Collar for dogs against fleas and ticks: how it works, types, rating, price and where to buy

Every year, with the onset of warm weather, ticks and other parasites, hated by dog breeders, awaken, making the life of pets unbearable. Fleas, transmitted to domestic dogs from stray brothers, attack mercilessly both in winter and summer. How can you safely protect your beloved animal from a jumping scourge? The best solution is to purchase a good flea and tick collar for your dog with built-in protection. In this article we’ll figure out what they are, how they work, and which one is best to choose for your pet.

Why are fleas and ticks dangerous?

Fleas don’t just pester pets, causing them to simply tear their skin, they carry pathogens of dangerous diseases and cause allergies. Just because a dog doesn't go outside doesn't mean he'll never see fleas.

These small parasites can get into the house on clothes and shoes; all you have to do is walk through the entrance where an infected animal has been. If your dog goes out for a walk, it’s easy to pick up parasites. For example, by talking to a stray dog or playing with a neighbor’s infected pet.

Until recently, a tick was waiting for a walking dog in the forest or in a forest plantation. But climate change has led to an increase in the population of dangerous blood-sucking creatures, so you can even find parasites on bushes growing near your home. Danger awaits pets walking in parks, on the banks of a river, or even while relaxing at sea.

The last decade has added another problem for dog breeders, which can be solved with the help of a collar. Dogs are bitten by breeding mosquitoes that carry heartworms. Growing helminths move under the skin, can live in mucous membranes or affect internal organs (leading to death).

Consequences of flea bites

The dog scratches the affected areas, which often causes an allergic reaction. The substance that fleas inject under the skin has a negative effect on the hemostasis system, which is responsible for stopping bleeding. In addition, allergens contained in the secreted secretion can cause stomach diseases, as well as lichen and hair loss.

Ectoparasites carry tapeworms such as the cucumber tapeworm. It starts in the intestines of the animal and, as a parasite, releases toxic substances that can cause nervous disorders, nausea and refusal to eat. In severe cases, seizures and sudden weight loss are possible.

Sometimes fleas can lead to a deadly disease like rabies. You don’t have to be afraid of the virus if you get vaccinated in a timely manner.

Types of collars

The industry produces three types, allowing owners to choose the appropriate option for protecting their pets from fleas and other parasites.

Chemical

They are also called gas. This is a polyvinyl or rubber tape with built-in capsules containing an insecticide that is dangerous for fleas, ticks and other parasitic insects. This is a double-action bomb: the gas released repels parasites, and microspores effectively deal with the individuals already living on the dog.

The advantages of this type include ease of use, reliability of the product and effectiveness in the fight against fleas and other parasites.

The disadvantages are the risk of allergic dermatitis, hair loss, intense odor.

Biological (herbal)

In this case, protective mechanisms developed by nature itself are used as the active substance. Inside there are aromatic oils and herbs that effectively repel fleas and ticks with the smell.

The advantage of such collars is that they smell pleasant to humans.

Disadvantages - this is purely a prophylactic product and has no effect on existing fleas and other parasites.

Ultrasonic

They are a strip of fabric with a fastener and a fixed device powered by a battery. People and dogs do not pick up the emitted signals, but a louse, flea or tick will perceive them as a harbinger of impending trouble.

The advantages include the safety of the device, the disadvantages include the fear of water.

This is an exclusively preventive remedy used as additional protection for your pet.

How to choose a collar

There are several basic criteria for choosing a flea and tick collar. Let's talk about them and tell you what you need to pay attention to.

Size. Depending on your breed, you need to choose the right length. For the most part, the collar tape can be easily cut with scissors, but veterinarians still advise choosing a model for a specific breed so as not to cause discomfort to the animal.
Age. The instructions must indicate the age of the pet from which the collars can be used. Failure to comply with this rule can harm the dog and cause an allergic reaction.
Contraindications for use. Physiological conditions during which the collar cannot be worn (pregnancy, illness, etc.) or a specific breed of dog are indicated.
Active ingredients in the composition. Choose a collar that contains fewer chemicals and more components that are close to natural (biocollars). It should be noted that chemical collars are aimed at preventing and treating diseases transmitted by blood-sucking insects, and they are impregnated with insecticidal poisons.
Action diagram. Study the rules and features of application. How to put on and wear it correctly. It should be noted that some collars begin to act only after a day or 2-3 days.
Brand and price. Many manufacturers have a good reputation in the pet products market. Give preference to them over cheaper fakes.

