How flea and tick collars work
A flea and tick collar is a narrow plastic or rubber strap impregnated with natural or chemical substances. An anti-flea collar for dogs begins to act as soon as it touches the animal’s skin.
Upon contact with fur, the dog accessory begins to produce active substances that have a detrimental effect on parasites. During the day, toxins are smoothly distributed throughout the animal’s body, and on the 2nd day, the insects that have settled in the fur, as well as their larvae, die from poisoning.
For reference! The period of use of an anti-flea collar varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
But in most cases, the accessory protects for 7 months.
Rating of insectoacaricidal tapes
The table below shows the best anti-tick collars for dogs that contain potent insectoacaricides.
Name | Active substances | Hazard Class | Period of action against ticks |
Kiltix | propoxur, flumethrin | 3 | six months |
Scalibor | deltamethrin | 2 | six months |
Ungezieferband | diazinon | 3 | 2 months |
SOS Flea & Tick Collar | tetrachlorvinphos | 3 | 4 months |
Foresto | imidacloprid, flumethrin | 3 | 8 months |
Hartz Ultraguard | tetrachlorvinphos | 3 | 7 months |
Rolf Club 3D | fipronil, d-cyphenothrin, pyriproxyfen | 3 | six months |
Bolfo | propoxur | 3 | 2.5 months |
Dana Ultra | fipronil, ivermectin, pyriproxyfen | 3 (toxic to collies) | 3 months |
Inspector | fipronil, pyriproxyfen, ivermectin | 3 (toxic to collies) | 3 months |
Insectal Plus | fipronil, permethrin | low toxicity | 3 months |
Leopard | fipronil, diflubenzuron | 3 | 4 months |
Celandine | permethrin | 3 | 3 months |
Kiltix
Bayer produces Kiltix repellent tape designed to combat ectoparasites. According to reviews from dog breeders, it is considered one of the best repellents. Dogs should wear a tick collar in the spring, when the temperature outside is at least 0 degrees.
The drug protects the pet for 6 months. The shelf life of the product in unopened packaging is 5 years.
The active ingredients of the Kiltix collar for dogs are proposcur (from fleas and lice) and flumethrin (from ticks). When bathing your pet, it is recommended to remove the product.
Scalibor
Scalibor is on the list of flea and tick collars for dogs that are considered one of the best by pet owners.
The main active ingredient is deltamethrin. The active component is gradually released from the product and distributed over the skin and fur of the animal.
The drug accumulates in the epidermis and hair follicles of the animal, providing a long-lasting insectoacaricidal and repellent effect.
Scalibor disrupts the functioning of the nervous system of arthropods, which leads to paralysis and death. The drug has hazard class 2.
For small and medium-sized breeds, the manufacturer produces a tape 48 cm long. For large dogs, a tick collar of 65 cm is used.
The product provides protection against blood-sucking parasites for 6 months. Can be used from 7 weeks of age in young animals.
The collar does not need to be removed when washing the dog. However, when bathing an animal in an open body of water, it is recommended to remove the tape from the pet’s neck, since the active substance is highly toxic to aquatic inhabitants.
Ungezieferband
Ungezieferband from Beaphar is an anti-tick collar for dogs based on diazinon. The product is available in a variety of colors. It has a clamp with notches, allowing you to choose a comfortable length of the tape.
The main active ingredient does not penetrate the systemic bloodstream: it accumulates in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the animal. The gradually released insectoacaricide has a detrimental effect on blood-sucking insects: paralysis of the nervous system and death.
Ungezieferband is approved for use in puppies over six months of age. The manufacturer produces anti-tick tapes of various lengths.
In the presented line you can choose a tick collar for both large dogs and small dogs.
There is no need to remove the device while swimming, as it has moisture-resistant properties.
The manufacturer does not recommend combining antiparasitic tape with other chemical-based drugs.
SOS Flea & Tick Collar
Another effective repellent tape from the Beafar company. The active substance tetrachlorvinphos has a paralytic effect on mature, sexually mature individuals and their larvae.
Do not use simultaneously with other insectoacaricidal drugs (may lead to overdose). Used in pets older than 8 weeks.
Not suitable for pregnant or lactating animals. The period of action against ixodid parasites is 4 months, protection against fleas is maintained for 8 months.
Foresto
Foresto is one of the most effective tick collars for dogs. The product is impregnated with 2 active ingredients: imidacloprid and flumethrin. The first active ingredient acts as a repellent against fleas and their larvae. Second, it destroys ticks at any stage of ectoparasite development.
Has an insecticidal effect for 8 months. Allowed for use in puppies from 8 weeks of age.
Hartz Ultraguard
Hartz Ultraguard contains tetrachlorvinphos and S-methoprene. Hartz is perhaps the best flea and tick collar for dogs, which provides reliable protection for 7 months. You don't have to take it off before swimming.
