How to Protect Your Dog From Fleas and Ticks

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic

Flea and tick season is here - so how do your protect your dog from these nasty pests?

You’d be hard-pressed to find a peskier pest than fleas. Not only are these blood-sucking parasites extremely irritating for your pet (and can endanger their health), but they are also notoriously difficult to eradicate. Once your pet has fleas, you can safely assume they are everywhere: in the hard-to-reach crevices of your home, in the small cracks of your hardwood floor, laying eggs in your carpet fibers, and so on. What's more, fleas and equally disgusting ticks can be found outdoors but they'll happily come into your home, latching on to your pet, sucking their blood and, often, infecting them with a range of serious diseases through the saliva. Yup, it’s horrible, but if you get on it as soon as possible and use the right type of products, you can protect your pet from fleas and ticks.

Photo by Koy_Hipster/Shutterstock.com



To help you eliminate fleas and ticks from your dog’s life, you’ll need products that target these pests preventively and eliminate them in all life stages as well – both on your pet’s body and in the areas where they spend time – like your bed, and your furniture! We’ve found that PetSmart has an impressive selection of flea and tick prevention and treatment products, so we’ve rounded up the best choices for each unique situation.


Save up to 10% off Flea & Tick Products at PetSmart.com Valid 4/4 - 6/5


If you spend a lot of time outdoors with your pet, you need: K9 Advantix® II


Waterproof, easy to apply, and effective against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, this topical preventative will keep your pet safe from parasites on all your adventures. It repels and kills all these insects on contact and lasts 30 days before you need to reapply it. Simple and works wonders!


If you want a mess-free, long-lasting flea and tick prevention option, your best choice is: Seresto® Flea & Tick Dog Collar


If you think applying topical treatments on your squirmy pet is bound to end up in a big mess, this odorless, non-greasy flea collar is your go-to option. Not only does it repel and kill fleas and ticks on contact (no biting required), but it will also provide continuous protection for up to eight months. Convenient, safe, and cost-effective – what’s not to love?


Prefer shampooing the fleas away? This is the one to go for when it’s bath time: Advantage® Flea & Tick Dog & Puppy Shampoo

Photo by hedgehog94/Shutterstock.com


Flea and tick shampoos might not be as long-lasting as other flea and tick products, but they are easy to apply and quite effective when combined with other methods of flea and tick eradication. Safe for puppies over 12 weeks of age, this flea and tick shampoo will wash off those nasty critters right off your pet and soothe their irritation straight away.


You want a flea and tick treatment that can be used both on your pet and around the house, then get: Advantage® Flea & Tick Dog Treatment Spray


Spray away those tedious bloodsuckers from your pet’s fur and your home with a whisper-quiet, continuous spray that kills and repels fleas. It provides good coverage, and it is easy to use. So, if your dog is six months or older this might be a convenient way for you to prevent a flea infestation.


Save up to 10% off Flea & Tick Products at PetSmart.com Valid 4/4 - 6/5

Photo by Bachkova Natalia/Shutterstock.com


When it’s time to eliminate the fleas and ticks that found their way into your home, try out: Advantage® Flea & Tick Household Spot & Crevice Spray, Advantage® Household Fogger, and Advantage® Carpet & Upholstery Spray


Fleas don’t make a home just in your dog’s fur - they lay eggs all over your house and after they hatch wait for the next best moment to jump back on your pet. Therefore, it’s essential to treat both your dog for fleas and ticks AND your home, as well. Go over everything thoroughly, especially places that your dog frequents, and don’t underestimate these bloodsuckers and their ability to hide in all kinds of cracks and crevices.


Don’t forget that fleas and ticks can infest and lurk in your backyard, too – put a stop to them: Advantage® Yard & Premise Spray


Attach this spray to your hose and go to town: it will kill insects on contact and can cover up to 16,000 square feet of space. Perfect when you want to make sure there are no fleas and ticks on your deck, patio, or lawn!



Feature Photo By Christian Mueller/Shutterstock.com

Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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