Adult Dog Teeth How to brush dogs’ teeth

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The number 42 resonates with people for any number of reasons. The number was retired permanently by Major League Baseball in 1997 as a tribute to Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson. I would lose all of my nerd cred if I didn’t mention that a fictional supercomputer in the work of Douglas Adams revealed that “42” was the “answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.” When it comes to dental health for our dogs, 42 is also the answer to another important question, to wit, “How many teeth do dogs have?”



Like humans, dogs have baby teeth as puppies. Due to their rapid development and maturity, they lose those baby teeth and have a full set of adult teeth by the time they’re six months old. Baby teeth are also called deciduous teeth. Like deciduous trees, which shed their leaves, the 28 teeth that puppies have and lose over the course of their first half-year are only temporary. The 42 that come in and replace them tend to last longer than human teeth because the shape of canine teeth and the tendency of dog food to be low in sugar, which means that cavities are a rare occurrence in dogs.

However, plaque and bacteria buildup can be just as devastating for dogs over the course of their lives. However, the 42 teeth that dogs have will be dependable for life with simple care and maintenance. Each February, veterinarians and dog health advocates everywhere promote National Pet Dental Health Month, but dental health for your dog should be a year-round concern. Dental disease in dogs is far too prevalent a cause of pain and suffering that can and should be avoided. Knowing the basics of dental care for dogs extends beyond knowing how many teeth dogs have.

How to brush dogs’ teeth

We all know that dogs can be hesitant to submit themselves for regular baths, much less tolerate regular dental care. Veterinarians — like human dentists, of course — recommend daily brushing, which may prove impractical. Home care for canine teeth, though, is essential, and you should try to brush them at least once a week, or, at the very least, once a month. The earlier you start a dog on a regular dental care regimen, the more likely they will tolerate it. The first step is acquiring, or making, the right toothpaste. You should never use your own toothpaste on a dog — there are canine-specific toothpastes available at pet stores, or you can fashion your own from baking soda and warm water.



The same goes for toothbrushes. If you cannot get a toothbrush designed for dogs, a child’s toothbrush, smaller with soft bristles, will serve. Alternately, wrapping gauze around your forefinger and using that to massage the paste into your dog’s teeth and gums may prove more salutary to a dog unaccustomed to having a completely foreign object pushed around in his mouth. There are also special toothbrushes that fit over your finger, allowing you to pet and soothe a dog while you maintain secure control of the brush.

Since dental care for dogs is unusual or uncomfortable for them, acclimate them to the taste of toothpaste over the course of several days to a week, and to having their heads held as you examine their teeth and gums. A circular motion is recommended, along with brushing at roughly a 45-degree angle. The more quickly you can get through brushing your dog’s teeth, the less time your dog needs to be uncomfortable.

Other options for dog oral health

Oral care for dogs goes beyond brushing their teeth. A dog’s gums should appear pink and their teeth white; red, inflamed gums may indicate gingivitis, and yellowing or browning at the tops of canine teeth are the signs of plaque and bacterial buildup. Is your dog resistant to brushing? There are other options to make sure that the 42 teeth your dog has, the gums that cradle them, and the breath that emerges from his mouth stay fresh and clean, including chew toys and specially formulated foods.

Chew toys may seem to provide an innocuous way to keep your dog entertained, but they also serve important purposes for dogs who don’t have patience for dental care that isn’t administered under anesthesia by a vet. Look for chew toys that are safe and recommended for your dog based on age, size, and breed. Nylon, rawhide, and rubber toys are most frequently cited for the benefits they provide at keeping a dog busy, helping to remove buildup, and working the gums.



Additionally, there are dog treats readily available with ingredients that support dental health. Varying your dog’s diet to include hard kibbles that include dental supplements can be of great value to dogs that resist traditional brushing of all 42 of their adult teeth.

Share your experiences with doggy dental care!

Every visit to the veterinarian should include a basic dental checkup, and that checkup should be scheduled at least once a year, particularly at and after age three. More than two-thirds of dogs develop preliminary symptoms of gum or dental disease by the age of three, making regular maintenance essential to your dog’s overall health. How do you and your dogs deal with dental health care? Do you have difficulty with brushing, but better luck with other methods? Share your tips and experiences in the comments!

