Dogs have been man’s best friend for millennia. They are useful to humans in many ways. Nevertheless, they, at times, harbor parasites that are also harmful to humans. Dog fleas constantly irritate dogs and humans. What’s more, some of these fleas are vectors of some terrible diseases.
Previously, the most effective way of getting rid of fleas on your dog was through thorough washing with water and a disinfectant. You also had to comb your dog regularly. Pesticides the likes of DDT were highly efficient in disinfecting pets for many years. Nevertheless, most of the pesticides came with environmentally hazardous side effects. Quite a number were also ineffective on parasites.
The early 60s’ saw the release of an innovative pesticide control technology. This novel innovation combines pesticide technologies with plastics to create the revolutionary flea collar. It is also referred to as the flea and tick collar in some cases. These devices provided a lot of convenience in getting rid of pests from animals.
It is easy to confirm the appeal of flea collars given their popularity among those who own dogs. They serve as a simple and highly affordable way out to the endless danger posed by ticks and fleas. These devices have even become the prototypical icon of dog pest control, and even though there are numerous equally effectual alternatives for the treatment of fleas, the appeal of the dog flea collar is not showing any signs of disappearing any time soon.
These devices can as well apply to cats. However, their use is not as popular as it is in dogs. Most of the existent flea collars are not appropriate for cats. They can irritate the cat’s neck. In worse cases, this can lead to skin damage and fur loss. Therefore, it would be worth it to take ample time to find the best flea collar for your cat.
So What Is the Best Flea Collar for Dogs?
The Bayer animal health seresto flea & tick collar for small dogs is arguably the #1 product in the market as of 2019. It is the best flea collar for dogs since it serves both functions of repelling and treating flea infections.
Quick Comparison: Top Flea Collars for Dogs
The Major Categories of Flea Collars
Currently, there are around three major types of flea collars that can be used on dogs. The mechanism through which they operate is largely dependent on the category they fall in. Some serve only a single function, e.g., repellants, while others are more versatile, acting both as repellants and pest killers. The following are the categories of flea collars:
Gas-Based Flea Collars for Dogs
These collars operate by releasing gas pesticides that repel fleas from the pet. Essentially, it provides some protective atmosphere surrounding the collar. What’s more, they are capable of killing ticks and fleas. However, to function effectively, i.e., the pests need to come near the collar for them to be killed. This fact forms one of the major disadvantages of gas-based dog collars. They only protect the areas surrounding a dog’s neck. To put it differently, the collar does not affect pests that do not get into close proximity to it.
Ultrasonic Flea Collars
Collars under this category are also known as electronic or high-frequency collars. They come in two varieties: i.e., Pendant & collar form. They operate through releasing ultrasonic high-pitch sound waves that repel fleas. Nevertheless, this device is only a repellant. It doesn’t kill.
Absorption-Based Collars
These are regarded as the most effective collars because they contain insecticides. However, instead of hanging around a dog’s neck, absorption-based collars are absorbed into the pet’s skin. This offers some immunization against flea attacks. There are different subcategories of absorption-based collars that work using different mechanisms. They function in the following ways:
Absorption into the fat layer: such collars have medication that slowly seeps through the subcutaneous layer under your dog’s skin. This causes the death of the fleas after biting the animal and swallowing the toxin.
Spreading through the natural skin oil: this one covers the skin with active ingredients. It is deemed to be the best flea and tick collar for dogs. It uses the oil present on the skin and fur to spread evenly. Such collars instantly kill ticks and fleas upon getting into contact with the dog’s body. As such, the pests die even before they can bite.
Tips for Choosing the Right Kind of Product
Before investing in a dog collar, you need to ask yourself a few questions. You do not just want any collar. Besides, you want the best for your pet. As such, the following are some of the important considerations to make while purchasing flea collars:
Durability
It is important to consider how long a collar can last before needing replacement. This will enable you to budget effectively.
Effectivity
A collar must be able to perform its function properly. After all, what good does it offer if it does not function?
Practicality
For the most part, your pet will utilize the collar in the outdoors. This implies that it has to be water-resistant and hardy to withstand rough conditions. As well, choose collars that can effortlessly be taken off to avoid any hazards if the pet gets trapped somewhere.
Safety
Most collars utilize poisonous chemicals to do away with fleas & ticks. In limited doses, the majority of pesticides pose no harm to both the pet and the owner. What’s more, these insecticides differ in their toxicity levels.
Among the nontoxic of insecticides is Deltamethrin. It has the least effect on both pets and humans. Pyriproxyfen is also a safe pesticide suitable for insect larvae and eggs. It sterilizes them and hinders their maturation.
Some harmful insecticides include Tetrachlorvinphos, which is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Propoxur is another highly toxic carcinogen, especially to humans. Always wash your hands after use and keep them away from children.
Versatility
Some collars are only meant to repel, while others have a double function of killing and repelling ticks and fleas. Multipurpose collars are more effective.
