FAQs : Flea And Tick Collars

Flea and tick collars have been a popular choice amongst pet owners that take their dogs outdoors frequently. Since collars are easy to wear and are not supposed to be instituted in the mouth of pets, they make the challenging task of treating the pet for fleas and ticks easy. Also, they eliminate the risk of side-effects which oral treatments pose thus becoming the safest method of treating the pet. Well, here are some interesting facts about the mechanism of flea and tick collars and all the associated information that you must know.

How Do Flea and Tick Collars Work?

Collars designed for flea and tick control have active ingredients mainly insecticides infused in the matrix. With the innovative control release technology, the collar releases a small amount of these ingredients into the skin and hair of the pet and spread them across the entire body for complete protection. One of the finest examples is Seresto which is infused with imidacloprid and flumethrin. These ingredients kill fleas, flea larvae, lice, adult ticks and their immature forms. And since the collar releases these ingredients in tiny amounts, the collar holds the efficacy for 8 months and causes no harm to the pet’s skin. Other popular choices also include Bayopet Flea and Tick Collar and Scalibor Collar.

How Should The Collar Be Worn By The Pet?

The collar must be tied around the pet’s neck snugly, leaving the space of two fingers for eliminating the chances of suffocation. You must remove the extra strap hanging off the collar so the pet doesn’t chew it. Rather dispose of it immediately in the trashbin. In case the collar is too tight, just cut it off immediately. Well, normal collars have this risk but branded collars come with a breakthrough mechanism that allows instant removal of the collar in case of suffocation.

Can A Dog Be Bathed or Swimmed If He is Wearing the collar?

Normally collars should be removed when you bath or swim your pet. However, nowadays, the latest technology collars come with a waterproof matrix that doesn’t allow the chemicals to wash off that easily from the collar e.g Seresto and Bayopet. They are waterproof collars and can be used under water. Still, you need be extra careful not you use them too frequently under water. Reason being, even though they are waterproof, they can lose their 3-8 months long efficacy significantly. In some cases, it may come down to 2 months for Bayopet and 5 months for Seresto that usually protect for 3 months and 8 months respectively.

Can Other Flea And Tick Products Be Used Along With Flea and Tick Collar?

Well, generally you must use just one flea and tick product on the pet at a time but sometimes collars and tablets can be used simultaneously to enhance the efficacy when the infestation is heavy. But you must always consult your vet before doing so because an overdose of chemicals might cause complications in pets. Some spot-on are readily used along with collars but they must be completely dried off before tying the collar.

Are these collars effective for breeds that have thick coat?

Yes, definitely they are effective. The only thing one must keep in mind while tying the collar to such a dog is to stay as close to the pet’s skin as possible for the collar to show results as expected.

What If the Dog Chews The Collar?

These collars are developed after number of clinical trials and are deemed safe even if the small amounts of collar ingredients are ingested. The pet may undergo slight digestive upset upon ingesting the collar but should be supposedly fine the next day.

Does the collar Needs to be stretched before tying?

Some collars may label such directions, however, in the latest collars you need not do that because the material they are made of is self-adjustable and doesn’t require any stretching from your end. Therefore, before you use any collar, just check the directions of use for safety and efficacy purpose.

When Should You Change The Collar?

Read the label thoroughly. Each collar has its own time line for effectiveness, so go according to that. In case the collar has withered off or is not working properly due to frequent wash offs under water, change the collar after once consulting your vet.

Can You Take Off And Reapply the Collar?

No…Not recommended at all. Doing so can render the collar ineffective and you would have to buy a new one so better not attempt such mistakes.

Top 5 Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats