6 Best Chewable Flea and Tick for Dogs, According to Vets
Dogs bring so much joy into our homes. Unfortunately, they also sometimes bring ectoparasites like fleas and ticks into our homes. While internal parasites like intestinal worms are certainly unpleasant, there’s something especially concerning about bugs crawling through your dog’s fur, not to mention the health risks that come with fleas and ticks.
Chewable flea and tick preventatives for dogs can help protect your pet by preventing skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the transmission of diseases like Lyme disease. While topical preventatives work well, chewable flea and tick medications offer a convenient and effective option—and many dogs enjoy taking them as if they were treats.
This guide will explain the importance of flea and tick prevention, what to look for in a product, and the best chewable flea and tick options recommended by veterinarians. You can explore additional products in the Flea and Tick Medication category.
Why Flea and Tick Prevention Is Essential for Dogs
Fleas and ticks aren’t just irritating—they also pose significant health risks. These include:
Skin inflammation and itchiness: Flea bites can cause severe itching and may lead to flea allergy dermatitis. Symptoms include red skin, bumps, hair loss, and excessive scratching.
Anemia: Heavy flea or tick infestations can lead to blood loss, especially in puppies.
Tapeworm transmission: Dogs can get tapeworms from ingesting infected fleas.
Tickborne diseases: Ticks can transmit serious illnesses including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Tick paralysis: A rare but dangerous condition that can cause progressive paralysis and difficulty breathing.
Preventing infestations is far easier and less costly than treating them. Chewable flea and tick preventatives offer consistent dosing and do not require restrictions around bathing or touching your dog’s fur.
What to Look for in Chewable Flea and Tick Medicine for Dogs
Your veterinarian can help determine the best product for your pet. Important factors include:
Effectiveness: Ensure the product covers fleas, ticks, and other relevant parasites.
Administration method: Chews may work better in households with small children or dogs with skin sensitivities.
Safety: Look for veterinarian-approved, FDA-approved products.
Longevity: Some last a month, while others offer extended protection.
Contraindications: Dogs with a history of seizures should avoid isoxazoline drugs.
Additional protections: Some products also cover heartworms, mites, or intestinal parasites.
Best Chewable Flea and Tick Preventatives for Dogs
Simparica Trio – Best Overall
Shop Simparica Trio
Key Features:
- Protects against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, fleas, and six tick species
- One-month duration
- Starts killing fleas within 4 hours
- Pork-flavored, FDA-approved
Why It’s Great: Broad-spectrum protection in a single chew.
Considerations: Not for puppies under 8 weeks or dogs under 2.8 lbs. Not recommended for dogs with seizure history. Requires a prescription and a heartworm test.
Bravecto 1-Month – Best for Puppies
Shop Bravecto
Key Features:
- Safe for puppies 8 weeks+ and at least 4.4 lbs
- One-month protection
- Effective against multiple tick species
- Pork-flavored, FDA-approved
Why It’s Great: Easy to adjust doses as your puppy grows.
Considerations: Must be given with food. Not effective against lone star ticks in puppies under 6 months.
Credelio Quattro – Best for Dogs with Allergies
Shop Credelio
Key Features:
- Beef-flavored but free of meat allergens
- Protects against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, fleas, ticks, and tapeworms
- FDA-approved
Why It’s Great: Unique option for dogs with food allergies.
Considerations: Not for dogs under 3.3 lbs or puppies under 8 weeks. Not ideal for seizure-prone dogs.
Bravecto – Best for Convenience
Shop Bravecto
Key Features:
- Lasts 12 weeks for most ticks and fleas
- Starts killing fleas within 2 hours
- Pork-flavored, FDA-approved
Why It’s Great: Fewer doses needed throughout the year.
Considerations: Not suitable for dogs under 6 months. Requires a prescription.
NexGard – Best for Dogs in High-Risk Tick Areas
Shop NexGard
Key Features:
- FDA-approved to prevent Lyme disease
- One-month protection
- Beef-flavored
Why It’s Great: Ideal for dogs in Lyme-endemic regions.
Considerations: Not for puppies under 8 weeks or dogs under 4 lbs. Avoid in dogs with seizure history.
Pet Honesty Flea + Tick Defense – Best Natural Option
Shop Pet Honesty Flea + Tick Defense
Key Features:
- Natural ingredient blend including garlic powder and brewer’s yeast
- No prescription needed
Why It’s Great: Appeals to pet parents seeking natural supplement support.
Considerations: Not FDA-approved. Requires daily dosing. Not a replacement for prescription preventatives.
How We Chose the Best Products
Products were selected based on proven effectiveness, safety, palatability, and veterinarian recommendations. All but the natural option are FDA-approved.
Our Take on Chewable Flea and Tick Medicine for Dogs
Year-round prevention is essential, especially in warm climates. Consult your veterinarian before starting any new medication. Treat all pets in your home and manage the environment for full flea control.
Conclusion
Chewable flea and tick preventatives offer convenient, effective protection against ectoparasites. With guidance from your veterinarian, you can choose a safe option that meets your dog’s needs. Consistent use, regular grooming, and a clean home will help keep your dog comfortable and protected.
Author Bio: Dr. Rhiannon Koehler is a Kansas-based veterinarian and veterinary writer with extensive experience in both clinical practice and animal welfare initiatives.
