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Updated 7 Oct 2026

What’s the best parasite prevention for dogs? A comparison guide for dog flea, tick and worm protection

Parasites may be small, but the trouble they cause can be anything but. Regular protection helps keep fleas, ticks and worms off your dog and reduces the risk from parasites that can also affect people.

There is no single product that suits every dog or covers every parasite of concern. This guide compares common dog parasite prevention options available in Australia, including what they cover, how often they are used and important considerations you may with to discuss with your vet.

On a yellow background,  a flea, tick, and worm prepare to eat dinner. On the left are the words "Take your pet off the menu. Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and worms."

Application methods

Parasite protection comes in several formats. The best fit depends on your dog's age, weight, health concerns, as well as what you can give consistently. Always follow the product label and ask your vet before combining treatments.

  • Chew: An oral treatment your dog chews and swallows, with or without food as directed.

  • Collar: Worn around the neck for ongoing external parasite protection.

  • Tablet: An oral treatment swallowed like other tablet medication.

  • Spot-on: A liquid applied directly to the skin, usually at the base of the skull.

  • Spray: Applied to the coat using the number of pumps per kilogram stated on the label.

All-in-one flea, tick and worm protection for dogs

Broad-spectrum all-in-one parasite protection products cover several internal and external parasites in one regular dose. The types or parasites covered differs between products due to differences in active ingredients and formulations, but none will cover all parasites of concern for Australian dogs.

Some dogs may need an additional wormer or tick-control product to close the gaps. Use the comparison below as a starting point, then check the current label and confirm the combination with your vet.

Compare all-in-one flea, tick and worm products

Advocate

Advocate
Ultra

Credelio
Plus

NexGard
Spectra

Simparica
Trio

Application

Spot-on

Chew

Chewable tablet

Chew

Chew

Frequency

Monthly

Monthly

Monthly

Monthly

Monthly

Fleas

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Flea larvae
& pupae in
environment

✔

✘

✘

✘

✘

Ticks

✘

✔

✔

✔

✔

Demodex
mites

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Sarcoptes
mites

✔

✘

✔

✔

✔

Ear mites

✔

✘

✘

✔

✔

Lice

✔

✘

✘

✔

✘

Heartworm

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Roundworms

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Whipworm

✔

✘

✔

✔

✘

Hookworms

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Tapeworms

✘

✔

✘

✘

✘

Mosquitoes

✘

✘

✘

✘

✔

Oesophageal
worm

✔

✘

✘

✘

✘

Advocate Spot-on for Dogs

Application: Spot-on.

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age and weight: From 7 weeks of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Safety has not been established.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Considered safe at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Up to 4kg; 4-10kg; 10-25kg; over 25kg (up to 40kg).

Active ingredients: Imidacloprid and moxidectin.

Other considerations:

  • For dogs over 40kg, use the appropriate combination of pipettes for their weight, as directed on the label.

  • Approved as safe to give to heartworm positive dogs. However, if your dog's heartworm status is unknown, it is recommended to have them tested before commencing heartworm prevention.

  • Avoid bathing or swimming for two days after treatment.

Parasites Advocate Spot-on protects against

  • Fleas

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the dog's environment

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Lice

  • Heartworm

  • Roundworms

  • Whipworm

  • Hookworms

  • Oesophageal worm

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by Advocate Spot-on

  • Ticks

  • Tapeworms

  • Mosquitoes

Advocate Ultra Chew

Application: Beef-flavoured, vegetable-based chew.

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age and weight: From 8 weeks of age and 2kg.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Safety has not been evaluated.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Considered safe at the label dose.

Weight ranges: XS 2-2.8kg; S 2.9-5.5kg; M 5.6-11kg; L 11.1-22kg; XL 22.1-45kg.

Active ingredients: Lotilaner, moxidectin, pyrantel and praziquantel.

Other considerations:

  • For dogs over 45kg, use an appropriate combination of chews for their weight, as directed on the label.