Bonita Beach Dog Park Bonita Beach Dog Park In Bonita Springs Fl

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When visiting Naples, Florida, you'll have to leave the pets at home during most of your trips to the beach. Within the city of Naples, the few places you can let your animals run free are dog parks, all located well inland from the community's white-sand beaches. However, venturing a little farther afield will get Fido's tail wagging again; you can bring canine pets to a couple dog-friendly beaches elsewhere in southwest Florida.

Bonita Beach Dog Beach

In Bonita Springs, just north of Naples, dog owners may bring their pets to the area's only off-leash dog beach. Located between Bonita Beach and Fort Myers Beach, Dog Beach is recognized by Lee County Parks and Recreation, though the park system provides no facilities or amenities. They do set and enforce a number of rules, however. You must be 15 years or older to bring a dog, and may bring no more than two dogs. Children under 5 are not allowed on the off-leash area. Non-neutered, non-spayed, aggressive or sick dogs are prohibited from entering the beach area. The beach is open from dawn to dusk.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

While Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park won't give your furry friends full reign, it does give dogs a chance to splash in the water. Plus, it's conveniently located in North Naples. You can't walk your dogs along the beach, whether on leash or off. However, you can lead them, on leashes, to the boat and canoe launch area, where they're welcome to swim in the shallow water of Water Turkey Bay. You'll have to wade in, too, as park rules require that you keep your dog on a leash at all times. The park is located off Gulfshore Drive; head due west on Immokalee Road until you reach the coast. The beach is on your left.

Bonita Beach Dog Park In Bonita Springs Fl

On-Leash Beaches

Heading north to the beaches of Lee County, your two alternatives to Bonita Dog Beach are rather less dog-friendly and a longer drive from Naples. However, if you decide to spend a day exploring the Fort Myers area, take your pooch for a walk along the public beaches of Fort Myers Beach or the City of Sanibel. Lee County Parks and Recreation lets dog owners walk their dogs, on leashes, in both areas, provided they clean up after their pets.

Elsewhere in Southwest Florida

For the most dedicated dog owners who are willing to take a lengthy trip for their dogs' enjoyment, several dog beaches exist a few hours' drive from Naples. The Fort De Soto beach and park, located near St. Petersburg in Pinellas County, permits dogs to run free in designated areas. At Honeymoon State Park, in Dunedin, Florida, pups can run free in the designated dog beach area. Elsewhere in the park, the dogs must stay on leashes.

Dog Beach is a strip of beach land on the outside edge of Lover's Key State Park along the Fort Myers/Bonita Springs line. It’s an off leash beach to let your dog run free and frolic in the shallow, calm water of the Gulf of Mexico. There are no fences, leashes or worries. Just plenty of dogs of all sizes to play with. Many visit that don't even have dogs, but enjoy watching them run and play with their furry friends on land and water. You can't see if from the main road, but follow the signs around the trees and a clearing will open up to Dog Beach. During high tide you may have to wade through some water to get to it so be prepared. There is a portable toilet, and no running water so remember to bring some for your pet. Please follow the rules to make it a safe, clean enjoyable place for all. For more information visit www.leeparks.org or call 239-533-7275.

Bone Broth Recipe For Dogs

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Bone Broth for Dogs

Bone broth is a simple way to add some extra nutrients to your dog’s diet, either as a daily supplement or to provide an extra boost to those recovering from illness or surgery. Chock full of health promoting ingredients, here’s my recipe for bone broth that your canine friends are sure to love….

Ingredients (as a general rule use an 80/20 ratio of meat to vegetables):

• Raw kangaroo tail (see my alternatives below if roo tail is not readily available)


• Kale Oregano Parsley Zucchini Yellow squash


• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (Acidity helps to draw nutrients from the bones)

Method:

1. Place ingredients in a crockpot, cover with water and add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.


2. Simmer ingredients gently for 20-24 hours.


3. Allow to cool. Remove all bones from the broth using a strainer if necessary (do not feed these bones to your dog).


4. Pour into single-serving size storage containers and freeze. Defrost and serve as required.

If you feed a natural diet such as Vet’s All Natural Raw 76, Complete Mix or Health Roll, bone broth can serve as the perfect complementary supplement to bolster your dog’s immune system and promote good joint and gut health.

You can add bone broth to your dog’s existing food or serve separately in addition to their regular meal but just
remember the broth alone is not nutritionally complete and shouldn’t be used for long-term exclusive feeding.

