When my cockapoo named mozzie (pronounced ozzy with an m in front of it) was about a year old, I took him to the vet for a checkup. he surprised me when they found out he had fleas.
I had been faithful to applying topical treatments every month as recommended. but apparently, the topical treatment he was using was not waterproof and washed off when I bathed him.
I’ve been a bit paranoid about fleas ever since.
I check his coat regularly to make sure it hasn’t attracted fleas, which could make him uncomfortable or harm his health. He is my baby and I do everything I can to protect him!
While vets recommend more topical and oral flea treatments, a flea collar can offer your dog an extra line of protection if he spends most of his time outdoors or will be in areas where he is likely to come into contact with fleas. contact with fleas and ticks.
Some flea collars also offer protection against mosquitoes, lice or other pests.
Best Flea Collars for Dogs: Top 6 Options
there are many options when it comes to flea and tick collars for dogs.
We’ll take a look at some of the best flea collars for dogs out there so you can make a good choice for your pup.
1. seresto flea and tick collar for dogs
the seresto flea and tick collar is extremely popular and has received rave reviews.
Some flea collars only work to kill adult fleas, which means that if a flea lays eggs on your dog, they could become infested with flea larvae before the collar kicks in.
The seresto flea and tick collar for dogs works against adult fleas and ticks, as well as lice and flea larvae.
This flea collar is odorless and does not have a greasy feel at all. it also continues to work even if your dog takes a bath or goes swimming.
I like that the active ingredients in this flea collar are released slowly and continuously so your dog can get even protection without a massive dose of chemicals up front.
This collar comes in two different sizes, so be sure to measure a dog collar before purchasing.
advantages:
- This flea and tick collar remains effective for up to eight months.
- can be used in puppies from 7 weeks of age.
- The seresto flea and tick collar kills fleas and ticks on contact, not just if they bite your dog.
- if your dog swims regularly or bathes frequently, this will reduce the time the collar is active.
- These flea collars for dogs are waterproof, so your dog can bathe and swim without losing protection.
- adams also sells a garden spray for flea prevention. Since dogs often get fleas from their own backyards, this might be a good addition to your flea collar purchase.
- These flea collars are odorless and non-greasy.
- This flea and tick prevention collar for dogs uses an ingredient called tetrachlorvinphos, which is an effective pest killer but could be dangerous to humans and pets.
- this is a one size collar that fits neck sizes up to 22 inches.
- you can see the reflective strip from up to 300 feet away.
- Some reviewers felt this flea collar was slightly less effective than other brands. however, it is a very economical option.
- This is a high quality flea and tick prevention option at an affordable price. and it will last you a year.
- The company offers a satisfaction guarantee. you can request a refund for any reason within one year of purchase.
- Some reviewers said this dog collar didn’t seem to offer as much protection as it claimed.
- this flea collar says it is certified 100% natural.
- Free from Phthalates & pvc.
- Waterproof flea collars for dogs.
- according to reviews, this collar is less effective in areas that have a large number of fleas and ticks. in that case, it may work best as a supplement to your dog’s topical or oral preventative.
- for every necklace sold, this company donates $3 to organizations that help save animals.
- can fit neck sizes up to 25 inches, which works for very large dogs.
- this is a bit more expensive than other natural options, though still quite affordable for eight months of protection.
- deltamethrin
- amitraz
- pyriproxyfen
- propoxur
- Citronella
- nail
- Spearmint
- mint
- cedar wood
cons:
2. adam flea & tick collar
The Adams Flea Collar kills adult fleas, adult ticks, flea larvae, and flea eggs. your puppy can start using it when he is 12 weeks old.
Over time, the active ingredients are transferred from your dog’s neck to his fur and skin. this is how it provides full-body protection for up to seven months.
The flea life cycle lasts between 14 and 28 days, so a flea collar like this, which can kill fleas at any stage of their life, is more effective.
(Anyone get a little itchy just thinking about the life stages of fleas and eggs?)
adams flea collars are one size fits all. You simply put it on your dog, adjust the collar to the correct size, and then trim away the excess material. this is a nice feature because you don’t have to worry about buying the wrong size for your dog.
advantages:
cons:
3. hartz ultraguard pro flea & tick necklace
hartz ultraguard flea collars for dogs kill and repel fleas and ticks (including flea eggs and larvae). it can even prevent flea eggs from hatching.
Starts working immediately when applied to your dog, with full protection building up in just a few days.
Once your puppy is 12 weeks old, they can start using this flea and tick collar.
It is an effective collar for prevention even if it gets wet. the hartz ultraguard flea and tick collar works for up to seven months.
Something that sets this flea collar apart from the rest is that it’s bright orange with a reflective strip down the middle. Since your furry friend can wear this reflective dog collar along with his regular everyday collar, you get the added benefits of nighttime visibility.
advantages:
cons:
4. tevrapet active ii flea and tick collar
If you live in an area with a lot of mosquitoes (whew, mosquitoes are the worst!), you can protect your dog from them with the tevrapet collar. As a pet parent, I hate seeing mosquitoes or other insects bothering my pups.
It also offers protection against fleas and ticks, including the removal of flea eggs. This flea collar starts killing fleas and ticks within 24 hours and starts repelling mosquitoes instantly.
