Everyone knows that if there is an animal in the house, you should also be afraid of fleas appearing in it. Jumping parasites easily move on dog fur and can cover long distances by jumping from one animal to another.
Flea collars are very popular. Many owners rush to purchase a simple repellent accessory to protect their pet from bites and their home from unwanted jumping parasites. After all, as you know, fleas multiply quite quickly, and if there is not enough food, they begin to bite people. Let's talk about how to prevent flea infestation using a special collar.
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.
Reviews and comments
0 Svetlana 04/05/2016 20:22 My dog managed to pick up a tick treated with drops + spray. I treat it every 2 weeks, and spray it additionally before each time I go into the field. From our own experience, Vectra 3D drops turned out to be the most effective in protection and we do not use anything else in combination with the drops. And we have never caught ticks with drops yet (ttt). And they treated it this way because somehow they couldn’t find Vectra, so they had to take another product, but now only Vectra.
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+1 Lyudmila 01/15/2017 18:32 My little Alabay is one and a half months old when he can be put on a flea collar
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0 Tamara 03/12/2017 09:47 Thank you very much for the article.
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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.
Does it help?
When choosing between models with different principles of operation, many owners wonder which option is better, does a flea collar help dogs?
Since insects often die only after they bite, there remains the possibility of transmitting a dangerous infection to the dog. However, thanks to modern developments, the repellents with which protective products are impregnated not only kill bloodsuckers, but also repel them with a pungent odor. This reduces the risk of getting bitten. It should be understood that as the effectiveness of the toxins decreases, the effectiveness of the tape decreases and fleas can again attack the animal. Therefore, you should change the strap in a timely manner, in accordance with its expiration date.
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 protect puppies
Puppies also need to be protected from blood-sucking parasites. But products for adults are not suitable for them and can cause poor health or allergies. Manufacturers have taken this fact into account and now have protective products designed for puppies up to 6 months. As a rule, such products are odorless.
When purchasing, you need to carefully study the instructions - there are collars that can be used from 3 weeks of age, products that are recommended for use from 3 months. Collars for very small puppies contain an extremely low concentration of active substances.
You may also be interested in the article “Using celandine in the fight against fleas.”
A correctly chosen collar reliably protects your pet from bloodsuckers and allows you to save significant money on treatment.
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.
Question answer
When an owner chooses parasite protection for his pet, he is faced with many questions:
- Which collar is best for small breeds? You need to choose flea tape according to the size of the animal, while maintaining the required concentration of toxic substances. The strap should not squeeze your neck or dangle around it.
- At what age can puppies wear a protective accessory? Since small animals are vulnerable to the effects of poisons, it is recommended that a flea collar be used on puppies from 4 weeks of age.
- How long does the active flea agent last on the strap? The duration of action of toxins impregnating the straps depends on the manufacturer, as well as on the individual characteristics of the animal. Most often, the effectiveness of protective tapes lasts from 2 to 7 months.
Whatever flea collar you choose for your dog, you must first take into account the age, condition, and size of the animal.
A properly selected accessory can permanently rid your pet of intrusive parasites.
Source
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.
Contraindications and negative consequences of use
Most flea and tick collars have contraindications for use - do not use on sick or weakened animals, do not combine with other insecticidal preparations, and take precautions when coming into contact with the collar.
When selecting a device for puppies, pregnant or lactating pets, you must choose special ones marked approved for use, or seek help in choosing a device from a veterinarian.
When handling the collar, you must follow the instructions, as human skin is more sensitive to toxins than animal fur. Avoid contact of the product with the mucous membranes of the eyes; therefore, after contact with the product, wash your hands with soap. Do not allow children or other animals to come into contact with the collar.
Allergic reactions
The chemical composition with which the collar is treated can in some cases cause an allergic reaction. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the animal’s body. Therefore, when using the product for the first time, it is necessary to monitor the dog’s condition.
If signs of skin irritation, salivation, lacrimation, hair loss, sneezing, restless behavior or other possible allergic reactions appear, you should immediately stop using the collar and consult a veterinarian.
Poisoning an animal with toxins
Regardless of the cost or quality of the collar, it can cause poisoning to your pet if the dog suddenly licks, bites or chews it.
First of all, it is necessary to identify the symptoms of poisoning:
- the pet has become lethargic and inactive;
- refusal to eat, leans on water;
- increased salivation;
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
- heavy breathing, dilated pupils.
In such cases, you need to contact a veterinarian. If possible, you should find instructions for the collar you are using; manufacturers indicate information about the antidote in such cases, or this information will help the veterinarian select the appropriate remedy, since different collars contain different active ingredients in their composition.
Carefully monitor your pet's behavior when wearing the collar for the first time.
You can provide first aid on your own, eliminating further ingress of toxins - remove the collar and wash off its residue from the fur. And also cleansing the stomach using any preparations for humans: charcoal dissolved in water (1 tablet per 1 kg), or any absorbent.
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 to put it on a dog
Before using insecticidal collars, the product must first be stretched a little so that a white coating appears on the surface, only after which the product will begin to act.
The algorithm for using collars of any type is always the same:
- Open the package, take out the collar, unfasten the fastener.
- Wrap the product around the dog's neck, leaving a gap of 1.5 cm between the product and the fur.
- Fasten the fastener and trim off the excess tape.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- For 3–5 days, the pet should not walk in the grass or have contact with other animals; water procedures should be avoided for this period.
When using chemical collars, it is not recommended to use other anti-flea agents, so as not to provoke the development of severe allergic and other negative reactions.
The collar does not need to be removed while the animal sleeps and feeds; the product must provide the animal with round-the-clock protection. If the product still needs to be removed, it should be placed in a vacuum bag to prevent the insecticidal substances from escaping.
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.
Pros and cons of flea control
If the owner of the animal treats him attentively and with care, then we can only talk about advantages. After all, he will choose the most suitable flea collar for his pet. Unfortunately, there are also unforeseen situations, so it makes sense to talk about the advantages or disadvantages of certain products.
Let's start with the advantages of this protection:
- easy to use: put it on the dog and forget about it until the strap works;
- reasonable price compared to other insecticidal preparations;
- it is hygienic because it penetrates under the skin and does not stain surrounding objects;
- wide spectrum of action: acts against fleas and ticks, lice eaters.
Convenience and low cost allow dog owners to use collars regularly, changing them after a certain time. And even though new products have appeared on the market, many pet lovers prefer this particular anti-parasite device.
But, unfortunately, in a number of cases you have to deal with disadvantages:
- a possible allergic reaction not only in the animal, but also in humans, since most of the poisons on the collar are volatile;
- the fragility of the product: usually the owner misses the moment when the collar needs to be replaced with a new one, and fleas attack the pet again;
- the poison penetrates the dog’s body and causes negative health consequences (their manifestations are individual for each animal);
- Children communicate with their favorite four-legged animal by stroking it and touching the plastic tape on its neck, after which they must wash their hands.
Attention! You should not sleep with a dog, since humans can also be poisoned by volatile poisons. After direct contact, wash your hands with soap and water. If a child chews the collar, serious poisoning may occur, leading to vomiting, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Collar manufacturers warn about this.
