As dog-owning issues go, your Golden Retriever getting fleas can be the biggest headache. Fleas not only torment your Golden Retriever with itchy bites that have it scratching itself raw, but they also transmit disease and can make your Golden unwell.
Although there are steps you can take to prevent your Golden Retriever from catching them in the first place, chances are, at some point, you will have to deal with this particularly pesky problem.
From a few fleas to an infestation, this nuisance can become a health hazard to your dog and your family.
A female flea can lay 20-30 eggs a day, and the eggs can survive in your home for up to 100 days. This means it’s essential to act fast and ensure you treat your whole house simultaneously.
Ticks are blood-sucking pests that are also hard to avoid and can transmit Lyme’s disease and Rocky Mountain Fever.
Here are seven of the best solutions for treating your dog for fleas and ticks. Some are effective in treating a current infestation, act as preventatives, or do both. Depending on your lifestyle, your dog’s sensitivities, and other factors, you can find a suitable solution.
Table of Contents
Overview Of The Best Picks
Are you in a HURRY?
Wait, and have a look at this table! I hope that this would save a lot of time. You can be assured; we only choose the Best Flea Medicine For Golden Retrievers.
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a detail review of each one of these medicines you can scroll down to the next section.
List Of 7 Best Flea Medicine for Golden Retrievers In 2022
There are a lot of products out there, but which one to choose? Well, I’ve done the hard part that is ‘research’ for you and have mentioned the 7 Best Flea Medicine for Golden Retrievers In 2022.
Let’s go…
1. K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for Extra-Large Dogs
- K9 Advantix II Extra Large Dog 30-day treatment & prevention protects dogs over 55 lbs....
- Kills fleas within 12 hours of application
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
K9 Advantix is a topical application that kills and repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. It also kills chewing lice, biting flies, flea eggs, and flea larvae.
This safe and effective solution starts working within 12 hours and keeps working for 30 days to give your Golden protection from biting pests for up to a month.
The active ingredients are Imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen. The application is easy, and the formula spreads throughout your dog’s skin, so they are protected from nose to tail.
It kills through contact, which means that the flea doesn’t have to bite your dog to die, unlike other products on the market.
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Waterproof (after 24 hours)
- Repels mosquitoes – which many other products don’t
- Recommended by vets
Cons:
- Be careful using this medicine if you have cats, as some of the ingredients are toxic.
- Like other topical flea and tick treatments, this one is toxic if ingested, so it can be hazardous to have other pets or children who come into contact with the substance before it dries.
2. Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs
- Keep your dog protected from fleas & ticks all month long with FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs a...
- Break the flea life cycle with FRONTLINE Plus. Specially formulated with fipronil and...
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Frontline is the best-known brand of flea and tick treatment and has been trusted by dog owners for 20 years. Frontline is a topical treatment that is applied between the shoulder blades. Fipronil is the active ingredient that breaks the flea life cycle.
Like other topical treatments, you have to wait until the formula is absorbed into the skin, where it is stored in the sebaceous glands and spreads throughout your dog to give non-stop protection.
Frontline flea and tick treatment is waterproof and works up to 30-day. It kills fleas, flea eggs, and larvae, chewing lice and ticks, and can be used as a preventative or during an active infestation.
Pros:
- It breaks the life cycle of fleas to stop them from reproducing so you can halt the infestation.
- Fast-acting
- Can use it in puppies from 8 weeks
Cons:
- Individual sensitivities to ingredients may occur.
- It can be toxic to other pets and children, so avoid contact before it dries.
3. PetArmor Plus for Dogs Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
- Effective, Waterproof Flea Treatment for Dogs: PetArmor Plus is a waterproof, flea & tick...
- Trusted, Vet Quality* Formula: Containing fipronil and (S)-methoprene, the same active...
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
PetArmor uses the same active ingredients as Frontline: fipronil and (s)-methoprene. A powerful formula that starts working within 24 hours means your Golden will soon be free from the misery of biting pests. (In some cases, it may take up to 48 hours to be effective.)
PetArmor Plus is a topical product that is easy to apply and gives your dog protection from fleas and ticks for up to 30 days.
It also protects against fleas, flea eggs and larvae, ticks, and chewing lice.
Pros:
- Easily absorbed topical application
- Prevents reinfestation.
- Waterproof Flea & Tick Treatment
Cons:
- It can be poisonous to sensitive dogs.
- Like other medicines containing fipronil, it may cause neurological issues such as seizures.
4. Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs, 8-Month Flea and Tick Collar for Large Dogs Over 18 Pounds
- Vet-recommended, premium flea & tick protection for dogs & puppies without the price tag
- Long-lasting flea collar kills & repels fleas for 8 continuous months
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for dogs give your Golden Retriever eight-month protection against flea and ticks, which means it’s long-lasting. A practical method for preventing unwanted hitch-hikers from having a blood meal on your unsuspecting furry friend.
