Get Advice from a Vet

ASK A VET
Veterinarian, DVM, MBA
Get free advice on diet, health, fitness, and wellness questions within 3 business days via email.

How do Topical Flea Preventatives Work?

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Back to results
Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.

You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.

All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.

It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.

An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Got questions? Ask Dr. Lindsay & our Vet Team:

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Category

Topical flea preventatives are liquid solutions that are applied externally on dogs and cats to protect against fleas, ticks, and other harmful insects. For cats and small dogs, topicals are typically applied in one spot between the shoulders. For dogs, topicals are applied evenly along the upper spine. For accurate dosing, topicals must be applied directly to the skin, not on the hair.
Some topicals work through spreading via the hair and the skin's natural body oils. For these topicals, fleas don't have to bite your pet to die. Once they come into contact with your pet's coat, they are killed. Other topicals work through absorbing through the skin and circulating into the bloodstream. For these topicals, fleas are killed when they bite the pet. That's how it treats the entire body, not just the area of application.
Common ingredients of topicals are primarily insect neurotoxins, which kill fleas and ticks by targeting the function of the nervous system, resulting in paralysis and death. Fipronil, (S)-methoprene, imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen are among the many common ingredients found in topical flea and tick preventatives.
In order to keep your pet protected at all times, you must follow the correct dosing schedule. Most topicals required monthly dosing, except Bravecto, which provides up to 12 weeks of protection. Prevention is key to keep your pet safe from harmful pests, and choosing the best topical flea prevention for your pet can be difficult. Use this chart to help you choose the best topical for your pet.

Vet-recommended topical flea preventatives:

 
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
4.2 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$63.63
$66.98
$95.69 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
4.9 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$32.76
$34.48
$49.26 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
3.7 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$38.94
$40.99
$58.56 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
4.9 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$30.86
$32.48
$46.40 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
3.7 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$70.58
$74.29
$106.12 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
4.2 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$18.04
$18.99
$27.13 Reg Price
Shop now