We all love our pets unconditionally, right? As fur parents, we often spare no expense in ensuring that our furry friends are clean, healthy, and overall happy. But sometimes, even the most well-maintained pets fall prey to pests like fleas. This is where a flea collar might come handy.
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But what is a flea collar?
These are collars containing active ingredients like medication or gas designed to get rid of fleas infesting your pet. Most of the time, flea collars are used to prevent flea infestations. In the case of a preexisting pest problem, these collars might not be the best option out there, as there are numerous topical treatments to choose from.
Here at The Furry Companion, we offer you only the best advice and information about pets and pet care to help you keep your pets happy and healthy. If you want to know more about flea collars, this is the article for you.
Top 5 Best Flea Collars for Your Canine Companion
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best flea collar for your dog. The decision can be quite intimidating, especially with the number of brands and varieties available in the market today. Whether you’re new to this type of collars or looking for an alternative or better option, worry not! Here are the top five best flea collars to choose from.
(1) Bayer Animal Health Seresto Flea and Tick Collar
The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar remains as the best pest collar in the market. Its promise of eight months of consistent pest prevention continues to attract pet owners who are interested in long-lasting and effective preventive measures against pests.
Some flea collars require biting before taking effect, but this collar eliminates fleas as well as ticks (always a plus) on contact. The concentration of the chemicals in this flea collar is low enough to last that long, but also potent enough to remain active over time. Your dog can also wear this type of collar with a leash without causing discomfort. Deborah Shores, DVM adds that this collar is, “Water-resistant (good for baths once a month and occasional swimming); if your dog is bathed more often than once a month or swims frequently, remove the flea collar to retain its potency.” Check out Seresto Flea and Tick Collar in Amazon here.
(2) Rolf Club 3D FLEA Collar for Dogs
If your dog has allergies or sensitive skin, this is the best flea collar for your furry friend. Rolf Club 3D Flea collars are hypoallergenic and odorless, which makes it a suitable fit for any dog with particular skin conditions. Like the Seresto flea collar, it promises eight months of full protection and delivers on this promise.
This collar is easy to use and offers an excellent custom fit that you can adjust appropriately as your puppy grows. Moreover, if your dog enjoys splashing in puddles or swimming during warmer months, you don’t need to remove this collar as it is water-resistant. If you also have feline friends, this flea collar works fine with cats as well.
(3) Premium Care Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
Some pet owners prefer all-natural means when providing care for their pets. If you’re one of those pet owners, Premium Care’s flea collar might be the best option for you. Unlike other brands, Premium Care’s products use a blend of essential oils like lemongrass oil and castor oil to eliminate nasty pests on your pet.
Premium Care has useful features while also remaining as one of the less expensive choices in the market. The collar can be adjusted accordingly as well and fits dogs of all sizes.
(4) Arava Flea and Tick Prevention Collar
Another all-natural flea collar is the Arava Flea and Tick Prevention Collar. While some flea collars boast instant elimination of pests through chemicals, Arava promises a mild formulation composed of essential oils like peppermint, clove, and geranium. Some customers report that the collar emits a particular smell, although most do not find it unpleasant.
Take note that this collar is not appropriate for bad cases of infestations. However, if you combine it with an effective flea shampoo or other topical treatments, it can be a solid line of defense.
(5) Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Collar Tag
If you do not prefer to use collar-based solutions for your pet’s flea problems, there are a lot of alternatives in the market. One of those alternatives is Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Collar Tag. Unlike the flea collars we’ve recommended above, this comes in the form of a tag that can be attached to your pet’s collar or leash.
You will need to wait for about three weeks before the tag’s effects start to work, but once it does, the tags will repel fleas and other pests for up to one year! This product uses small vibrations to repel pests that are on your dog’s skin and coat. Bear in mind that this tag does not actively kill flea or tick infestations as it is a preventive solution.
The good thing about EasyDefense Collar Tags is that they repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes alike. Another bonus of this alternative is its promise of chemical-free ingredients—perfect for dogs with sensitive skin.
How Does a Flea Collar Work?
These collars usually work in two ways. Originally, they were designed to emit a type of toxin through gas, which eliminates fleas in the surrounding area. Because this accessory is tied on your pet’s neck, the toxin is not as effective against fleas found in other areas. Manufacturers of older styles also put the active ingredients at the surface instead of embedding them.
Newer styles of flea collars are made with chemicals that are released from the collar and spread to your pet’s body. The collar releases the repellent drug into your pet’s sebaceous glands and hair follicles, killing pests in a fast and obscure manner. This type of collar is becoming more popular than the first. Protection from these repellent chemicals tend to last longer when they stick to your pet’s skin and hair.
Aside from the form of the repellent drug used in newer styles, new flea collars are also popular because the ingredients are embedded in the material of the collar. The chemicals are activated only when in contact with your pet’s skin. Because of this, the ingredients are less likely to be transferred to your skin.
Most flea collars last around eight months, which is cheaper and more practical than spot-on treatments, which last for about 30 days. Depending on how you use and store them, they could protect your pets for a very long time. Cherie M. Pucheu-Haston, DVM, Ph.D., DACVD warns that “The extended duration of action makes the product convenient to use but may also increase the likelihood of a client forgetting to replace the collar frequently enough for optimal control.”
