Fleas and ticks are the banes of every pet owner’s existence. Even the thought of them getting on your beloved dog or cat can make you upset and anxious. Thankfully, flea and tick collars provide a hassle-free way to protect your furry friend against these pesky parasites.
But how will you choose the right collar for your pet? With so many options on the market, the selection might seem rather complex – so we’re here to ensure you are well-informed about the different types of collars, how they work, and their pros and cons to make your purchase decision that much easier. With that in mind, here is all you need to know and consider when selecting a flea and tick collar for your pet.
How do flea and tick collars work?
Collars usually work by releasing some type of active ingredients onto your pet’s coat. These help kill fleas and ticks on your pet. However, not all flea and tick collars use the same active ingredients which is why not all collars are equally effective. Their design and safety mechanisms also vary. Here are some important things to know about the two main types of collars.
1. Traditional Flea and Tick collars
Traditional, older-style collars often release the active ingredients from their outer surface, making you and your pets more easily exposed to the chemical ingredients. For instance, your pet could manage to chew the collar or rub it all over your home and furniture. Many of the older models use high levels of pesticides, such as propoxur and tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP), which not only smell unpleasant but can cause serious health issues if ingested. Also, since traditional collars have the active ingredients coated on their outer surface, they rub off quickly and are not always consistent when it comes to the amount of ingredients they release over time.
2. Advanced Flea and Tick collars
Advanced collars are designed to overcome the shortcomings of traditional, older-style models. Unlike many older collars, the newer-style collars offer continuous protection for several months at a time. For instance, the Seresto Flea and Tick Control collar provides 7-8 months of protection with only one application. The active ingredients are stored within the matrix of the collar, which helps minimise the risk of any chemical exposure from touching or chewing the collar. Advanced collars like the Seresto collar act through contact, which means that fleas and ticks don’t have to bite your cat or dog to be killed.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Collar
Now that you know how a flea and tick collar works, here are some important questions to ask when choosing a suitable collar for your pet.
How long does the collar last?
As mentioned earlier, advanced collars use cutting-edge technology that allows them to release active ingredients slowly but consistently over a long period. You’ll find several long-lasting flea and tick collars but none of them lasts longer than the Seresto Flea and Tick collar for pets. With the Seresto collar, a single application is enough to protect your dog or cat against flea and tick infestations for 7-8 months. Seresto’s long-term protection also helps lower your cost-per-month on flea and tick treatment compared to other more short-acting treatments.
How does the collar release the active ingredients?
Advanced collars release the active ingredients at a slow and steady rate in low concentrations from within the collar. This allows the ingredients to spread evenly across your pet’s entire body, from head to toe and even the tail. The Seresto collar, for instance, uses a sustained release technology to store the active ingredients in a polymer matrix, which ensures slow release of the ingredients at a constant rate.
What safety features are available on the collar?
Cats and dogs have plenty of energy. They love to play and bond with other pets and their human companions all day long. However, their playful nature can get them into tricky situations. For instance, your pet can accidentally get their flea and tick collar stuck on something. That is why advanced collars come with safety features that help rescue your cat or dog if they ever become trapped. For instance, the Seresto Flea and Tick collar for pets is equipped with a ratchet-release system that allows the collar to widen when required. Also, the Seresto collar for cats and the one for small dogs have a predetermined breaking point so that your pets can break the collar apart in the event of an emergency.
Does the collar smell?
Traditional flea collars often give off a strong, unpleasant smell. However, newer-style collars don’t smell at all. For instance, the Seresto Flea and Tick collars for pets are completely odourless.
How easy is it to apply and maintain the collar?
The newer generation collars are easy to apply and maintain. Simply place the collar around your pet’s neck and forget it for months. The Seresto collar offers protection for 7-8 months with just one application. If the collar gets dirty or muddy, all you have to do is wipe it down with a wet cloth.
Can I leave my pet’s collar on when I take them swimming?
If your dog or cat wears an advanced, water-resistant collar, you can keep the collar on when you take your pet swimming. Newer models like the Seresto Flea and Tick collar store the active ingredients within the collar’s matrix, which means the ingredients will not get washed off when your pet goes swimming. While swimming or bathing can partially wash off the ingredients already spread across your pet’s skin and coat, the Seresto collar will soon replenish the ingredients to make sure your pet is protected against fleas and ticks. However, make sure that your dog or cat avoids prolonged exposure to water or shampooing as that could reduce the collar’s duration of action.
If you are looking for a safe, effective, and long-lasting flea and tick collar for your cat or dog, the Seresto Flea and Tick Control collar is worth checking out. It provides 7-8 months’ flea and tick protection for cats and dogs. The Seresto collar is clinically proven to kill fleas within 24 hours and actively repel and kill ticks through contact.