  • Give with food or within 30 minutes of eating.

  • Ticks must attach and feed for the active ingredient to take effect, so transmission of tick-borne disease cannot be excluded.

  • Safety in dogs with high heartworm microfilariae burdens has not been investigated. While it is considered safe to administer to heartworm positive dogs, it's recommended that dogs over 6 months of age with unknown heartworm status be tested for heartworm prior to commencing treatment.

Parasites Advocate Ultra Chew protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Demodex mites

  • Heartworm microfilariae

  • Roundworms

  • Hookworms

  • Tapeworms

Parasites not covered by Advocate Ultra Chew

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the environment

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Lice

  • Whipworm

  • Mosquitoes

  • Oesophageal worm

Credelio Plus

Application: Beef-flavoured chewable tablet

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age and weight: From 8 weeks of age and over 1.4kg.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Safety has not been established.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Generally considered safe at label doses.

Weight ranges: XS 1.4-2.8kg; S over 2.8-5.5kg; M over 5.5-11kg; L over 11-22kg; XL over 22-45kg.

Active ingredients: Lotilaner and milbemycin oxime.

Other considerations:

  • For dogs over 45kg, use an appropriate combination of whole chews for their weight, as directed on the label.

  • Give with food or within 30 minutes of feeding.

  • Ticks must attach and feed for the active ingredient to take effect, so transmission of tick-borne disease cannot be excluded.

  • If your dog's heartworm status is unknown, ask your vet whether testing is needed before starting Credelio Plus.

Parasites Credelio Plus protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Heartworm

  • Roundworms

  • Whipworm

  • Hookworms

Parasites not covered by Credelio Plus

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the environment

  • Ear mites

  • Lice

  • Tapeworms

  • Mosquitoes

  • Oesophageal worm

NexGard Spectra for Dogs

Application: Beef-flavoured chew.

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age and weight: From 8 weeks of age and 1.35kg.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Shown to be safe at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Very Small 1.35-3.5kg; Small 3.6-7.5kg; Medium 7.6-15kg; Large 15.1-30kg; Very Large 30.1-60kg.

Active ingredients: Afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime.

Other considerations:

  • For dogs over 60kg, use an appropriate combination of whole chews for their weight, as directed on the label.

  • Ticks must attach and feed for the active ingredient to take effect, so transmission of tick-borne disease cannot be excluded.

  • If your dog's heartworm status is unknown, ask your vet whether testing is needed before starting NexGard Spectra.

  • Can be given with or without food.

Parasites NexGard Spectra protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Lice

  • Heartworm

  • Roundworms

  • Whipworm

  • Hookworms

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by NexGard Spectra

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the environment

  • Tapeworms

  • Mosquitoes

  • Oesophageal worm

Simparica Trio

Application: Pork liver-flavoured chew.

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age and weight: From 8 weeks of age and 1.25kg.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Safety has not been evaluated.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Approved as safe at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Puppy 1.25-2.5kg; XS 2.6-5kg; S 5.1-10kg; M 10.1-20kg; L 20.1-40kg; XL 40.1-60kg.

Active ingredients: Sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel.

Other considerations:

  • For dogs over 60kg, use an appropriate combination of chews for their weight, as directed on the label.

  • Ticks must attach and feed for the active ingredient to take effect, so transmission of tick-borne disease cannot be excluded.

  • Can be given with or without food.

  • Approved as safe to give to heartworm positive dogs. However, if your dog's heartworm status is unknown, it is recommended to have them tested before commencing heartworm prevention.

  • Triple attack on heartworm – prevents new infestations, kills circulating microfilaria and kills mosquitos.

