Stop Dog Fleas Fast: 10 Expert-Reviewed Treatments That Actually Work

In my seven years of being a dog mum and working at a veterinary charity, I’ve seen my fair share of flea treatments, so I know a thing or two about keeping dogs protected against nasties. After all, it’s an absolute minefield out there, with a market saturated with medicated chews, tablets, spot-ons, sprays, and flea collars. Are they safe? Can they be trusted to protect our pets from life-threatening diseases? Are over-the-counter versions as effective as prescription products? Gah.

If you’re already scratching your head, I’ll break it down a little. You’ve got flea treatment chews, which contain chemical parasiticides, with one dose covering your dog for one to three months (depending on the product). Then you’ve got spot-ons, which are pipettes of parasiticide-containing liquid that you empty onto the back of your dog’s neck. This spreads across their skin and coat, usually killing critters for up to one month. However, some are only available with a prescription from your vet. 

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Prefer a holistic approach? There’s a pesticide-free option of natural sprays, which have to be applied to your dog’s coat regularly as a flea repellent. Oh, and there’s also parasiticide-infused collars that continuously release flea killers into your dog’s fur, for up to eight months. Mind-blowing, right?

So, what’s the best flea treatment to use? There’s no single answer, unfortunately. The best flea treatment for your dog will be different to the best one for my little scamps, so I’m only here today to arm you with information and guidance. You should always speak to your vet to confirm which treatment to buy for each individual dog.

To give you an idea, I’ve rounded up a selection of some of the main products available in the UK market, rating each based on efficacy and ease of use. Are you ready to kill some fleas?

Our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. 

The top 10 Kinship-reviewed flea and tick treatments for dogs

Bravecto Chewable Tablets

$25.99

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it

Bravecto is perfect for forgetful pet parents who will appreciate only having to give a tablet every three months. However, I personally dread Bravecto time because while the pork-flavoured chew is designed to be delicious, some dogs (including my own) turn their noses up at it, even when hidden in cheese. Nightmare. So, be aware that you may have to ‘tablet’ them. You may have seen online concern about adverse effects in dogs, but it’s not been proven that these symptoms are linked to Bravecto. In any case, your vet will need to assess your pet’s suitability for the chew as it requires a prescription. In my personal experience, Bravecto has been safe and incredibly effective.

Pros

• Meaty flavoured chew that offers protection against fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks.

• Starts killing fleas within two hours and ticks within 12 hours. 

• Five chew sizes, suitable for dogs aged eight weeks and older, weighing 2–56 kg

• Fluralaner is the active ingredient (prescription only).

• Prevention and treatment.

Cons

• Parasites need to feed from the host to be exposed to treatment.

• Some dogs might not be convinced by the pork flavour.

$25.99 at VioVet

NexGard Spectra Chewable tablets

$19.49

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it
We love this beef-flavoured chew as it’s a multitasker, covering all your dogs’ internal and external parasite prevention in one monthly chew. However, as with other medicated chews, some dogs simply refuse to eat them, so be prepared to get your chef on and hide it in peanut butter, meat or cheese. Again, there’s online worry that the parasiticide in NexGard has harmed dogs in the past, but the chew is considered safe by vets. Your vet will let you know if it’s suitable for your dog.

Pros

• Meaty flavoured chew that provides one month of protection against ticks, fleas, lungworm and intestinal worms.

• Kills fleas within eight hours and ticks within 48 hours. 

• Five chew sizes, suitable for dogs aged eight weeks and over, weighing 1.35–60kg.

• Active ingredients of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime (prescription only).

• Prevention and treatment.

Cons

• Parasites need to feed on the host to be exposed to treatment.

• Some dogs won’t be convinced by the ‘chew’ format.