How To Make Bone Broth For Your Dog

• Nutrition And Diet


• / By Dana Scott

One of the most common questions we get here at Dogs Naturally is how to make bone broth.

Bone broth is a pot full of delicious and nutritious minerals and nutrients that dogs love … and I love that so many of you are starting to make this super-easy, super-nutritious treat.

And speaking of love, when you take the time to make your own bone broth at home for your dog, they’ll know you’ve gone the extra mile to give them sparking good health!

Why would you want to make bone broth for your dog?

• It helps maintain a healthy gut, especially for dogs with digestive issues


• It supports your dog’s immune system and detoxes his liver


• It helps protect his joints


• It’s full of minerals, including calcium, silicon, sulphur, magnesium and phosphorus

(Related: Bone Broth For Dogs? Here’s Why It’s A Great Idea!)

But best of all, bone broth is super easy to make!

So now that we know why you should make bone broth for your dog, you’re ready to start cooking, I’m going to give you a step-by-step guide to how I make bone broth for my crew so you’ll know how to make bone broth for your own dog.

Step 1: Add Bones, Water And Vinegar

First, I fill my crockpot with bones. Because I like to make sure there’s lots of healthy, joint protecting gelatin in my broth, I use bones with a lot of joints in them like chicken feet. I’ll also add some garlic for health and flavor (and if you think garlic is dangerous for dogs, just leave it out or read this article).

If you don’t have a crockpot, you can use a regular old pot on your stove … but you have to leave it cooking overnight so I prefer the crockpot.

Organic, grass fed bones will be the best … don’t skimp on the bones and feel free to use discarded bones from your own meals … they’re just fine for broth.

Step 2: Add Water And Vinegar

Next, I’ll fill the pot so the bones are completely covered, plus an extra two or three inches of water on top.

The important part is to add raw apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the pot … this is the magic ingredient that makes sure your broth has all of that great and healthy gelatin in it … it also pulls the nutritious minerals out of the bones.

I’ll add about three or four tablespoons of vinegar to a pot this size.

Once I’ve added the bones, water and vinegar, I put my crockpot on high for an hour, then I turn it down to low and leave it cooking for 24 hours. You can leave it cooking for two or three days if you want, but I find it starts cooking down too much after a day and I can still get a good jelly-like consistency after a day.

(NOTE: Get our Free Raw Feeding Videos and start your dog on the path to ultimate health today!)

Step 3: Strain The Bones

When the broth is finished, I need to strain the bones and meat out. These bones shouldn’t be fed to dogs, so I put them in the green bin. My dogs don’t need them anyway … I’ve already got the good parts in my broth.

Step 4: Get Creative

Here’s the fun but optional part.

When I turn the crockpot off, I’ll add some nutritious extras. For this batch of broth, I added some frozen kale and fresh leftover green beans. But I also like to add medicinal mushrooms, broccoli, kelp and herbs … and sometimes nothing at all. Check out this article for some ideas of nutritious veggies you can add.

Toss in any healthy herbs or vegetables your dog loves (and if he doesn’t love them, then bone broth is a great place to hide them).

I’ll add these ingredients while the broth is hot, right after I’ve turned it off. Then the broth will cool with the veggies in it, making them just soft enough for my dogs to get their yummy goodness.

Step 5: Let It Cool

Once my broth is cooled, I’ll put it in the fridge. This is where the magic happens … and in just a few hours, you’ll know if you’ve made a good batch!

Once your broth comes out of the fridge, it will have a hard layer of fat on top. You should chip this off and toss it in the green bin.

Underneath the fat, your bone broth should now look like jelly … the jelly means you’ve got lots of gelatin in there, and that’s what helps with your dog’s joints and the leaky gut that can cause allergies and digestive upset. That gelatin plugs the holes in leaky gut that can cause allergy symptoms, so the more jelly-like, the better!

If your broth doesn’t look like jelly, don’t worry … it just means you didn’t add enough vinegar. Next time just add a little more vinegar and your next batch will be just fine. But first use the broth you have because it will still be packed with healthy goodness!

Step 6: Store Your Broth

Because I have a lot of dogs, I just leave my bone broth in the crockpot in their fridge (yes, my dogs have their own fridge, but I’m sure there’s room in your fridge for bone broth). A pot this large will last my five large Labradors about 4 or 5 days. I wouldn’t want to keep it in the fridge for more than a few days anyway so I just make a fresh batch once or twice a week.

