Why is your Seresto collar not working? Seresto flea and tick treatment is specially formulated to kill fleas and ticks on contact and protect your pet from nasty bites. In addition, the Seresto collar is supposed to repel fleas and ticks for up to 8 months in a non-greasy and easy way. There are two active ingredients inside of the Seresto collar that prevents fleas and ticks: Flumethrin and Imidacloprid. The combined ingredients are designed to kill flea larvae, nymphs, ticks, repel fleas and control flea infestations on your pet. Seresto collars are heavily recommended by veterinarians, but many pet owners are reporting that the Seresto flea collar is not working on their pet. So why is the Seresto collar not working for fleas?
In a rush? Here are the Top 3 alternative products when your Seresto Collar doesn’t work:
Why is the Seresto collar not working?
Since there hasn’t been any scientific research done regarding the treatment not working properly the only information available is from pet owners. Many dog and cat owners are saying the Seresto collar is not working for fleas and doesn’t work for the full eight months as mentioned on the package. In addition, many other pet owners are also reporting that they still find several fleas and ticks on their pets.
The problem is that the chemicals and other active ingredients in the formula are not getting distributed properly. Most of the time the neck and surrounding area are being treated while the tail area gets minimal treatment and allows fleas and ticks to get on your dog. In addition, there are many different kinds of fleas and ticks that could possibly be immune to the Seresto collars active ingredient. If the Seresto collar is not working for fleas, there are alternatives that can get the job done successfully. We would recommend trying another product that has a different active ingredient then Seresto’s Flumethrin and Imidacloprid.
Check out the following alternatives if the Seresto collar is not working:
PETARMOR Plus for Dogs: Flea and Tick
Pros
- Vet quality with a different active ingredient (Fipronil) than Seresto flea collars.
- Effective and waterproof treatment.
- Kills flea eggs and larvae up to 12 weeks.
- Topical application as compared to a Seresto collar.
Cons
- Doesn’t work as long as the Seresto collar.
PetAmor Plus for Dogs is a waterproof flea and tick treatment that is effective and kills fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks for up to 30 days. This veterinarian quality formula contains the active ingredient Fipronil which is known to be a powerful treatment that starts killing fleas and ticks in 24 hours after application. This main active ingredient should work for your dog or cat if your Seresto Collar is not working. All you have to do is measure the weight of your pet to determine what dose of the application you should buy.
This flea and tick treatment successfully breaks the lifecycle of fleas and kills eggs and larvae for up to 12 weeks which helps prevent re-infestation. PetArmor Plus for Dogs treatment is effective on fleas, flea eggs, chewing lice, deer ticks, and lone star ticks which can carry Lyme disease. It essentially provides the same amount of coverage as the Seresto flea collar but has a different active ingredient. This is worth a try if your Seresto flea is not working for your dog.
Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment
Pros
- Frontline is one of the most popular brand names for tick and flea treatment.
- Waterproof and instantly kills fleas on contact.
- The formula is stored in oil glands on your pet’s skin which kills and repels insects.
- Veterinarian approved.
Cons
- None, one of the most popular tick and flea treatments.
Frontline is arguably the most popular waterproof flea and tick treatment that is fast-acting and is an effective treatment for dogs and other animals. It’s long-lasting, kills eggs and larvae, stops infestations, and prevents new infestations from developing. The active ingredient is fipronil and (S)-methoprene which is a different formula than the dog Seresto collar not working. Frontline Plus for Dogs is also one of the most popular pet brand names that create flea and tick treatments because it works.
The treatment stores in your dog’s oil glands and releases through their skin to deter fleas and ticks for up to 30 days. It’s easy to use and works successfully when used as directed. This is a great alternative to the Seresto dog collar not working.
Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention
Pros
- Provides better coverage than the Seresto collar to include killing mosquitos and biting flies.
- Kills all the insects on contact.
- The topical application so your dog doesn’t have to wear a collar.
- Veterinarian recommended and comes in monthly doses.
Cons
- Can’t use on cats.