Unlike topical applications, which can be messy, the collar is a simple, odorless, and non-greasy alternative.
The active chemicals are slowly and continuously released in low concentrations over the dog’s coat and skin, killing ticks, fleas, flea larvae, and flea eggs. It also treats and controls sarcoptic mange.
Seresto Flea and Tick Collar work within 24 hours using sustained release. It contains imidacloprid to control fleas and flumethrin to repel ticks. The fleas die on contact, meaning they don’t have to bite your dog to die.
Can use it alongside other ID collars.
Pros:
- A non-greasy alternative to topical treatments
- No biting required to kill fleas
- Long-lasting solution – no need for monthly treatment
- Vet Recommended Flea & Tick Prevention
Cons:
- Must take care of other pets and children as the toxic chemicals may transfer onto them if touched.
- Some sensitive Goldens may have a bad reaction.
- Although it is waterproof, regular exposure to water can shorten the lifespan of the product.
5. Advantus (Imidacloprid) 30-Count Chewable Flea Treatment for Large Dogs
- Advantus (imidacloprid) is a flavored soft chew that, with one dose, starts killing adult...
- This chewable flea treatment is available without a prescription
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Advantus is one of the oral treatments available on the market to treat fleas. This product only targets fleas and is a good solution if you want to tackle a live infestation. The meaty flavored chews kill fleas after one hour of treatment.
It’s the fastest-acting over-the-counter treatment which means you can act swiftly when you notice your Golden has a flea problem. It’s safe to use on puppies from 10 weeks onwards.
The treatment can be repeated regularly up to once every 24 hours, so it’s flexible to use as needed and more cost-effective than a topical medicine. It’s as simple to administer as giving your dog a treat.
Pros:
- Oral medication that’s tastier than a tablet
- Safe and easy to give
- Fast-acting so you can act immediately to kills fleas before you end up with an infestation.
- It can be used with other heartworm medication, antibiotics, and shampoos.
Cons:
- Can cause side effects
- The flea has to bite your dog to ingest the active ingredient, which means some might get away.
- It does not affect flea eggs or larvae, and you will have to use a different treatment for ticks.
6. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray | Flea Treatment for Dogs
- FLEA & TICK FIGHTER: Say goodbye to fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes...
- FLEA & TICK SPRAY FOR HOME & DOG: Our flea and tick spray for dogs is gentle enough to use...
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For those who prefer to go for a realistic option, the Flea and Tick Home Spray is an effective alternative to harsh chemicals. The active ingredients in this spray are plant-based essential oils peppermint and Eugenol, which comes from cloves. The natural oils contain potent pest repelling properties.
The spray kills fleas, their eggs, and larvae, ticks, and mosquitoes. It is ideal for dealing with infestation or prevention. Fleas die on contact, and it repels mosquitoes.
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray is gentle enough to use around your family, although cat owners will want to avoid this as the essential oils can harm a cat’s sensitive respiratory system.
The product offers complete home defense against fleas with a non-staining formula safe to use throughout your home. It’s easy to apply by simply spraying on surfaces around your house, such as carpets, furniture, and bedding, and you can even apply directly onto your dog.
Pros:
- A natural alternative to harsh chemicals
- It kills fleas on contact.
- Treat your whole home and your dog to prevent fleas as well as deal with current infestations.
Cons:
- The pungent smell of peppermint and clove essential oils may be unpleasant to some people.
- It can be harmful to cats.
- The SLR formula can have a soap-like consistency that some people don’t like
7. NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs, 60.1-121 lbs, (Red Box)
This product is recommended by vets, although it does require a prescription. NexGard Soft Chew is an oral treatment that kills fleas and ticks.
A single chew lasts for 30 days giving your Golden Retriever month-long protection against fleas and ticks so you can avoid infestation.
It’s fast-acting, and because it’s a tasty chew, it’s easy to give to your pet. Most greedy Goldens will love the savory taste, although, for the pickier pup, you can wrap it in a piece of ham or conceal it in wet dog food.
The active ingredient is afoxolaner to deal with fleas, and it may also kill black-legged ticks. Afoxolaner is absorbed into the bloodstream, and when the flea or tick bites, it causes hyperexcitation and death. It also kills mites. Suitable for puppies from 8 weeks.
Pros:
- Fast-acting
- Easy to administer
- Long-lasting protection against fleas
Cons:
- Known side effects are neurological issues such as seizures.
- Not safe for pregnant or lactating bitches
- Possible adverse reactions may be vomiting, itching, lethargy, diarrhea, or lack of appetite.