If you have just one or two dogs, you can take the broth and label it into mason jars and store it. If you’ve got small dogs, you can ladle your broth into an ice cube tray and just pull a cube out at a time.

Having a supply of bone broth in your freezer is a super idea … bone broth is incredibly nutritious and healing for sick dogs (think chicken soup). So make sure you have some on hand for emergencies.

Step 7: Give It To Your Dog!

The final (and best) step is to feed the bone broth to your dog!

I pull bone broth out of the fridge and give my large dogs two or three heaping spoonfuls over their dinner. It’s food not medicine, so I don’t get too hung up on exactly how much I give my dogs.

My dogs love hanging out in the kitchen when it’s cooking … and you can see above that Dottie can’t wait to sample it after smelling it all day!

So there you have it … it’s incredibly easy to make bone broth and your dogs will love the taste and reap the health benefits.

So what are you waiting for? Get cooking! 

Bolognese Dog Breed

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A true companion dog, the Bolognese dog breed loves to be at his family’s side. However, he also loves getting his way and can be quite crafty about it, so be careful — you could find yourself being manipulated by a 10-pound furball.

See below for complete list of Bolognese characteristics!

• 
  
  
  
  Comical and curious, this intelligent and devoted dog loves to spend time with his people, whether it's going for walks, running errands, or playing with the kids. A member of the Bichonfamily of white, fluffy dogs — he's also known as the Bichon Bolognese — he originated in the Italian city of Bologna, from which he takes his name. He excels at manipulating people to get his way, and can be difficult to housetrain, so be patient and consistent.
  
  


• 
  

  Size

  
  
  
  
  Males stand 10 to 12.5 inches at the shoulder, females are 9 to 12 inches. The typical weight range is 8 to 14 pounds. The ideal Bolognese falls in the middle of the height and weight range.
  
  No, he’s not a tasty Italian sauce. The Bolognese, like his cousin the Bichon Frise, is a tiny white dog with curly hair. Unlike the Bichon, the Bolognese's hair flows in long, wavy locks, giving him the look of a fairy tale dog fallen ever so slightly on hard times. Sometimes a bit shy, he's something of a one-person dog, never happier than when he's in your lap.
  
  Looking out of a fluffy ringletted body are round dark eyes that draw you in with their sweet expressiveness. Beneath that cloud of curls, the Bolognese is a sturdy little dog who loves to have fun. He doesn’t need long walks every day, but if that’s what you want to do, he’s right there with you, willing and able. If being a couch potato is more your style, he’s good with that, too. He is curious, comical, devoted and smart.
  
  The Bolognese, sometimes known as the Bichon Bolognese, is one of several little white dogs that have been known in the Mediterranean for at least 2,000 years. You may be familiar with his cousins: the Bichon Frise, the Coton de Tulear, theMaltese, the Havanese. The dog was popular at ducal courts in Italy, in particular, Bologna, from where he takes his name.
  
  If you're the kind of person who can't tell an adorable little white fluffball "no," you're going to have some problems with your adult Bolognese. Of course you can spoil him; that's what toy dogs are for, but giving him lots of love and attention, along with the softest spot in the house (your lap, most likely) doesn't mean you have to let him get away with nipping, snapping or nuisance barking. Make sure he knows the rules, and enforce them gently and consistently from day one, and he'll be a prince without being a tyrant.
  
  Although the Bolognese can be a wonderful family pet, this may not be the right breed for families with young children. These dogs can easily be injured if play is too rough or even snap at a child if frightened. However, they love children, so as long as play is supervised and the children are gentle, dog and child can be fast friends.
  
  The curly coats of these lively little dogs require daily brushing and occasional professional grooming. Neglected coats become matted, which is painful and can lead to serious skin infections.
  

  Other Quick Facts

  
  

  
  
  • Works of art that feature the Bolognese include a Titian portrait of Federico Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, which hangs in Madrid’s Prado Museum; paintings by Goya and Watteau; and 17^th-century Flemish tapestries.
  
  
  • When you look at a Bolognese, you should see a small, stocky dog with a squarish body covered in a long, fluffy white coat. He has a large black nose, dark round eyes and long ears that hang down. His tail curves over his back.
  
