Six treatments is most of a year, and buying that way is the only sensible approach to fleas — the mistake almost everybody makes is treating when they see a problem rather than treating on a schedule, and a gap in the routine is what lets a population re-establish.

FIPROtec Spot-On contains fipronil. Beaphar state that it kills fleas and ticks on large dogs, and continues to kill fleas for up to five weeks and ticks for up to four. This pack is six treatments, sized for dogs weighing 20 to 40kg, and Beaphar state it suits dogs over 8 weeks of age. Their own advice is to establish a regular flea control routine covering both the dog and the household, and to use a household insecticide alongside it when actually tackling an infestation.

• Six treatments per pack
• For dogs weighing 20–40kg
• Contains fipronil
• Beaphar state: fleas up to five weeks, ticks up to four
• Suitable for dogs over 8 weeks of age

This is the plain version, not the COMBO. FIPROtec Spot-On contains fipronil and kills adult fleas and ticks; the COMBO version adds an insect growth regulator that also stops eggs and larvae developing in the house. If you have an active infestation rather than a routine to keep up, the COMBO or a household insecticide is what deals with the part living in your carpet — which is most of it. It is a licensed veterinary medicine sized by bodyweight: weigh the dog, use the leaflet in the box, and speak to your vet or pharmacist if your dog is on other medication, is unwell, or if there are cats in the house.

Who it's for: owners of a dog in the 20 to 40kg band keeping up a regular flea and tick routine.