Fleas are a menace. Apart from causing skin discomfort, their bites can spread ailments that suck out the cheer from your dog’s life. Besides, they can be a severe risk for you and your family, particularly if flea infestation is not controlled timely. Luckily, with the best flea collars for dogs, people can eliminate these pesky pests and, better yet, ban them from their houses for good.
If you’ve had it with these minute creatures and are considering acquiring a dog flea neck strap, this post will prove handy. Below, I provide you with seven in-depth dog flea collar reviews, thus, narrowing your options, given the many products available.
Furthermore, I’ve included a comprehensive shopper’s guide that’ll educate you on what to consider when selecting a flea strap, the various classifications of flea neck gear, and when to utilize a specific kind of mutt flea neck gear.
What dangers do fleas pose? Note this: fleas don’t even need to chew on your mutt to start causing problems. Their sheer presence means seeing them crawl under the pet’s coat, triggering a bad itch. This discomfort, while enough trouble on its own, will lead to further problems.
See, as fleas crawl under the dog’s coat, causing an itch, dogs will endeavor to ease things by pulling the fleas out with their teeth or scratching with their huge and sharp nails. Eventually, your dog might cut its skin and start bleeding, or worse still, lose its hair and be at risk of infections.
How do dog flea collars assist in preventing these troublesome pests? For one, they ward off fleas, thus keeping them far from your four-legged companion. Besides that, these insect-preventing straps consist of toxic insecticides that kill the adults. And lastly, they’ll sterilize any egg and larva, therefore, breaking the existence phases of these minute nuisances.
Top 7 Top-rated Flea and Tick Collars for Dogs
There’re tons of flea straps in commercial circulation, which makes it hard for customers, especially first-timers, to decide what to buy. In light of that, I have narrowed down on the seven best products you can consider. Check out their in-depth reviews to discover your ideal insect-preventing gear.
1. Top Pick for Dog Flea Prevention: Seresto Collar
Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Flumethrin* 4.5%, Imidacloprid 10.0% (*Trans Z-1/trans Z-2 Ratio: max 66% trans Z-1 and min 34% trans Z-2)
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Item Weight: 2.08 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 4.75 x 4.75 x 1.5 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
If you’ve had it with these tiny creatures and prefer to deal with them immediately, then acquiring this neck gear for fleas and ticks might be an excellent place to begin. It offers an eight-month safeguard to your four-legged companion against these pests, saving you from having to administer flea controls each month.
This product performs two functions – warding off and exterminating fleas and ticks. These pests don’t have to chew on the gear or mutt to get eliminated; instead, they’ll die just by touching this strap. It has no smell, which means your four-legged companion won’t have to contend with an irritating whiff when they wear this gear.
I love that this product can be utilized with other identifying or restraining neck gear without any issues. Also, it is non-oily; thus, it won’t get all greasy on your mutt’s coat.
This product offers an eight-month protection period and weighs 2.08 oz. It has Imidacloprid and flumethrin as active ingredients; it’s waterproof and suitable for mutts/ puppies that are seven weeks or older and above eighteen pounds.
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2. Budget Pick Flea & Tick Collars for Dogs: SOBAKEN
Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Spearmint Oil 7%, Clove Oil 7%, Citronella Oil 8%
- Age Range Description: from 3 month age
- Item Weight: 3.21 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 3.74 x 3.7 x 1.3 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
The Sobaken strap effectively prevents fleas/ ticks and makes the ideal purchase if you have limited finances to spare. It offers a continuous safeguard against these insects for eight whole months, which implies that it’s not necessary to replace the flea strap moment after moment. Unlike the previous versions, this new gear boasts of an improved and potent formula that’s way more reliable for eliminating these pests. Better yet, it won’t trigger allergic reactions in your mutt.
This flea collar suits dogs of all sizes and should be used if your four-legged companion is at least three months old. Of all things, I loved this product because it stays potent and lethal on fleas even after your mutt plays in the water.
This neck strap weighs 0.9 oz and delivers many months of continued safeguard against these pesky organisms. You just need a single insect-preventing gear for the whole use. It has a length of twenty-five inches and natural components.
