In this post, we'll look at the question, "How do flea collars work?" Flea collars are one of the many effective ways to control fleas. Often, flea collars help for dogs at higher risk of encountering fleas as part of an ongoing regimen, including topical and oral flea treatments. However, consult your veterinarian before using more than one treatment at a time.

First, keep in mind that fleas and ticks aren't picky about who they bite. They'll bite people, cats, dogs, and many other animals. If fleas and ticks are present near your home, they could come from raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, feral cats, or other dogs. 

Adult fleas can consume 15 times their body weight in blood per day. Plus, the blood-sucking pests can jump 50 to 100 times their body length. For such tiny creatures, they are astonishingly powerful and ravenous feeders. As they bite, fleas can cause skin infections, anemia, tapeworm infestations, and transmit potentially dangerous organisms. Ticks are even worse, capable of carrying a plethora of diseases.

So, can a flea collar control these horrible little pests?

Talk to Your Veterinarian First

First, keep in mind one should never use a collar designed for a cat on a dog or vice versa. Due to different physiologies, dog flea collars can contain ingredients lethal to cats. Also, puppies and older dogs can be more sensitive, and pregnant or nursing dogs should not wear flea collars.

With any flea collar, it's advisable to wear gloves when handling them, especially when handling more than one. Also, any flea product must be kept out of reach of children.

With any flea collar, there is a risk for homes where multiple pets live. For example, a cat could chew or lick on a dog's collar. As you can see, it's a good plan to ask a veterinarian when considering flea and tick control.

How Do Flea Collars Work?

Older flea collars emit a chemical toxic to fleas as a gas. Pests that come close to the collar are killed. However, the fleas that stay from away from the collar can continue to bite. Notably, the organophosphates generally used in older collars can be toxic to dogs, cats, and people. 

Fortunately, newer flea collars can kill pests before they bite. Today, flea collars may contain less hazardous chemicals that spread from the collar to the dog's skin. There, the insecticide spreads, carried by natural skin oils. Still, the collars are most effective around the head and neck. Therefore, they may work best against ticks, which like to climb to a dog's head.

Notably, the active ingredients target the insect's nervous system, and neurotoxins carry some risks for people and animals. However, some collars use insect growth regulators specific to insects, such as methoprene and pyriproxyfen. These chemicals sterilize fleas and ticks, preventing them from reproducing.

New flea collars can remain effective for three to eight months, depending on the product. Longer-lasting collars tend to cost more, though the cost may be less than using topical treatments.

Are Flea Collars Waterproof?

What about if your pet goes out in the rain or takes a swim? Will the collar still work? Most collars are water-resistant, but not waterproof. It depends on the wide variety of chemicals used in the product. Generally, exposure to water will degrade the collar and reduce effectiveness.

Our Collar-Me Tickless Flea & Tick Dog Collar is waterproof and lasts for about six months. So, it's the perfect collar for dogs that like to get in the water. Plus, it's designed for dogs and puppies 12 weeks of age and older. However, it is not safe for cats, so keep that in mind if you have a multi-pet household.

Collar-Me Tickless will last about six months, continuously releasing an insecticide. Pests die as they come into contact with your dog's coat.

Why Use a Flea Collar?

Flea collars can be a good way to repel fleas and ticks when your pet enters the insects' natural environment. For example, when your dog is romping through tall grass or undergrowth. Thus, if you're taking a walk in the outdoors, camping, or hiking, a flea collar can be a great preventative.

By wearing a collar temporarily, you can help reduce the risks of an infestation. Keep in mind, if you also use topical and oral medications, the collar should be worn only temporarily. Once more, ask your vet for their advice on possible interactions.

Another example is if fleas have infested your home or yard. During this time, your pet may benefit from wearing a collar. Also, PetCareRx suggests putting a flea collar inside your vacuum bag to kill fleas as you clean your home.

Topical Treatment

In addition to a flea collar, we offer Spot-On Bug Off for large dogs over 12 weeks old. (Not safe for cats) The topical triple-action formula disperses over the dog's skin naturally. There, it remains in the hair follicles, both repelling and killing ticks and fleas. Plus, it prevents eggs and larvae from growing.

Unlike competitors, Spot-On Bug Off has the added benefit of repelling insects like fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and flies. And, the insects are driven away before they bite! Even better, it remains in action for a full month, with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

As you can see, a flea collar can be a valuable weapon against ticks, fleas, and other pests. If you're considering using flea collars, consider trying Collar-Me Tickless™ for waterproof, convenient pest control. Or try Spot-On Bug Off for dogs, a fast, easy way to repel and kill pests for larger adult dogs made in the U.S.A. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.