Parasites Simparica Trio protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Heartworm microfilariae

  • Roundworms

  • Hookworms

  • Mosquitoes

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by Simparica Trio

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the environment

  • Lice

  • Whipworm

  • Tapeworms

  • Oesophageal worm

Dog wormers

Dog wormers target intestinal worms such as roundworm, hookworms, whipworm and tapeworms. Coverage varies by product, and some also prevent heartworm when given monthly. They do not cover fleas or ticks, so they are usually one part of a broader parasite protection routine alongside other products.

Different Tapeworms species may require particular active ingredients or more frequent treatment. If you see worms despite regular worming, or your dog shows symptoms of intestinal worms, book a consultation with your veterinarian.

Compare dog wormers

Drontal

Interceptor

Milbemax

ParaGard

Application

Tablets, chews & liquid

Chew

Tablet

Tablet

Frequency*

Every 3 months

Monthly

Every 3 months or monthly

Every 3 months

Hookworms

✔

✔

✔

✔

Roundworms

✔

✔

✔

✔

Whipworm

✔

✔

✔

✔

Tapeworms

Tablets & Chews

✔

✔

✔

Heartworm

✘

✔

If given monthly

✘

Giardia

Under veterinary direction

✘

✘

✘

*The schedule shown is for dogs aged 6 months and older. Puppies need more frequent intestinal worming. Dogs in hydatid tapeworms or whipworm areas may need to follow a different schedule (follow the label or your veterinarian’s advice).

Drontal

Application: Chews, tablets and liquid suspension.

Frequency: Depends on dog’s age and the parasites being targeted.

  • Puppies: Fortnightly from 2-12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months of age. After 6 months of age, as per adult schedule.

  • Adults: Every 3 months. More frequent dosing may be required for whipworm or in hydatid Tapeworms areas.

  • For Giardia: Requires more frequent dosing. Use as instructed by your veterinarian.

Minimum age: From 2 weeks of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Suitable at the label dose.

Formats and weight ranges: Puppy oral suspension; tablets for small dogs and puppies under 9kg; tablets or chews for medium dogs 9-20kg; chews for large dogs over 20kg.

Active ingredients: Febantel and pyrantel. Chews and tablets also contain praziquantel.

Other considerations:

  • Can be given with or without food.

Drontal protects against

  • Roundworms

  • Hookworms

  • Whipworm

  • Tapeworms (tablets and chews only)

  • Giardia when used as directed by your veterinarian

Parasites not covered by Drontal

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Other external parasites

  • Heartworm

  • Tapeworms (puppy oral suspension)

Interceptor

Application: Real chicken-flavoured chew.

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age: From 2 weeks of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Generally considered safe at label dose.

Weight ranges: X-Small up to 4kg; Small 4-11kg; Medium 11-22kg; Large 22-45kg.

Active ingredients: Milbemycin oxime and praziquantel.

Other considerations:

  • For dogs over 45kg, use an appropriate combination of chews for their weight, as directed on the label.

  • Can be given with or without food. 

Parasites Interceptor protects against

  • Roundworms

  • Hookworms

  • Whipworm

  • Tapeworms

  • Heartworm

Parasites not covered by Interceptor

  • Flea

  • Ticks

  • Other external parasites

Milbemax

Application: Tablet.

Frequency: Depends on age and whether the product is also being used for heartworm prevention.

  • Puppies: At 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age, then every 3 months.

  • Adults for intestinal worms: Every 3 months.

  • Adults for heartworm prevention: Monthly.

Minimum age: From 2 weeks of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Suitable at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Small dogs and puppies 0.5-5kg; Dogs over 5kg.

Active ingredients: Milbemycin oxime and praziquantel.

Other considerations:

  • Can be given with or without food.

  • If your dog's heartworm status is unknown, ask your vet whether testing is needed before using Milbemax.

Parasites Milbemax protects against

  • Roundworms

  • Hookworms

  • Whipworm

  • Tapeworms

  • Heartworm when used monthly

Parasites not covered by Milbemax

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Other external parasites

  • Heartworm if given every three months

ParaGard

Application: Liver-flavoured tablet.

