Last Updated: 18/06/2026
Which Flea and Worming Product Does Your Dog Need?
Protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and worms with our comprehensive guide. Our vets compare the best monthly and long-lasting treatments available in Australia.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Choosing a dog parasite preventative isn't always straightforward. With so many products on the market - covering different parasites and lasting different lengths of time - it can be hard to know where to start. This guide breaks down the major options side by side so you can find the right fit for your dog.
For a full guide to which parasites your dog needs protection from - including symptoms, transmission, and how they're detected - see our Guide to Flea, Tick and Worming for Dogs.
Have a cat? See our Which Cat Flea and Worming Product Should You Choose? guide instead.
What does each dog parasite product cover?
Nexgard Spectra
Nexgard Spectra covers fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, bush ticks, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm and whipworm. Also treats Demodex mites, ear mites, Sarcoptes mites and biting lice. Helps prevent flea tapeworm by killing fleas. Given monthly. Does not directly kill tapeworm or cover hydatid tapeworm.
Simparica Trio
Simparica Trio covers fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, bush ticks, heartworm, roundworm and hookworm. Also treats Demodex mites, ear mites and Sarcoptes mites. Helps prevent flea tapeworm by killing fleas. Given monthly. Does not control whipworm, directly kill tapeworm or cover hydatid tapeworm.
Credelio Plus
Credelio Plus covers fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, bush ticks, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm and whipworm. Also treats Demodex mites. Helps prevent flea tapeworm by killing fleas. Given monthly. Does not cover ear mites or Sarcoptes mites, directly kill tapeworm or cover hydatid tapeworm.
Bravecto Chew
Bravecto chew covers fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks and bush ticks. Also treats Demodex mites, ear mites and Sarcoptes mites. Lasts 3 months for fleas, 4 months for paralysis ticks and 2 months for both brown dog ticks and bush ticks. Helps prevent flea tapeworm by killing fleas. Does not cover heartworm or intestinal worms.
Bravecto Spot On
Bravecto Spot On covers fleas, paralysis ticks and brown dog ticks. Also treats Demodex mites, ear mites and Sarcoptes mites. Lasts 6 months for fleas and paralysis ticks and 12 weeks for brown dog ticks. Helps prevent flea tapeworm by killing fleas. Does not cover bush ticks, heartworm or intestinal worms. Topical - bathing and swimming not recommended within 3 days after treatment.
Advocate / Neovet
Advocate and Neovet cover fleas, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm. Also treat ear mites, Sarcoptes mites, and lice. Advocate is also registered for the treatment and control of Demodex mites and the prevention of oesophageal worm. Applied monthly. Do not cover ticks or directly kill tapeworm or cover hydatid tapeworm.
Simparica
Simparica covers fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks and bush ticks. Also treats Demodex mites, ear mites and Sarcoptes mites. Given monthly.
Nexgard
Nexgard covers fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks and bush ticks. Also treats Demodex mites, ear mites, Sarcoptes mites and biting lice. Given monthly.
Capstar
Capstar covers for fleas only. Given daily as required.
Drontal / Endogard / Paragard
Interceptor / Milbemax / Milpro
Interceptor, Milbemax and Milpro cover for heartworm, roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm (including hydatid tapeworm). Given monthly. Do not cover for fleas or ticks.
Seresto
Seresto covers for fleas and paralysis ticks for 8 months (8 months paralysis tick control and 4 months paralysis tick repellency). Also controls bush ticks and brown dog ticks for 4 months. Treats biting/chewing lice present at the time of treatment.
Note: No tick preventative is 100% effective, so we recommend daily tick searches, particularly if your dog spends time outdoors in high-risk tick areas.
Nexgard Spectra vs Simparica Trio vs Credelio Plus for dogs
All three are tasty monthly chews covering fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, bush ticks, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm and Demodex mites. All three help prevent flea tapeworm by killing fleas. The differences come down to whipworm, mite coverage and lice:
NexGard Spectra covers whipworm, ear mites, Sarcoptes mites and biting lice. Simparica Trio covers ear mites and Sarcoptes mites but not whipworm or lice. Credelio Plus covers whipworm but not ear mites, Sarcoptes mites or lice.
For most dogs, NexGard Spectra is the most complete single product. Simparica Trio is a strong alternative if whipworm and lice aren't a concern but full mite coverage is important. Credelio Plus suits dogs who need whipworm coverage but have no history of ear mite, mange or lice issues.
All three are isoxazoline-based. See our Isoxazolines and Seizures guide before choosing.
Simparica vs Simparica Trio for dogs
Both are monthly chews covering fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, bush ticks and all three types of mites (Demodex, ear and Sarcoptes). Simparica Trio adds moxidectin and pyrantel, extending coverage to heartworm, roundworm and hookworm.
For dogs who already receive a separate heartworm and intestinal worming product, Simparica alone may suit their routine. For most dogs, Simparica Trio is the simpler and more complete option in a single monthly chew.
NexGard vs NexGard Spectra for dogs
Both cover fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, bush ticks, all three types of mites (Demodex, ear and Sarcoptes) and biting lice. NexGard Spectra adds milbemycin oxime, extending coverage to heartworm, roundworm, hookworm and whipworm.
For dogs who need heartworm and intestinal worm prevention alongside flea and tick coverage, NexGard Spectra is the more complete single product. NexGard alone would need to be paired with a separate heartworm and worming treatment. The main reason to choose NexGard over NexGard Spectra would be if your dog's heartworm and worm coverage are already managed separately - for example, via an annual Proheart injection and a regular intestinal wormer.
Advocate vs NexGard Spectra for dogs
Both cover fleas, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, ear mites, Sarcoptes mites, Demodex mites and biting lice. Advocate also covers oesophageal worm. NexGard Spectra covers ticks (paralysis, brown dog and bush); Advocate and Neovet do not cover ticks.
Advocate is a topical spot-on, making it a good option for dogs who refuse chews or tablets no matter how they're flavoured or disguised. NexGard Spectra is a chewable treat.
For dogs in tick-prone areas, NexGard Spectra's tick coverage is crucial. For predominantly indoor dogs in non-tick areas, Advocate or Neovet provides solid core coverage, often at a lower price. For dogs who won't accept any oral treatments, a combination of monthly Advocate plus Bravecto Spot On every 6 months covers fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms - completely topical.
Is Neovet the same as Advocate for dogs?
Yes, for practical purposes. Both contain imidacloprid and moxidectin and provide the same core coverage: fleas, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, ear mites, Sarcoptes mites and lice. The key distinction: Advocate holds a specific registration for the treatment and control of Demodex mites as well as the prevention of oesophageal worm; this is not listed for Neovet. For all other parasite prevention purposes, Neovet is a more affordable equivalent - though always worth confirming with your vet before switching.
FAQs
Articles recommended for you
Fleas, ticks, and worms pose serious risks to your dog. Our vet-approved guide explains how to identify these nasty pests and compares the best preventative products available. Find the right solution to keep your dog protected.
Find out the best picks from our Vets on the ever growing flea and tick prevention products.
NexGard Spectra is a popular monthly product for Australian dogs and cats, but does it cover everything? Our vets break down the pros, cons, and essential facts about its protection against fleas, ticks, and worms to help your pet stay healthy and happy.
Learn how to minimise ricks in adverse reactions to flea and worming medication in dogs and cats
Are isoxazoline flea and tick products safe? Our vet guide explores the link between products like Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica and neurological issues, helping you weigh the risks and benefits for your pet's protection.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 18 Jun 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
