Does a flea collar help against fleas for dogs and puppies: at what age should it be worn?

Small blood-sucking insects (fleas, ticks) are carriers of infectious diseases and pose a serious threat to the life and health of the dog.

There are many ways to get rid of this scourge (tablets, solutions, injections, etc.), the main thing is to choose the most effective, safe option. One of the effective methods of combating bloodsuckers is a flea collar. It does not cause allergic itching in the dog, has no odor, and is easy and convenient to use. You just need to put it on your pet’s neck and you can go for a walk.

How it works

A flea collar for dogs is a preventative device.

It should be put on your pet before he is attacked by blood-sucking insects. If fleas are found on a dog, they are ineffective. Therefore, opinions on the need to use the product are very contradictory. To understand how productive and safe this method is, you need to understand the principle of operation of a flea collar.

The collar is a ribbon product made of flexible plastic material, equipped with a buckle. Some models are impregnated with special highly toxic chemicals and therefore have a characteristic odor. After putting a protective collar on your dog, you need to wait for it to take effect. During this time, insecticidal and repellent substances are gradually released from it, enveloping the animal’s fur and skin. The toxic components are poisonous to fleas, but have a low toxic effect on the dog and remain on the pet the entire time it is worn.

Within a day, a flea is able to examine the entire body of a four-legged pet.

Having reached the collar attachment, she will inevitably encounter active substances that will either scare her away or destroy her. It is recommended to wear the collar all the time when there is a danger of the animal being infected by parasites, and not to remove it during bathing. It is believed that the repellent properties of one product last from 2 to 7 months.

There are several types of flea collars:

Chemical, impregnated with a substance that repels bloodsuckers. It is usually used for dogs older than six months, since chemical reagents can poison the puppy. Some dogs have an allergic reaction to the components of the impregnation. Therefore, after putting on the accessory, you should monitor your pet’s condition for 24 hours. If unusual behavior appears in the dog, the collar must be removed and the animal must be given antihistamines.
The biological collar has repellent properties for fleas and ticks. The products are impregnated with a concentrate of medicinal herbs and essential oils. Since they are harmless to animals, they can be used for whelping, lactating individuals, and small puppies.
The ultrasonic version is equipped with a special sensor that emits a signal that repels insects. There are no chemicals inside the collar, so it has no odor, proving itself to be an absolutely safe product. However, some breeders consider it ineffective.

Based on the variety of protective accessories, some owners find it quite difficult to make their choice. When choosing the appropriate option, you should focus not only on the age of the pet, but also its physiological characteristics.

Usage and Precautions

Once you have purchased the right collar for your pet, you must use it correctly. There are three types of collars: chemical, biological and ultrasonic. Chemical ones are impregnated with a highly toxic composition and smell unpleasant, which is their main disadvantage. Once the smell wears off, the collar turns into a useless toy. Biological products also have a pungent odor; some dogs simply cannot stand it. The most harmless to animals and easy to care for are ultrasonic collars that simply fit around the neck.

Two other types of protective products require special treatment. To use them, the strap is stretched a little and put on the dog’s neck, adjusted in size so that two fingers fit under the tape, the excess part is removed. The remaining end of the tape should not hang freely, otherwise the dog may put it in its mouth and get poisoned. When wearing, the following rules must be observed:

Put on the collar after all the insects have been eradicated from the dog.
The effect of impregnation begins only after 2-3 days, so it is advisable not to walk in the forest, grove, or grass during this period.
The collar is worn around the clock and is removed only for bathing.

As for the price of a good collar, it costs a lot. Domestic models can be purchased for $2, branded BAYER - from $40 and above. Kiltix costs just over $10. There is no need to look for a cheap product, since the composition of some of the substances used for these products has not been well studied.

Does it help?

When choosing between models with different principles of operation, many owners wonder which option is better, does a flea collar help dogs?

Since insects often die only after they bite, there remains the possibility of transmitting a dangerous infection to the dog. However, thanks to modern developments, the repellents with which protective products are impregnated not only kill bloodsuckers, but also repel them with a pungent odor. This reduces the risk of getting bitten. It should be understood that as the effectiveness of the toxins decreases, the effectiveness of the tape decreases and fleas can again attack the animal. Therefore, you should change the strap in a timely manner, in accordance with its expiration date.

Recommendations for use

Every dog owner, when buying a protective collar, expects the expected effect. To ensure that your hopes are not disappointed, it is better to meet a number of conditions, taking into account the degree of infection of the dog.

If the pet is literally stuffed with parasites, then the collar may not cope, and for these reasons.

There may be pupae in the wool, which the product will not affect in any way, and after its effect expires, fully active parasites will hatch from the cocoons, capable of biting and reproducing.
Long-haired breeds may have flea eggs in their fur, which are also resistant to this mixture.

In such cases, before putting on the purchased neck item, the pet should be bathed in flea shampoo, then combed thoroughly, and only then put on the collar.

This usually happens when they give shelter to a homeless or abandoned dog. This phenomenon cannot be ruled out even after a pet that ran away from home or got lost is finally, after some time, found, not alone, but together with a horde of fleas. Therefore, pre-treatment will only enhance the effect of purchasing a protective product.