The Bayer K9 Advatanix covers flea, tick, mosquito, and biting fly bites which is more coverage than the Seresto collar. In addition, this treatment is topical and applied monthly so your dog won’t have to wear a Seresto dog collar all the time. The active ingredients in the Bay K9 Advantix are Imidacloprid (8.8%), Permethrin (44.0%), and Pyriproxyfen (0.44%). These active ingredients should work if your Seresto collar is not working for your dog. The only downside here is that you can’t use the K9 Advantix on cats.
This veterinarian recommended flea and tick treatment is created to work on contact to prevent fleas and ticks from biting your dog. It works quickly and kills fleas within 12 hours. One box contains a 30-day treatment that successfully manages and prevents flea and tick issues with your dog. This effective treatment is great for preventing bites.
TevraPet Activate II Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
Pros
- Topical application as opposed to wearing a collar all day.
- Repels various different insects.
- Effective at killing all fleas, ticks, and lice.
- American made.
Cons
- None.
The TevraPet Activate II is a high-quality flea and tick treatment that contains effective ingredients such as pyriproxyfen, permethrin, and imidacloprid. Studies have proven the ingredients in this flea and tick treatment successfully repels fleas, ticks mosquitoes, and biting flies. It also kills all life stages of the fleas and ticks including eggs and larvae. These active ingredients in the TevraPet Activate II are different from the Seresto collar so they should work if your Seresto collar is not working.
This product is easy to apply to your dog and doesn’t require re-application after bathing or swimming. One box contains a four-month supply and is available in four age ranges. This is available in four convenient weight categories so you will just need to know how heavy your dog is. TevraPet is a great alternative to the Seresto collar not working.
EcoFlea by ColoradoDog
Pros
- All-natural ingredients to keep bugs off your dog.
- No messy oils on your dog’s fur or collar around your dog’s neck.
- Active ingredients are garlic and yeast.
- Made in the USA.
- Great options if Seresto collar not working.
Cons
- All-natural ingredients may not work as well as chemicals.
The EcoFlea by Colorado Dog is a natural chewable flea and tick treatment and is more like a delicious treat for your pet than a flea treatment. Your dog will enjoy this treatment that contains natural ingredients that keep fleas and ticks off your dog for good. Some benefits of a chewable form are that there are no oils that you need to apply to your dog’s fur, and your dog doesn’t have to wear a Seresto collar around their neck all the time. This is a great alternative to the Seresto collar not working for dogs.
This effective treat contains brewer’s yeast and garlic which is a natural repellent that keeps fleas and ticks far away from your dog. This natural treatment is successful when following the directions properly and uses a different active ingredient than the Seresto collar for dogs.
Arava Natural Flea & Tick Prevention for Dogs & Cats
Pros
- Arava aromatherapy repels and kills insects.
- Uses essential oils to repel and kill insects.
- 100% chemical-free, unlike the Seresto dog collar.
- Opens on the front and the side for easy access to release your dog.
- Flea protection drops instead of a collar.
Cons
- None.
The Arava Natural Flea & Tick Prevention is an effective natural flea and tick treatment that contains chemical-free ingredients that are specially formulated to prevent fleas and ticks. In your case, the Seresto Collar is not working for fleas, but a natural flea and tick prevention using essential oils may work better. This FDA-approved treatment is suitable for small, medium, and large dogs and is a great alternative to the Seresto Collar not working for fleas.
The natural scent drives fleas away before they have a chance to bite your dog. Adult fleas are killed and not capable of reproducing which prevents infestations.
Zero Bugs Flea & Tick Prevention Ultrasonic Collar Tag
Effectively prevent fleas and ticks from biting your dog with this chemical-free treatment. It’s easy to place on your dog’s tag, the battery lasts 10 months before needing replacement and it uses ultrasound technology to successfully do its job to repel fleas and ticks.
This helpful gadget repels fleas and ticks successfully unlike the Seresto collar which not be working for you. It’s available in black, orange, white, and yellow. This is also a great alternative to the Seresto collar not working. This key chain can be used for cats or dogs.
Mdxconcepts Zuba Dog’s Flea and Tick Control Spray
This all-natural flea and tick prevention contains peppermint oil and other essential oils which makes it safe for your pet safe from fleas and ticks. The instant action spray immediately repels fleas, eggs, larvae, ticks, and mosquitoes. However, the spray does need to be applied rather often. However, this is a very economical option if your Seresto collar is not working.
