Flea collars have been around for many years because they are safe and very easy to use. Learn about new advances that are making them even more effective.
Flea collars are one of the oldest and most basic forms of flea prevention on the market today. They are simple, safe, and have been a staple in keeping pets flea and tick free for decades. While the variety of flea prevention products have grown to include oral tablets, shampoos, dips, spot-on treatments and more, flea collars have stood the test of time.
Essentially, flea collars work by emitting a flea fighting drug into the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of your pet’s neck and upper back. This quickly moves fleas from the head and neck area of your dog, where they can be the most annoying for your pet, to the base of the tail where the pests quickly die and fall off. It is important to note that there are varying types of flea collars including gas emitting, ultrasonic, herbal, and more.
In most cases, flea collars work their magic for up to 90 days before they need to be replaced. Some newer designs, like Seresto, work for up to 8 months. Side effects of flea collars are minimal but often include scratching, redness, and possible hair loss for some dogs with skin sensitivities. These symptoms often are displayed within 12-48 hours of application.
Some flea collars are not as popular as standalone methods of flea and tick treatment because they focus the treatment around the head and neck. Some pet owners worry that fleas will bite their dog or cat before they reach the flea collar “kill-zone.” In recent studies, both oral treatments, like Sentinel Flavor Tabs, and spot-on treatments are proving more effective in overall flea prevention. However, a lot of pet owners have found adding a flea collar to their pet’s current prevention routine at the height of flea and tick season can increase results and effectiveness. Plus, newer flea collars that last longer, like the 8-month Seresto, are designed to more fully circulate the active ingredients over your pet's skin. If you live in a hot, humid, or densely wooded region, adding a flea collar could be especially beneficial in warding off infestations.
For basic prevention (especially in off-seasons), flea collars are a simple, safe and hassle-free form of treatment. They are long lasting, easy to use, and can be found at grocery stores, pet stores, or your veterinarian's office. Pick one up today!
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