The Best Over-the-Counter Flea Medicine for Dogs & Cats

Insects do not discriminate on who their targets will be. Your furry friends need pest protection too. Fleas can cause discomfort for both your pets and you. Using an effective flea product is important for the health of your pet and your family. Whether using oral or topical treatments, these flea products are sure to keep your pet healthy and happy.

  1. Flea Medication for Dogs

    • You can purchase the highly vet-rated Bayer's Advantage for Dogs, which specifies dosage to your pet by animal size. The dosages come in four ranges, varying on animal weight. Advantage has been recommended by vets and works on a month by month basis, so you do not have to keep administering pet medicine. The simplicity of administering medicine once a month can be a convenience for pet owners. Advantage kills fleas rapidly, which reduces the risk of secondary complications like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworms. It also kills about 99% of flea larvae in 20 minutes to help decrease flea spawning.

      Another product, K9 Advantix, a flea medication only for dogs, combats ticks and mosquitoes as well as fleas. This product is applied to the shoulder blades of your dog (aged seven weeks or older) and is very effective for dealing with all types of insects.

    Flea Medication for Cats

    • Bayer's Advantage for Cats decreases 98 percent to 100 percent of fleas after 12 hours. Advantage also kills all chewing lice in a week and lasts for a complete month. There are two dosage sizes to accommodate the size of your cat.

      Another option, Frontline for Cats, kills both fleas and ticks. Frontline comes in a range of products including flea sprays, drops and general flea medication, depending on your preference.

    Home Remedies

    • Garlic is a naturally occurring phenomenal ingredient for pet flea protection. You can mix minced or diced garlic into your dog's wet food or treats to give your pet natural protection. Fleas do not like the taste of garlic or yeast, so feeding your pets these ingredients will render the blood incompatible to flea preference. About a tablespoon of the ingredient per 50-pound dog is a good dosage.

      Cats should be fed nutritional yeast instead of garlic, as garlic has been shown to adversely affect cat health. You can feed your cat a teaspoon a day mixed in with their regular food. You may wish to up the dosage during flea peak season, such as during the summer time.