The problem
Fleas cause severe irritation in our dogs. There’s nothing more annoying than a flea infestation in your home! And yes, it happens to the best pet parents! Fleas are small wingless insects that feed on a dog’s blood. They also transmit diseases, and cause serious allergies or anemia.
When feeding, fleas inject their saliva into the dog. Numerous dogs are allergic to flea saliva causing them to itch relentlessly. Needless to say, if you notice your furry best friend chewing, scratching, becoming restless, and nibbling on his paws, you’ve most likely got a flea problem.
How to tell if your dog has fleas
Most cases of flea dermatitis will occur during late summer. Dogs under a year are not afflicted with flea allergy dermatitis. Veterinarians will make a diagnosis by observation first. That said, parting the dog’s coat midway will usually reveal bits of flea droppings, and fast moving fleas. The red, black, multi-shaped, almost cylindrical flea excrement cannot be missed!
Your dog’s bedding at this stage will also most likely have flea eggs, larvae, and flea excrement. Fleas are usually associated with the disease responsible for the skin itch. Unhealthy coat conditions are also attributed to flea dermatitis.
The solutions
Flea control measures have changed a lot over the past ten years. Today, new insecticides and insect growth regulators provide residual monthly control, and need fewer applications. Veterinarians sell flea treatments which include oral and injected medications, applied liquids, and sprays.
Flea control should be discussed with your veterinarian, who will help you choose the best flea product that will work for your dog in his environment, for his specific life stage.
Goal of dog flea treatments
The goal of most flea treatment is to destroy, and kill all fleas in all the life stages on the dog, and in the dog’s environment. The first step is to kill all the fleas on the dog itself. Topical spot-on-treatments, flea collars or flea pills may be recommended. These take about 12-36 hours to have effect.
Studies have also demonstrated that once pet parents begin using new topical treatments and oral flea control measures, these products will take care of the environment as well. By using approved flea control medications on your dog, it’s possible to quickly eliminate a flea infestation in your home.
How long does it take
Flea infestations can take as long as 1-3 months to control. Spraying flea control products in the areas that your dog spends the most time is necessary, if you have a massive flea manifestation.
Successful flea treatment that is both safe and effective for your dog means discussing a flea treatment with your veterinarian, prior to purchasing a flea product and using it. It’s very important to understand the pros and cons of every flea product as well.
Flea collars for dogs reviewed
Insecticidal collars are plastic polymer resins that contain an active ingredient that controls fleas and ticks. Collars for flea control work by releasing the active ingredient as a vapor, a dust, or a liquid. This will depend on the chemical. The insecticide will move from collar to dog, depending on how active the dog is.
Effective flea collars should be waterproof, durable, high-quality, safe and fit snugly. Numerous flea collars will treat flea infestations in your home by destroying fleas and their eggs by releasing chemicals that are released into your dog’s skin. Read the package to make sure that the word “kill” is used, so that it’s not just a preventative. The most common ingredients in flea collars are:
- midacloprid
- flumethrin,
- tetrachlorvinphos.
With numerous flea collars on the market, we decided to take a look at a few, and compare them.
Bayer Seresto Flea Collars for Dogs
The Bayer Seresto flea and tick collar continuously works for 8 months. It is veterinarian recommended, without any musty or chemical odor. This flea collar is non-greasy to touch, and eliminates fleas and ticks on contact.
With a low concentration of imidacloprid and flumethrin continued release, The Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Large Dogs effectively and safely does its job! Both ingredients are safe for dogs, and are extremely effective in getting the job done. It can be used together with collars and leashes, and is a non-brainer to put on.
This collar is used for dogs that are 18 pounds and up, and also treats sarcoptic mange and lice.
Pros
- Water- resistant collar
- Great fit
- Effectiveness after regular swimming or bathing:
- 5 months for flea control
- 7 months for tick control
- Safe ingredients
- High-quality, durable collar
- Veterinarian approved
- Reasonably priced for a water-proof, high- quality flea and tick collar
- Works within 48 hours
Cons
- No sharing beds with dogs in treatment
- Treatments should be spaced
- Side effects possible
Customers Feedback
This has earned a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars rating. Customers had both positive and negative reviews about this product being effective after trying other flea collars. Some dog owners self-diagnosed the new item to exhibited side effects which included nausea, vomiting, scratching, and not eating.
Jmxu’s Flea and Tick Prevention Collar for Dogs
The Jmxu’s flea and tick prevention collar for dogs is waterproof, and is continuously effective after use in water. This flea collar works for 8 months, and kills fleas and ticks. With a high 98% flea kill rate, this dog collar for flea prevention is 100% natural and eco-friendly.
There are no toxic chemical ingredients, no side-effects, and no allergies associated with this flea and tick collar. This is a hypoallergenic, pet parent and veterinarian approved flea and tick collar. Puppies and dogs can start using this flea collar from 3 months up.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Safe
- All-natural
- Eco-friendly
- 98% effective
- High-quality durable flea collar
- Waterproof
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be strong enough to combat fleas
How to ensure proper fit:
Customers Feedback
This has earned an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars rating. Customers had both positive and negative reviews about this product; no side effects complaints. Overall more than satisfied with their purchases.
HARTZ Ultra Guard Pro Triple Action Flea Collar
This flea and tick collar can be used in puppies 12 weeks and older. It is also waterproof, and effective against fleas for up to 7 months. It has an adjustable collar which is non-greasy, scented, and water resistant. Your dogs can swim and be flea–free at the same time. A great product for summer, the Hartz Ultra Guard collar eliminates flea infestations.
Pros
- Durable collar
- Waterproof
- Scented
- Affordable
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Not for puppies under the age of 6 weeks
Customers Feedback
This has earned a good 4 out of 5 stars rating. Mostly positive reviews about how well this product worked; with many owners buying one per dog and noticeably decreased irritations.
Earth Vibes Tick and Flea Collar for Dogs
This all-natural, safe and effective flea and tick collar is veterinarian recommended. It contains natural plant extracts to prevent flea, tick, larvae and mosquito infestation. EV carries up to 8- months flea protection for your dogs.
Its easy-to–use collar, and non-greasy touch, EV’s natural formula is safe and pet friendly. The flea collar is waterproof, and adjustable to fit your dog’s neck. This is an eco-friendly dog flea collar that aims to make the world a better place!
Pros
- Safe & effective
- Vet recommended
- Hypoallergenic
- Adjustable
- Water resistant
- Donate portion of profits to charity
Cons
- Not the most stylish design
Customers feedback
This product has few consumer reviews. The few it has have it as earning a robust 5 out of 5 stars rating. Appreciating the products all-natural, effective, and very safe approach to flea collars.
PETinnice Flea and Tick Prevention Collar
This flea, tick, lice, mosquito, and larvae flea collar is waterproof, and comes in an adjustable size. There is an 8-month protection against fleas, ticks and lice. One-size collar fits all dog sizes. The adjustable collar length is 25 inches.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Adjustable collar
- Kills mosquitos
- Prevents and kills fleas, larvae and lice
- Affordable
Cons
- Collar is thinner than other flea collar
Customers Feedback
This product has no star reviews but there have been questions answered by satisfied buyers. Stating that the purchase has remedied the fleas and ticks in their dogs, even in the “pesky critter filled” Kentucky area, as one consumer put it.
The final itch!
With so many effective and safe flea control products, there’s no reason not to use them! No dog should have to suffer the continuous aggravation and pain of flea bites! As usual, always consult with your veterinarian as to the best flea control products to use on your dog, and in your home.
Depending on where you live, and your how active your dog is, are factors that should be taken into consideration when determining which flea control product is best.