How Often Should You Treat Your Dog For Fleas?

If you’re looking for the answer to the question: how often should you treat your dog for fleas? You’ve come to the right place.

Below, you can find the answer as well as guidance on fleas in dogs, how to treat them, and tips on keeping those little blighters at bay.

Understanding How and When To Flea A Dog

Dogs typically need flea treatment once a month to effectively prevent infestations, though the frequency can vary depending on your dog’s lifestyle, health, and environment. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors—especially in areas where they might encounter wildlife—may be at higher risk and could need more vigilant protection.

The type of product you use also matters: many spot-on treatments require monthly application, while others like flea collars (e.g. Seresto) can last several months. Fleas can also thrive indoors during winter due to central heating, so year-round prevention is often recommended.

To keep your dog flea-free, it’s important to combine treatment with good hygiene and regular checks. Use a household flea spray to control fleas in carpets and bedding, and groom your dog often to look for signs like flea dirt (tiny black specks). If you suspect an infestation or aren’t sure which product is best, consult your vet—they’ll help you choose a flea prevention plan tailored to your dog’s age, health, and risk level.

How Often Should You Treat Your Dog For Fleas?

Whenever we’ve taken Luna to the vet, they’ve always advised that you should treat your dog for fleas once a month (or every 4 weeks).

The effectiveness of flea treatment can depend on the type you choose, however. Some forms have a greater period of efficacy, meaning you may only have to flea your dog every 8 or even 12 weeks. Generally, most spot-on flea treatments last for around 4 weeks.

Facts About Fleas And Dogs

Here are some quick facts on fleas and dogs:

• Fleas are small insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They live on the skin or in the fur of the host animal, and they can be found anywhere that pets spend time.
• Flea bites are itchy, but they can also cause infections in some cases.
• Dogs with flea allergies may have trouble breathing or get anaemia from heavy infestations.
• Fleas also carry other diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as tapeworms and certain types of worms, as well as heartworm disease which is deadly for dogs but not for people.
• Treatment methods include topical treatments such as flea collars, dips, sprays and shampoos; oral medications; powders; and monthly spot treatments

Flea Treatment For Dogs

Fleas are one of the most common parasites that can infect both dogs and cats.

There are many types of flea treatments available in the market. The most common ones are topical treatments, oral treatments and natural remedies.

Topical treatments are the most popular type of treatment for fleas and ticks on dogs. These are applied directly to the skin and hair of your dog in order to kill any living fleas on the animal’s body.

Oral medications, on the other hand, kill fleas by getting them into your dog’s bloodstream. These drugs usually come in pill form and need to be given daily until all signs of a flea infestation have disappeared from your pet’s coat.

Natural remedies can be used as an alternative to chemical treatments if you prefer not to use chemicals or if your dog is young or old and cannot take oral medication due to health problems.

In terms of brands, some include Frontline Plus, Advantage II, Bravecto, Nexgard Spectra 3D and Simparica ProMeris Spot On Solution for Dogs. However, always check with your vet first.

Spot On Flea Treatment

Spot on flea treatment is a clever form of medicine. It works as an insecticide that distrubutes itself through the natural oils of your dog’s skin. It also clings to hair folliciles. When fleas come into contact with it, they are essentially poisoned.

Spot on fleat treatment can be quite tricky to apply. Most vets recommend placing it at the base of the neck, on their back.

For extra clarity, here’s a quick video on how to apply a spot on treatment courtest of the PDSA.

Flea Spray

Another method that some people turn to is flea spray. It can be useful when dealing with more aggressive infestations.

Different brands, such as Beaphar Flea Spray, are designed to be sprayed onto the dog. This particular brand comes with a silent spray action so your dog won’t even notice.

When it comes to dealing with fleas in the house, you can use all manner of products, some of them homemade. The starting point is to wash all bedding and clothing in hot and soapy water.

You can also use a lemon spray and sprinkle a mix of salt and baking soda.

There are of course flea sprays that you can use on home products too. Check stores like Pets at Home for more, or speak with your vet.

Flea Tablets For Dogs

There are oral options available for dog owners too in the form of flea tablets.

Not all dogs respond well to other forms of treatment like the spot on method. However, some of the latest products to hit the market come in tasty chewable options.

For example, NexGard tablets for fleas and ticks come in a beef flavour.

Some forms of flea tablets for dogs also last for differing durations. Bravecto Chewable Tablets, for example, provides treatment for up to 12 weeks. It also claims to deal with 99% fleas and ticks within 8 to 12 hours.

These flea tablets work by placing a pesticide in the dog’s blood so that when consumed by the parasite, they’re poisoned and killed.

Flea Shampoo For Dogs

If your dog has fleas, one of the best treatments that you can give them is a soap bath with flea shampoo.

There are lots of affordable brands out there. But just be sure to use one that’s sensitive to your dog’s skin. Check reviews and ask for advice from your vet.

A bath using this treatment will clear the little critters out of their fur and hit them with a toxic blast of soap to hopefully kill them and relieve your dog.

Flea Collar

Some people say that flea collars don’t work, but others have found them tremendously helpful.

It’s important to understand how they work. They don’t put up an invisible forcefield around your dog. A flea can still jump onto them and bite them. But with the presence of the collar, they’re likely to die within 24 hours.

Some brands of flea collar for dogs can last for up to seven or eight months. They slowly release pesticides over time to provide continuous protection.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas In Dogs

Fleas are a common problem among dogs, and if left untreated, they can cause severe itching, irritation, and even lead to serious health issues. Here are some tips to help you get rid of fleas in dogs:

• Use flea preventatives – The best way to get rid of fleas is to prevent them from infesting your dog in the first place. There are several flea preventatives available in the market, such as flea collars, topical treatments, and oral medications. These products are designed to kill fleas and prevent re-infestation.
• Wash your dog with flea shampoo – You can use flea shampoos to wash your dog, which will kill fleas and their eggs. Make sure to choose a flea shampoo that is specifically formulated for dogs and follow the instructions on the label carefully.
• Vacuum your house – Fleas can survive in carpets, upholstery, and bedding. Vacuuming your house regularly can help get rid of fleas and their eggs. Make sure to vacuum all areas of your house, including under furniture and along baseboards.
• Wash your dog’s bedding – Fleas can hide in your dog’s bedding, so it’s essential to wash it regularly with hot water and detergent. You can also use a flea spray to treat the bedding.
• Consult with your veterinarian – If your dog has a severe flea infestation, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. They can recommend the best course of treatment, including prescription medications and flea baths.

For more advice, see this RSPCA guide on how to get rid of fleas.

Learn More About Dog Care

Below, you can find more guides on dog care:

• Head here to learn more from this piece of research, published by the University of Liverpool, on the prevalence of fleas in domestic pets
• Learn all about natural dog training treats here.
• Or head here to learn about white noise machines for dogs with anxiety

If you need any more support or would like more information on the question – how often should you treat your dog for fleas? – our best advice is to speak to your vet. However, please feel free to contact us too.