Frequency: Depends on age of dog and the parasites being targeted.

  • Puppies: Treat according to weight at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks- thereafter every 3 months.

  • Adults: Every 3 months.

  • Adults in hydatid tapeworm areas: Every 6 weeks.

  • Adults where whipworm is a concern: Every 6-8 weeks after 3 months of age.

  • Breeding females: Treat during the mating period, during the gestation period one week before birth and 3 to 4 weeks after birth.

Minimum age: From 2 weeks of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Yes

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Suitable at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Small dogs and puppies; medium dogs; large dogs.

Active ingredients: Oxibendazole and praziquantel.

Other considerations:

  • Can be given with or without food.

Parasites ParaGard protects against

  • Roundworms

  • Hookworms

  • Whipworm

  • Tapeworms

Parasites not covered by ParaGard

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Other external parasites

  • Heartworm

Heartworm-only protection

If your dog's flea, tick and intestinal worm products do not protect against heartworm, add a dedicated heartworm prevention to their parasite protection schedule. Options include a monthly over-the-counter chew or longer-lasting annual protection available through your vet.

Heartworm infestations can have subtle symptoms, and not all heartworm preventives or all-in-one flea tick and worm protection is suitable for heartworm-positive dogs. If your dog has missed heartworm prevention or their heartworm status is unknown, speak to your vet before starting or restarting heartworm protection.

HeartGard Plus

Application: Beef-flavoured chew.

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age: From 6 weeks of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Generally considered safe at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Small up to 11kg; Medium 12-22kg; Large 23-45kg.

Active ingredients: Ivermectin and pyrantel.

Other considerations:

  • Use with compatible flea, tick and intestinal worm products to cover the other common parasite risks.

  • If your dog's heartworm status is unknown, ask your vet whether testing is needed before starting HeartGard.

Parasites HeartGard Plus protects against

  • Heartworm

  • Hookworms

  • Roundworms

Parasites not covered by HeartGard Plus

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Other external parasites

  • Tapeworms

  • Whipworm

Dog flea and tick protection

Fleas can cause persistent itching and infest the home, while some tick species can make dogs seriously unwell and carry disease. Paralysis ticks are a particular concern along Australia's east coast, but the right protection depends on where your dog lives and travels. Some flea and tick products also protect against mange caused by mites and/or lice infestations.

Compare topical flea and tick products

Topical products are applied externally as a spot-on, spray or collar. Follow the label carefully, particularly around bathing, swimming and contact with cats.

Advantix

BRAVECTO®
Spot-on

Frontline
Plus

Frontline
Spray

Kiltix

Seresto

Application

Spot-on

Spot-on

Spot-on

Spray

Collar

Collar

Frequency

Fortnightly or monthly

Every 6 months

Fortnightly or monthly

Every 3, 4 or 12 weeks

Every 6 weeks or 5 months

Every 4 or 8 months

Fleas

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Flea larvae
& pupae in
environment

✔

✘

✔

✘

✘

✔

Lice

✔

✘

✔

✔

✘

✔

Demodex mites

✘

✔

✘

✘

✘

✘

Sarcoptes mites

✘

✔

✔

✔

✘

✘

Ear mites

✘

✔

✘

✘

✘

✘

Ticks

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Repels ticks

✔

✘

✘

✘

✔

✔

Mosquitoes

✔

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

Midges/ sandflies

✔

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

Stable flies

✔

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

Compare flea and tick chews

BRAVECTO®
Chew

NexGard

Simparica

Application

Chew

Chew

Chew

Frequency

Every 3 months

Monthly

Monthly

Fleas

✔

✔

✔

Flea larvae & pupae
in environment

✘

✘

✘

Lice

✘

✔

✘

Demodex mites

✔

✔

✔

Sarcoptes mites

✔

✔

✔

Ear mites

✔

✔

✔

Ticks

✔

✔

✔

Repels ticks

✘

✘

✘

Advantix

Application: Spot-on.