How to use the collar

The main thing is that the collar fits well, adhering as tightly as possible to the dog’s skin. There should be no more distance than a finger between the protective tape and the body. Do not tighten the tape too much. After fastening the fastener, there should be a free tail 5 cm long.

Before use, the chemical collar must be stretched so that the microcapsules open. The substance reliably protects the pet from parasites, distributed over the skin. But under no circumstances should it be washed off. So bathing procedures should be carried out before putting them on, and the next bathing should be postponed for several weeks.

If the dog is accustomed to wearing a regular collar, then there will be no problems with an antiparasitic collar. The puppy gets used to wearing it gradually; a protective collar can become his first accessory.

Usage and Precautions

Once you have purchased the right collar for your pet, you must use it correctly. There are three types of collars: chemical, biological and ultrasonic. Chemical ones are impregnated with a highly toxic composition and smell unpleasant, which is their main disadvantage. Once the smell wears off, the collar turns into a useless toy. Biological products also have a pungent odor; some dogs simply cannot stand it. The most harmless to animals and easy to care for are ultrasonic collars that simply fit around the neck.

Two other types of protective products require special treatment. To use them, the strap is stretched a little and put on the dog’s neck, adjusted in size so that two fingers fit under the tape, the excess part is removed. The remaining end of the tape should not hang freely, otherwise the dog may put it in its mouth and get poisoned. When wearing, the following rules must be observed:

Put on the collar after all the insects have been eradicated from the dog.
The effect of impregnation begins only after 2-3 days, so it is advisable not to walk in the forest, grove, or grass during this period.
The collar is worn around the clock and is removed only for bathing.

As for the price of a good collar, it costs a lot. Domestic models can be purchased for $2, branded BAYER - from $40 and above. Kiltix costs just over $10. There is no need to look for a cheap product, since the composition of some of the substances used for these products has not been well studied.

Advantages over other means

The main trump card is the versatility of the protective equipment.

The collar protects against fleas and other pesky parasites such as flies or mosquitoes.

Very simple to use: open the package, put it on, adjust it to your pet’s parameters. An overdose is practically impossible if you do not try to supplement it with other means of protection. And yet the protection lasts for months.

There is no need to wash your dog before use. And walking in the rain does not “wash away” the protective layer.

How the collar works

A tick and flea collar is a strap made of a special porous material, or an option is a product with an insert made of such material. It is impregnated with a composition that has an effect on insects and ticks. The collar gradually releases these protective substances as you wear it.

Since substances are released only during contact, the dog must wear the collar constantly and replace it with a new one when the expiration date expires. Only strict adherence to the instructions for use can provide maximum protection against ticks.

TOP 14 best dog collars for fleas and ticks

"Fitodoc"

Bio-repellent collar based on a mixture of essential oils. A flea will not be able to attack a pet for three whole months; the period of work against ticks is 45 days. A person practically does not feel the smell, but parasites do not like it.

Suitable for dogs of all breeds over sixty days old. When putting on a collar, you need to protect your hands.

"Foresto" odorless

A collar from a German manufacturer offers push-pull protection with a controlled release of active substances (imidacloprid, flumethrin), which do not give life to lice and fleas, and effectively repel ticks. Foresto has no perceptible odor and is not afraid of moisture (no need to remove it while bathing).

Can be used from twelve weeks of age. The action of insecticides begins already in the fifth minute of wearing; the paralyzer acts on fleas. Complete death of the parasites occurs after twelve hours. Available for small (less than 8 kg) and large breeds.

Bayer "Kiltix"

Another German means of protection against fleas and other parasites, used for adults and puppies over 60 days old. The adjustable polyvinyl base contains two active substances: propoxur and flumethrin.