$19.49 at VioVet

FrontPro Chewable Tablets

$39.99

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it

Frontline launched FrontPro in early 2025, and it’s essentially their version of the OG NexGard, continuing the same active ingredient against fleas/ticks. We love that FrontPro is available to grab in pet shops, so you don’t need to faff about with a prescription. Plus, those with larger dogs will appreciate that chews for heavier dogs are the same price as the ones for smaller dogs – winner. However, despite being available over the counter, we’d recommend checking in with your vet if you’ve never given your dog medicine containing afoxolaner before. 

Pros

• Meaty flavoured chew that provides one month of protection against ticks and fleas. 

• Kills fleas in eight hours and ticks in 48 hours.

• Five chew sizes, suitable for dogs aged eight weeks and older, weighing 2–50kg (same price no matter your dog’s weight).

• Afoxolaner is the active ingredient.

• Prevention and treatment.

• No prescription needed.

Cons

• Parasites need to feed on the host to be exposed to treatment.

• Some dogs won’t appreciate the ‘chew’ format.

$39.99 at Pets at Home

Capstar Flea Treatment Tablet

$21.99

Rating: ⭐⭐

Why we love it

We absolutely can’t deny Capstar’s efficacy and fast action, but a huge disadvantage of this tablet is that it only works for 24 hours, so it’s a reactive treatment, rather than a preventative. Plus, it only kills fleas, not ticks. While you can safely administer one tablet every 24 hours, if your dog is at high risk of regularly catching fleas, this probably isn’t the one for you. Especially as this works out much more expensive than other ingestible tablets like FrontPro or NexGard if you need to treat frequently.

Pros

• Starts working within 30 minutes, killing 95–100 percent of fleas within six hours.

• Available in two sizes, suitable for dogs ages four weeks or over, weighing 1–57kg.

• Nitenpyram is the active ingredient. 

• No prescription needed.

Cons

• Parasites need to feed on the host to be exposed to treatment.

• Tablet works for 24 hours against fleas only.

• Used as treatment only, not prevention.

$21.99 at Pets at Home

Frontline Plus Spot-On Flea and Tick Treatment

$31.99

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it

A major plus point of this treatment is that it’s super easy to apply – simply empty the pipette on the back of their neck and the solution will spread through their skin and coat. It also prevents any flea eggs that fall off your dog from hatching in your home, which is a major bonus. As only the adult fleas are found on our pets, the other 95 percent including the eggs, larvae and pupae are found in the surrounding environment (nice). However, reviews are mixed – many users rave about it, while others say it either doesn’t work or their pet may have parasites that are resistant to it. If you’re looking to save money, you can buy value packs of six, which will last you six months.

Pros

• Topical treatment that offers one month of protection against ticks and fleas.

• Kills fleas in 24 hours and ticks in 48 hours.

• Four dose sizes, suitable for dogs aged eight weeks and over, weighing 2–60kg. 

• Fipronil and s-methoprene are the active ingredients.

• Parasites killed through contact with treatment.

• Prevention and treatment.

• No prescription needed.

Cons

• Parasites can develop a resistance to the treatment.

$31.99 at Pets at Home

Advantage Spot-On Flea Treatment

$15.3

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it

Just one pipette of this liquid treatment will spread across your dog’s skin and coat, killing fleas on contact for up to four weeks. While this is a best-selling flea treatment due to its effectiveness and value (working out at around £4 per month), it’s important to be aware that it doesn’t take care of ticks. Also, some customers have reported that it stops working, suggesting that fleas may become resistant to it. Bummer.

Pros

• Topical treatment that offers four weeks of protection against fleas.

• Kills 100 percent of fleas within 24 hours of application.

• Comes in four sizes, for dogs over eight weeks old, weighing between 1–40kg.

• Contains imidacloprid as the active ingredient.

• Parasites killed through contact with treatment.

• Prevention and treatment.

• No prescription required.

Cons

• Parasites can develop a resistance to the treatment.

• Doesn’t target ticks.

