Useful Information On Flea And Tick Collars For Dogs

Flea and tick collars are used for preventing the risk of dogs getting fleas and ticks, but have you ever deliberated about how they work?

How Do Flea And Tick Collars Work?

It should be noted that these collars were generally an option for dogs and cats that don’t have fleas. They were adequate for prevention but not for curing a flea infestation. Nowadays, you have the option of buying a collar that lasts for up to eight months that can be used for treatment as well as prevention of flea infestations.

These Collars Have Two Primary Functions:

Repellent – one type is emitting a gas that repels pests. The dog must be bitten by the pest for the insecticide to kill it.

Treatment – the other type contains medication that penetrates the fat layer underneath your dog’s skin, or it has active ingredients that spread through blending with the dog’s natural skin oils. With this type the treatment collar emits active ingredients that instantly kills the fleas and ticks on contact before the animal is bitten.

Some collar has just one of the purposes mentioned above, while others act as both. Make sure you check the container carefully to ensure you are buying what you require. Collars that act as a repellent will be marked “wards of pests” or “repels fleas” while collars that serve a double duty will be marked “kills” or it will say “kills fleas and their larvae.” You can read this pretty detailed post about the best tick and flea collars available.

What Are The Benefits Of Flea And Tick Collars?

  • Pest collar is usually more efficient at fighting ticks than fleas due to the collar being around the dog’s neck. The insecticide tends to work in the face and neck area only, usually where ticks reside.
  • Specific collars can last up to eight months, much longer than the 30-day spot-on treatments.
  • Collars are usually cheaper than spot-on, but the super inexpensive collars that you can pick up at a grocery store don’t always work well. Instead, ask your vet for advice on the preferred brands.

Ingredients In Flea And Tick Collars That Must Be Avoided

Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) is considered as a neurotoxin that can be toxic to both humans and domestic pets. It works effectively as a pest killer, but the safe use of this ingredient is questionable with some scientists claiming that it’s a human pollutant.

The Downsides Of Using Flea And Tick Collars

Because the collars are worn around the dog’s neck, they generally work only in that area, leaving the remaining areas of your pet unprotected. A collar is an excellent choice for people who have tick-related issues. But if you have problems with both fleas and ticks, the collar alone may not suffice as treatment.

If your dog has frequent contact with other dogs and your children, it is vital to think about the medication contained in the collar. It may not be a safe treatment option since it could be potentially toxic when children and other dogs encounter the medication.