The protection period is 7 months, activation one day after opening the package. Available for large, medium and small breeds. Not suitable for sick or pregnant pets.

Rolf club "Rolf club 3D"

Another German product that provides protection against mosquitoes and fleas for 2-4 months in a row. There are three drugs at once (fipronil, etofenprox, pyriproxyfen), built into the polymer tape, ensuring the safety of the pet on the second or third day from the start of use.

The product is not afraid of water and does not smell. Available in sizes for small and large breed dogs. Not suitable for pregnant bitches.

"SOS Flea & Tick Collar"

Waterproof collar from the Netherlands, available for puppies (from six weeks of age) and adult dogs (from six months of age) in different sizes. The active element, tetrachlorvinphos, is absorbed into the subcutaneous fat and prevents parasites from biting the dog.

The period of protection when worn continuously is 4 months, the preventive effect is extended to 8 months.

"Scalibor"

Powerful protection with a wide spectrum of action, the main “fighter” - deltamethrin paralyzes fleas parasitizing on a dog, blocking their ability to bite. Plus the collar works as a repellent, driving away ticks, mosquitoes and mosquitoes.

Maximum protection begins after a week of wear and lasts six months. Suitable for adult dogs, including weakened, pregnant and lactating dogs, can also be worn on seven-week-old puppies. Small children and people with wounds on their hands should not come into contact with the collar.

Hartz "Ultra Guard Flea & Tick Collar"

The waterproof collar contains the substance tetrachlorvinphos, which effectively copes with adult parasites, their larvae and eggs. Maximum effectiveness after a week of use, then it works for seven months.

Recommended for puppies from three months of age and for adult pets who are not prone to allergies and do not have skin damage. An additional bonus is a wide reflective strip.

"Ungezieferband"

Waterproof collar for dogs six months and older. It contains the substance diazinon, which provides five months of protection against fleas and two and a half months against ticks. Protects the dog from parasitic insects of all shapes and ages and additionally acts as a repellent.

To effectively protect against insects, you need to put it on in advance so that the substance has time to spread, creating an insurmountable barrier.

"Leopard"

A collar with fipronil is used as a prophylaxis and treatment for cheyletiosis, a disease caused by fleas and ticks. It has a paralyzing effect on adult parasites and prevents pupae and eggs that fall on the dog from growing and developing.

The onset of action is one knock, the effective period of protection is five months. This product is not suitable for weakened, pregnant or lactating dogs. Puppies can be worn when they reach two months of age.

"Insectal Plus"

Here, fipronil and permethrin are used as active substances; this duo leaves no chance for adult fleas and their larvae, and does not allow other parasites to approach dogs. Mass death of pests occurs on the second or third day after the collar is attached. In relation to ticks, the effect lasts three months, fleas are repelled for four months.

A puppy can be protected with a collar from the age of four months. Use on sick dogs (especially with infectious diseases), on bitches expecting or already having offspring is strictly prohibited.

Beaphar "Beaphar Ungezieferband"

A waterproof collar with diazinon is suitable for pets already infested with fleas and is used as a preventative against tick attacks. The substance is fully effective within five days after contact with the dog, the effect lasts for five months.

Suitable for dogs over six months old. Categorically unsuitable for pregnant and lactating bitches, for sick (especially those suffering from skin diseases) and convalescent pets. It can have a bad effect on dogs with heart problems and epileptics, on individuals with problems with the bronchi, kidneys, and liver.

Celandine

Another means of protection with diazonin, which, when worn constantly, allows you to prevent the dog from becoming infected with adult fleas and preventing the development of eggs. Constantly walking in a collar, the pet is not susceptible to tick bites for three months and is not bothered by other harmful types of insects for four months.

The protective agent begins to act on the third or fourth day from the moment the package is opened.

Doctor Zoo

It belongs to the type of biocollars; the active antiparasitic substance is geranium oil (geraniol). It works as a repellent, repelling fleas and causing ticks to stay away from your pet. Validity period is four months.