Which is better

To choose the most effective, safe flea collar for dogs, you should study in detail the principle of operation of the product and read reviews about different models. At the same time, do not forget about the characteristics of the breed, age, and health status of the pet. The size of the accessory is also of great importance; it should not be too tight or loose.

Depending on the concentration of toxins, a particular flea collar may have different effects on your dog.

Therefore, sometimes even high-quality models can worsen the health of a pet. You should pay attention to products from well-known manufacturers, about which there are only positive reviews.

Veterinarians recommend using collars from the following well-known manufacturers:

Kiltix. The effect of the neutralizing components begins one day after the collar is put on the dog. The effectiveness of protective lena lasts for six months. Suitable for healthy adults, not recommended for pregnant women, recently whelped bitches and sick, small dogs. In this case, it is recommended to use other flea treatments for puppies;
Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar. Veterinarians recommend using models for puppies older than 6 months. The tape smells pleasant, is equipped with an LED strip, and begins its effect immediately after being put on the animal. The period of permissible use is 8 months.
"SCALIBOR". The collar is valid for 6 months. The maximum effect occurs a week after starting use.
Beaphar Ungezieferband. The duration of action begins 5 days after the start of use. Maximum service life is 5 months. Suitable only for healthy adults.
Rolf Club. The collar is non-toxic and odorless. It is not recommended to use in combination with other methods of controlling blood-sucking insects. Validity period – up to 4 months.

At what age can a puppy wear a flea collar? Which to choose?

Small blood-sucking insects (fleas, ticks) are carriers of infectious diseases and pose a serious threat to the life and health of the dog.

How to use it correctly

Many owners, when purchasing a flea protection device, are wondering how to put a flea collar on a dog?

If the accessory is used incorrectly, the result may be negative. Before use, the product should be stretched slightly so that when put on, the gap between it and the animal’s neck is 1.5 to 2 cm. If the strap is large, the excess piece must be cut off to prevent the dog from licking off the toxic substance. Before you put a collar on your dog, you need to wash it thoroughly to prevent the growth of parasites in the tail.

A puppy can wear a flea collar from 4 months. Since there is a high risk of the puppy being poisoned by poisons, this should be done with extreme caution. It is advisable to use bio-collars for small pets.

Why is a collar needed?

A dog collar is a plastic headband. It emits a pungent odor that parasites can smell well. They are suitable for different breeds of dogs and no matter what age it is. For a good effect, the anti-flea headband for dogs needs to be worn every day.

There are different types of such products. They have both pros and cons. They are selected according to various criteria, from the manufacturer to the parameters. There is also no need to skimp on them. Headbands that are too cheap may not protect the dog.

Question answer

When an owner chooses parasite protection for his pet, he is faced with many questions:

Which collar is best for small breeds? You need to choose flea tape according to the size of the animal, while maintaining the required concentration of toxic substances. The strap should not squeeze your neck or dangle around it.
At what age can puppies wear a protective accessory? Since small animals are vulnerable to the effects of poisons, it is recommended that a flea collar be used on puppies from 4 weeks of age.
How long does the active flea agent last on the strap? The duration of action of toxins impregnating the straps depends on the manufacturer, as well as on the individual characteristics of the animal. Most often, the effectiveness of protective tapes lasts from 2 to 7 months.

Whatever flea collar you choose for your dog, you must first take into account the age, condition, and size of the animal.

A properly selected accessory can permanently rid your pet of intrusive parasites.

Popular brands of “anti-parasitic tapes”

If the collar is selected correctly and the instructions are carefully studied, then it will not cause any harm to your pet. There are many brands of these devices.

The most famous among them:

Kiltix

Flea and tick control for large dogs Kiltix. It begins to act within a day and the effect lasts up to 7 months. Suitable if the dog is mature and healthy.

Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar

The anti-parasitic strap is used for dogs from 6 weeks of age from the manufacturer Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Collar. It's waterproof, has a reflective stripe, and smells good. Effective from the moment you put it on. Validity period: 7 months.

Scalibor

Scalibor is most effective 7 days after starting use. Not suitable for puppies less than 7 weeks old, but suitable for pregnant and lactating dogs. Valid for six months.

Beaphar Ungezieferband

Beaphar Ungezieferband is a flea collar produced by a well-known brand. Forms a protective barrier against ticks and fleas for 2 to 5 months. Activated 5 days after start of use. Do not use on sick or pregnant animals, puppies under 6 months.

Rolf Club

Low-toxic antiparasitic product against fleas and ticks Rolf Club, the effect of which lasts for 4 months. Do not use in parallel with other compounds, dangerous for weakened or sick four-legged animals, not for use in puppies.

For your information: The joy of dog breeders was caused by the appearance of know-how - a tape soaked in essential oils. Fleas dislike their smell and leave the animal. Safe for four-legged friends of any age. Most often used against fleas for puppies. It is better to use it simultaneously with aerosols, if the “bloodsuckers” patiently tolerate essential aromas.

There are special anti-tick collars. Their action is selective and directed at one parasitic insect. It helps not only to separate the tick from the skin, but also to destroy it. In spring, when you are walking your dog, such straps are very relevant. It begins to act within a day, and the duration of their effect on ticks is 3 months. But it is better to use a universal device that combines repelling or killing fleas and ticks.