The active ingredients in this dog collar are deltamethrin and pyriproxyfen, which are fairly common and generally considered safe for flea infestations.
tevrapet flea collars last up to six months. Since they give you two collars with your purchase, they say that this dog’s anti-flea collar lasts twelve months.
your puppy can start using it once it is 12 weeks old.
advantages:
cons:
5. the best flea and tick repellent collar from the vet
If the chemicals and active ingredients used in most flea and tick treatments make you a little nervous, there are natural flea collar options available. and they are not as expensive as you might expect.
This natural flea collar uses cedarwood and peppermint oils as active ingredients to repel fleas and ticks from your dog’s entire body for up to four months.
Due to the use of essential oils, these flea collars are scented. this could be a positive or negative for you, depending on how well you like the scent of cedarwood and mint.
it’s made in the usa. uu. with plant-based ingredients and no harsh chemicals.
Your dog can wear this repellent collar from four months. It can also work for cats.
advantages:
cons:
6. flea and tick collar sobaken
The sobaken flea and tick collar provides preventative measures against adult fleas and ticks, flea larvae, lice, and sarcoptic mange. ooh! and it is also natural and hypoallergenic.
This is a one-size-fits-all collar that can be worn by dogs 3 months and older. it will last up to eight months.
Most other flea collars say they are waterproof. this one says it’s waterproof: 100% effective after showering or being in the rain.
The natural ingredients used in the flea collar are natural oils of spearmint, clove and citronella. reviews are mixed on how strong the scent is, but most buyers liked the scent.
These flea collars work by continually releasing a low concentration of repellent oils onto your dog’s skin and coat.
advantages:
cons:
buyer’s guide: what to look for before buying a flea collar for dogs
here is a list of factors worth considering before choosing a flea and tick repellent collar for your canine companion.
ingredients
flea collars use different combinations of chemicals or natural oils.
some common chemical ingredients that are generally considered safe include:
tetrachlorvinphos (tcvp) is also relatively common in flea collars, although it is a more controversial ingredient. some scientists believe it is a human carcinogen and possibly a neurotoxin to people and pets.
Occasionally, dogs have skin reactions from the chemicals in flea collars. if that happens, you can learn how to treat a chemical burn from a flea collar and treat it at home.
Natural ways to kill fleas and ticks include the use of essential oils. skin irritation is much less likely with a natural collar, though not impossible.
duration
Each of the flea collars lasts a different amount of time, from 4 months to a full year.
Keep in mind that if your dog likes to go swimming or if you keep the flea collar on during baths, this may reduce the amount of time the collar can repel fleas.
While it’s so nice not to have to worry about giving your dog monthly flea and tick prevention, you might as well forget about changing his flea and tick collar at the right time.
one way to remember when it’s time to change the collar is to set up a recurring delivery with amazon.
odor vs odorless
Most flea collars that use chemical ingredients are odorless, though it’s always best to check the product description to be sure.
with natural flea and tick collar, works with scented essential oils. depending on the combination of oils used, you may love or hate the scent.
If you’re shopping for a natural flea collar, be sure to read the ingredient list to see if you like the smell of used oils. some common scents are:
frequently asked questions
how do flea collars work?
When you get a new flea collar, you’ll stretch it to activate it. then you will place it securely around your dog’s neck and adjust it. make sure it’s not too tight or too loose.
Then, trim off any excess material. if you have a puppy, don’t trim the excess too much. you may need to adjust the puppy collar over time as your dog grows.
once the collar is on your dog, the ingredients will begin to distribute evenly throughout the skin and coat.
depending on the ingredients, the flea and tick collar will repel, treat or both.
a repellent collar emits gas to keep pests away from your pup.
flea collars work by killing pests when they bite your dog or when they come in contact before they can bite.
Are flea collars safe?
flea collars for dogs are a somewhat controversial topic. while they are known to be quite effective, they do have some drawbacks.
The chemicals used in a flea collar work by direct contact. this means that every time your dog rubs up against you or your furniture, some of those chemicals could be transferred.
It is recommended that you wash your hands after handling your dog if he is wearing a flea collar. It is also not recommended that you sleep in the same bed as your dog if he wears a flea collar.
Skin irritation may occur from the chemicals used. If your dog is going to have an adverse reaction to wearing a flea and tick collar, it will likely happen within the first few days after it is put on.
That being said, pet owners have used flea collars for decades to repel fleas and ticks. talk to your vet if you have concerns about whether a flea and tick repellent collar is the best option for your pup.
Do flea collars kill fleas instantly?
flea collars do not kill fleas instantly.
It may take a few days before you kill fleas all over your dog’s body because you have to wait for the active ingredients to be distributed from the collar to the tail.
depending on the collar, it may only kill adult fleas and ticks, or it may also kill flea eggs and larvae.
conclusion
Fleas and ticks can cause more than just itching and irritation for your pup. bites can lead to anemia, lyme disease, and other health problems.
pet owners should always try to keep their dogs protected from these dangers. luckily, the solutions are quite affordable and you don’t even need a prescription from your vet.
I hope this article has helped you understand the ins and outs of buying a flea and tick collar for your dog.