The biocollar is not suitable for weak and sick dogs, bitches about to give birth (last days of pregnancy), or very small puppies. A person who has come into contact with the surface of the collar should wash their hands thoroughly.

Inspector

The protector is a polymer tape containing fipronil, pyriproxyfen, and ivermectin. This collar has a specific, subtle smell. In addition to the standard set of fleas, ticks and lice, this product provides protection against nematodes. The standard set of insects is cut off from the dog for four months, ticks can be forgotten for three, and nematodes for two.

Does not cause allergies. But it is not recommended for puppies younger than two months, sick dogs and pregnant females.

Which tick collar for dogs is best to buy?

Anti-tick collars for small dogs and large pets must be purchased at official pet stores or veterinary pharmacies. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the size of the strap, because the protective equipment should not cause discomfort.

Antiparasitic neck bands for medium and large dogs are most often found on sale, so owners of small animals need to be especially careful. The excess length can be cut off, but it is important to consider that in products for large breeds the concentration of substances is higher, which can lead to negative consequences for small pets. You also need to take into account the pet’s age and its current condition, taking into account contraindications.

Here is which option and in what cases is it better to choose:

Fitodoc - suitable for owners of small dogs who are sick or recovering at the time of purchasing a collar, as well as for pregnant and lactating small pets.
Bolfo is convenient for owners of small animals who need a quick effect - the product will begin to act within a few hours.
Bruno New will be appreciated by owners of small dogs that are no more than 1 month old, as well as pets prone to allergic reactions.
Kiltix – suitable for medium-sized dogs that already suffer from ticks. The collar is relevant both for prevention and for combating existing insects.
Bars is a popular model that will be appreciated by owners of medium-sized pets who want to get a long-term effect at a budget price.
Foresto - suitable for owners of large dogs who appreciate the stylish design of the accessory, as well as for those who do not want to buy several products per year.
Flea & Tick is effective in controlling existing parasites and is convenient for large animals that spend a lot of time outside.

The choice of the best tick collar depends on the individual characteristics of the dog: age, weight, health characteristics. No one is immune from the consequences of personal intolerance to the components used in the strap. But a careful study of the product, taking into account the characteristics of the pet, will allow you to choose an option that will provide the necessary effect with minimal risk to the pet.

Precautions and side effects

The collar is purchased as long-term protection in the hope that the parasite will not be able to reach the dog during the active season. And during this time the owners relax, completely forgetting about fleas and other troubles of this kind. This cannot be done, for example, during a trip to the sea, the protection may be washed off by water, and the dog will collect ticks by running through the coastal bushes. Before your trip, it is better to take extra repellent with you and treat your dog after bathing.

There are times when a particular drug is not suitable for a dog. As a result, the dog scratches its skin and an allergy appears. You need to monitor the redness and condition of the fur, and contact a specialist in time if something goes wrong.

Sometimes vigilant owners go overboard with flea protection by adding drops to the chemical collar. In this case, an overdose may occur, which will lead to poisoning of the dog. Main symptoms: increased salivation, trembling, watery eyes, vomiting.

It is not recommended to use for animals that have suffered from illness, for elderly and weakened pets.

What is better – drops or a tick collar for dogs?

To protect your dog from ticks, you can use a collar or special drops. In the first case, you need to put a special strap on your pet (it can be made of plastic, rubber and other artificial materials), and in the second, apply the product to the animal’s skin. It is better to use a collar for preventive purposes, and the drops will help get rid of parasites that have already settled in the fur.

For maximum effect, you can use both products, but it is important that they are from different pharmaceutical groups.