  

  
  

  Did You Know?

  
  You may have heard these dogs' non-shedding coats make them a "non-allergenic" breed, but that's not true. It's a dog's dander – flakes of skin – that triggers allergic reactions, not the coat. The non-shedding coat means less dander in the environment and sometimes fewer allergic reactions. But they still produce dander, and can still cause an allergic reaction.
  
  

Boiling Hot Dogs

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I hardly ever cook hot dogs at home--it's the kind of food that I buy on a street corner in a rush.  On the way to a concert. When I don’t have more than 5 minutes for lunch. When it’s three days before my paycheck and rent's due.  Two bucks on a street corner, less than that if I'm lucky to be near a Papaya King (or Gray's Papaya ), where they’re cooked on a griddle and have that distinctive "snap" when you bite into them.

I decided at some point that boiling a hot dog is not worth it.  Actually, I try to avoid the typical hot dog street vendor--affectionately or called the " dirty water dog " vendor--who serves the squishy version pulled out of gray, flat water, tossed into a bun still dripping, topped with mustard and a tongful of wet sauerkraut (or ketchup-simmered onions).  I'll still eat them in a pinch.  I just prefer a hot dog to have a little more char and plumpness.

Actually, char and plumpness is an elusive combination.  When you boil them, they’re plumper but tend to be soggy and lacking flavor.  When you grill them, they can char too quickly and often seize up, becoming firm.

Is this too much rumination on the cooking method of a hot dog?   Considering that a hot dog is one of the most inexpensive meals possible, I figure it’s worth thinking about.  So it was something of a revelation when I saw a good friend pull the following stunt, producing a crispy, robust dog with plumpness to spare.



First, add a little water to a skillet, just enough to barely cover half the pan.  Heat it up until it begins to steam off, then add the hot dogs.  Allow them to steam as the water boils off completely--I’m told that this pulls some of the salt out.  You may need to tilt the skillet and drain off the last tablespoon or so.



Next, add a tablespoon of butter for each dog.  Because, why not .  The hot dog will begin to blister and turn all sorts of savory colors.  In the meantime, toast your buns.

I like mine with mustard and chopped onion.  I like it even better Chicago-style , a.k.a. “dragged through the garden,” i.e. with celery salt, onions, tomato slices, relish, mustard, peppers, and a pickle spear on a poppyseed bun. But I didn’t have all that goodness lying around, and besides, lots of chopping and arranging seems like too much effort when you’re just cooking a hot dog at home for a fast meal.  Those things taste way better when someone else makes them.

Just don’t put any ketchup on it —or at least don't tell any Chicagoan that you did.

 Food, American, food, Food and drink, Hot Dogs, Sandwich, Quick Dinner, Sausages, Mustard, Ketchup, Blake Royer, King, Hot dog, Hot dogs

Follow these easy steps to enjoy a delicious hot dog any time!

This summer is all about hot dogs, but if you can’t make it outside to grill them or just have a midnight hankering for a bite, you can still enjoy them inside with a few simple steps. Boiling hot dogs is an easy way to prep hot dogs inside — and they’re ready in just minutes.

First, fill a medium-sized saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, add in as many dogs as you wish to eat. Let the hot dogs boil for about 5 minutes until plump. Depending on the brand of the hot dog and the kind of casing, shorter cook times result in a softer dog while longer cooking times offer a hot dog with more snap.

While your hot dogs are boiling, heat your buns by toasting them with some butter in a skillet or in the oven. Use tongs to remove the hot dogs from the water and place on a paper towel-lined plate to dry them off. Place the dried dogs in the buns and add your favorite toppings.

Follow these easy steps to enjoy a delicious hot dog any time!

Adopt A Dog Near Me

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Why Adopt a Dog or Cat Over Buying?

Did you know that over 1,000 people per hour run a search right here looking to adopt a pet? Pet adoption is quickly becoming the preferred way to find a new dog, puppy, cat or kitten. Best of all, there are so many benefits when you adopt a dog or adopt a cat over buying. For instance, pet adoption will almost always be more affordable than buying a puppy for sale from a breeder or finding a kitten for sale from a litter. There are more benefits as well. Since pets in rescues and shelters usually come from a home where the owners ran out of money, got divorced, or had to move, it's common to find that the dogs and cats on our website are already housetrained, good with kids, or do well with other pets. People are finding out that buying a puppy for sale from a breeder isn't all it's cracked up to be and the stress of training a puppy is too much these days. Best of all, rescues care for their animals, and the dogs and cats don't leave the organization without having their shots and being taken to the vet. That means less stress, and more savings! So what are you waiting for? Go find that perfect pet!

