8 Best Flea Treatments for German Shepherds
Camille Bataille
Author: Camille Bataille
Camille, a dedicated veterinary professional, has a profound commitment to providing expert care, especially for German Shepherds.
Published date: April 20, 2022
Updated date: February 5, 2024
This article was reviewed and fact checked If you have found any errors, please contact us!

8 Best Flea Treatments for German Shepherds

Fleas are a common problem for dogs, particularly during the warmer months.

They can cause your dog to itch and scratch, which can lead to hair loss, hot spots, and other skin problems.

Fleas can also transmit diseases to your dog, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.

There are several different flea treatments available for dogs, including oral medications, topical solutions, collars, and shampoos.

With the different products on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your dog. We’re here to help you with that.

Here are the best flea treatments for German Shepherds.

At a Glance: Our Top 8 Picks

K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for Large Dogs

Best Overall

Runner Up

NexGard Chew for Dogs

Best Value for Money

Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs

Summary

Veterinarian-recommended dog flea and tick prevention that also kills and repels mosquitoes.

FDA-approved chew provides safe and effective protection, killing fleas and ticks for a full month

Made with two active ingredients, fipronil and (S)-methoprene, this treatment stops infestations and prevents new ones.

Pros

Starts within 12 hours and keeps working for 30 days.

Prevent Lyme infections as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks.

One dose of FRONTLINE Plus lasts 30 days

Cons

No bathing 24 hours after application.

Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.

Not effective as expected for some breeds.

Our Picks For Best Flea Treatments On The Market

Best Overall

1. K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for Large Dogs

K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for Large Dogs Review

  • Size: Suitable for dogs that weigh 21-55 pounds
  • Scent: Rose
  • Item form: Drops

K9 Advantix II flea and tick prevention for dogs has an easy-to-apply topical formula that starts working to kill fleas within 12 hours and keeps working for 30 days.

It is suitable and effective for year-round dog flea and tick treatment.

By working through contact, K9 Advantix II flea and tick prevention for dogs ensure that fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes do not have to bite your dog to die.

This means that your dog will be protected from these pests even if they’re not always easy to find.

One of the great benefits of K9 Advantix II flea and tick treatment for dogs is that it is waterproof after 24 hours of application.

Even if your dog gets wet, the formula will continue to work, and your dog will still be protected. You can also bathe your dog after applying L9 Advantix II.

So whether they’re playing in the park or going for a swim, this product will keep dogs safe and free from pests.

K9 Advantix flea and tick treat can be used on all breeds of dogs ages 7 weeks and older. No matter what breed or size of the dog is, this treatment got them covered.

Runner Up

2. NexGard Chew for Dogs

NexGard Chew for Dogs Review

  • Size: Suitable for dogs that weigh 24-60 pounds
  • Flavor: Beef
  • Item form: Chews

NexGard beef-flavored chews help protect your dog against ticks that transmit Lyme disease year-round. This product contains Afoxolaner which is absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream after ingestion.

When fleas and ticks ingest blood containing Afoxolaner, it causes hyperexcitation and death in these parasites.

With just one dose of NexGard, it kills fleas and ticks fast, for a full month of pest prevention.

Every month, this treatment can be given to dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older weighing 4 pounds of body weight or greater to prevent flea and tick infestations.

NexGard chewables not only kill adult fleas but it is also indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations.

It also helps control Black-legged (deer) ticks, American Dog ticks, Lone star ticks, and Brown Dog Ticks.

In addition, this product is easy to give because it can be administered with or without food, making the treatment convenient for dog owners.

Best Value For Money

3. Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs

Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs Review

  • Size: Suitable for dogs that weigh 48-88 pounds
  • Scent: Unscented
  • Item form: Drops

For almost 20 years, this product has been trusted by many pet owners as it quickly kills fleas, ticks, and their eggs.

Frontline Plus flea and tick treatment for dogs contains two strong ingredients, fipronil and (S)-methoprene, that work together to stop pest infestations and prevent new ones.

It is also effective in preventing Lyme disease.

Frontline Plus flea and tick treatments are waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it losing efficacy if your dog gets wet.

Just one drop of this treatment will last for 30 days so you don’t have to worry about reapplying it to your dog as often.