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3. Best Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs: Virbac Preventic
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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Amitraz 9%
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Item Weight: 15.5 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 0.75 x 4.25 x 4.69 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
If you’ve got to handle a flea and tick outbreak simultaneously, this strap might make an excellent purchase. Within a short span, this flea gear can exterminate and remove ticks and fleas from your mutt, sparing them the agonizing itch that these pesky tiny creatures cause. Given that your mutt has a maximum neck measurement of twenty-five inches, I assure you that this flea strap will fit properly.
The manufacturer recommends that you utilize this flea gear on mutts/ pups of three-months and older. Furthermore, it’s advisable to leverage it if the dog weighs over sixty pounds. As an active ingredient, it has nine percent amitraz, an effective acaricide and insecticide.
It can fit mutt necks of up to twenty-five inches and weighs 0.97oz. The product is manufactured in France.
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4. Best Tick Collar for Dogs Small to Extra-Large: Petsmont
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The Petsmont is among the preferred flea collars out there and boasts of an innovative, potent plant-based formula. It offers a one-year safeguard against these pests, becoming one of the countable collars in commercial circulation, delivering such a lengthy timeline of protection. In the package, there’re two flea collars, each offering a six-month safeguard against fleas.
If you’re thinking of flea collars for small dogs, I recommend this neck gear since it can perfectly fit any dog. Besides that, it has no pesticide, thus, conforming to an earlier directive that saw companies agree to cease the sale of pesticide-containing mutt straps. It has a length of 22.44 inches and is lightweight.
With this item, count on two flea collars, a one-year safeguard, and plant-derived components. Moreover, it contains 100 percent vital natural oils and is waterproof.
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5. Flea Collars That Work as Dewormers: Inspector
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Specifications:
- Water-Resistant
- Age Range Description: Puppy
- Item Weight: 0.02 Pounds
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 11 x 8 x 0.9 inches
- Target Pests: Flea, Tick
For those in search of a collar that safeguards your mutt from all types of parasites, and not just fleas and ticks, the Inspector might just do the trick. This brand collar functions as a dewormer too, getting rid of eleven distinct kinds of parasites inside and outside the body, including roundworms and hookworms.
I found this product to be quick-acting as you can start noticing results in two days. It typically keeps killing ticks for up to three, helminths for two, and other parasites for four months. These flea collars are brown and come in three sizes. There’s a small size for dogs weighing below 22 pounds, the medium for dogs between 22 and 65 pounds, and the large size for canines above 65 pounds. You can find measurements for each size to see which fit will be appropriate for your mutt.
The fact that this brand offers two in one protection, i.e., from fleas and worms, makes it quite affordable too (you won’t need to buy individual products for each problem). This natural flea and tick collar is also water-resistant. So, it’s not harmful to an animal and won’t stop working when it comes into contact with water.
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6. Best Flea Collar for Puppies: Adams 2PK
Specifications:
- Water-Resistant
- Age Range Description: Puppy
- Item Weight: 0.05 Pounds
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 0.88 x 4.25 x 4.13 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks, Flea Eggs and Flea Larvae
While this flea band protector can be adjusted to fit larger canines, I found it ideal for pups (they must be 90 days or older). It helps kill fleas and ticks and keeps doing so for half a year of wearing. As a plus, it also acts as a mosquito repellent. Since one purchase comes with two collars in the tin, you can use it on two dogs for six months or on one mutt for a year.
The collars are infused with an Insect Growth Regulator too. So, apart from killing full-grown fleas, it also keeps unhatched younglings (larva, pupa, or egg) from fully forming into flies, which translates into no new infestations.
The effectiveness of these collars isn’t affected by water-related activities such as swimming or bathing, as they are entirely waterproof. Only one size is available (adjustable), and it comes in grey.
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7. Top Rated Flea Collars for Dogs and Cats: INDREMY
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INDREMY collars might be a worthy choice for those looking for matching neckbands for their dogs and cats. INDREMY is a brand that sells all kinds of pet supplies, including toys, collars, training pads, etc. This particular band is 24 inches long but can be adjusted downwards.
