Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, sand flies and chewing lice can all be picked up on walks, in the garden or while travelling. But choosing a flea and tick treatment for your dog isn’t simply a matter of comparing the price of a few boxes. Your dog’s weight, the parasites targeted, how often the treatment needs applying and any precautions can vary considerably from one product to another.
A box containing several pipettes doesn’t necessarily mean several months of protection. Check the stated duration for each pipette, as well as how often it needs to be reapplied. Some dog flea and tick treatments are applied every four weeks, while a collar may be designed to last for several months.
Using a pipette intended for a 10–25 kg dog on a lighter animal isn’t just a practical approximation. Each weight category has a specific dose and formulation. Weigh your dog regularly, especially if they’re still a puppy, then choose the weight range that genuinely fits.
The words ‘water-resistant’ don’t mean the product will retain all its properties after frequent or prolonged swimming. With several flea treatment pipettes for dogs, it’s recommended that you avoid bathing your dog for 48 hours before and after application. A collar may withstand rain and moderate exposure to water, but repeated immersion could reduce how long it lasts.
Treatments are generally available for very small, small, medium, large and very large dogs. The product information should also state the minimum age for use. In the selection below, several products can be used from 7 weeks, while Fiprotec requires a minimum age of 8 weeks, as well as a specific minimum weight.
If you have a puppy, a pregnant or nursing dog, an older dog or a pet that is already receiving treatment, ask a vet or pharmacist for advice before use.
Not all products target the same parasites. Dog treatments containing fipronil mainly target fleas and ticks. Other formulas also claim to work against mosquitoes, sand flies, chewing lice and stable flies.
Read the label carefully rather than relying on vague claims such as ‘complete protection’. For ticks, check whether the product works on contact, has a repellent effect or mainly takes effect after contact with the parasite.
Never apply a pipette to irritated or damaged skin. After application, avoid touching the area until it is completely dry, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Why it’s a good fit: This pack is for owners looking for a pipette treatment for dogs weighing between 2 and 10 kg. It contains four doses.
The weight range and how often to reapply are clearly stated. However, you should still check the minimum age and read the label before each use.
The formula contains fipronil and is applied directly to the skin. It is indicated for fleas and ticks on dogs weighing 2–10 kg.
Why it’s a good fit: This collar is ideal for owners who would rather avoid monthly applications and prefer a longer interval between replacements.
The stated protection period of up to eight months comes with regular fit checks and restrictions on prolonged immersion in water.
An adjustable collar for dogs up to 8 kg. It is rain-resistant and formulated with imidacloprid and flumethrin.
Why it’s a good fit: This product is for medium-sized dogs and households looking for a treatment that covers several of the parasites listed on the label.
The formulation is designed for a specific weight range and monthly application, helping you avoid guesswork when it comes to dosing.
One pipette per month, with indications for fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, sand flies, chewing lice and stable flies.
Why it’s a good fit: This two-collar pack lets you plan ahead for your large dog’s next replacement, without having to apply a pipette.
This size is designed for dogs over 8 kg. Keep the second collar in its packaging, somewhere dry and away from heat, until you’re ready to use it.
Two collars, each offering up to eight months of protection, with a formula containing imidacloprid and flumethrin.
We’ve put together a comprehensive, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and comply with European safety regulations.
Always read the instructions and label before use. Products containing permethrin, including some Advantix products, must not be used on cats, as this substance can be extremely toxic to them. Also make sure children and other pets don’t touch the application site until it is completely dry.
If your pet accidentally swallows the product, or develops persistent redness, severe itching, tremors or unusual behaviour, contact a vet promptly. Never combine several parasite treatments without seeking professional advice.
It depends on the product. The products featured here generally need to be reapplied every four weeks, while a collar may provide protection for up to eight months, according to the instructions. Add the application date to your calendar so you don’t forget.
Some collars can withstand rain and moderate exposure to water. Frequent or prolonged swimming may reduce how long they last, though. Always check the instructions for the model you choose.
Start by checking your dog’s exact weight and the minimum age for use. For a dog weighing 1.5–4 kg, a product designed for very small dogs will be more suitable than one intended for dogs weighing 4–10 kg. Never split a pipette designed for a different weight range.