Are Flea Collars Worth the Trouble?
There are a variety of products on the market that claim to kill fleas, but are flea collars worth the hassle? A veterinarian will be able to weigh the pros and cons of flea collars, and will recommend a product that is safe and effective. A veterinarian will also be able to recommend other options for flea prevention.
Flea collars help keep dogs and cats free of fleas and ticks, and prevent your dog from contracting diseases transmitted by fleas. Some collars also help control other parasites, such as sarcoptic mange (scabies), which is also caused by fleas.
The most effective flea collars kill fleas at contact and repel them before they bite your dog. One such product is the Seresto Collar, which has an advanced design that kills multiple types of parasites with a low concentration of active ingredients. This collar releases imidacloprid and flumethrin, two insecticides with low toxicity to mammals.
Flea collars are safe for cats as long as they are used correctly. However, it is important to keep in mind that the products may cause irritation to your cat. To prevent irritation, try to choose a product that doesn’t have a strong odor. Also, watch for skin reactions and choose a product with a safety feature.
Flea collars are not effective if you don’t change them regularly. The American Kennel Club recommends that you apply Frontline Plus at least 30 days after the last application of a collar. This gives the chemicals time to get out of your dog’s system.