Type of protection	Advantages	Flaws
Collars	Long period of use	May prevent you from picking up your pet using a regular collar
	Affordable price	Does not begin to act immediately (it may take up to 5 days for the substance to be distributed throughout the body)
	You can wash your pet without the risk of leaving him unprotected (many straps are waterproof)	The dog may lose the anti-parasitic tape or get it caught on something
	Does not require control over the dog’s actions and does not hinder movements	Not recommended for use on dogs under 1 year of age, as well as during pregnancy and lactation (except for straps with biological composition)
	Low costs - one collar is usually enough for a season	Not very effective in long-haired breeds - the strap must fit snugly against the skin
	Complex use – helps against several types of parasites	There is a risk of decreased sense of smell with prolonged use
Drops	Ease of use	Not a very long period of protection - there is a risk of missing the time of the next treatment, they are also washed off when swimming
	Begins to act very quickly (within 1-2 hours)	Do not pet the dog or allow it to come into contact with other animals for 1-2 days after applying the product.
	High level of protection	Considerable expenses - you need to buy the product almost every month

The best anti-tick drops for dogs

Rules of application

Despite their popularity and high degree of safety, dog collars are used strictly according to the instructions. It must be remembered that improper use of the product can cause a lot of inconvenience to the animal.

The collar is fixed on the dog in such a way that there is a gap of 1–1.5 cm (an average finger thickness) between it and the neck. The strap should not dangle or fit too tightly.
Each dog has its own type of collar. This takes into account her weight, neck size, and health indicators. Collars are not recommended for small puppies for safety reasons.
The collar must be replaced with a new one immediately after its service life expires. Typically, such products do not last more than 4-6 months, but the specific period is always indicated in the instructions.
You cannot use a collar and apply other anti-flea products on the same day, as this can lead to poisoning of the animal.
It is best to buy a flea collar for your dog at a large pet store or veterinary pharmacy, so you can be sure of its quality.

Owner reviews

Andrey B. Collar “Barrier”:
I would like to write a review about the Barrier collar, which I purchased on the advice of a veterinarian. I took it for my yard dog, who was tormented by a horde of fleas. In the package I found a black, specific-smelling half-meter tape with a reliable fastener of the simplest design. The fastening is so-so, but the dog did not get rid of the collar. By the way, the smell quickly dissipated. And a week later all the fleas disappeared; Kuzya and I didn’t think about them for another year.

Inga T. Collar “Beaphar”:
My daughter persuaded my husband and I to buy a Jack Russell Terrier puppy. We took a five-month-old miracle and walked with him in a park overgrown with bushes for fear of ticks. It turned out that drops should not be used for babies and we took the risk of buying a Beaphar collar. Of course, the manufacturer writes that this is a puppy collar for older children, but we were very afraid of catching a tick. We wore it for 4 months, and the little one didn’t bring a single tick or flea home.

Maria S. Biocollar “DoctorZoo”
I bought two DoctorZoo biocollars for my dogs. As soon as I opened the package I felt a sharp, unpleasant smell (reminiscent of Indian mosquito repellent tablets). The smell did not disappear from the house for a long time, and the clasp turned out to be very fragile, it was easily unfastened by a small child. For some reason, the fleas were not afraid, but on the contrary, there were more of them, they spread throughout all the rooms. The collars had to be removed, the dogs developed allergies, they scratched all over their sides, smearing blood on the floors and carpets.

Alexey K. Review of the Foresto collar
Unfortunately, I had some negative experiences using this model for an active German Shepherd. The young dog broke the fastening during the game, the owners tried to repair it themselves, but it didn’t help. The strip was not tightly attached to the neck and a re-infestation of fleas occurred. I had to undergo a course of treatment and buy a new one.

Tips for use

Each collar against ticks, fleas and other parasites must be supplied with instructions for use, which outline the basic rules and recommendations. However, some of them are relevant for all means.

The collar should fit well to the neck, but not too tightly. It is optimal if there is a gap of 1–1.5 cm between it and the neck. This way the dog will not be able to lick it or bite it and at the same time will not experience discomfort.
The collar is always selected taking into account the size, age and health characteristics of the pet. It is better to first consult with a specialist on this issue. For some diseases, wearing a collar may be contraindicated.
The protective agent has its own expiration date; it is usually written on the box. After this time, you must purchase a new collar.
When using an insectoacaricidal collar, insectoacaricidal drops should not be applied on the same day. If additional protection is required, consult the manufacturer.
It is best to buy an accessory at a large, trusted pet store or veterinary pharmacy. This way, the risk of purchasing a fake will be reduced to zero.
If you need to wash your animal with shampoo, be sure to remove the collar.
The collar should be worn all the time, and not just for walks. The animal must be wearing a collar both at home and during sleep.
If the skin under the collar is red, the dog is itching and is restless, you need to remove the collar and wash the animal with soap or shampoo.
It is not advisable to hide a protective collar under a regular leather one.

