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My dog has fleas. What's the best treatment? Are flea collars safe?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | unspayed | 5.4 lbs

Hello my dog jack russell terrier has fleas and I need to know what do I need to use to get rid of... I want to buy a collar but I am not sure if it won't be too strong for her.....

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 18th, 2019

The only flea collar that appears to work well is the Seresto collar. And even then, I can have a slower rate of kill for the fleas. The top products on the market our oral products such as some Perica and next guard. For most pets, these are good options that I recommend to call your veterinarian first and doublecheck. Also, you will need to treat all the pets in the household for six months to make sure you get through the entire fleet lifecycle. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
I sent that message by mistake. The Seresto collar can have a slower rate of kill. The two best ora products are Simparica and Nexgard. You will need to treat all the pets in the house for an entire six months to get through the entire flea life cycle. Best of luck.*
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 20th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lucy!

Shampoos and manually picking them off only help with the fleas ON Lucy. New ones that are hatching from carpets, etc just jump right back on her. The only flea collar that I think works is the Seresto collar. Be sure it is tight enough on her neck and do not remove it. I think that the oral flea and tick preventative also work great. Nexgard and Simparica are oral and last 1 month and Bravecto is an oral pill that lasts 3 months. They all kill the fleas on the dog with in 6 hours and kill others that jump on after.

The flea life cycle is 21 days. It takes 3-6 weeks to get rid of an infestation.

I wish you and Lucy the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has fleas. Are flea collars effective, or are oral meds better?

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Seresto collar failed for dog fleas. What are the best alternatives?

If it does not seem to be working then I suggest you get him a different product. I like the oral pills either Bravecto or Nexgard. You can get these products at one of VETCO's clinics inside Petco stores. Take Jackson with you to the clinic. There is no exam fee. It would only be the cost of the product. Here is a link to the clinics in your area. ( https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/clinic-locations-and-schedules/?zip=92071 ) You should also treat your house for fleas: ( https://www.allivet.com/p-1389-knockout-es-area-treatment.aspx?SearchTerm=knockout+Auto )

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