After drying, a white coating forms on the tape, indicating reactivation of the active components.
Puppies can wear an Ultraguard collar from 6 weeks of age. For the entire period of wearing the tape, children are prohibited from contacting the dog. It is not allowed to combine with other insectoacaridicides.
Usually the drug does not cause side effects. In rare cases, salivation and vomiting are observed. When these symptoms appear, immediately remove the device from the animal and bathe it with plenty of water. In case of severe poisoning, contact a veterinarian who prescribes antitodes in the form of atropine or pralidoxime chloride.
Rolf Club 3D
Rolf Club 3D – collar for dogs of small, large, medium breeds. Contains 3 active substances: fipronil, d-cyphenothrin, pyriproxyfen. Used to prevent infection with endoparasites and treat diseases that can be caused by infected bloodsucking parasites. Can be used in puppies at least 3 months old.
Bolfo
Bolfo contains propoxur, an insectoacaricidal substance used only in the production of antiparasitic collars for dogs. It is not absorbed by the skin, accumulates directly in the hair follicles, providing a repellent effect.
Dana Ultra
Dana Ultra contains 3 components - fipronil, ivermectin, pyriproxyfen. A combined antiparasitic drug for external use has a protective effect against ecto- and endoparasites (nematodes).
When using the drug, it should be taken into account that some of its active substances are highly toxic to fish, bees and rabbits. Can be used in young animals from 2 months. Dana Ultra exhibits protective properties for 3 months.
Inspector
The rating of the best flea and tick collars for dogs includes the Inspector collar.
The insectoacaricidal product is impregnated with 3 potent compounds at once: fipronil, pyriproxyfen, ivermectin. Active substances cause rapid death of ectoparasites and their larvae and prevent re-infestation (infection). A tick collar is put on dogs a few days before expected contact with ectoparasites.
The drug exhibits repellent activity against ticks for 3 months and protects against helminthiasis for 8 weeks.
Use a collar on breeds such as collie, sheltie and bobtail with caution and only in consultation with a veterinarian.
Inspector series drugs are contraindicated for lactating and pregnant bitches. Also should not be used on puppies under 8 weeks of age.
At the first signs of poisoning (tearing, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea), the protective accessory is immediately removed, the dog is washed, and then contacted to the veterinary clinic.
Insectal plus
Insectal Plus is an insectoacaricidal tape for dogs with a combined composition. Contains active chemical components (fipronil, permethrin) and a natural substance – citronella oil. The first two substances destroy all known ectoparasites, the last one acts as a repellent for arthropods.
Leopard
The leopard is made of polymer tape designed to protect dogs from fleas and ticks of large, medium, and small breeds.
Contains two active substances - fipronil, diflubenzuron. The first causes paralysis and death of arthropods, the second destroys the larvae.
The drug does not begin to act immediately. It will take 1-2 days for the active substances to distribute throughout the dog’s coat and begin their action.
During the period of drug distribution, ticks can stick to the animal, but then they begin to fall off on their own.
The product does not have a toxic or locally irritating effect, therefore it is considered one of the safest for pets. The collar is valid for 4 months. Puppies are allowed to wear from 2 months.
Celandine
Celandine is an affordable option for protecting your dog from ticks based on permethrin. Usually the drug is well tolerated by animals and does not cause local irritation. The collar protects your pet from ixodid parasites for 12 weeks. Not recommended for use on puppies under 4 months of age.
Types of accessories
The effectiveness of protection depends on the active substance with which the collar is impregnated, because it is this substance that affects parasites. A flea collar for dogs can be:
- Chemical. Impregnated with harmless insectoacaricides. This accessory quickly destroys insects, but can cause an allergic reaction in the dog.
- Biological. Soaked in essential oils and herbal extracts. This item is harmless and suitable for dogs with weak immune systems, puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches. Efficiency is noticeably lower.
- Ultrasonic. It has an atypical operating principle. It emits a signal of a certain frequency that repels parasites. The effectiveness of this accessory is assessed differently by breeders and veterinarians, and the price is the highest.
Collars differ in design, duration of action and type of active substance
Advantages and disadvantages of such collars
Collar against blood-sucking parasites - can protect against fleas, ticks, and lice-eaters. It is easy to use and has a long shelf life, but, like any thing, it has strengths and weaknesses. The advantages include:
- ease of use;
- does not cause discomfort to the pet;
- wide range of models (design, colors, price);
- does not require constant monitoring of the dog’s actions;
- lasts for a long time;
- has water-repellent properties.
Despite the large number of positive factors, flea collars have disadvantages:
- side effects;
- if the chemical comes into contact with human skin, it may cause an allergic reaction;
- some models have an unpleasant odor;
- models with a high concentration of chemicals are not suitable for puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches, as well as small breed dogs.
Important! If your dog has a weakened immune system, veterinarians recommend using a bio-collar.