$15.3 at Pets at Home

Beaphar FIPROtec Flea & Tick Spray, 100ml

$15.99

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it

An effective veterinary-strength spray that doesn’t require a prescription, although applying it involves a lot of pumping and ruffling and praying your dog stays still. The smell is also pretty pungent at first. We love that after one application ticks will be killed for one month and prevent fleas a little longer. A huge advantage is that this spray is safe to use on puppies from two days old. Plus, the spray comes in one size so if you have a smaller dog, it could last you longer than a month, making it great value – the makers say that one bottle will last an 8kg long-haired dog for two applications. However, this does mean that the product is only suitable for smaller dogs weighing under 10kg. Sorry, big dawgs.

Pros

• Topical spray that protects dogs against ticks for one month with one application, and fleas on dogs for up to three months.

• Suitable for dogs from two days old, weighing from 166g up to 10kg.

• Contains fipronil as the active ingredient.

• Prevention and treatment.

• Parasites killed through contact with treatment.

• No prescription needed.

Cons

• Pungent smell.

• Only suitable for smaller dogs.

$15.99 at Pets at Home

Vet’s Best Flea, Tick and Mite Away Spray for Dogs, 500ml

$11

$5.99

Rating: ⭐

Why we love it

Let’s start with the pros – this spray is super easy to use and contains zero harsh chemicals. This is ideal for pet parents worried about using insecticides on their dog. For ticks and mites, simply spray onto your dog’s fur and massage in. When it comes to ticks, you should spray directly on the tick and wait for them to fall off. However, it’s important to note that this spray is a repellant and won’t kill parasites. Plus, it needs to be applied regularly, unlike the above Beaphar spray. Reviews are mixed on this spray – some praise its effectiveness, while others say it doesn’t work or makes their dog scratch more (clove leaf oil can be an irritant for some dogs). 

Pros

• Topical spray that repels fleas, mites and ticks.

• Suitable for dogs aged 12 weeks and older.

• Contains a natural active ingredient called citriodiol, plus extracts of peppermint, clove leaf, eucalyptus and lemongrass.

• No prescription needed.

Cons

• Needs applying regularly.

• Can make some dogs itch (clove leaf oil can be an irritant for some dogs).

• Only repels parasites, no parasiticide treatment or prevention. 

• No datasheet as non-medicated.

$5.99 at VioVet

Bob Martin Clear Flea and Tick Spray, 300ml

$10.49

Rating: ⭐⭐

Why we love it

This natural spray has the edge on Vet’s Best as it also immobilises fleas, ticks and eggs, so they’ll stay on your dog’s coat without harming them until you brush them off. However, like Vet’s Best, it needs applying regularly, which can be a bit of a faff. But, if you prefer to avoid using insecticides on your dog, this is a good, albeit laborious option. It can also be sprayed around the home – we stan a multitasker. However, with one bottle lasting a month, the cost per month is similar to more effective one-dose chews. 

Pros

• Topical spray that repels and immobilises fleas, ticks and eggs/larvae.

• Pesticide-free.

• Needs applying regularly, with one bottle lasting four weeks. 

• Contains lavandin oil and dimethicone.

• No prescription needed.

Cons

• Needs applying regularly.

$10.49 at MillBry Hill

Seresto Flea and Tick Control Dog Collar

$31.93

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it

This is certainly the easiest application of all the options listed (unless you’re lucky enough to have a dog who happily gobbles up medicated chews) – simply pop the collar on your dog and it will kill and repel fleas and ticks for up to eight months. Though note it may not kill ticks already latched within 48 hours after. Seresto was effective on my dog but I stopped using it as they have to wear the collar constantly, and I prefer to take collars off when we’re in the house (the equivalent of removing your bra when you get home?). Be aware that there are counterfeit Seresto collars in circulation – make sure to buy from a reputable seller.

Pros

• Insecticide-infused collar that protects against ticks and fleas for up to eight months.

• A ratchet-release mechanism ensures the collar widens and breaks if your pet becomes trapped.

• Water-resistant, so still works when your pet gets wet.

• Collar comes in two sizes for dogs aged over seven weeks, weighing under 8kg and 8–70kg.

• Contains imidacloprid and flumethrin as the active ingredients.

