The Best Flea Combs for Dogs
With all the anti-flea products out there, it can be tough to choose the best one for your dog. Pills and injections are effective, but they can cause side effects. Such is the case with chemical sprays and powders as well. That is why a flea comb is a great option. It has absolutely no side effects on your dog — except, of course, that their hair will have fewer tangles. Easy to use and effective, most flea combs do not kill fleas like some of the above-mentioned products; they only pull fleas off of your dog. But flea combs will not harm your dog, and that may be why they should be the first line of defense. Read on for our reviews of the best flea combs on the market.
What to Look For
When searching for the best dog flea comb, we focused on three factors: safety, effectiveness, and ease of use. For a tool that’s as comfortable for your dog as it is for your hand, we recommend the model from Safari, which features a contoured grip and two rows of teeth that gently sift your dog’s fur. Alternatively, if you have a long-haired pup, try the comb from Hertzko, which boasts extra long teeth to get at the roots of dog fur. For more on these flea combs and to find one that’s right for your pooch, read on.
Safari Dog Flea Comb
Combs away
For those pesky flea infestations, try this flea comb from Safari. Just run it through your dog’s coat and this comb will pull out all the fleas from your dog’s fur. Featuring a unique design of two rows of teeth, this comb goes deep into your dog’s coat so you can find fleas at their early stages. You will also be able to spot dry, flaky skin so you can treat that, too. This comb has an ergonomic handle, as well, so it’s a good pick for those suffering from hand strain.
Pros:
- With two rows of teeth instead of just one, this comb ensures you’ll get every last flea.
- Because of its two rows of teeth, it’s especially effective at removing young and small fleas.
Cons:
- Some fleas may get trapped between the rows of teeth.
Hertzko Long Teeth Flea Comb
Long in the tooth
While normal flea combs may work just fine for short-haired pets, when it comes to long-haired pooches, you’ll need a comb like this. Designed with extra-long teeth to penetrate even the shaggiest of coats, this comb from Hertzko is the solution to your dog’s flea problem. Because the metal teeth are spaced so closely together, they do an excellent job at removing not just fleas from your dog’s mane, but also flea eggs and detritus. And crucially, the teeth are rounded at the ends to ensure they don’t harm your pooch in the process.
Pros:
- We love the comfortable grip, which helps reduce hand strain during long grooming sessions.
- In addition to dogs, this comb can be used on cats.
Cons:
- This isn’t the most durable comb. Some metal teeth may fall out over time.
Lamoutor Flea Comb Set
The whole kit and caboodle
For removing ticks, dealing with dandruff, untangling knots, and dealing with fleas, this set of combs and other tools from Lamoutor excels. For a price that seems too good to be true, you can have this assortment of tools at the ready to be sure that Fido’s coat is as clean as could be. Not only is this bundle great for preventing infestations of fleas and lice, but it can also make your pooch’s mane look shiny, fluffy, and healthy.
Pros:
- Given the price and quality, this represents an impressive cost value.
- The comb also comes with a variety of tools, each suited to a different task.
Cons:
- The tools aren’t of the highest quality, so be gentle with them to ensure they don’t bend or break.
Honbay Double-Sided Flea Combs
Double down
This four-pack includes combs of different colors so you can keep them separate; this is great if you have multiple pets and want to be sure you don’t spread lice or fleas to another pet in your home. But more importantly, the teeth of the combs are different on each side — one side sports quite finely spaced teeth, while the spacing on the other side is a bit wider. That variety ensures that regardless of how big the fleas are, these combs will be up to the task.
Pros:
- With one comb on each side, this model not only works for fleas of different sizes but also hair of different thicknesses.
- We wouldn’t hesitate to use this on cats as well as dogs.
Cons:
- It can be a bit of a challenge to clean these tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a dog flea comb on cats?
Yes, you can use dog flea combs on cats. There are flea combs specifically designed for cats, but they are basically the same thing.
How often should I use a flea comb on my dog?
During peak flea season, you should use a flea comb at least several times a week. In fact, flea combs are generally safe to use every day. The more you comb your dog’s coat for fleas, the more likely you will prevent an infestation.
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