Anti-tick collar for dogs: selection rules
In order not to purchase a fake, you need to purchase an anti-flea collar in pet stores. The choice of dog accessory must be approached with all responsibility, since the health of not only your four-legged friend, but also that of all household members, depends on it.
A properly selected collar must meet the following criteria:
- It is better to give preference to products from domestic and European manufacturers. China is not recommended.
- The item must be sealed and contain instructions.
- For puppies, lactating and pregnant bitches, purchase products with gentle effects. If your dog is sick or recovering from a serious illness, it is better to consult a veterinarian before choosing a product.
- It should be comfortable, not cause discomfort, and correspond to the weight category.
- Price and quality. An expensive collar does not always show positive results.
You need to purchase dog accessories from trusted suppliers.
How else can you get rid of pests?
You can get rid of pests using drops, shampoos, tablets, injections and sprays.
Also, many advise using traditional methods. It is worth making a decoction of rosemary, lavender, wormwood and eucalyptus. This product can be used to treat not only a cat or dog, but also all places in the house (wash the floors).
You don’t have to create anything new and don’t put your pet in danger with your own hands. All you have to do is go to the veterinarian or pet store and buy a collar or any other product.
How to use the collar safely
The anti-tick dog collar is approved for use from 2 months of age. But to prevent the dog from developing side effects, consultation with a specialist is necessary before purchasing.
The process of putting on the collar is described in the instructions or on the packaging. In general it looks like this:
- The collar is taken out of the packaging, the limiter is removed and unfolded along its entire length.
- To activate the active substance, pull the ends in different directions.
- The collar is placed on the pet’s neck leaving a gap of 2 cm.
- The collar is secured using a special clamp.
- The excess length of the tape is cut off.
Important! To get rid of the smell and active substance, after the work done, you need to wash your hands with soap.
The gap between the neck and collar should be 2 cm
A dog’s allergy may not appear immediately, but after 2 days. Therefore, after putting on the collar, you need to carefully monitor your pet. If side effects occur, it is removed and the dog is shown to the veterinarian. Manifestation of side effects:
- restlessness and scratching in the neck area;
- rash, redness of the skin and hair loss;
- salivation and lacrimation;
- sneezing and rhinitis;
- lack of appetite;
- indigestion;
- apathy or excitability.
To help and not harm your four-legged friend, you must take into account contraindications for use:
- acute and chronic diseases;
- age;
- if the dog is being treated for parasites with other drugs;
- individual intolerance to the active substance.
Important! If your pet falls into one of the categories, then it is possible to rid it of fleas with a gentle shampoo for dogs, which is made based on herbs.
How to choose
The comfort of using a dog collar depends on a number of product characteristics. Taking into account the breed, temperament of the animal, as well as the following selection criteria, the pet owner will be able to purchase a reliable, high-quality and comfortable model:
- View.
According to their intended purpose, they are classified as decorative, everyday, exhibition, strict (for behavior correction or training). The function of the former is to add beauty to the animal, but when purchasing, you need to make sure that there are no sharp elements on the inside. The latter are suitable for daily walks; they may contain luminous or reflective elements that provide comfort for evening walks and protect your pet from careless drivers. Show type collars are distinguished by their invisibility. Strict ones ensure that the dog follows various commands, but the presence of spikes on the inside can harm the animal, so they are recommended to be used only under the supervision of an experienced dog handler. Separately, there are models against ticks and fleas, and electronic versions.
- Size
. First you need to measure the circumference of the dog's neck, add 5 - 7 cm. The resulting number will be the required length of the collar. For small and medium-sized pets, the width is 2–3 cm. When determining the size for a large animal, you need to take into account that a narrow one can rub the neck, and under a wide one the fur will roll off. At the moment of tightening, 2 fingers of an adult should fit freely between the collar and the dog’s neck.
- Material.
The most common option is leather. It is recommended to choose denser specimens, since the material stretches during wear. It also has low resistance to moisture, so the edges must be processed. Nylon collars are considered lightweight, durable and comfortable for dogs. They do not stretch, do not fade in the sun, are not susceptible to moisture, and do not lose quality over time. At the same time, the presence of a plastic fastener on the product excludes the possibility of their use for pets of large breeds, since it cannot withstand the jerking force of a large dog. Canvas models are also not afraid of moisture, but retain it well, and at the slightest damage they immediately tear. They are strong, but short-lived, so their price is the lowest. For walks in wet weather, silicone collars are suitable; dirt from them can be wiped off with a damp cloth.
- The seam.
The collar should be chosen with a side seam. If it is on the lower part, it will rub the pet’s neck, and the dog will begin to experience discomfort.
- Fastening with a leash.
Reliability of fixation is ensured by a special ring made of durable material. It is imperative to check the quality of its attachment to the collar, which helps prevent situations where the animal will break down.