best-flea-collar-for-small-dogs[/caption]Best Flea Collar for Dogs: Stop The Scratching!
Looking for the best flea collar for dogs? Good! No dog likes getting fleas, and no owner likes having to clean them out of the house. A flea infestation can be uncomfortable for your pooch, and could even pose a health risk. There are a lot of different flea treatment options out there, from oral medications to topical ointments. Perhaps one of the easiest methods of preventing fleas is by using a flea collar.
Flea collars can be a safe and effective way to prevent any dog from getting fleas, whether they’re exposed on a daily basis or only every once in a blue moon. It’s important to pick out the right flea collar for your dog so that your best friend will be comfortable and pest-free.
Quick Comparison: Top Flea Collars for Dogs
| Collar | Quality | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Small Dogs | A | |
| 4 in 1 Nylon Dog Protection Collar by Memteq | A- | |
| Virbac Preventic Tick Collar for Dogs | A | |
| UltraGuard Flea and Tick Collar for Large Dogs | B | |
| LSD Anti-Flea, Tick & Mosquito Dog Collar | B |
**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
How do Flea Collars Work?
Fleas are uncomfortable and potentially harmful bugs that latch on to your dog’s skin and feed on her blood. A flea infestation will be miserable for your dog, and excessive scratching and licking can cause skin infections. Flea collars are a preventative measure that can protect your pup from both fleas and ticks.
There are two different types of flea collars available. One variety emits a gas that is toxic to fleas, but this type of collar usually only kills fleas in the nearby vicinity. Fleas around the base of the tail can often survive. This type of collar is best used inside of a vacuum bag instead to kill any fleas that you suck up while cleaning.
The other type of collar has a medication that is absorbed into the fat layer under a dog’s skin. When a flea bites, it is poisoned. This type of collar is much more effective at preventing a flea infestation.
Flea collars don’t necessarily need to be worn at all times. If you’re planning to take your dog out to a thicket where there might be fleas or ticks, you can have her wear a flea collar for just that day. Make sure to remove it when your pup no longer needs to wear it.
Don’t put a flea collar on your dog if she’s already getting another form of treatment such as an oral medication or a topical ointment. Overmedicating your pup could result in an expensive trip to the vet. The neurotoxins used in flea treatments can build up in your pooch’s body and create health problems.
Flea collars are designed just for pets, so be careful when handling them. Human skin is sensitive and not protected by a layer of fur, so the toxins can easily get on your hands. This could be harmful if you accidentally touch your eyes or pick something up to eat. Always wash your hands after touching your pup’s flea collar.
Other pets such as cats can also be harmed by a flea collar designed for dogs. If you have any other pets that need a flea treatment, get them medication that is specifically geared towards their species.
Quick Demo of a Good Collar
What to Look for in a Flea Collar
One of the most important things to consider when looking at flea collars is your dog’s size. Your pup should not be able to reach down and gnaw on her flea collar since ingesting the toxins inside can be dangerous for her health.
Flea collars are designed to be safe for a dog’s skin, but not necessarily her digestive system. Try to find a flea collar that is not big enough for your dog to reach, but not so small that it irritates the skin around her neck.
One of the best things about flea collars is that they can last for months, unlike most topical medications. Using a flea collar may be more convenient to some people that remembering to apply an ointment every thirty days. Make sure that you don’t use the collar longer than advised by the manufacturer or it could lose its effectiveness.
Safety Precautions
All flea collars use toxic chemicals, or insecticides, to get rid of fleas. In small enough doses, these insecticides are safe for your pooch but deadly to those pesky fleas. Always check the active ingredients in your dog’s flea collar since some of these chemicals are safer or more effective than others.
Deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is one of the safest insecticides out there. It has minimal effects on both humans and our furry friends, but it’s not the only acceptable choice.
Pyriproxifen is another safe insecticide that targets eggs and larvae instead of adult fleas. It makes them unable to reproduce, so they die within a generation. Propoxur destroys the nervous system of fleas to kill them, but is dangerous for humans. A collar containing propoxur should be handled with care.
Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) should be avoided whenever possible. Although it does kill fleas, it is harmful to both you and your pets. TCVP is also a human carcinogen. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of TCVP. Some collars still use this insecticide, but there are plenty on the market that use safer chemicals.
A high quality, comfortable flea collar can be a lifesaver for both you and you dog. Your pup won’t be in pain, and you won’t have to worry about fleas getting tracked into your house. Flea collars are a safe, effective preventative measure in both the long and short term.