It’s easy to apply to your dog by simply petting them in the opposite direction of the hair growth and spraying the treatment as you go along. This is an outstanding temporary solution to the Seresto collar not working and can be used on both dogs and cats.
Wondercide Natural Products – Flea, Tick and Mosquito Control
This natural flea and tick treatment prevent 98% of fleas and ticks from biting your dog and creating an infestation. It destroys the entire life cycle of fleas and ticks and successfully kills eggs, larvae, and adult pests.
This product doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals and is safe for dogs as a topical prevention and treatment. In addition to applying it to your dog, you can also spray it on flooring, carpet, bedding, and furniture. It features a fresh lemongrass scent that is safe for people, dogs, and homes. In general, flea and tick sprays are a cheap alternative to the Seresto collar not working. It’s worth a try.
How to Check Your Dog for Fleas and Ticks
Typically, dog owners realize their pet has fleas when the infestation is already out of control. You can prevent the infestation from getting bigger by checking your dog’s coat and skin for fleas and ticks.
It’s easy to do on a daily basis by slowly petting your dog in the opposite direction of the hair growth. As you glide your hand across your dog, look closely at your dog’s skin to see if any fleas or ticks are present. If you notice black specks that look like pepper or brown tiny bumps those are fleas and ticks and you need to take action immediately by using one of the treatments listed above. In addition, sometimes ticks will burrow into your pet, so you need to check for small black objects that are halfway burrowed into your pet’s skin.
How to Choose the Right Flea and Tick Treatment for Your Dog
Choosing the right treatment for your dog is easier than you expect. The first thing you need to do is decide if you want to use a chemical treatment that has proven results for killing and preventing fleas or if you prefer 100% natural ingredients to get the job done. Once you decide you have already narrowed down half the list.
Next, make your choice from the portion of the list that suits your dog’s needs. If your dog is exposed to deer ticks use the option that is specially formulated to kill those ticks since they carry Lyme disease which is a terrible illness that could lead to death if not treated by a professional.
The last thing you need to do is consider is your dog’s lifestyle. Do they spend a lot of time outdoors? Are they around other dogs? Do they need strong protection that is continuous such as a collar or chewable treat option or is a natural spray something that will work better for your dog?
It’s important to keep notes about how the treatment of your choice works for your dog. If you notice your dog needs something stronger because they enjoy splashing around in water or swimming then you need to choose waterproof options. All of these options are effective to the Seresto collar not working.
Keep in mind your dog’s personality too. Your dog might be happy to gobble up a tasty chewy treat that contains natural ingredients with the power to fight against fleas and ticks, but they might not be happy about wearing a collar all day and night. In addition, wearing a Seresto collar doesn’t look visually appealing. On the other hand, if you use a topical solution for your dog then your dog’s fur may have a greasy feel to it.
Consider your dog’s personality and what they will prefer the most. It’s essential that you choose the right treatment option for your dog so it will be easier to continue for the long term. If you notice your dog isn’t happy with your first decision try a different option until you find the right one.
Always make sure one treatment has expired such as the 30 days after application before trying a new treatment otherwise you can overwhelm your dog with too many ingredients that could lead to illness. Play it safe and get rid of those fleas and ticks today with the effective products on the list shown above!
Why is my dog’s Seresto collar not working?
Typically, the Seresto collar doesn’t work because the active ingredients, which are Flumethrin and Imidacloprid, are not effective against the type of insect that is biting your pet. In addition, the Seresto collar may only be protecting the front half of your dog, which leaves other areas of their body exposed to fleas and ticks. We recommend that you try a different type of active ingredient from another brand to see what is most effective for your dog.
Conclusion for “Why is the Seresto Collar not working?”
Many pet owners have complained that the Seresto collar is not working. There are several reasons, but the most common reason for the Seresto collar not working are the chemicals (flumethrin and imidacloprid) are not effective against the type of flea or tick. In addition, the chemicals may only be protecting your dog’s neck, head, and body while leaving the back of their body exposed. All of the above flea and tick treatments use a different active ingredient than the Seresto collar so it’s worth trying an alternative option. The Seresto collar is not working for fleas and ticks as many pet owners have found — just try something new from our list above!
Considering a Seresto flea collar for your cat? Read some reviews first before you purchase!
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Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.