Below are reviews of seven of the best flea and tick collar options for dogs. Use these flea collar reviews in picking the correct item
This is an amazing collar that is capable of effectively protecting dogs from the age of 7 weeks and above. As well, it is appropriate for a dog weighing above 18 pounds. If you have a smaller dog that weighs below 18 pounds, you can still get an ideal collar.
With this item, a pet is protected from both ticks and fleas. Furthermore, it exterminates on immediate contact. The pest doesn’t have to take a bite. This 8 month flea collar releases minute doses of active elements gradually, thus offering constant protection for a whole 8 months.
Furthermore, it is odorless and non-greasy. It is simple to apply and can be worn together with a leash collar without causing any discomfort. For cats, you can opt for the seresto flea and tick collar for cats.
Below is a summary of the key features of this collar:
- 8 months’ protection
- Works through contact
- Active ingredients include Imidacloprid & flumethrin
- Kills lice and helps to control sarcoptic mange infestations
- Veterinarian-recommended
Runner Up: Rolf Club 3d Flea Collar for Dogs
The product is among the best, especially for dogs that have various allergies or sensitive skin. It protects against larvae, ticks, fleas, and lice. What’s more, you also get protected from mosquitoes. As well, it is simple to use and doesn’t contain grease. These collars can safeguard a pet for eight months.
It can easily be customized to fit on the pet’s neck properly. Additionally, it is water-resistant. Thus, the puppy can splash and swim with it. Furthermore, it is odorless and uses highly effective ingredients that give an adequate shield against the most stubborn pests. Better still, it can be used on cats.
The main features are as follows:
- Offers 8 months of protection
- It is water-resistant and easily adjustable
- Hypoallergenic
- Odorless
- Can be used on both cats and dogs
Best For LargeDogs: Bayer K9 Advantix 11 Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention
Besides ticks and fleas, are you also looking to get rid of stubborn mosquitoes? This item is the perfect device for the job. Despite the new packaging, its effective formula has remained unchanged. It comes with six sets of typical flea, tick, and mosquito applications that last for one month each. Therefore, when you procure one of these, you are guaranteed six months’ protection.
The Advantix II exterminates pests through contact. Therefore, ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes don’t have to take a bite in order to die. Additionally, this item is veterinarian recommended and is appropriate for large dogs weighing between 21 – 55lbs.
Another advantage is the capability to repel. Application of the topical treatment is extremely easy and takes effect 12 hours later.
Below are its key features:
- Ease of use
- Acts both as a repellant and killer
- Takes effect within 12 hours
- Works through contact
If you are in search of the best natural flea tick collar, try the Arava premium. It is a botanical tool that assists in keeping all the irritating pests at bay. Furthermore, it comprises 100 percent natural herbal ingredients in addition to essential oils. All these provide an extra shielding layer around a pet. It is applicable to all sizes of dogs.
This device can offer protection for 6 months. It utilizes a micro-injection mechanism that is patented by an Israeli company. Via this approach, essential oils get infused into the collar then get released through special pores located within the plastic material. The oil is slowly released, essentially making the device last for at least six months.
What’s more, the Arava collar is among the safest collars for dogs. It does not utilize strong chemicals harmful to both animals and humans. The sentry flea collar can also be a good choice.
A summary of its key features are as follows:
- Utilizes natural ingredients
- Unique micro-injection mechanism
- Non-toxicity
- Sweet natural scent
Herbal Flea Collar: Herbalvet Dog Flea Collar
More than 250 veterinarians have endorsed this product. This product is not only a tick and flea repellant but also keeps larvae, mites, and lice at bay. It offers around eight months of protection to your pet and very easy to use.
It doesn’t emit any odors and is non-greasy. However, it is not a comprehensive remedy for pest infestations. Most of the time, eradicating ticks and fleas is a cumbersome process. With 100 percent natural ingredients, this collar consists of a patented mixture of essential oils. Therefore, there is a zero chance of allergic reactions.
The HerbalVet dog dewormer is highly efficient in eradicating tapeworms. Fleas are the major vectors of these parasites. This 10-pack dewormer can be used on both small and large dogs. In case your dog has been infested with fleas, most veterinarians would recommend immediate deworming in order to prevent further harm. HerbalVet also has products for cats. This brand arguably offers the best flea collar for cats.
Lastly, you will receive an e-book guide. In it, you will learn more about methods of preventing fleas in a natural way. They have outlined 17 methods you can use in getting rid of ticks and fleas. It is highly recommended that you go through this book and test some of these methods.
Key features of the product:
- 8 months of protection
- Contains 100 percent natural ingredients
- A dog dewormer is available
- An e-book guide
Best For 2 Dogs: Ultraguard Flea and Tick Large Dog Collar 26”
This tick & flea collar is the best flea collar choice in case you are on a shoestring budget. One pack consists of two collars that are meant for big dogs with necks that can be as large as 26 inches. The device kills pests instantly and offers maximum protection for up to five months.