Frequency: Monthly for fleas and most ticks; every 2 weeks for paralysis tick protection.

Minimum age: From 7 weeks of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Suitable at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Up to 4kg; 4-10kg; 10-25kg; over 25kg.

Active ingredients: Permethrin and imidacloprid.

Other considerations:

  • Toxic to cats. Keep cats away from treated dogs for 48 hours after application and follow the label's contact precautions.

  • Repels ticks before they bite, helping reduce exposure to tick-borne diseases such as canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.

  • Avoid bathing or swimming for at least 48 hours after application and follow the label for ongoing water exposure.

Parasites Advantix protects against

  • Fleas

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the dog's environment

  • Ticks

  • Lice

  • Mosquitoes

  • Midges and sandflies

  • Stable flies

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by Advantix

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

BRAVECTO® Chew

Application: Hydrolysed pork-flavoured chew.

Frequency: Every 3 months, or every 2 months for protection against brown dog ticks.

Minimum age and weight: From 8 weeks of age and over 2kg.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Well tolerated at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Very Small 2-4.5kg; Small 4.5-10kg; Medium 10-20kg; Large 20-40kg; Very Large 40-56kg.

Active ingredient: Fluralaner.

Other considerations:

  • Give with food.

  • Ticks must attach and feed for the active ingredient to take effect, so transmission of tick-borne disease cannot be excluded.

  • For dogs over 56kg, use an appropriate combination of whole chews for their weight, as directed on the label.

Parasites BRAVECTO® Chew protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by BRAVECTO® Chew

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the environment

  • Lice

  • Mosquitoes

  • Midges and sandflies

  • Stable flies

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

Bravecto Spot-on

Application: Spot-on.

Frequency: Every 6 months.

Minimum age and weight: From 8 weeks of age and over 2kg.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Well tolerated at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Very Small 2-4.5kg; Small 4.5-10kg; Medium 10-20kg; Large 20-40kg; Very Large 40-56kg.

Active ingredient: Fluralaner.

Other considerations: 

  • Ticks must attach and feed for the active ingredient to take effect, so transmission of tick-borne disease cannot be excluded.

  • Do not bathe or allow swimming for three days after application.

  • For dogs over 56kg, use an appropriate combination of pipettes for their weight, as directed on the label.

Parasites BRAVECTO® Spot-on protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by BRAVECTO® Spot-on

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the environment

  • Lice

  • Mosquitoes

  • Midges and sandflies

  • Stable flies

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

Frontline Plus

Application: Spot-on.

Frequency: Monthly for fleas; every 2 weeks for paralysis tick protection.

Minimum age: From 8 weeks of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Yes

Weight ranges: Small up to 10kg; Medium 10-20kg; Large 20-40kg; Extra Large 40-60kg.

Active ingredients: Fipronil and (S)-methoprene.

Other considerations:

  • Toxic to rabbits.

  • Ticks must attach and feed for the active ingredient to take effect, so transmission of tick-borne disease cannot be excluded.

  • Do not bathe or allow swimming for 48 hours after application.

Parasites Frontline Plus protects against

  • Fleas

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the dog's environment

  • Paralysis ticks when used every two weeks

  • Brown dog ticks

  • Lice

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by Frontline Plus

  • Demodex mites

  • Ear mites

  • Mosquitoes

  • Midges and sandflies

  • Stable flies

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

Frontline Spray

Application: Spray.

Frequency: Every 12 weeks for fleas, or every 3 weeks for paralysis tick protection.

Minimum age: From 2 days of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Yes

Dose: Measured as a number of spray pumps per kilogram; follow the label.

Active ingredient: Fipronil.

Other considerations:

  • Toxic to rabbits.

  • Do not bathe or allow swimming for 48 hours after application.

  • Registered for use in dogs and cats; use the species-specific label directions.

