Dog Flea Collar Buyer's Guide
A flea infestation in dogs is a common occurrence.
It is not only frustrating for the dog and the owner but also the cause of more serious diseases such as Lyme's disease, anemia, and dermatitis.
What makes flea infestation hard to control is the frequency and the number of eggs laid by fleas. Fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day! Thus, it is crucial to start the flea treatment process the moment when you discover fleas on your furry friend.
You will know your dog has fleas when it starts showing symptoms such as:
- Excessive scratching
- Unexplained hair loss around the areas of the scratch
- Seeing the fleas jumping on your dog's back
There are several methods to control these pests but a relatively easy to use method is the dog flea collar. Wear the flea collar around your dog and you are good to know. Flea collars are a hassle-free replacement to oral pills or topical applications which requires more work to be done by the dog owner.
How Does A Dog Flea Collar Work?
A dog flea collar works by repelling and/or killing the fleas via an insecticide.
These collars are usually made of plastic and are injected with the insecticide, which is emitted in the form of a gas that repels the pests and kills the existing ones. This works because dogs have natural oils that reside on their skin and this helps to spread the insecticide all over its body.
Dog flea collars appear no different from the standard leashes and often they can be attached to the regular leash.
Types Of Flea Collar
There are three types of collars:
- Repelling: These collars are designed to emit a gas that repels the fleas from coming near a dog and thus prevent the pests altogether. They do not treat existing flea problems.
- Treatment: They are for eradicating an existing flea infestation. There are 2 primary methods. The first method is that the medication enters the dog's skin and kills the fleas when they bite the dog. The second method works when the dispersed medication comes in contact with the fleas and kills them.
- Repel And Treat: The combination is the most recommended type because it is all around protection. These types are the most effective and usually cost more as compared to the other to.
What Should You Look For In A Flea Collar?
There are a few factors to consider when you buy a dog flea collar.
- Length Of Protection: An effective dog flea collar will disrupt the flea life cycle. It will provide sufficient protection lasting between 6 to 8 months. The slow release of the medication will ensure that not only are fleas killed but they are prevented from laying eggs and starting a new cycle again.
- Works On Ticks & Mosquitoes: Not only fleas but also ticks and mosquitoes can infest your dog too. Mosquito bite transfers parasitic roundworms into your pooch's bloodstream which causes heartworm disease. Tick bites can cause Lyme's disease. Hence, a good dog flea collar must be able to repel these two insects too in addition to fleas.
- Active Ingredients: Studies have shown that dog flea collars with Imidacloprid and Flumethrin are effective in killing and reducing the fleas and ticks by 95% and 90% respectively. Avoid the active ingredient Tetrachlorvinphos, which is known to be harmful to humans and dogs in large quantities.
- Water Resistant: Dogs love to play in the water and get exposed to moisture in the process. It is cumbersome to remove and put a flea collar every single time. Hence, choose one that is water resistant and maintain its effectiveness even with contact to water.
- Size Of Collar: It is crucial that the dog collar fit it well and snugly because only then can the medicine be effectively transferred to the skin. It is strongly recommended to read the manufacturer's size chart and determine the right size to buy. An easier option will be to choose an adjustable flea collar that can be sized to your dog's neck exactly.
- Odor: Not all pets and their owners can stand collars with strong pungent odors. Choose odorless collars for long-lasting comfort.
Are Flea Collars Safe?
Most flea collars are perfectly safe for your pet.
They are an easy solution to the pests' nuisance. However, they can be problematic when you have multiple dogs and they have a habit of playing with each other.
This is because if either of your dogs chew the dog collar, the chances of oral poisoning are high.
In such situations, you must avoid using these collars.
Can Dogs Of All Ages Use Them?
They are not recommended for young puppies, elderly and sick dogs, and pregnant ones.
Usually, most flea collars are suitable only for dogs above 7 to 8 weeks of age.
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