Cons

• Dogs have to wear the collar 24/7 for it to be affective.

• Doesn’t kill already-latched ticks.

$31.93 at Pet Drugs Online

How to choose the right dog flea treatment 

If you’re anything like me, you’ll overthink a decision concerning your dog until your head explodes. So, to help you out, we’ve answered some of the questions you might have when it comes to choosing a dog flea treatment. You. Are. Welcome. 

Do I need a prescription for dog flea treatment?

You don’t need a prescription for the majority of flea treatments available in the UK,. However, stronger products such as NexGard and Bravecto do require a vet visit. “This is to ensure your pet gets the correct dose and the safest product, especially if they have underlying health issues,” explains Connie Garvey, a registered veterinary nurse at Woodgreen Pets Charity.

There is also a regulation from the governing body Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) that vet prescription only medications (POM-V) including parasiticides need a full physical examination by your vet prior to prescription. You can then purchase the treatment through your vet’s dispensary or ask for a prescription (vets will often charge a small fee for this) and you can purchase the treatment elsewhere and online (but make sure you are buying from a reputable and bonafide supplier). 

What type of flea treatment works best – spot-on, chews/tablets or sprays?

“This depends on your individual pet’s circumstances, such as their age, size, health status and lifestyle needs,” says Garvey. “For example, if your dog often goes swimming, a spot-on flea treatment may become ineffective if your pet goes in water after applying the product.” They are also a risk to aquatic life if spread into watercourses.

Medicated chews are highly effective for longer periods of time (one to three months), but you should check with a vet that they’re safe for your dog. Dog flea sprays can offer immediate relief, but they’re generally not the best long-term solution. And then the new injectable once yearly prevention from Bravecto, great if good with needles and no need to remember monthly treatments – but tough to stop effects as irreversible for a year for example: if wanting different parasite cover or any rare unwanted adverse effects occur. 

What strength flea treatment do I need for severe infestations?

Vet nurse Garvey advises taking your dog to the vet in the event of a severe flea infestation as they can prescribe the strongest flea treatments, such as Bravecto and NexGard. They’ll be able to advise on the safest and most suitable product, depending on your pet’s health status, lifestyle and the environment. “Products should be discussed with a vet before combining or administering any medication,” she warns.

Does my dog’s size affect which flea treatment I should choose?

It sure does, but this more affects the dosage rather than type of treatment, which is determined by your pet’s health and lifestyle. Spot-ons and chew tend to come in up to five sizes, ranging from toy dogs (under 4kg) to extra-large breeds (25kg plus).

“It’s important that the dosage for your pet is accurate and this is dependent on the size and weight of your dog,” advises Garvey. “Using the incorrect medication could be ineffective or even fatal.” So make sure the product is for the right species, cats are not just small dogs! They can have severe reactions to dog-safe ingredients, and vice versa.

When is flea season in the UK and how often should I treat?

Technically, the UK flea season peaks from April to October, but thanks to our deliciously warm central heating, fleas are alive and kicking all year round, which means keeping on top of flea treatments even in winter.

How frequently should your pet be treated during each season? Garvey says this depends on their exposure to fleas and how much of a risk factor fleas pose to your dog: “Speak to your vet for advice on the right product and how often to use it.” Flea pupae can lay dormant for months (even up to a year!) and activate when warmth, humidity and vibrations occur – for example spring, or heating goes on in autumn, or when moving into a new house.

How much should I expect to pay for effective dog flea treatment?

This depends on the size of your dog and the type of treatment used. For a medium dog (10–20kg), you could be looking at a monthly cost of around £10 for a prescription chew. For spot-on for medium dogs, it can be slightly cheaper at around £7 per month, although you can usually buy larger value packs to make it more cost effective. If you’re looking for a higher upfront cost but lower monthly average, a flea collar like Seresto works out at around a fiver a month. You should also factor in potentially needing household flea sprays, which tend to be about £10 a bottle. Dogs ain’t cheap, baby.

Are dog flea treatments safe and what side effects should I watch for?