This product is easy to apply, rapidly covers your dog’s entire body, and deposits the treatment to your dog’s sebaceous glands, making it even more effective.

When applied once a month continuously, Frontline Plus flea and tick treatment will help keep your pet safe and healthy by preventing swarms of harmful parasites.

Alternative 1

4. Adams Plus Flea & Tick Spray

Adams Plus Flea & Tick Spray Review

  • Size: For dogs and puppies that are 10 weeks and older
  • Scent: Fragrance-free
  • Item form: Spray

This product effectively kills adult fleas, ticks, flea eggs, and flea larvae through contact.

It not only gets rid of the pests that are currently bothering your pet but also prevents new fleas from hatching and infesting your home.

This flea and tick spray prevents flea eggs from hatching for up to 2 months, so you don’t have to worry about your pet getting re-infected.

Adams Plus Flea and tick spray combine the adult flea killing power of Etofenprox with the long-lasting flea egg-killing power of the S-methoprene Insect Growth Regulator.

This highly effective combination of ingredients provides quick relief from biting fleas and continuous killing of flea eggs laid on the animal, breaking the flea life cycle.

This flea and tick spray not only kills the fleas on your pet but also the fleas in your home and yard.

Adams’ multi-step product solution is the perfect way to fight fleas on all fronts and keep your pet happy and healthy.

With this product, you can get rid of the pests for good and create a safe and healthy environment for your pet.

Alternative 2

5. PetHonesty Flea & Tick Defense

PetHonesty Flea & Tick Defense Review

  • Size: For dogs and puppies 10 weeks and older
  • Flavor: Hickory Bacon
  • Item form: Chews

This flea and tick defense is vet-approved and formulated by experts using natural ingredients like coconut oil, flaxseed, garlic, and brewer’s yeast to provide a safe defense against pests.

It is made of all-natural ingredients and helps to promote the dog’s body’s natural response in repelling fleas, ticks, and mites.

PetHonesty flea & tick chewables not only help to repel pests but also help to build up your dog’s internal resistance to these seasonal pests.

When given every day, this product helps to build up internal resistance in your dog’s body, as well as support their skin, joint, and immune health.

The Omega-3 fatty acids present in this flea and tick defense help promote your German Shepherd’s healthy inflammatory response.

These soft chews are also easy to give and less messy.

The delicious hickory bacon flavor is sure to be a hit with your dog, and the 1-3 treats per day (depending on your dog’s weight) will help provide additional protection against pests.

Alternative 3

6. Bravecto Chew for Dogs

Bravecto Chew for Dogs Review

  • Size: Suitable for dogs that weigh 44-88 pounds
  • Flavor: Pork
  • Item form: Chews

With Bravecto chews, your dog will get up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks. This product can terminate Lone star ticks for up to 8 weeks and kills 98.7% of them within 24 hours.

Bravecto is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations like deer tick, black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick.

This product is easy to give to your dog, and you don’t need to isolate your pet after giving this treatment.

The chewables’ active ingredient is Fluralaner, which targets the nervous system of fleas and ticks, causing hyperexcitation and death.

Treatment with Bravecto may begin at any time of the year, and in areas where fleas are common year-round, you can continue the entire year without interruption. 

To minimize the flea reinfestation, it is important to treat all animals within the household and along with the environment with this product to keep your home and your family safe from these pesky pests.

Alternative 4

7. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Easy Spray

Vet's Best Flea and Tick Easy Spray Review

  • Size: For dogs that are 12 weeks and older
  • Item form: Spray

This flea and tick Easy spray for dogs and home can kill fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes by contact.

It is formulated with 100% certified natural essential oils and plant-based ingredients that provide a safe and fast-acting formula for flea and tick removal and prevention.

Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Easy Spray is gentle enough to be applied directly on dogs and puppies 12 weeks or older when used as directed.

It uses nature’s most powerful plant extracts including peppermint oil and eugenol from clove plants to kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.

This spray is scientifically proven effective against pests, but gentle enough to use around the whole family.

Vets flea and tick spray are safe to use around children and other family members, making it a great choice for families with pets.

Alternative 5

8. Frontline Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs

Frontline Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs Review

  • Size: For dogs that are 8 weeks and older
  • Item form: Spray

This product helps to kill fleas, ticks, and chewing lice that provide relief for your pet and prevent future infestations.

