Flea collars for dogs - types, principle of operation

How safety collars work

A flea collar is a flexible plastic band with a buckle to secure it around the animal's neck. The tape is impregnated with special substances that are activated upon contact with a dog. Due to heating, toxins from the collar spread through the coat, penetrate the skin and accumulate in the sebaceous glands. After a few days, the toxic substances will reach a sufficient concentration to destroy the bloodsuckers. The protective properties of the collar are maintained throughout the entire wearing time, so it is not recommended to remove it at night.

Benefits of flea and tick collars

Unlike sprays, drops and other anti-flea and anti-tick products, the collar has a number of advantages:

is an accessible means of protection;
convenient and easy to use;
does not cause irritation or discomfort in the animal;
destroys various types of parasites;
has a long validity period;
When used correctly, it is relatively safe for pets.

How long does it last?

Depending on the manufacturer, the collar is valid for 2–8 months. It is not recommended to use it longer than the period indicated on the package.

Precautions when working with collars

Failure to take precautions can lead to serious consequences and even the death of your pet. To avoid this you should:

Strictly follow the instructions for using the collar, otherwise you can poison your pet and reduce the protective characteristics of the collar.
The collar is literally soaked in the chemical, so be sure to wash your hands with soap after handling it.
During the first hours your pet wears the collar, you need to monitor his behavior in order to understand whether the device is suitable for him or not. If your pet itches frequently, the collar should be replaced.

A flea collar for dogs can be considered a completely safe and effective way to protect against parasites.

It should be remembered that the most expensive product is not always the most effective.

If you strictly follow the instructions and choose the product individually for a specific animal, then its use will only bring positive results.

Types of flea collars

There are several types of flea collars.

Chemical

A chemical collar is a collar that contains substances that destroy parasites. These are mainly acaricides and insecticides, sometimes repellents. Today they are in great demand among dog breeders. However, for some dogs it may be contraindicated as toxic.

Bio collars

Biological collars contain extracts of medicinal herbs and essential oils that repel ticks and fleas and also have a healing effect. Compared to chemical agents, they are safer for the animal, but quickly lose their protective properties.

Ultrasonic collars

The collar is equipped with a special device that creates ultrasonic impulses that repel parasites. This protective device is expensive and runs on batteries. According to dog owners, it is less effective than other types of collars, but is absolutely safe for the animal.

Homemade

A DIY collar will save money and protect your pet from exposure to chemicals.

To make a collar you will need:

a strip of any natural dense fabric with a length equal to the circumference of the neck + 10 cm;
3 tbsp. spoons of garlic oil;
6 drops of essential oil of thyme, lavender, cedar;
3 tbsp. spoons of witch hazel extract.

Mix all components and soak the prepared strip in the resulting solution for 10 minutes. The collar should dry well. After 2 days it is ready to use. The collar is valid for 1 month.

How to choose the right flea and tick collar

There are certain criteria based on which you can choose a collar:

The collar should not be too cheap. Poor quality ingredients can be harmful to your pet's health.
Listen to the opinions of veterinarians and choose products from trusted manufacturers.
Domestic and European brands will be a more reliable choice.
The size of the collar should correspond to the circumference of the dog's neck, allowing for a small margin for comfortable wearing.

How to choose a collar for a puppy?

There is an age limit for using a collar for small puppies. It is not recommended to use it on an animal under 6 months old. Some brands of ecological products can be used starting from 2 months.

Depending on the weight and breed of the dog

Each dog breed is different from each other. Therefore, many companies produce antiparasitic products in sizes depending on the dog’s weight and breed. There are collars for small dog breeds, medium breeds and large breeds. Some companies offer collars that take into account the pet's weight - up to a certain weight or more.

Can it be used on pregnant and lactating dogs?

Flea collars should be used with caution on pregnant and lactating dogs. The manufacturer always indicates limitations and possible consequences, so read the instructions carefully.

Nursing dogs are advised to refrain from using the collar, as puppies can be poisoned by toxic substances if they come into contact with it. It is better to resort to other protective measures.

