Fleas and ticks are a nightmare for any dog lover. They constantly irritate your dog, and you’ll notice them constantly itching themselves. Fleas and ticks aren’t just painful or annoying to your puppy, but they also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Babesiosis, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It’s best if you try to protect your dog from these harmful parasites.
Flea and tick collars are an easy and all-natural approach to keep these parasites off your dog. We’ve tested and reviewed the best flea and tick collar for dogs. Let’s briefly discuss the basics of transmitting fleas and what a collar actually does.
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How Flea And Tick Collars Work
The older style of tick and flea collars used to emit toxic scents that repelled bugs and prevented infestations. However, these collars used to kill fleas near the collar and wouldn’t take care of the whole body near the tail.
The newer collars contain tick and flea repellent chemicals. These chemicals are continuously released from the flea and tick collar and then spread throughout the body via natural oils that reside in the coat and skin. These chemicals then stay on the skin and provide continuous protection for several months.
How Do Fleas And Ticks Infest Your Pets?
Animals generally get fleas from some other flea-infested animals like a stray dog, cat, or urban wildlife such as raccoons or possums that are going through your neighborhood.
A female flea will lay larvae in shady and moist areas. The eggs then get scattered throughout the area. When they develop, they jump onto your dog. They can live around one year without any food.
Ticks, on the other hand, are found in the high grass or the woods. Dogs generally get ticks by roaming in the infected environment and brushing up against a tick-infested area.
Now, let explore the best flea and tick collars for dogs so that you’ll know how to prevent infestations.
- Pros
- Long-lasting
- Odorless formula
- Vet recommended
- Cons
- Loss of appetite and some vomiting
- Your dog's skin may feel irritated.
The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs is an easy-to-use and quick action flea collar from the Bayer Animal Health company. This flea and tick collar is meant for large dogs, however, there are several variations that we will also review.
The product’s fast-acting flea and tick formula starts working within 24 hours after your dog has begun wearing the collar. The collar is effective for 8 months, which protects and prevents tick and flea infestations on your dog. Any contact with your dog is enough to kill fleas and ticks while they are wearing the collar.
The product can be adjusted to fit your dog’s neck and can be easily worn with their regular leash collars. The Seresto product is waterproof and can be worn when your dog is swimming, it’s raining, or when it’s bath time too.
The flea and tick collar comes with handy reflector clips that can be placed onto your dog’s collar so that your dog can stay visible at night. With the sustained-release mechanism, the product ensures that protection against fleas is active all the time.
Within 24 hours of activation, the product also promises to deter any re-infestation within 2 hours after wearing the collar for one day. The quick-release mechanism feature ensures safety – if the collar gets caught on something, then it can be easily removed.
This flea collar for your dog is known for its exceptional formula, which is non-greasy and odorless. The formula works actively and discreetly in the background without your dog going through messy monthly treatments. It also doesn’t smell.
The product’s active components are Imidacloprid and Flumethrin. This makes the product one of the few products in the market with two active ingredients.
Imidacloprid is an active antiparasitic ingredient used primarily in veterinary medicine in cats, dogs, and livestock to prevent against fleas, flies, and lice. Flumethrin is mainly used to protect pets against fleas.
We actively use the Seresto Collar on our Goldendoodle when we take him hiking. It works like a charm, and we haven’t had any issues. This is by far the best flea and tick collar for your dog on the market today.
Review
We actively use the Seresto Collar on our Goldendoodle when we take him hiking. It works like a charm, and we haven’t had any issues. This is by far the best flea and tick collar for your dog on the market today. Keep in mind that there shouldn’t be direct skin contact with humans, as this may cause problems. It may be slightly expensive, but it does what the company advertises.
- Pros
- Lasts 8 months
- Hypoallergenic
- Natural ingredients
- Cons
- The odor may be too much for a few dogs
- The buckle could be tighter
Dogs can quickly become the target for fleas and ticks from a young age. The Sobaken collar can help you with this since it protects dogs as young as three months old. Once the product is attached to your dog, it will protect your dog for up to eight months 24/7.
If your dogs love swimming, don’t worry. The Sobaken Flea and Tick Collar is waterproof, so a slight dip in the bath or the nearby pond won’t make the product any less effective. The product is hypoallergenic, meaning your puppy is not exposed to any potential irritants in the ingredients, thus reducing the chances of an allergic reaction.