Frontline Flea & Tick Spray is a long-lasting and waterproof treatment that is perfect for adult dogs and cats, as well as puppies and kittens who are eight weeks old or older.

It is designed to kill brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and deer ticks in all life stages.

Frontline Flea & Tick Spray is a simple-to-use topical treatment that provides lasting protection for a full 30 days.

This product has two tough ingredients, Fipronil and (S)-methoprene that kills adult fleas and ticks that come into contact with your pet, and works to kill flea eggs and larvae before they can develop.

This product is easy to use, simply spray it on your pet’s coat and comb through.

Conclusion

A flea infestation can be frustrating for both dogs and their owners. They can cause some serious health problems for your pets and make their life miserable in the process if it remains untreated.

That’s why it’s so important to get rid of them as soon as possible.

While fleas and ticks can be a common problem, there are many ways to get rid of them. From topical treatments to oral medications, there is an option out there for every budget.

The best flea treatment for your dog will ultimately depend on several factors, including your pet’s age, weight, and health.

We hope this article gave you a few ideas on how you can get rid of your dog’s fleas and ticks.

Tick and flea treatment FAQs

How to get rid of fleas on your German Shepherd?

German Shepherds are susceptible to tick and flea infestations that quickly become a problem if not treated early. There are several effective tick and flea treatments available for German Shepherds.

Some common options include topical treatments, oral medications, and baths with flea shampoo.

The treatment you will choose for your dog will vary depending on the severity of the infestation, and it’s important to consult with a veterinarian before starting any treatment.

What do veterinarians recommend for dog fleas?

Many veterinarians recommend using a spot-on treatment, which is applied directly to the dog’s skin.

Spot-on treatments work by killing fleas and preventing them from laying eggs, and they provide long-lasting protection against fleas.

This type of treatment is effective in killing fleas and preventing them from returning. It is also safe for dogs of all ages and can be used on puppies as young as eight weeks old.

What is the safest flea and tick treatment for dogs?

A safe and effective flea treatment has natural ingredients like essential oils or plant-based extracts. These products are gentle on your dog’s skin and coat and won’t cause any adverse reactions.

When used as directed, they can effectively repel fleas and ticks, keeping your dog happy and healthy.

How do I know if my German Shepherd has fleas?

How do I know if my German Shepherd has fleas?

If you think your German shepherd has fleas, there are a few things you can look for.

First, check for flea dirt, which is small, black specks of flea feces that you may see on your dog’s coat. You can also look for flea eggs, which are small and white.

If you see either of these things, your dog likely has fleas. Another sign of fleas is excessive scratching or biting.

If your dog is doing this more than usual, it could be a sign that he’s trying to relieve himself of the itchiness caused by fleas.

Can fleas and ticks cause death to dogs?

While they are primarily a nuisance, fleas and ticks can also transmit diseases that can be harmful, or even deadly to dogs. Fleas can carry several diseases, including tapeworms, anemia, and bartonellosis.

Ticks, on the other hand, are known to transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. In severe cases, these diseases can lead to death.

As such, dog owners need to take measures to prevent their pets from becoming infested with fleas and ticks.

How to get rid of fleas on your German Shepherd?

What flea medicine do vets use?

Vets commonly use a variety of flea medications to keep your pets free from these pesky parasites. These medicines come in several forms, such as topical treatments, oral tablets, and collars. 

Topical treatments are liquids applied directly to your pet’s skin. They’re often used once a month and are popular because they can also prevent ticks and mosquitoes. Frontline Plus and Advantage II are two well-known topical medications.

Oral tablets like Capstar and Comfortis are another option. They’re given to your pet to ingest and can start killing fleas in just 30 minutes. These treatments can last anywhere from a single day to several weeks.

Flea collars are a longer-term solution. Brands like Seresto offer collars that can repel and kill fleas for several months.

Do vets recommend flea collars?

Yes, many veterinarians recommend flea collars as a form of flea prevention for pets. Flea collars are designed to repel or kill fleas that come into contact with your pet.

The effectiveness of flea collars can vary depending on the brand and type. It’s essential to choose a collar that is suitable for the size and species of your pet.

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