How to choose the right collar

It is recommended to buy collars at veterinary pharmacies and specialized pet stores. In such establishments, the risk of purchasing low-quality or uncertified goods is lower, but it cannot be completely eliminated. It is necessary to approach the choice of an anti-flea collar with all responsibility, because the health of not only the pet, but also those in the household depends on it. Be guided by the following criteria:

Band size. Collars for large and small breeds are sold, differing in length and concentration of the active substance. If this parameter does not meet, the product will, at best, be ineffective and cause discomfort, and at worst, it will lead to poisoning of the pet.
Age and physiological characteristics of the dog. For puppies, lactating and pregnant females, special models are required. If the dog is sick or weakened, only a veterinarian can choose the optimal type of protection against fleas and ticks.
Brand reputation. It is recommended to purchase products from well-known brands of domestic and European production. Collars originating from China or of unidentified origin should be avoided.
Availability of instructions and high-quality packaging. The product must be in a sealed bag that prevents the active substance from eroding. There are instructions inside the package, or detailed information about use may be printed on the box.
Active substance. Manufacturers indicate this information on the packaging. If the dog is prone to allergies or a collar is needed to prevent parasites, a biocollar is optimal. If you want to provide long-term and intensive protection from blood-sucking insects, and the animal is mature and healthy and often goes outside, give preference to insecticidal products.
Price. Expensive products do not always protect against fleas and ticks better than economical models. Sometimes the high price is justified by the long period of action and the use of an expensive insecticide. Consider each case individually to choose a collar that meets your requirements in terms of quality and price.

Some collars have a pungent odor that irritates the pet and household members. In most cases, the scent wears off within 2-3 days of use, but if this does not happen and the smell is too intrusive, you should change the collar to a less odorous option. It may not be possible to choose the optimal collar model right away, but after testing several types, you will find the most suitable one.

Video: veterinarian advice on choosing a collar

Best Flea and Tick Collars for Dogs

Let's look at the rating of the best collars, which are in great demand among dog breeders.

"Fitodoc"

The biological type of the Fitodoc collar is harmless in its composition. Can be used without restrictions for any dogs, does not cause allergic reactions. The only drawback is the repellent effect on pests, so it is used in combination with other means.

"Foresto" odorless

It is an effective means of protection due to the content of active chemicals in it. It has no odor and does not cause allergies.

Available in two versions:

up to 8 kg – 38 cm;
over 8 kg – 70 cm.

Dog breeders speak well of this collar, as it not only repels fleas and ticks, but also destroys them. When bathing an animal, the protective equipment does not need to be removed.

Bayer "Kiltix"

The collar has a low concentration of harmful substances, therefore it eliminates side effects from use.

Produced by the German company Bayer, which provides 3 models for different dogs:

for little ones – 35 cm;
for medium-sized ones – 48 cm;
for large ones – 65 cm.

Although the collar is waterproof, it is better to remove it before bathing your dog in order to extend the validity period, which is 7 months.

Rolf club "Rolf club 3D"

This model has three levels of safety and at the same time actively prevents bites from 9 types of parasites, repels midges and mosquitoes. It is a good choice for an owner who cares about the pet’s health. The collar does not cause allergies and does not interfere with the sense of smell. Available for different sizes of dogs, except puppies and sick four-legged dogs.

"SOS Flea & Tick Collar"

The peculiarity of this collar is that it affects a large group of parasites (fleas, lice, ticks, lice), as well as their larvae. The active substance spreads over the skin of the animal, but does not enter the blood. Controls pests until they bite.

The model is available in sizes 60 and 70 cm.

"Scalibor"

This is the type of model that is allowed to be used by pregnant, lactating dogs and puppies from 2 months of age. In rare cases, it causes allergies. It is resistant to moisture, but it is advisable to remove it before swimming. The active substance contained in the collar paralyzes insects, preventing them from biting. The protection period is 6 months.

The collar comes in different lengths:

for small and medium breeds – 48 cm;
for large breeds – 65 cm.

Hartz "Ultra Guard Flea & Tick Collar"

American has developed a collar specifically for puppies that are 6 weeks old. The product is absolutely safe and suitable for pregnant dogs. You don't have to take it off while swimming. The only limitation is incompatibility with other security tools.

Before use, the substance contained in the tape must be activated by shaking the collar.

"Ungezieferband"

The peculiarity of the collar is that it begins to act only 5 days after the start of use. Therefore, these days, the owner should exercise caution when walking his dog. Made from waterproof material.

The use of flea control is contraindicated in puppies under 6 months of age.

"Leopard"

The advantage of this model is its favorable purchase price and protection against many types of ticks. However, the product can cause a number of allergic reactions, including vomiting. Available for different sizes of dogs.

"Insectal Plus"

It is an inexpensive and at the same time effective means of protection. Actively fights parasites and prevents infection. There are practically no side effects. Available in different sizes for all categories of dogs.

Beaphar "Beaphar Ungezieferband"

The collar of this brand begins to have an effect on parasites five days after use. Allowed for use by dogs over 6 months of age. The exception is pregnant and lactating dogs.