Which One Should you Buy? Here's My Two Cents...
| Collar | Quality | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Small Dogs | A | |
| 4 in 1 Nylon Dog Protection Collar by Memteq | A- | |
| Virbac Preventic Tick Collar for Dogs | A | |
| UltraGuard Flea and Tick Collar for Large Dogs | B | |
| LSD Anti-Flea, Tick & Mosquito Dog Collar | B |
Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Small Dogs
The Seresto collar for small dogs is one of the longest lasting on the market, and can be effective for up to 8 months. This collar kills both fleas and ticks, although it is more effective at eliminating flea problems.
It is built to be sturdy and is even waterproof, which allows you to keep it on during bath time. For safety, there is a quick release mechanism present that lets your pet escape if the collar gets caught on anything.
As with some other flea collars, certain dogs are susceptible to damage from the toxins released. The Seresto flea collar has been known to cause health problems such a seizures in some dogs, and should be used with caution if you have an elderly or sensitive pup.
4 in 1 Dog Flea and Tick Collar by Facilla
This is a nylon collar that is most suitable for a small or medium dog. It is adjustable, ranging from 21 to 30 centimeters in diameter.
It is a simple collar and has an easy clip attachment for quick removal. The nylon itself is tough, but is not well reinforced. This collar can’t stand up to too much abuse.
This model works by continuously emitting a toxic gas that kills adult fleas in the near vicinity. It works for up to four months, which is long enough for eggs and larvae to die off. This product also kills lice, ticks, mites and mosquitos. It is not waterproof, so be sure to remove it during baths or swimming.
Virbac Preventic Tick Collar
This is not exactly a flea collar, but is designed to specifically target ticks. It detaches and kills them with a toxic chemical and starts working within 24 hours. The Preventic collar is effective for up to 3 months.
It is great at getting rid of tick infestations, but does not work as well on fleas. If you want to protect your pup against both, you should use this collar in combination with a topical flea treatment.
Some dogs can experience a reaction to the chemical in this collar. If there is any skin irritation or changes in behavior such as lethargy, be sure to take the collar off and contact your vet immediately.
Hartz Ultraguard Flea and Tick Large Dog Collar
This collar is an ideal size for a large dog with a neck up to 26 inches and is built to be durable.
This collar lasts for up to 5 months and is water resistant to make bath time easier. It even comes with a fresh scent, which is a nice change from some of the smellier flea collars.
Hartz collars are effective at removing fleas and ticks, but contain TCVP, which is a carcinogen for humans and potentially dangerous for household pets. If you use this model of collar, be extra careful when handling it and keep it away from children.
LSD Pet Remedy Neck Collar
The LSD pet collar kills multiple pests, including fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. It starts working within 24 hours and lasts for up to 4 months.
It is constructed of thick, durable nylon to withstand wear and tear while still being comfortable for your pup. The buckle is easy to clip on and off for quick removal.
The LSD pet collar is not waterproof, so it should be taken off during baths. It is also not as robust as some other flea collars on the market. Even though this model is made of strong nylon, the LSD collar is susceptible to fraying and breaking.
We know that flea and tick prevention for dogs is one of the essentials for canine's health because fleas and ticks carry a number of very serious illnesses. Mild cases will make a dog lethargic and nauseous, but severe cases could cause him a lot of pain or even be fatal. Making sure your dog is wearing one of the best flea collars for dogs is vital to his overall health and well-being.
There are thousands of flea and tick species, but the most common problem causer is the cat flea. Cat fleas will set up a home on the dog, and lay eggs to continue infestation long after the original flea is gone. This is why preventing fleas and ticks is much more vital than trying to get rid of them after your dog has been infested.Several studies have showed that the use of the best flea collars for dogs (as well as tick collars for dogs) are one of the most effective ways to fight these parasites on dogs. Below, I will take a closer look at the specific types of best flea collars for dogs and their effectiveness according to most recent research.
In this article, I also want to discuss the importance of using dog flea collars, what other type of flea prevention for dogs there is, what flea and tick treatment solutions work best, and review top best flea collars for dogs including these five:
| Dog Flea/Tick Collars | Price | Quality | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seresto Flea and Tick Treatment | $$$$ | A+ |  |
| Scalibor Protector Band for Dogs | $$$ | A |  |
| BioSpot Active Care Flea and Tick Collar | $$ | A | |
| Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar | $$$ | A- |  |
| PREVENTIC Tick Collar | $$ | B | |
* Click on the best dog flea collar for more information, prices and details. Or scroll down below to read reviews.
