Flea collars are for dogs with fleas and ticks. It is the most effective way of getting rid of these pests on your dog’s skin and fur. But have you ever wonder how flea collars work and how long does it take to take effect. Read on and learn the things you need to know about flea collars.
What is Flea Collars?
As the name implies, flea collars are collar placed around the dog’s or cat’s neck to get rid of fleas and ticks. The use of the collar is the most popular and easy to utilize treatment for fleas, despite having lots of new spot-on known for being safe and more effective. The flea collar could be a thing of the past, but some dog owners continue to use it to control flea because it costs less, easy to use, and effective.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Flea Collar
You don’t just buy a flea collar because it will look good on your dog. Below are factors that you need to consider when purchasing a dog flea collar.
Natural or Chemical
In the past, there is only one kind of flea collar, the one infused with chemicals. But because of these collars’ complaints and adverse effects, a safer and natural tick collar was made. However, natural flea collars are less effective as compared to those made of chemicals. The good thing about the natural flea collar is that it has fewer side effects.
Water-Resistance
Dog owners know that dogs can’t stay dry 100% all the time. Your pets tend to jump over the rivers or lakes when they see one, may go out during rainy days, or take a bathed. The water might seep into the flea collar. So, you must choose a water-resistant flea collar, which means the collar is protected against occasional soakings.
Protection Period
Usually, the protection period of flea collars lasts between 3 and 8 months. The longer the protection period, the better as you don’t have to change the collar every now and then, which means less work for you.
Size and Adjustability
Flea collars are available in different sizes. You need to find the right size for your dog. For accurate sizing, measure the circumference of your pet’s neck using a tape measure. If you can find an adjustable flea collar, the better. Many have slide style buckle that can be adjusted to any size, but some are not adjustable.
Tick Protection
Some flea collars don’t work on ticks. Several collars are effective only on detaching ticks, but it does not prevent or kill fleas.
Effectiveness
Flea collars are not manufactured equally. Some are more effective than others. Some collars are designed only to protect the dog against fleas. This is recommended for your pets with tiny creatures in the fur, but it does not clean the infestation. Collars that can kill fleas can only eliminate adult fleas, while others sterilize eggs and small fleas.
How do Flea Collars Function
Flea collar emits the chemical on your dog’s fur or skin that prevents and eliminates the fleas. The chemicals will kill all the insects present in your dog’s body. Your pets will be protected from fleas and ticks for up to seven months, depending on the brand you choose, your pet’s condition, and other factors.
The chemicals are not released right away. It slowly releases the chemicals to get rid of the fleas. There are lots of flea collars available in the market. Make sure to choose the right level of protection for your pets.
The two main functions of flea collars are as follows:
Kill or Eliminate
The active ingredients are released and spread in the pet’s skin. Once the flea gets in contact with the chemical, they get eliminated.
Prevent
The chemicals used in the collar releases gas that helps prevent the fleas from multiplying.
How Long Does the Collar Take Effect to Work
Most of the time, chemical flea collars take effect in the first 24 hours of using it. You will notice the result after three to four weeks. The natural flea collar, on the other hand, may take longer before it provides the results.
Some factors might affect the efficacy of the collar. Some of these include the ingredients used, usage, the flea infestation stages, dog’s condition, manufacturer, and hygiene.
When to Remove the Flea Collar?
If your dogs did not experience any side effects after using the collar, you have to wait several weeks. Also if it does not show any improvement, then you have to remove the collar.
If your dog is taking an oral tablet for flea or a spot-on treatment, you have to remove the collar when the day is done. Your dogs might experience adverse effects if they get too many active ingredients.
Benefits of Using Flea and Tick Collars
- Effective on dealing with fleas and ticks since the collars rest in the dog’s neck. The neck is the area where most of the ticks are found. If you are more concerned about ticks than fleas, then the collar is beneficial.
- Some collars can last up to eight months as compared to spot-on that can only last for 30-days.
- Flea collars are less expensive, but there are some that also a bit expensive.
You Can Read More Guide The Best Flea and Tick Collar For Cats.
Conclusion
The flea collars are very effective in getting rid of the flea. However, dog owners should be aware of the possible side effects if your dogs ingested the chemicals on it. Despite the side effects, the dog owners are thankful for flea collars manufacturers as it helps them get rid of flea and ticks. Without these collars, you might be facing some severe problems. If you find this post helpful to you, feel free to comment below.
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Saundra J. Graves is a housewife. I love to keep my cats happy always. Also, I want to make sure another person takes caring their cats and kittens. Stay with my personal blog to know caring tips and reviews of cat & dog food, other products also.