The Experts & Tools You Need to Find the Perfect Pet

Have you addressed what type of pet personality you are looking for? Wait a second, did we just say personality, and not breed? Yes, that is right. Finding the ideal pet for yourself or family should start with an understanding of the ideal pet personality. Consider this, do you need a dog that is low key and good with kids, or are you looking for an energetic pal who is into trail running? Perhaps a cat that will get along well with others is what you need. The dog rescues and cat rescues that post hundreds of local pets near you are experts at matching you with a dog or cat who will love the life you can provide. This is why so many people are realizing focusing on dog adoption and cat adoption from a rescue is the ideal pet search process. Best of all, our website has a feature called "New Pet Alerts." Simply tell us what you are looking for and we will e-mail you when that perfect pet is available! So even if you've made the commitment to adopt a puppy or adopt a kitten, we will e-mail you immediately when we know of a local little furry fellow who is in need of a new home!

Best Otc Flea Treatment For Dogs

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We love our pets. But if you’ve ever had to deal with a flea infestation in your home, there may have been a brief moment when you second guessed that relationship.

In the best case scenario, these pests (no, not “pets”) are annoying. You can feel them jumping on you and it seems like you’re just a host to transport them from one area of your life to another (it’s the worst when you get them in your car).

But that’s not where the real danger lies. Fleas can cause itching and fatigue and can carry a host of diseases, including lyme disease and, of course, the bubonic plague (though it is highly unlikely today).

But what is the best flea treatment method to keep your dog safe?

So what can you do to protect your pet?

The best flea treatment for dogs starts with getting rid of any critters they already have. First of all, you should bathe your furry friend regularly with some sort of flea shampoo. There are a number of options available from name brand shampoos to natural ones with no added chemicals. Oatmeal baths are also effective.

Keep your pet inside. Fleas live outside so keeping your animal in the house limits their exposure to these insects. Of course you should exercise your pup often but when you do, try to stay away from wooded areas or areas with a lot of underbrush.

Use some sort of flea prevention. The best way to get rid of fleas is to never have them in the first place. We’ve listed the most popular ones below. See which treatment works best for you and your canine and stick with it.

Be consistent. The life cycle of a flea can last up to 6 months so just because you don’t see them now doesn’t mean you should stop regular treatments.

Choosing a dog bed with cedar filling can also make a good impact but be sure that the buggers aren’t just jumping around to other parts of your home.

Types of Flea Treatment and Prevention

There are a number of ways to prevent your dog from getting fleas or killing any infestations he might already have. These are the most popular and effective methods but we’ve also listed some natural flea treatment options at the bottom. Remember, the best flea treatment is the one that works for your dog and your lifestyle.

Drops

Flea drops, such as Advantix and Frontline, are the most common form of flea prevention for your pet. The drops are applied to the nape of the neck (just above the shoulders) and last for 30 days. Monthly reapplication is required but is generally quick and easy. Drops are arguably the best flea treatment because you only have to think about it once a month and it doesn’t take much time.

These drops can prevent flea larvae from developing and also kill any adult fleas that are already on your pooch. Many brands can kill ticks and lice as well.

Be sure to pick the right flea drops for your dog (based on size) for best results and to avoid any side effects. Also make sure to wear gloves when applying as these drops can be harmful to humans. wait at least a couple of hours before petting your dog to allow the medication to dry.

Pills

Oral flea medication (pill) is the most effective type of treatment and prevention available.

The advantages of flea pills is they can work as quickly as four hours and can come in chewable tablets for dogs who have trouble taking pills.

The disadvantages are that these oral flea meds for dogs may require a vet’s prescription, they don’t guard against ticks or other parasites, and they can kill adult fleas or eggs but not both.

Pills are often used in conjunction with drops as the pills kill the current pests and the drops prevent new ones from breeding. This one-two punch is probably the best flea treatment option available.