  • Apply in a well-ventilated area or outdoors and allow the coat to air-dry.

  • Flammable. Keep treated animals away from fires and heat sources until the coat is fully dry.

Parasites Frontline Spray protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks when used every three weeks

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Lice

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by Frontline Spray

  • Flea larvae in the environment

  • Demodex mites

  • Ear mites

  • Mosquitoes

  • Midges and sandflies

  • Stable flies

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

Kiltix

Application: Collar.

Frequency: Up to 5 months for fleas; replace every 6 weeks for paralysis ticks.

Minimum age: From 3 months of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Safety has not been established.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Suitable at the label dose.

Size: Cut to fit according to the label.

Active ingredients: Propoxur and flumethrin.

Other considerations:

  • Repels ticks before they bite, helping reduce exposure to tick-borne diseases such as canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. Your vet may recommend a repellent collar alongside another product for dogs at higher risk of tick-borne disease.

  • Water-resistant, but remove before bathing or swimming as directed on the label.

Parasites Kiltix protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by Kiltix

  • Flea larvae & larvae in the environment

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Lice

  • Mosquitoes

  • Midges and sandflies

  • Stable flies

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

Seresto

Application: Collar.

Frequency: Up to 8 months for fleas and paralysis ticks; or replace every 4 months for protection against brown dog ticks, bush ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Minimum age: From 7 weeks of age.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Safety has not been established.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Suitable at the label dose.

Sizes: Dogs up to 8kg; dogs over 8kg.

Active ingredients: Imidacloprid and flumethrin.

Other considerations:

  • Repels ticks before they bite, helping reduce exposure to tick-borne diseases such as canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. Your vet may recommend a repellent collar alongside another product for dogs at higher risk of tick-borne disease.

  • Water-resistant. Follow the label for bathing and swimming guidance.

Parasites Seresto protects against

  • Fleas

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the dog's environment

  • Ticks

  • Lice

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by Seresto

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Mosquitoes

  • Midges and sandflies

  • Stable flies

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

NexGard

Application: Beef-flavoured chew.

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age and weight: From 8 weeks of age and over 2kg.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Show to be safe at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Very Small 2-4kg; Small 4.1-10kg; Medium 10.1-25kg; Large 25.1-50kg.

Active ingredient: Afoxolaner.

Other considerations:

  • Can be given with or without food.

  • Ticks must attach and feed for the active ingredient to take effect, so transmission of tick-borne disease cannot be excluded.

  • For dogs over 50kg, use an appropriate combination of chews for their weight, as directed on the label.

Parasites NexGard protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Lice

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by NexGard

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the environment

  • Mosquitoes

  • Midges and sandflies

  • Stable flies

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

Simparica

Application: Pork liver-flavoured chew.

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age and weight: From 8 weeks of age and 1.3kg.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Safety has not been established.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Suitable at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Puppy 1.3-2.5kg; XS 2.6-5kg; S 5.1-10kg; M 10.1-20kg; L 20.1-40kg; XL 40.1-60kg.

Active ingredient: Sarolaner.

Other considerations:

  • Can be given with or without food.

Parasites Simparica protects against

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by Simparica

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the environment

  • Lice

  • Mosquitoes

  • Midges and sandflies

  • Stable flies

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

Flea-only protection

Flea-only products can be useful when other parasites are covered separately or when an active flea problem needs targeted treatment.

Comparison of flea control for dogs

Advantage

Capstar

Application

Spot-on

Tablet

Frequency

Monthly

Intended as one-off treatment

Duration of effect

Long-acting

Short acting (24 hours)

Fleas

✔

✔

Flea larvae &
pupae in environment

✔

✘

Lice

✔

✘

Mites

✘

✘

Advantage

Application: Spot-on.

Frequency: Monthly.

Minimum age: From birth.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Suitable at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Up to 4kg; 4-10kg; 10-25kg; 25-50kg.