Why use dog flea collars and how effective are they?
The key of using dog flea collars is prevention of ticks and fleas on the dog. While they do work as treatments on already infested dogs (as indicated by below studies), it's a good idea to protect your dog from fleas and ticks in the first place, and here's why.Without getting into too much detail, it's already established that fleas are dangerous for dogs for a number of reasons, and so are ticks. They spread diseases and pose fatal danger to pets. Vets agree that it's important to prevent fleas and ticks on the dog in the first place, but if that failed, then you must focus on breaking the flea's cycle ASAP:
“The best way to control fleas is to break the cycle. More fleas lay more eggs. The best treatment either kills the adults or kills one of the juvenile stages,” says Dr. Alison Diesel, DVM (source)
So do these best flea and tick collars for dogs work at breaking the cycle?
Yes, most of the top rated tick and flea collars for dogs work, and they have been studied extensively to assess the success rate of these collars. Let's take a look at some studies.
For example, dog flea collars with imidacloprid/flumethrin will reduce flea count by 95%and tick count by 90% during a period of 7-8 months (1). Dog flea collars with deltamethrin have been shown the effectiveness of 85% to 97% (2). Propoxur injected dog flea collars were effective at about 80% to 90% range (3). Most flea collars for dogs will start working at about 48 hour mark (4).
As you can see, there are several types of best dog flea collars, but the effectiveness is approximately the same, going around 80% to 95% range for all of them. To pick the best tick and flea collar for your dog, you should have a discussion with your veterinarian first.
There are several factors that will matter in deciding which is the best dog flea collar for your specific animal. For example, your dog's breed (read: fur) will matter, your dog's behavior will matter, and it also matters what region you're based in. Some areas have a larger tick and/or flea population than others, mostly depending on the climate.Other ways to fight fleas and ticks on the dog
In this article, I will mostly focus on discussing and reviewing the best dog flea collars and how they work. However, because flea and tick infestation on dogs is so common, there are also other ways to fight these parasites or prevent them in the first place.
Here are a few common alternatives (or additions) to dog flea collars:
- Dog flea pills – another very effective solution that's been proven to work.
- Dog flea shampoo – a good way to supplement other flea and tick treatments.
- Homemade flea/tick solutions – there are tons of natural, homemade flea and ticks solutions that also work, but research shows that they aren't as effective.
Our editor Samantha has also taken a thorough look at the three most popular dog flea and tick prevention, and have done a comparison/test of the best flea treatments here.
Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the best dog flea and tick treatment and prevention for your specific dog. Ask your vet about the best dog flea and tick collars that will be effective in your region and your specific dog.
Finally, if your dog already has fleas, I highly recommend you watch Samantha's video on how to remove fleas from a dog and from your home, and what works best for this.
What are the Best Flea Collars for Dogs?
top 5 effective dog flea and tick treatments
1Seresto F & T Collar For Dogs
The first product on our list of the best flea collars for dogs is this collar by Seresto. Made for dogs and puppies 7 weeks of age and older but under 18 pounds, this collar repels and kills fleas and ticks. This collar also prevents infestations for 8 months from the time it is put on. This collar is odorless and extremely easy to use.- Dog flea collar reviews: Read reviews of other pet owners
All pet owners have to do is remove the collar from the protective bag and adjust it to fit the animals neck. It closes similar to a buckle on a belt, and you can cut off any excess length. This Seresto F & T Collar for Small Dogs has been given great reviews and has shown a positive effect on flea and tick reduction in only a week or two.
When using one of the best flea collars for dogs, most pet owners can tell a difference simply by looking at their dogs fur. Your dog will be much more comfortable without irritating rashes or insects constantly crawling around causing a nuisance on his
skin. Customers say this is the most effective collar they have used on their dog, and most claim they will never use any other brand.According to customers, this collar has made some dogs sick or even experience seizures. It only repels certain types of ticks, so you may want to talk to a company representative if you are unsure about whether the ticks in your area are covered with this collar.