It has a waterproof property, but frequently exposing it to water can result in a shortened lifespan. It makes use of chemical pesticides, which can lead to various issues for some dogs. Therefore, when using it for the first time, you should closely monitor your dog and look out for any indications of skin irritations, scratching and itching.
It comes in handy, especially when you only need preventative protection instead of an all-in-one solution. Some dog owners claim that the collar worked properly, while others claimed that it was ineffective in exterminating ticks and fleas. However, looking at the price and in view of the idea that it comes in packs of two, it is worth an investment.
Key advantages are as follows:
- Comes in a double pack
- It is a highly affordable method of flea and tick control
- Offers 5-month protection
- Easily adjustable
This best flea tick treatment for dogs collar repel and kill ticks & fleas for seven months. Additionally, it hinders flea eggs from hatching during the entire period. Hence, it halts the fleas’ life cycle and hampers reinfestation.
Its water resistance capability enables it to retain its effectivity even after being in the rain. What’s more, this collar comes with a breakaway safety feature. You should replace this collar every seven months to ensure constant pest protection from head to tail. You can use it on dogs that are 12 weeks old to huge dogs with necks larger than 25 inches.
A summary of the key features includes:
- Fresh scent
- Repels and kills flea eggs, ticks, fleas, and their larvae. It also prevents the hatching of flea eggs for up to seven months.
- It can be used with a regular collar
- Water-resistant
- Has a safety release feature
How to Properly Use Dog Collars
After identifying an appropriate flea and tick collar for dogs, you should undertake some actions to get optimal benefits. First, ensure that the device fits well on the pet. Therefore, consider the dog’s size so that it doesn’t become too tight or too loose. Also, ensure that the dog is unable to chew or bite the collar
Before using the collar, you can air it out for a few days in order to reduce harmful side effects. Not all dogs are supposed to be fitted with flea collars. These include the elderly, pregnant, etc. do not share your dog collar with a cat. Some ingredients might be safe for dogs in the right dosages but harmful to cats.
Natural oils are a better alternative compared to chemical pesticides. They are less harmful and have few to no side effects. What’s more, they pose no risk to humans.
Lastly, the above information should be sufficient in guiding you towards making the right decision. The best dog flea collar is the Bayer Seresto. It has received numerous recommendations and is indeed highly effective. You can check for the best price for seresto flea and tick collar from the Amazon online store.
Closing Remarks
Collars for cats and dogs are not similar and shouldn’t be used interchangeably. Using a collar that is meant for a dog on cats can be a bad idea since the weight of the animal is a contributing factor to the toxicity level of pesticides. Humans and dogs can absorb certain amounts of chemicals, and their bodies can break them down safely. Contrarily, cats are smaller and cannot break down some of the chemicals quickly, which can result in a serious reaction. Therefore, it is always worth it to read the label and manufacturer’s guidelines of a collar to be certain that it is meant for a particular pet and its weight. Shampoos for dogs is a good option too, so You can read article about it!
More Dog Collars
- Brand Name - Seresto
- Dog Size - Extra Small & Toy Breeds, Small Breeds
- Length of Protection - 8 Month
- Feature - Also repels and kills ticks within 48 hours of initial application
- Brand Name - Hartz
- Dog Size - All Size
- Length of Protection - 7 Month
- Feature - Safe and specially designed for dogs and puppies 12 weeks of age and older
- Brand Name - By Only Natural Pet
- Dog Size - All Sizes
- Length of Protection - 4 Month
- Feature - Protecting your pet from pests has never been easier thanks to the long-lasting, natural power of this essential-oil infused collar
- Brand Name - Adams
- Dog Size - Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, Giant Breeds
- Length of Protection - 7 Month
- Feature - Kills and repels fleas, ticks, flea eggs, flea larvae and kills tick larvae and tick nymphs
- Brand Name - Hartz
- Dog Size - All Sizes
- Length of Protection - 7 Month
- Feature - Comes with 2 fresh scented collars
- Brand Name - Zodiac
- Dog Size - Extra Small & Toy Breeds, Small Breeds, Medium Breeds
- Length of Protection - 7 Month
- Feature - Starts working on contact to kill and repel adult fleas and ticks
- Brand Name - Salvo
- Dog Size - Small Breeds
- Length of Protection - 1 Year
- Feature - Flea and tick collar that fits small dogs with a neck up to 20 inches
- Brand Name - Only Natural Pet
- Dog Size - All Sizes
- Length of Protection - 12 Month
- Feature - Contains silicon dioxide particles that are encoded with frequencies that are safe for your pet
- Brand Name - Dr. Mercola
- Dog Size - Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, Giant Breeds
- Length of Protection - 4 Month
- Feature - The collar is infused with natural, non-toxic essential oils that repel fleas, ticks and mosquitoes
SAVE TO YOUR MEMOS!
Images credits: Amazon.com , Chewy.com, Photo Stocks.
I have 85 lb boxer pit mix need help with sand fleas and mosquitoes and ticks what color should I get.