Collars

Dog flea collars can be used for treatment or prevention and can last up to 8 months. This means you don’t have to worry about reapplying the drops every month or remembering to give your dog his pill.

The flea collars work best when combined with another treatment method such as shampoos or topical medications.

The cons of flea collars is that one, they aren’t the most stylish accessory and two, they are less effective than drops or pills.

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors and in heavily wooded areas, a collar plus another method may be a good idea.

Shampoos

Flea shampoos should be used in conjunction with one of the prevention methods.

There are many options available including “natural” shampoos made without any harmful chemicals.

Shampoos can kill fleas up to one day but they only affect adult fleas, not larvae or eggs.

Sprays

Flea sprays also should complemented by a prevention method to keep infestations from coming back.

Sprays can kill adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. Many repel mosquitoes as well.

Sprays are a great option for quickly killing current infestations in your home. Some can also be used as more of a “bug spray” for when you plan on taking your dog out into the woods

The flea and tick sprays’ effectiveness can last up to 2 months, killing and preventing future infestations.

Which Type is Right for You?

Picking a treatment or prevention method is up to you and your pup. By far, drops are the most common but if your dog has a skin reaction to it or you know that you’ll probably forget to reapply it every month, that might not be the best fit for you.

If you don’t mind the look and are in an area with a low risk for fleas, a collar is a good option that you will only have to replace every 8 months or so.

If your flea problem is pretty serious, oral medication, possibly along with another method, might be necessary.

Best Flea Drops for Dogs

Topical medications such as drops are the most popular and possibly best flea prevention method. Generally applied once a month, these drops work quickly and are highly effective.

Some dogs have mild to serious reactions to this treatment though so monitor your pet closely for a few days after applying.

Here are the best flea drops for dogs we have found:

Product	Kills	Effectiveness	Reviews	Price
Frontline Plus	Fleas, ticks, lice	3/5	3.7	$$ Check Price
K9 Advantix II	Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice	4/5	4.2	$$ Check Price
Vectra 3D	Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, sand flies, mites	5/5	4.3	$$$ Check Price
PetArmor	Fleas, ticks, lice	4/5	3.9	$ Check Price
Bayer Advantage II	Fleas	5/5	4.1	$$ Check Price

Merial Frontline Plus
Flea and Tick Control

Frontline is probably the most popular brand for flea drops but there are mixed reviews on its effectiveness. Some people swear by it and others say it doesn’t work at all.

Apparently this discrepancy is most likely due to two reasons. One, Frontline does not work on a certain strain of Florida fleas, and possibly other varieties. And two, there are a lot of knockoffs being sold under the Frontline name. If you decide to go with Frontline, make sure the manufacturer is Merial.

There have been a lot of stories of adverse effects from the Frontline drops so make sure to read them before making a decision.

Based on the risks and reports of the medication not working well or at all, this is not a product we would recommend. If you are already using Frontline and it is working for you, then you should be fine but if you are thinking of switching, there are better choices available.

To kill and prevent both fleas and ticks for up to a month, you’ll want to use a spot-on medicine. Frontline Plus uses fipronil to kill fleas, ticks, and lice, plus (s)-methoprene to keep fleas from growing and reproducing. Like all spot-on treatments, the medicine is applied to a small area on the back of your dog’s neck, so they can’t lick it off. Since it’s easy to accidentally come into contact with the medication, it’s best to monitor your pet and limit their contact with people and other animals for 24 hours.

PetArmor Plus and Sentry Fiproguard Plus use the same active ingredients to kill all stages of fleas and ticks but costs about half as much. However, their applicators aren’t as well-designed as Frontline Plus. When we opened the applicator, some of the medication leaked out — not ideal when handling insecticides. Frontline’s snap-off applicator kept more of the product intact until we were ready to apply.

If you just need to treat your dog fast, consider an oral medication. We liked Bayer Advantus Soft Chews, a chewable treatment that looks and smells like a dog treat. It starts killing fleas in under an hour, and you don’t have to worry about contact with other pets or children after application. The downside is that it only kills adult fleas — it won’t prevent against future generations, so you’ll need use it daily until your home is flea-free or switch to a spot-on after the first day.

Sentry Capguard, PetArmor FastCaps, and Capstar Tablets work just as quickly, but come in a pea-sized tablet you mix into your dog’s food. They all look identical, but Sentry Capguard tends to be the cheapest.