These collars for dogs can guard against flea, lice, tick, mosquito, and larvae. This brand is among the more long-lasting flea protectors on this list, with just one neckband going for about eight months. The materials used to make them are fragrance-free and natural, which means the collars are less likely to trigger allergic flare-ups.
I found that these collars can withstand being submerged in the water now and then. However, you shouldn’t expose them to rain or the sun too much so that they are effective in the long run. It’s also relatively easy to fit. Once you’ve adjusted it to fit around your mutt’s or cat’s neck size, you just buckle it (no need to cut the extra part off).
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Buyer’s Guide and FAQ
With so many products available, it becomes quite challenging to navigate the flea collars market. So, to help you, below is a comprehensive shopper’s guide and FAQs to educate you on flea collars.
What to Pay Attention to When Shopping for Flea Collars
No flea bands are the same, but it is imperative that you still acquire a working item. In light of that, here are some essential things I highly suggest that you pay attention to when shopping for mutt flea collars.
- Contents: Flea collars can either contain natural oils or chemical substances. Overall, chemical flea collars are more potent, and thus, deliver better results.
- Waterproof: Mutts will not stay dry all the while. So, to ensure that the active substances do not wear off after contact with water, it helps to acquire a waterproof flea band for your four-legged companion.
- Measurements: Flea collars come in different sizes. Therefore, it helps to find a neck gear that fits your mutt perfectly. You can measure the neck of your mutt before purchasing these collars to ensure a proper fit. Besides that, it helps to acquire an adjustable band to make it easy to customize the size for your four-legged companion.
- Duration: Flea collars come with information on their service period. The longer the term, the better since you won’t have to change the flea prevention from time to time.
- Functionality: The best flea collars are those that work on fleas at all stages. A product that can repel, kill adult fleas, and sterilize flea eggs/ larvae is always a better solution when compared to the rest.
- Additional protection: In case of a double infestation by fleas and ticks, it makes sense to acquire a product that eliminates both of these tiny creatures. Luckily, there are tons of collars offering dual-protection, making them an ideal purchase during a double-infestation.
Related Post: 7 Best Flea Sprays on the Market.
The Varying Kinds of Flea Collars
Mutt flea collars are diverse. This diversity has made it crucial for customers to learn about the selection of treatment bands available online before they settle on a particular brand. That said, below are the two used classifications of flea collars:
Natural Collars
These flea collars are laden with organic oils and are a terrific alternative compared to chemically-composed toxic solutions. For the most part, this category of products does not trigger any allergic reactions in your mutt and is friendly to the environment.
These bands make for a terrific option for any canine parent before resorting to artificial ingredient-based products. They have fewer side effects, but their drawback is that they usually have lower potency levels.
Related Post: Best Dog Flea Shampoos: Natural & Effective Picks.
Chemical Collars
These collars have potent synthetic agents for exterminating pests. They are quite effective at eliminating these pesky little pests and will offer service over lengthy durations. You could opt for these pest collars whenever you have a severe flea invasion that’s severely affecting your canine’s health and physical activity.
Within these two categories, you can also find pest collars that exterminate parasites and those that only repel them. Both of these sub-classifications go around the issue differently and have distinct efficacy levels.
Categories of Flea Collars & the Needs They Satisfy
Flea collars can be categorized into distinct groups based on what’s used to manufacture them or the way they do their job. Knowing about these types can help you make the best choice for your requirements. Here’s when to choose each type:
- Natural collars: these parasite protection collars typically rely on organic components, for example, cedarwood oil to keep parasites away. They provide a fantastic go-to remedy for owners looking for mild flea control options for their allergy-susceptible dogs. If your canine has reacted to an artificial product, a natural neckband is best.
- Chemical collars: synthetic collars typically use an insecticide to exterminate or repel the pesky pests. This choice is best when you’re up against a really bad pest problem and searching for a remedy that can produce speedy results. However, make sure that your mutt isn’t already struggling with an allergy, as that means their skin is extra delicate.