Be aware, though, that you should not keep this collar on your pet at all times. The chemicals found in these collars help eliminate pests but could cause severe adverse effects if exposure is prolonged.
Benefits of Using Flea Collars
The most significant advantage of using these collars for your pets is its simplicity. It is a no-nonsense way to prevent flea infestation on your pets, especially during the warmer seasons. Indoor pets are at risk of contracting pests as much as outdoor pets, as these parasites can be carried into your homes in a variety of ways.
If you live in areas where pest concerns are real, a flea collar is one sure measure to protect your dog from infestations. As previously mentioned, these collars are considerably less expensive than spot-on treatments. However, you should not compromise your dog’s health by buying absurdly low-priced flea collars. These collars tend to be cheap for a reason because they do not deliver the same level of protection as their reasonably priced competitors.
Downsides of Flea Collars
Some collars, especially the older styles, are only effective in particular areas on your pet’s body. Because collars are tied around the neck, some of these collars are only as effective as they promise around the head and neck area. Most collars will not be enough to cover the protection that your pet needs against fleas.
Another primary concern that pet owners have is the ingredient used in their pet’s flea collar. Although technology has allowed for innovations in pest management, some components are still known to be harmful not to pets but their owners. “Some dogs have had local skin reactions to the collar that have resolved when it was removed,” Jennifer Coates, DVM adds.
For example, the ingredient propoxur is highly effective in killing pests within 24 hours of application. However, this ingredient is known to be highly toxic to humans. Skin contact with collars made with propoxur can be detrimental to humans, especially to children. When your dog is wearing a Propoxur-lined collar, keep your children away from your pets for the time being.
When choosing a good flea collar, watch out for TVCP or tetrachlorvinphos as an active ingredient as well. It is known to be a harmful neurotoxin for humans and pets alike. While it is indeed effective as a pest killer, you must consider other factors, such as your safety. And don’t forget your pet’s safety as well. Be careful and read the labels of collars properly before purchasing.
Should I Get My Pet a Flea Collar?
It’s important to note that these collars are available for both cats and dogs. Some ingredients might not work well with either pet, but otherwise, the function is the same. Also, remember that flea collars are preventive tools and not treatments for severe situations.
Be aware that flea collars should be used side by side with other pest control products to ensure maximum protection. As a preventive tool, it is best to use flea collars when you take your pet outdoors. A quick romp in the park and your pet might catch unwanted parasites like fleas or ticks, so putting a flea collar on your pet is best and highly recommended. You can purchase Flea collar in Amazon here.
If your pet is also receiving other forms of treatment for parasites, make sure to remove the collar at once when you get home. As mentioned before, flea collars contain toxins and chemicals that are meant to kill pests, and prolonged exposure to these chemicals is not desirable or safe. To preserve the effectiveness of the collar, place it in an airtight container when not in use.
These collars are not suitable for old, pregnant, and nursing pets. Consult a local veterinarian if you’re unsure about the suitability and safety of a flea collar for your pet. Some puppies and kittens are also susceptible to the harmful effects of flea collars.
We all want our dog to be happy, healthy, and safe. Health concerns like proper diet and dog food, growth and training methods like collars, and preventive measures like flea collars all play an essential role in our fur babies’ lives. Always make sure that the product you purchase is appropriate for your pet’s age and other special conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is best flea collar?
If you are dealing with fleas in your pet, a pet flea collar is a good choice because there is an option for either natural or chemical. Plus it is low-maintenance. The best flea collars are Bayer Animal Health Seresto Flea and Tick Collar, HARTZ Ultraguard Flea and Tick Collar, and Virbac Preventic Collar. See what customers say about Virbac Preventic Collar here.
Are flea collars dangerous?
Similar to any pet accessories and products, using these collars may have harmful effects on your dog’s health. It may include skin irritation and some gastrointestinal distress. In serious cases, it may cause organ failure and even death. It is extremely important to consult your local veterinarian if you plan on using flea collars.
How long does it take for a flea collar to work?
Flea collars start to work within 24 hours. Chemical flea collars give off results in 3-4 weeks. On the other hand, natural collars do take longer than that.
Can a person wear a flea collar?
No, humans are not supposed to wear a this collar. There is no study to prove that it works for people, and as it is not registered for human use.
Does a flea collar kill fleas?
Yes, flea collars do kill fleas. Different types of flea collar have a different purpose, some only kill adult fleas, some would also include fleas in young stages. Some of the flea collars do not only kill but also repel fleas.
Do flea collars work if they already have fleas?
Yes, flea collars are for killing fleas. Some flea collars have preventive features that repel the fleas.
How do I rid my house of fleas?
A powerful vacuum is useful in eliminating house fleas because it can sip through tight spaces. It is best partnered with a steam cleaner that can kill fleas at different stages. It is also important to wash the beddings and use chemical treatments.
Does baby powder kill fleas?
Yes, baby powder kills fleas and can control its population. It has the capability of suffocating the fleas.
Do fleas jump off after treatment?
Fleas tend to be more active before dying. Fleas do not voluntarily leave their host animal, but the treatment kills the fleas.
How do I know the fleas are gone?