Buying Guide For Best Flea Medicine For Golden Retrievers
There are a few things that you should know before buying the best flea and tick prevention for Golden Retriever. So in the proceeding section, we will go through some basic questions that come to our mind as a pet parent.
Without any due, let’s get into this…
Why Might Your Golden Retriever Need Flea Or Tick Medicine?
If you haven’t already considered flea and tick control, you should consider now because it’s best to act sooner rather than later when it comes to these little pests.
There are over 2000 types of fleas and 15 types of ticks. At some point, you are going to come into contact with these annoying parasites. Don’t let their size fool you: they may be small, but fleas and ticks can cause serious health concerns.
Fleas can cause flea allergy dermatitis or FAD. When they bite your dog, they inject a small amount of saliva into the blood. The proteins in this can cause an allergic reaction. This is what causes itching. For sensitive dogs, there could be an extremely itchy reaction leading to intense scratching and hair loss.
As fleas feed on blood, they can also cause anemia in old, frail, or very young dogs. Fleas may also transmit tapeworms.
Some ticks carry dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain fever.
How Do Golden Retrievers Get Fleas And Ticks?
Your Golden Retriever loves the great outdoors and other dogs. Unfortunately, this is where he will encounter fleas and ticks. Fleas jump from one animal to another, and they are not picky. Your Golden may pick them up from other dogs or wild animals they encounter, such as raccoons.
Once your dog has fleas, they start laying eggs which can fall from your dog into the environment. These can live for up to 100 days. They will hatch into larvae which pupate and then turn into adult fleas which then start looking around for their next meal – i.e., your dog. This is why it is essential to treat your home too.
Ticks come from the environment, usually in grassy areas or woodlands. They lay in wait on plants by the side of the path, and when they feel the warmth of a nice juicy host strolling by, they fall off, latch on and burrow into the skin.
As you can see, taking care to put preventative steps in place will help avoid the hassle to you and discomfort to your dog that fleas and ticks bring.
Signs That Your Golden Has Fleas Or Ticks
The first sign is usually your Golden Retriever scratching itself a lot more, which could lead to red patches on its skin. Look for small red flea bites, especially around the neck, under the legs (‘armpits’), and its belly. You may even see flea dirt or the fleas crawling around in the fur.
They can be hard to spot as they are so small, and they may leave your dog once they’ve fed, but if your dog is itchy, one of the most common reasons is fleas.
Ticks can be hard to spot as they burrow into the skin, and they might be mistaken for skin tags. Visually inspect your dog and run your hands over its body after being outside. A tick will feel a small hard lump. They vary in size from 0.04 inches to 0.40 inches as they engorge with blood and look like tiny spiders with an egg-shaped body.
Where To Look For Fleas And Ticks On Your Golden Retriever?
Ticks like warm moist, like under the legs, neck, ears, and eyelids.
Fleas also like dark areas, so check your dog’s belly. Ears, neck, and under the legs are also common areas for fleas to attack, and these are the first thing you have to look for on your Golden Retriever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Get Rid Of Fleas On A Golden Retriever?
To get rid of fleas on a Golden Retriever, you must treat your dog, your home, and your yard at the same time. Wash all their bedding and hoover around the whole house. Clean outside areas and treat with a spray.
Do this in conjunction with medicine to treat your Golden Retriever. Choose the most suitable treatment, whether oral or topical.
You can also wash your dog with a special medicated dog shampoo. Physically remove and kill fleas by yourself by going through the fur with a fine-toothed comb and drowning any you find in hot water.
Make sure you groom your Golden Retriever regularly so that you can check for fleas.
What Is The Most Effective Flea Medicine For Golden Retrievers?
The best way to find this out is to ask your vet what they suggest. It will depend on the age of your dog and any sensitivities they have. Oral medicine can be an excellent fast-acting solution, but topical treatments are a tried-and-true preventative and cure, while a flea collar offers a longer-lasting cover.
It depends on your lifestyle too and the climate you are in. Fleas prefer warm weather and warm moist environments. If you are active in the outdoors, you will most certainly encounter fleas and ticks. In fleas and ticks, prevention is the best cure to protect your dog, family, and home.
Conclusion
That was it for this post; let’s wrap up now! Well, this post has covered everything that you need to know about the best flea medicine for Golden Retrievers. I’ve gone through the best flea and tick treatments for your golden, and I’ve not only mentioned these preventions for an adult Golden Retriever but also have covered the best flea treatment for Golden Retriever puppies too.
But make sure that you read the product description before you proceed to get treatment for your Golden Retriever puppy. Besides the seven products, I’ve also covered four significant questions that a buyer needs to know in the ‘Buying Guide Section’ and then the FAQ section.
I hope that this has helped you a lot; if yes, then that was my ultimate goal, and thank you for reading till here.
Recommended Read – Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers With Skin Allergies