- Repellent collars: these collars work by emitting a repellent to keep insects away. They are best when you are looking to prevent being overrun with fleas, want to save on cash, or are utilizing the neckband as part of a large and comprehensive pest management plan.
- Flea extermination collars: these collars infuse an insect-eliminating compound on a canine’s surface. They are an ideal selection when looking to treat an ongoing parasite invasion as they exterminate small bugs anywhere on the mutt’s skin. You may find collars in this category that also double up as repellents.
Related Post: Best Flea Treatment for Cats: Most Effective & Safe Products.
FAQ
Have questions about these protection collars you’d like me to answer? I have answered the most common ones below based on my years of pest control experience:
How Long Does It Take for a Flea Collar to Work?
Generally, parasite neckbands work differently depending on the brand and whether they are artificial or organic. If you go with a synthetic collar, you can expect it to start working in 24 hours. Natural collars typically take longer for results to be seen. So, do flea collars work in the long run? The product you pick, regardless of composition, should give you real results in about a month of continuous use.
How Long Do Flea Collars Last?
Different flea collars have varying longevity. Some may safeguard the pet for 90 days; others may go up to an entire year. However, these periods may vary, depending how well you maintain the collar. Case in point, it’s always wise to unbuckle the band when bathing your canine, even if it’s advertised as waterproof.
What Are the Side Effects of Using a Flea Collar?
Collars have been around for decades and are regarded by most pest experts, myself included, as safe. In a few instances, however, a mutt with delicate skin may experience mild side effects such as red hue on the skin, itchiness, restlessness/ discomfort, and thinning of the coat. If your canine is prone to allergies, I suggest going for a natural dog collar. For safe flea and tick neckbands, check out the products I have reviewed here.
How Much Is a Flea Collar for Dogs?
There are dozens of options for flea collars for people in every budget category. Prices start as low as $3.5 or as much as $100. Of course, the features will vary with the price. Also, the higher-priced options will often include two or more bands. If your cash is tight, my suggestion would be SOBAKEN Flea and Tick Prevention, as it offers good value at an affordable price.
When Can I Put a Flea Collar on My Puppy?
The appropriate period to use a flea protection band on a pooch is determined by the brand of band you have or wish to buy. Some are listed for usage on pooches as tiny as 6-7 months. Always check the age recommendation stipulated by the seller prior to procuring a product. For a person owning a pooch younger than that, try a flea comb or manually remove flies with a pair of tweezers.
Related Post: Adams Flea Collar Review
How Does a Flea Collar Work?
How do flea collars work exactly? There are two techniques. The first is by discharging a gaseous compound that exterminates or repels flying parasites that come close. These collars usually protect the neck and head area. The other method is the neckband producing a pesticide that permeates the fat layer of the mutt’s skin and moves to cover the entire epidermis. The compound exterminates insects upon landing on or being in close proximity with a treated mutt.
Verdict and Final Recommendations
Common parasites such as fleas make pets uncomfortable and may sometimes bring about medical problems. If these parasites get carried into the house, they ruin comfort there too. The most efficient technique of doing away with them is to procure efficient flea collars for your furry buddy. The names I have reviewed here are the most outstanding flea collar brands you’ll come across currently. Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar is my overall pick as it’s resilient, odorless, and excellent for both repulsing and exterminating pesky parasites.
Have some personal experience with flea collars you’d wish to share? How have they helped your pooch so far? Post your comments, questions, or suggestions below to continue this discussion.
References:
- Companies Agree to Stop Selling Pet Collars Containing Pesticide to Protect Children (United States Environmental Protection Agency):
https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/companies-agree-stop-selling-pet-collars-containing-pesticide-protect-children - Controlling Fleas (Mike Merchant and James Robinson Texas A&M AgriLife Extension):
https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/insects/controlling-fleas/ - Insect Growth Regulators (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/igr.html
- Companies Agree to Stop Selling Pet Collars Containing Pesticide to Protect Children (United States Environmental Protection Agency):
Contents
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