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Most helpful review (read the full Amazon review): “The results after 2 weeks have literally amazed me. I find far fewer ticks crawling in his fur, and the very few that I've found actually in him have…”
2Scalibor Protector Band for Dogs
This collar is a one-size-fits-all option and provides six months of protection for any dog over 12 weeks of age. As with many of the best flea collars for dogs, the instructions are simple to follow. The package says that maximum effectiveness should occur within two to three weeks of putting this collar from Scalibor on your dog, as long as it is worn continuously.- Dog flea collar reviews: Read reviews of other pet owners
A list of ticks that can be eliminated by use of this collar is included on the package. Many customers quickly notice a reduction in fleas and ticks on their dog, even in the most flea and tick infested parts of the country. Less scratching and irritation caused by annoying pests allows for happier dogs, so many pet owners are happy with the product and all it has to offer.
Some customers choose to take the Scalibor Protector Band for Dogs out of the package and let it air out for a few days, as this may cause a reduction in the strong reaction experienced by some dogs. There are reports from some pet owners that noticed that this flea collar (and many others) irritate their dog’s skin, and some dogs even start twitching and become restless when wearing it.
Dogs may have a reaction to the active ingredients, so be sure to check the list before ordering to ensure this collar will be both safe and effective for your pooch! You may want to keep a close eye on your dog for a day or two after putting on this collar to ensure he does not have a negative reaction.
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3Hartz 3 In 1 Control Flea & Tick Collar For Puppies
This collar kills fleas, flea eggs, and ticks. Getting wet will not affect the pest control it provides, which makes it a great option for pets that live near bodies of water or have pools! This product from Hartz provides seven months of protection and is adjustable so that it fits a large variety of neck sizes.- Dog flea collar reviews: Read reviews of other pet owners
Be sure to trim the excess length so that your dog does not chew the extra piece off and ingest toxic ingredients. Pet owners who have always used topical treatments and recently switched to this product are very happy with the results. Even those who prefer natural products have ended up using Hartz 3 In 1 Control Flea & Tick Collar for Puppies because it is one of the only products available that truly works.
Some even say their dog stopped scratching within an hour or two! Given the price tag, many customers could not be more happy with the effectiveness of this collar. Some dogs do tend to have a reaction to this product, as with many of the best flea collars for dogs. Patches of hair falling out and rashes seem to be the most common complaints among a very small amount of customers.
Every dog may react differently to this collar, as will be the case with all similar products. While it has not been successful for some, many dog owners have been very happy with the quality of this collar and its ability to prevent flea and ticks from being a pest for them and their dog.
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4BioSpot Active Care Flea and Tick Collar
The fourth product to make the list of the best flea collars for dogs is this collar from BioSpot. This product is available in a small or large size, although it is adjustable for dogs who fall somewhere in between. It kills fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae, as well as ticks, tick nymphs, and tick larvae.- Dog flea collar reviews: Read reviews of other pet owners
It provides a full seven months of protection for dogs and puppies over six weeks old. This collar is easy to put on and works quickly and effectively. Within days and sometimes even hours of putting a BioSpot Active Care Flea and Tick Collar on their dog, pet owners notice their Fido scratching far less and being seemingly tick and flea free!
Even dogs with sensitive skin seem to be happy with this collar, and pet owners who have tried multiple brands and products claim this is the only collar that has worked for their dog. This collar does have a slight smell, but most customers agree that it is not strong enough to be a nuisance.
Some consumers say that the collar did not prevent ticks and fleas for a full seven months, but many were satisfied with how long it lasted and the quality of the product. A few pet owners also said that the flea collar did not work at all and are choosing to use shampoos and other treatments instead.
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5PREVENTIC Tick Collar
The fifth product on our list of the best flea collars for dogs claims to be the only tick collar that detaches and kills ticks effectively. It is effective for three months, at which point it must be replaced to continue working effectively. This collar by Preventic is recommended for dogs and puppies three months and older.- Dog flea collar reviews: Read reviews of other pet owners
This collar measures 25 inches but is adjustable and sure to fit your dog with no problem! The collar must be worn tight enough that it makes contact with the skin, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable for your dog. Some customers say that this is the only brand they have found that truly works against both fleas and ticks.
Many customers have been using the Preventic Tick Collar for over 10 years! Although it may take a week or two to reach full effectiveness, many customers say they are very happy with the results and plan to order this product every couple of months so that they can keep their pet flea and tick free forever.
Unsatisfied customers claim that this product works effectively but is very toxic (however, most flea and tick collars must be so that they successfully kill pests). If your pet chews on this product or consumes it, there is a good chance he or she will become very ill; therefore, it is very important to make sure it is safely and securely fastened and the excess is cut off as explained in the instructions.
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