Reviews from veterinarians

Olga M. Review of the “Beafar” collar
I recommended this collar to the owner of a husky. The dog was infested with fleas and had scratches on its skin. A re-examination after two weeks of wear showed a complete absence of adults. For four months of using the collar, the owner did not see the dog itching, and there was no case of tick infection.

Irina V. Review of the Hartz Ultra Guard collar
A dog was brought to the appointment with a tick embedded in its ear. After removing the parasite and treating with drops, she recommended purchasing a collar that protects against fleas and ticks. The dog spent the entire period allotted by the manufacturer (7 months) in it and was not infected with parasites. The only criticism from the owners is the unpleasant smell at the beginning of use and a white coating on the hands.

What to do?

First of all, you should make a rule: monitor the behavior and condition of the dog during the first day of wearing a new collar. Moreover, this should be done even when you buy a model that you have already used.

At the first signs of an allergy - scratching, redness of the skin, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, you should immediately remove the collar, without waiting for scratching and weeping wounds to appear. If the condition worsens, it is recommended to give the pet antihistamines to avoid swelling and reduce itching, as well as wash it with shampoo, thereby getting rid of the source of the allergy remaining on the fur.

If the allergy has started or it was not possible to immediately determine that it was caused not by food, but by the collar, you will have to select drugs to treat the wounds that have appeared. The collar, of course, should also be removed.

Briefly about the main thing

A flea, mosquito and tick collar is a very convenient anti-parasitic protection. They are produced on an industrial scale: you can choose by color, size, properties, as long as the price suits you.
This is not a medicinal product; the dog is not at risk of overdose from the active substance.
You can use it for a long time - from a month to six months.
The collar is not affected by precipitation or humidity; you can walk your dog in any weather.
The disadvantages include the inability to bathe a dog wearing an anti-parasitic collar, a specific smell from the pet and the possible manifestation of allergies.

The article is based on the expert opinion of the author; be sure to consult a specialist before use.

Comparison table of characteristics

To choose the best anti-tick collar for dogs, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the following table:

Name	Age (months)	Duration of effectiveness (months)	Breed size	Presence of odor	Cost, rub)
Foresto (Bayer), 38 cm	2	8	average	No	from 1458 to 1899
Foresto (Bayer), 70 cm	2	8	large	No	from 1615 to 2710
Kiltix (Bayer), 48 cm	3	6	average	There is	from 880 to 1080
Kiltix (Bayer), 66 cm	3	6	large	There is	from 975 to 1280
Kiltix (Bayer), 35 cm	3	6	small	There is	from 690 to 862
Beaphar Flea & Tick, 65 cm, yellow	6	6	large	No	from 359 to 479
RolfСlub 3D, 40 cm	3	6	small	No	from 271 to 374
Leopard (AVZ), 80 cm	2	4	large	There is	from 230 to 345
Leopard (AVZ), 50 cm	2	4	average	There is	from 255 to 344
Inspector for small breeds	2	from 2 to 4	small	No	from 420 to 547
BioFloR, 65 cm	1	1,5	large	There is	from 61 to 110
Neoterica, 75 cm	3	12	large	No	from 1363 to 1615
RolfСlub 3D, 75 cm	3	6	large	No	from 400 to 537
Apicenna, 65 cm	2	3	large	No	from 250 to 326
Inspector for medium dogs	2	from 2 to 4	average	No	from 430 to 625

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.

How do they work?

All three types of headbands work differently. Chemical ones kill insects, and bio leashes and ultrasonic ones repel them. When using a chemical leash, allergies may occur.

To know how long to wear a flea collar to remove it, then read the instructions carefully, since it will only work for a short time.

Collars for dogs against fleas and ticks - TOP 14 best 2022