The service life of the collar is up to 5 months.

4 paws

Suitable for all breeds of dogs, including pregnant, elderly and allergy-prone. Due to the content of essential oils, it eliminates ixodid ticks, lice, fleas. The validity period is 3 months.

Celandine

The collar contains pine fragrance and permethrin, which accumulates in the hair follicles, glands and epidermis without penetrating into the blood. Has a detrimental effect on fleas and ticks for 4 months. It is allowed to use other means of protection in parallel.

Doctor zoo

Comfortable, effective bio collar with less pronounced odor. Does not cause any discomfort to the animal. It is recommended to wear for 4 months, except for pregnant, lactating and weakened dogs.

Inspector

This collar is available for different breeds of dogs. It is a combined antiparasitic agent aimed at treating and preventing parasites. Has a slight odor. Not recommended for use with other products, may cause allergies in dogs.

Top 5 Best Manufacturers of Flea Collars for Puppy

Below is a list of manufacturers that have proven themselves on the positive side; the products of these companies are recommended by many veterinarians:

Foresto is recognized as one of the best manufacturers of collars of this type; products of this brand are consistently popular. The main advantage is the long period of protection against fleas - it is at least 8 months.
Hartz Ultra Guard Flea & Tick Collar - do not have a strong pungent odor, but at the same time provide reliable protection against parasites. All models are characterized by increased moisture resistance, which allows you not to worry about walking in rainy weather; Some products are equipped with reflective elements. The manufacturer guarantees that the effect will remain for 7 months from the date of application. Collars are only suitable for puppies over 6 weeks of age.
Scalibor is a universal collar that can protect your pet from all types of crawling and flying insects. Devices produced under this brand are safe even for pregnant bitches, but they are recommended to be worn by puppies that have already reached the age of 7 weeks.
Beaphar Ungeziefer band is another popular brand of parasite collars; the product begins to work only a week after being put on the animal. The manufacturer recommends using it only for puppies older than six months.
“Bars” is considered one of the best domestic manufacturers; among its assortment you can find flea collars for dogs of various sizes and breeds, including products intended for puppies aged 3 months and older.

Rules for using collars

When to put a flea collar on your dog

Before putting on a collar, veterinarians recommend completely getting rid of parasites. To do this, apply special drops to the withers or wash the animal with shampoo, and after 2 days put on a collar. .

Should I take off the collar at night?

If the dog lives indoors and has no symptoms of parasite infestation, the collar can be removed at night, allowing the dog to rest. In other cases, the collar must be worn 24 hours a day.

What to do if your dog is itching in a collar

If you notice your dog itching after wearing the collar for several hours, you should remove it to avoid allergic reactions and contact your veterinarian.

Can cats have a dog collar?

Cats should absolutely not use dog collars due to the high concentration of insecticides in them. Substances contained in dog protection products can be toxic to cats and lead to health problems.

When is the best time to wear

As for service dogs, for them the collar is practically part of the body; they wear it constantly. But for hunting dogs, on the contrary, it will be superfluous. During the hunt, it will only disturb them; the dog can get caught on a branch and get stuck.

For pets, it is needed to fasten a leash, hang a tag on it with the dog’s name and, of course, to protect it from fleas and ticks. A flea collar for puppies is worn before going for a walk. While the animal is walking, it may pick up parasites, which in turn can infect it with various diseases.

If your pet is clean and does not have fleas, put a collar on it or give it drops for prevention. Decide for yourself what is better to buy drops or a collar. And if you can’t decide, then you need the help of a specialist. So that the animal does not get sick later, and is always in a good mood.

Precautionary measures

There are certain precautions that must be followed:

Considering that the collar begins to work after some time, you need to avoid walking until it is activated.
Use the product with caution in combination with other products.
Always read the instructions on the packaging.
Avoid any hygiene procedures for a week after using the collar.
Monitor for warning signs after starting use.

Side effects

The instructions for using collars always indicate possible side effects:

decreased visual and hearing acuity;
allergic reactions;
if the collar allows water to pass through, then swimming in it is prohibited;
not all products eliminate parasite larvae;
for long-haired breeds, collars may be ineffective;
The effect of the collar does not apply to the back of the back, so some companies recommend combining it with other products.

Allergic reactions

Collar allergy in dogs manifests itself as redness of the skin, itching, and then hair loss. The pet may simply be in a lethargic state. This may indicate an incorrectly selected collar, or the animal’s intolerance to the substance with which the protective strap is impregnated.

When the first symptoms of an allergy appear, you need to remove the collar, wash the dog with shampoo and give it antihistamines.