The active ingredients in the product are all-natural, utilizing the natural effects of oils such as mint, spearmint, Citronella, and clove to ward off any pests. The product is 25 inches in length so that it can easily be used on large breeds of dogs too, and you can adjust the size of the collar on your puppy as it grows to ensure a perfect fit.
You can adjust the product by wrapping it around your puppy’s neck, sliding the end into the buckle, and then cutting off the extra portion. Make sure to leave some space for the dog to grow into the collar.
We have noticed some complaints that the product’s smell may be too strong for your dog due to the essential oils and the straight-out-of-the-box smell that may be a little too citrusy for your dog to handle. It will fade with time, so it’s better to use this collar after it sits out for a few days.
As a bonus, for every collar bought, the manufacturers send $3 to an organization engaged in saving natural wildlife, so you can feel good for buying the product. If you’re looking for the best all-natural flea and tick collar, you’ll want to buy the Sobaken.
Review
With no luck on the chewable flea and tick products, I decided to research collars. I tried the Sobaken because of the all-natural ingredients. So far, it’s working rather well for a couple of months. The price is lower than the Seresto, and you can use the product for 25-pound to 90-pound dogs.
- Pros
- Chemical-free
- Holistic method
- Easy to use
- Safe around kids
- Cons
- Strong smell
- Expensive
Only Natural Pet EasyDefense flea, tick, and mosquito collar is one of the best choices for people looking for a chemical-free alternative to flea and tick collars. The product is in the form of a tag that can easily be attached to the existing collar.
This tick collar for dogs is safe to use around children and other animals. Additionally, it’s non-toxic and doesn’t use an actual formula. The product relies on holistic technology to prevent pests from harming your dog. The active ingredients in the product are peppermint oil, thyme oil, and geraniol.
The dog tag creates a natural barrier against any infestation. The product is a preventive method and doesn’t cure the problem itself. However, it will prevent fleas and ticks from harming your dog if they aren’t already infested on your dog.
The flea collar is water-resistant but not waterproof. It is better to reapply the product after a bath or a swim and not keep it on your pet if they get wet. The downside of this collar is that it becomes less effective after a few weeks, especially if your dog is in water.
The product is best used in conjunction with other flea prevention treatments and medications. Do not use the product if you use an invisible fence or a shock collar to restrain your pet, leading to the creation of compromised immune health.
Review
The product is quite effective but doesn’t do well in water. It prevented my dog from getting fleas for approximately 4 months. The only other downside is the strong smell.
- Pros
- Effective and fast working
- Vet recommended
- Odorless and non-greasy formula
- Cons
- Expensive
- The dog may show signs of irritation
Finding a good quality flea and tick collar for small dogs that effectively and comfortably fit the dog is difficult for dog owners, as most of the market is made up for medium and big dogs. That problem is thankfully solved by the Seresto’s collar for small dogs.
This tick and flea collar can be used on dogs weighing up to 18 pounds. The product comes with reflector clips, allowing you to locate your pet even in the dark. The product also has a predetermined breaking point and a ratchet-release mechanism for safety.
The formula is non-greasy, odorless, and works without leaving a residue of any kind. The formula used is the same as the one used in the regular-sized product. It slowly releases its formula over 8 months. The active components in the collar are imidacloprid and flumethrin.
The ingredients work actively to kill fleas and ticks. Imidacloprid works on direct contact, meaning the flea doesn’t have to bite your dog for the product to be effective. The flea and tick collar for dogs also starts to kill fleas within 24 hours of application.
If you observe any allergic reactions from using the product, consult your vet. The product is waterproof, so your pet can easily play in the water. If your pup swims once or twice a month or so, please be advised that fleas’ control duration reduces to five months and ticks to seven months.
- Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Affordable
- Works effectively
- Cons
- Uses tetrachlorvinphos
Adams Flea and Tick Collar is one of the best affordable products in the market. If you want something that is affordable, effective, and natural, Adams Flea and Tick Collar is the one you want. The product is the cheapest on the list and works well for the price.
The product offers seven months of protection from those pesky little critters that always cause trouble for you and your dog. If your dog starts swimming with the collar on, have no fear, as the product is waterproof and can be worn while bathing and swimming.
The collar prevents and treats the infestation of pests. The two active ingredients, tetrachlorvinphos and (S)-Methoprene, make sure of that. Tetrachlorvinphos actively kills fleas, whereas methoprene interferes with the life cycle of fleas.