Active ingredient: Imidacloprid.

Other considerations:

  • If you need to bath your dog between applications, always use a soap-free shampoo. Wait until they are fully dry before applying Advantage.

  • For dogs over 50kg, apply two tubes of Advantage for dogs over 25kg, as directed on the label.

Parasites Advantage protects against

  • Fleas

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the dog's environment

  • Lice

  • Transmission of flea tapeworm through protection against fleas

Parasites not covered by Advantage

  • Ticks

  • Demodex mites

  • Sarcoptes mites

  • Ear mites

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

Capstar

Application: Tablet.

Frequency: One-off dose that only kills adult fleas on the pet around time of treatment. It is not appropriate for ongoing prevention and use should be followed by a longer-acting product, as well as implementing appropriate environmental flea control measures to prevent reinfestation. Follow the label if another dose is needed.

Minimum age and weight: From 4 weeks of age and over 0.5kg.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation? Approved for use.

Safe for ivermectin-sensitive breeds (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)? Suitable at the label dose.

Weight ranges: Small Dog and Cat 0.5-11kg; Large Dog 11.1-57kg.

Active ingredient: Nitenpyram.

Other considerations:

  • Kills adult fleas on your dog for 24 hours only. Does not provide ongoing protection.

  • Can be given with or without food.

Parasites Capstar protects against

  • Adult fleas on the dog for 24 hours

Parasites not covered by Capstar

  • Flea larvae & pupae in the environment

  • Ticks

  • Lice

  • Mites

  • Heartworm

  • Intestinal worms

Take your dog off the menu with regular flea, tick, and worm protection

The right parasite protection routine is one you can give consistently and that covers the risks for your dog's age, weight, health, lifestyle and location.

Not sure which parasite protection is best for your dog? Your local Petbarn and Greencross Vets team members can help you understand which combination of products can help protect your dog.

Frequently asked questions about dog parasite protection

All-in-one protection products cover several parasites, but none protect against every parasite of concern in dogs. Common gaps include tapeworms, whipworm, particular mites or lice.

There is no proven natural remedy that safely and reliably clears all common dog parasites. Use products registered for dogs and follow the label and /or your vet’s advice.

Generally, no. Some dog parasite products contain ingredients that are highly toxic to cats. Use a product registered for the correct species and keep cats away from treated dogs for the period stated on the label.

Yes. Australia's generally mild climate means fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and worms can remain a risk across the year. Keep protection consistent unless your vet recommends a different schedule for your dog.

Not necessarily. Different tick species occur across Australia, and risk can change with travel. Check PetWatch for local risk levels and ask your vet which tick protection is appropriate for your area.

If you are travelling with your dog, ask your vet whether their current protection covers the ticks found at your destination and when any additional treatment should begin.

It depends on the products you use as part of your parasite protection plan. It can range from monthly to three monthly. If you’re not sure, check the products label or ask your friendly Greencross Vets or local Petbarn team for advice tailored to your preferred products and routine.

Potentially, particularly if you live in or a planning to travel to an area that is high-risk for tick-borne diseases. Your vet may recommend a tick repellent collar alongside another product for dogs to protect your dog.

Indoor living reduces some exposure but does not remove the risk entirely. Fleas can enter on people or other pets, mosquitoes can get indoors and worm eggs may be carried inside on shoes or soil. Stay up to date with your dog’s parasite prevention to ensure they’re protected.

About the Author

Bec Cat 2
Rebecca Daly BVScVeterinarian & Content Writer

After graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland in 2017, Rebecca spent two years working as an equine veterinarian in New Zealand. Upon returning to Australia, she completed a Bachelor of Communications from UQ in 2023. Rebecca is passionate about educating pet parents so they can provide the best lives for their pets. She is the pet parent of a cat named Edith, a domestic short hair adopted from a Petbarn Adoption Centre.