeping track of everything so easy because it’s all in one!”
By Charlie Roy on My Pet Warehouse
Comfortis Plus Chewable Tablets are an all in one treatment targeting fleas, heartworm and worms in your dog. This fast-acting once a month treatment starts killing fleas in 30 minutes as well as controlling heartworm, hookworm, roundworm and whipworm. By combining 2 active ingredients Comfortis Plus is able to kill fleas before they can lay eggs and control worms in their larvae stage to prevent further infestation. The beef flavoured chewable tablets are easy to administer – simply feed to your dog with a full meal each month.
“Came quickly, seems to work well, haven’t seen any fleas since using it.”
Carolyne on Pet Circle
Frontline Plus flea treatment pipettes are designed specifically for dogs up to 10 kg, including puppies over 8 weeks of age and will help you win the battle in getting rid of fleas. The easy, spot-on application ensures immediate protection against the harmful pests and also long-lasting preventing of future infestations.
“Scratching all the time annoys me as well, let alone being yelled at & getting kicked outside for getting fleas in their precious carpet (I won’t tell them about the couch or bedspread….). I hate the smell but the little buggers leave me alone after he puts it on me so I will tolerate it.”
By Alister on Pet Circle