The ingredients will move throughout the body through the help of the naturally occurring oils on your dog’s skin, moving quickly to provide a fast-paced relief from the ticks and fleas.
The adjustable product can easily fit both small and large dogs with a neck size of up to 26 inches. After placing it on your dog, you can cut off excess collar bands from around your dog’s neck and keep it for later use. The product protects your dog for up to seven months.
The downside is that flea and tick collar uses tetrachlorvinphos, a chemical whose overexposure can cause problems like nausea and confusion for your dog.
Review
I bought the product for my friend’s dog. There was enough collar that I could cut excess off, which is better than it being too small. The product package states that it is a flea and tick preventative for up to 7 months, but for heavy flea/tick infestations, you’ll need to replace the collar more often. It’s cheap and repels fleas and ticks.
- Pros
- Long-lasting
- Affordable
- Cons
- Uses tetrachlorvinphos
- A preventive product
Hartz is one of the most trusted dog brands in the market. The company is known for its effective products, and one of them is the Hartz UltraGuard Pro Dog Flea Collar. The product is one of the most affordable in the market and doesn’t compromise its efficacy for money.
The collar is not only a good choice for families with a tight budget but also for those looking for alternative treatments for their dogs. The collar for fleas and ticks is long-lasting, providing protection to your dogs for up to 7 months without any issues.
The price is somewhat reflective of the lower quality of the product when compared to other brands. The product’s formula only targets fleas and ticks’ larvae. The ingredients being used in it are tetrachlorvinphos and (S)-Methoprene. They both work to eliminate eggs and larvae of ticks and fleas.
This inhibiting action of the product makes it quite a good preventive measure but is much less helpful in treating your dog’s current condition. The product is best used in conjunction with other products such as flea shampoos since it won’t get rid of a current infestation.
The product has a Reflect-X Shield which reflects light for up to 450 meters, thus allowing you to locate your dog even in the dark. The collar is easy to use since you just slip it over your dog’s head and buckle it together. The product is for dogs that are 12 weeks or older with necks of around 26 inches.
The product’s use of tetrachlorvinphos can be dangerous. Just be aware of the possible side effects.
Review
Our other dogs all use expensive flea collars that you replace every 6-8 months. I replaced them as the puppy grew. I decided to use this product, and it worked well. I wish that the pull-through “clasp” was made up of thicker plastic. I love the reflective strip feature for night walks. The expensive ones don’t have this feature.
How to Choose a Flea and Tick Collar for Your Dog
There are several flea and tick collars on the market today. Some kill off current infestations, and some will only prevent future infestations. Here are some things you should know that will help you choose the best flea and tick collar for your dog.
Ingredients
You should begin by ensuring that the product you will choose doesn’t have any harmful chemicals and toxins. Natural ingredients, such as plant oils, help you keep the parasites away without causing any problems to your dog. Some of the cheaper flea collars are known to harsh chemicals that may be harmful to your dog.
Size
Most of the tick collars in the market are meant for small, medium, and large dogs. If you have an extra-large dog or teacup breed, you should be looking for collars specifically designed for them.
Convenience
It’s better to choose a long-lasting collar that you won’t have to replace every month. Convenience is important to make sure the dog is protected. You should also ensure that your dog has no problem wearing the collar.
Results
Make sure to buy a product that has both fast-acting and long-lasting results. While choosing, check those flea and tick collars that start taking effect quickly and work for long periods of time.
Age Of The Dog
The age of the dog should be kept in mind. Check the lower age limit of the flea and tick collar in question before making a purchase. Some flea and tick collars aren’t designed for puppies and have a minimum weight limit.
Additional Features
The collars should not only work on fleas but also on ticks and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can infect your precious dogs with roundworms. This can lead to heartworm disease. Ticks can cause Lyme’s disease.
The product must also come with perks such as being waterproof, reflective lights for the night, and odor of the product. However, sometimes the odor can be too much for your dog, so make sure to take that into consideration as you may want to let the collar sit out for a couple of days before attaching it to your dog.
Conclusion for Best Flea and Tick Collars for Dogs
Using a flea and tick collar for your dog is a great way to kill off current infestations and prevent future bugs from biting your dog. Nobody wants to deal with these bugs, and they can even transmit harmful diseases to your dog. We’ve reviewed the 5 best flea and tick collars for dogs to ensure that your dog is adequately protected.
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You can also check out this video on how to put a flea and tick collar on your dog:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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