Best Dog Flea Treatment: Dog Flea Treatment Reviews (UK)

Fleas, the friends your dog doesn't choose and neither do you, but how do you get rid of the pests once they have already nestled into your pet's fur?

If you are in a hurry here and don't have the time to read through our research, here are our editors picks.

Best Dog Flea Treatments (In Order)

Why does my dog need flea treatment?

Here is an interesting fact for you; 95% of the flea population is eggs. They live in carpets, soft furnishings, and the garden just waiting to hatch. You’ll find that they tend to emerge once the warmer weather starts, and that’s also when there is a massive influx in their population. 

When a flea becomes an adult, that’s when it will start biting your pets to get a good blood meal, and adult fleas can survive for up to 100 days without eating.

The way they usually get onto your pets is by jumping, which they are incredible at, and they are able to spring 150 times their own height and 110 times their own length. 

Generally speaking, adult fleas are not harmful to your pet. They are irritating and they cause a lot of itching, but you only need to worry about their health if they are allergic or begin showing signs of an allergy.

This can cause things like rashes, sores, bleeding, hair loss, and anaemia, which is why it is important to ensure they are treated. 

Some fleas also carry tapeworms and can pass these onto your dog. This is why it is highly recommended by vets that you worm your dog at the same time as flea treatment; it kills two birds with one stone. 

Can you use flea treatment if my dog is on other medications 

It really depends on the medication that your dog is taking. For some, it is perfectly safe to flea treat them while they are on medication. However, in other cases, it could cause complications or a bad reaction. 

Before you flea treat a dog that is on medication, it is essential that you speak to your vet to ensure that you are safe to proceed. If you aren’t, there is no harm in waiting until the medication has run its course before you apply the treatment. 

How often do I need to give my dog flea treatment?

This really does vary according to who you speak to. Everyone has their own way of doing things, and you need to find the time period that works best for you.

Most people recommend flea treatment every 2-3 months, but there are others who apply it monthly instead, and some who do not flea treat at all. It really depends on what you think is best for your dog to keep the fleas under control.

It is important to remember that having fleas or preventing them does not mean that you, your home, or your dog are dirty. They are a natural part of life, and sometimes your dog is just in the wrong place at the right time.

A lot of prevention is just a normal part of dog ownership and housework, so try not to feel extra pressure to keep things spotless. 

Do natural flea treatments work ?

The answer to the question of whether or not natural flea treatments work is both yes and no. There are some natural treatments that work wonders at keeping ticks away, and it makes sense because before we had our modern chemical solutions we used the natural ones. 

But, as we have mentioned before, every dog is different. Some people find natural solutions less effective than chemical ones. This is perfectly valid because the natural flea treatment might not have had any impact on either killing or preventing fleas.

Of course, vets will always say that natural solutions are pointless, but this is because they want us to buy the flea treatment products they have. 

Many owners who use natural treatments worry about exposing their dogs to the chemicals in regular flea treatments, which is understandable. It really is down to personal choice and preference.

Just be prepared to try out a few different types and brands before you find the one that really sticks. 

Does flea treatment hurt my dog?

In short, no, flea treatment does not hurt your dog. It has been designed to be completely safe for canine use. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

Going with the every dog is different narrative again, there are some dogs that may react negatively to one treatment and positively to another. 

Just like humans, they all have different sensitivities that may make them react poorly to certain flea treatment products. You may have heard a lot of scare stories on the news about dogs that have bad reactions to flea treatments, and the truth is that this is very rare.

Flea treatment manufacturers are exceptionally careful to make sure that their product is safe for animal use. 

Just be responsible when you buy and always choose something that has been approved by the UK Veterinary Council. Of course, big brands like Frontline and Drontal are always a safe option, but there are smaller companies that have also been approved. 

So, if your pet has had a reaction to flea treatment in the past, there are other options out there. Failing that, natural solutions tend to work wonders as well. 

How do dogs get fleas?

First, remember that fleas are a normal thing for dogs to get. In fact, nearly every dog is going to have them at some point in their life; it just might not be an infestation. The second a dog steps outside, they are at risk of getting fleas.

There are fleas everywhere in nature, and they will hop onto passing mammals (like cats and dogs) for a quick bite to eat. 

Sometimes, the adult fleas will settle there and lay eggs waiting to hatch and grow so that they can feast too. When the flea eggs multiply to the point that you can see them on your dog, that’s when you have an infestation. Otherwise, the prevention tips mentioned earlier on are the way to go. 

Interestingly, it’s not just the outside and your animals that can give your dog fleas; you can as well. Fleas don’t live on humans, but they sure do love to bite us (can confirm, as a human who has had fleas).

They will also jump on you and stow away, jumping off in your home and laying eggs in the carpet. 

This is why flea prevention is so important - they are everywhere and it’s nicer for your dog if they aren’t being bitten all the time, and the same goes for you. Just remember to keep the flea treatment up and ensure that you stay on top of the housework; it should keep them away from you. 

How old does my dog need to be to start flea treatment?

Puppies usually start their flea treatment programmes from six weeks old. This is using a special treatment that is gentle on their skin and bodies, while also offering them protection from parasites.

This is important because a flea infestation on a puppy can cause fatal anaemia as well as general poor health. 

Of course, this starting age can also depend on the weight of the puppy, and if they are not quite there yet they may have to wait until eight weeks old for their first application.

Puppies will usually require monthly treatments until they are about six months (sometimes older) just to ensure that they are fully protected.

Do flea treatments protect your dog from other pests?

Yes, there are some flea treatments that protect against more than just fleas. Many of them are also tick preventers, and these little parasites are worse than fleas in a number of ways.

For one, they really lodge themselves into your dog’s skin, making them tricky to get out and leading to potential infections if the head is left in. 

Ticks may also carry Lyme Disease, which can be passed onto humans if the tick bites them and cause serious illness.

If you do find a tick on your body, it is important not to panic and to remove them carefully so that the head comes out as well. You should also check the area around the bite. 

If it is in the shape of a bullseye, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible because this usually means that the tick was carrying Lyme Disease. Some flea treatments will also deal with most worms and are orally ingested.

However, most owners prefer sticking to the two separate treatments so that all forms of worm are protected against.

What flea treatment do vets use in the UK?

The flea treatment that vets use in the UK varies, but the most common are Frontline, Advocate, and Advantage.

They are also the most commonly sold and stocked in vet practices. While there are many others on the market, you will find that most vets use and recommend these. 

Important note

Recent law changes mean that not all flea treatments can be purchased online or over the counter - some need a prescription in order to be purchased. This is often determined by the strength of the treatment, and your vet will help you to decide which strength is needed.