Flea and tick treatments for dogs: spot-ons, collars or tablets?
Fleas, ticks, sandflies: external parasites are more than a nuisance, they transmit sometimes serious diseases such as babesiosis or Lyme disease. Protecting your dog year-round, or at the very least from the first warm days to the first frosts, has become essential in most regions. Planète Pets compares the three main product families, alongside our care and grooming section.
Spot-on pipettes: the most widespread solution
Applied to the skin between the shoulder blades, a spot-on releases its active ingredient for around a month. Simple and effective, it does call for a few precautions: apply to dry skin, avoid bathing for 48 hours, and stop other pets in the household from licking the spot. Warning: some molecules intended for dogs, such as permethrin, are toxic to cats. Expect €15 to €35 for a box of 3 to 4 pipettes depending on the dog’s weight.
Anti-parasite collars: long-lasting protection
New-generation collars provide continuous protection for 6 to 8 months, making them the most economical option over the year for heavily exposed dogs. They must stay in contact with the skin to release properly, and should be removed if the dog swims regularly, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Expect €25 to €60 for a long-lasting collar from a recognised brand. Not to be confused with an ID collar or a GPS collar, which can in fact be worn alongside it.
Tablets: efficacy that doesn’t wash off
Given orally, tablets work from the inside for 1 to 3 months depending on the product. Their strengths: no substance on the coat (ideal with children at home), no loss of efficacy from baths or swimming. Their limitation: the parasite has to bite to be killed, so the initial bite itself isn’t entirely prevented. Most require a prescription: expect €20 to €45 per quarter depending on the dog’s size.
How to choose for your dog?
- City dog with low exposure: spot-ons in season, possibly year-round.
- Country dog or hiking companion: a long-lasting collar or tablets, plus a tick check after every outing.
- Swimmer or frequently bathed dog: tablets, unaffected by water, consistent with our guide to shampoo by coat type.
- Household with cats or young children: ask about compatible molecules.
The vet reflex above all
The ideal parasite treatment depends on your dog’s weight, age, health and lifestyle: it’s exactly the kind of decision to confirm with your vet, especially for a puppy, a pregnant female or a dog on medication. Never overdose and never combine products without professional advice. If a reaction occurs (drooling, lethargy, intense itching), rinse if the product is topical and seek help without delay. Find all our guides on the dog hub.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.