Are Flea Collars More Effective Than Topical Treatments?
WouterWhen deciding whether or not to use a flea collar, you need to consider your dog’s needs and the potential risks of using these products. These products typically last for 30 days, and they work by exposing the animal to a higher concentration of active ingredient. However, they are not as effective as topical treatments, as they only provide short-term protection and will need to be applied again after the 30 days. Another difference between the two types of products is that topical products are sprayed directly onto the animal, and flea collars release the chemicals slowly over several months. This makes them less messy, but also poses some risks for other animals and pets.
The primary ingredient in a flea collar is imidacloprid. This compound is a very slow release form of the insecticide flumethrin. This product is effective against adult fleas, and it is also known to kill larvae, preventing re-infestation. This is particularly beneficial for areas where the environment is extremely hot or humid.
Insecticides used in flea collars release small amounts of chemicals across the cat’s skin, where they enter the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. These chemicals act as a chemical minefield for fleas, killing them before they can reproduce. Some collars also contain insect growth regulators, which prevent fleas from reaching maturity.
