Choosing the right flea treatment for dogs in Australia can feel overwhelming when shelves are stacked with spot-on pipettes and flavoured chewables alike. Both formats deliver proven protection, but they work differently — and one may suit your dog's lifestyle far better than the other. Here's a practical breakdown so you can buy with confidence.
How Each Format Works
Spot-on treatments are liquid solutions applied directly to the skin between your dog's shoulder blades. The active ingredient spreads across the skin's oil layer and kills fleas on contact — usually within hours of application.
Chewable tablets, on the other hand, are taken orally. The active ingredient enters your dog's bloodstream, so fleas are killed when they bite. Most modern chewables begin working within a few hours and provide protection for a full month or even longer.
Spot-On vs Chewable Flea Protection: Key Differences
Understanding the practical differences between spot-on and chewable flea options helps you match the product to your household. Here's a side-by-side look at the factors that matter most.
- Application: Spot-ons are applied topically; chewables are given like a treat.
- Speed of kill: Both start working within hours, though exact speed varies by product.
- Water and swimming: Spot-ons can be affected by frequent bathing or swimming. Chewables are unaffected by water because they work systemically.
- Multi-parasite cover: Many chewables now combine flea, tick, and heartworm prevention in a single dose — handy if you want fewer products to manage.
- Skin sensitivity: Some dogs develop mild irritation at the application site with spot-ons. Chewables bypass the skin entirely.
Neither format is universally "better." The best choice depends on your dog's habits, coat type, and your own preference for ease of dosing. Browse our full range of flea, tick, and worm products for dogs to compare options.
Quick tip: Set a recurring monthly reminder on your phone for your dog's flea treatment day. Consistency is the single biggest factor in keeping fleas away — a missed dose in the warmer months can lead to a full-blown infestation within weeks.
Which Format Suits Your Dog?
Choose a spot-on if your dog is a fussy eater who refuses tablets, or if you prefer a treatment that kills fleas on contact without requiring them to bite first. Spot-ons can also be a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Choose a chewable if your dog loves the water. Dogs that swim regularly at the beach, creek, or backyard pool benefit from a systemic treatment that won't wash off. Chewables are also ideal for multi-dog households where you'd rather avoid the risk of one dog licking the spot-on off another.
Dogs with thick or double coats — think Maremmas or Australian Shepherds — can be trickier to dose topically because you need the liquid to reach the skin. A chewable solves that problem instantly.
Why Flea Season in Australia Lasts Longer Than You Think
In temperate parts of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, fleas are active virtually year-round thanks to mild winters and humid summers. Even in cooler regions like Tasmania or the highlands, central heating keeps indoor flea populations ticking over through winter.
This means year-round flea treatment for dogs across Australia isn't optional — it's essential. A common mistake is stopping prevention in May and restarting in October, which gives dormant flea pupae the chance to hatch indoors and reinfest your pet.
Pair your chosen flea product with regular vacuuming and washing of pet bedding. Environmental control and on-pet prevention together deliver the best results.
Our Top Picks at Sierra Pet Products
We stock vet-grade flea treatments in both spot-on and chewable formats. One of our most popular all-in-one options is Simparica Trio, a monthly chewable that covers fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms in a single tasty tablet — perfect for owners who want maximum protection with minimum fuss.
For those who prefer topical application, we carry trusted spot-on ranges that deliver fast contact kill and lasting residual activity. Filter by your dog's weight range in our dog flea and tick category to find the right strength.
Every product we sell is sourced from authorised Australian distributors, so you can be confident you're getting genuine, correctly stored stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a spot-on and a chewable at the same time?
Doubling up is generally unnecessary and could increase the risk of side effects. Stick with one proven product at the correct dose for your dog's weight. If you feel a single product isn't enough, that's a good conversation to have with your vet.
How quickly do chewable flea treatments start working?
Most modern chewables begin killing fleas within three to eight hours of dosing. Full protection is typically reached within 24 hours, making them a fast and reliable option for Australian dogs exposed to fleas daily.
Are spot-on treatments safe for puppies?
Many spot-on products are approved for puppies from a certain age and weight — usually around eight weeks old. Always check the product label for the minimum age and weight requirements before applying.
Ready to protect your dog? Browse our full collection of flea, tick, and worm treatments and find the right format, brand, and price for your household. If your dog has underlying health conditions, have a quick chat with your vet before switching products.