Despite increased scaremongering online, flea treatments are generally considered safe. However, as we’ve said before, always consult your vet to ensure you’re using the most appropriate one for your precious pooch, especially if they have health issues. However, as with human medicine, dog flea treatment isn’t without risk of side effects. 

“All medications may have potential side effects, complications or adverse reactions,” warns Garvey. “These will be outlined in the information sheet explaining how to use the product. Contact your vet immediately if you have any concerns regarding a product or the side effects after use.”

Side effects may include skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy, as well as more serious symptoms like seizures and breathing difficulties. Be aware that you can’t use cat flea treatments on your dog as they may be ineffective at best and toxic at worst.  

If these potential side effects start to put you off parasite treatment, just remember the potential consequences of not using ectoparasiticides is more likely to be more serious than the rate of adverse effects being reported.

Should I choose natural or chemical flea treatments?

When it comes to deciding between chemical or natural flea treatments, you have to weigh up the risks of adverse effects versus the consequences of your furry bestie contracting a flea or tick-borne disease. Trust me, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and Lyme disease are no joke.

Medicated treatments such as FrontPro, NexGard and Bravecto contain active ingredients like afoxolaner or flurolaner, which belong to a group of parasiticides called isoxazolines, while spot-on topical treatments tend to contain fipronil or imidacloprid. These don’t come without risks, but they are highly effective at killing fleas and ticks on contact before they have a chance to attach for long enough to spread disease. It might seem safer to use a natural treatment containing things like dog-safe essential oils and dimethicone, but these only act as a repellent and won’t kill the parasites, which may still leave your home infested. Yikes. 

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all, and your best and safest bet is to always speak to your vet before starting a new treatment.

Beware of counterfeit flea treatments

Just when you thought there wasn’t already enough to be thinking about, fake flea treatments are circulating online and can be potentially fatal to your pet. A cat in Preston, Lancashire, was recently poisoned by a counterfeit Frontline treatment purchased from a third-party seller, requiring emergency intestinal surgery and a week-long hospital stay. The fake product contained pirimiphos-methyl, a toxic insecticide that can cause vomiting, muscle tremors, paralysis, seizures, and even death in cats. 

To protect your pet, only buy flea treatments from authorised retailers, veterinary clinics or reputable pet stores. Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true, check packaging carefully for spelling errors or foreign labelling, and verify that online sellers have good ratings and credentials. If you suspect you’ve purchased a counterfeit product, stop using it immediately and contact your vet if your pet shows any unusual symptoms.

This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your vet.

References

Coles, Tad B., and Michael W. Dryden. “Insecticide/Acaricide Resistance in Fleas and Ticks Infesting Dogs and Cats.” Parasites & Vectors, vol. 7, no. 1, BioMed Central, Jan. 2014, pp. 8–0. Accessed 11 Sept. 2025.

Copland, Anna LJ, and Hany M. Elsheikha. “CPD Article: An Updated Review of the Indications and Adverse Drug Events Associated with the Ectoparasiticides Used in Small Animal Practice.” Companion Animal, vol. 25, no. 10, Nov. 2020, pp. 1–11. Accessed 11 Sept. 2025.

“Flea Treatments and Their Impact on Water Quality.” Broads-Authority.gov.uk, 2025. Accessed 11 Sept. 2025.

Marie-Kristin Raulf, et al. “A Single Treatment with a Fluralaner Injectable Suspension (Bravecto® Injectable) Provides 1-Year Efficacy against Rhipicephalus Sanguineus Sensu Lato and Ctenocephalides Felis in Dogs.” Parasites & Vectors, vol. 17, no. 1, BioMed Central, Oct. 2024. Accessed 11 Sept. 2025.

National Office of Animal Health, ‌Noahcompendium.co.uk, 2023. Accessed 11 Sept. 2025.

Rust, Michael. “Insecticide Resistance in Fleas.” Insects, vol. 7, no. 1, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, Mar. 2016, pp. 10–10. Accessed 11 Sept. 2025.