Small fleas are a big problem for dog owners. In addition to the fact that, in principle, it is unpleasant for any animal to experience constant discomfort due to their bites, blood-sucking insects often act as carriers of dangerous diseases. Additionally, the wounds that remain on the skin after the furious scratching of their bites often become inflamed, giving the animal a lot of pain. Of course, a responsible owner would never allow his dog to get into such a state, but even a small colony of fleas can poison the lives of our pets. Fortunately, it may be easy to get rid of such so-called uninvited guests, thanks to flea collars for dogs.
Why do you need flea collars?
A lightweight, flexible collar is the easiest way to keep harmful insects out of your pet’s hair. Bathing with a special kind of shampoo takes a lot of energy and leaves behind a mess, because it’s rare a dog likes hygiene procedures. Sprays hiss and scare timid dogs. Oral medications are not suitable for everyone for a variety of reasons.
But a thin strap, usually made of almost weightless plastic, is a rather familiar item for a dog. It takes a few seconds to put it on and fasten the buckle, and the accessory is valid from a couple of months to six months or even longer. Comfortable, agree?
The main types of a flea collars
The principle of operation of the collar depends on its type, but in any case, the result will be the same: to destroy or expel small bloodsuckers from the body of the dog, creating unbearable conditions for them. Usually, not only fleas, but also other parasites such as ticks and mites, get hit. Information about this should be indicated on the collar packaging. Next, consider what kinds of flea collars there are and how effective each type is.
Biological collars
The material of this collar is impregnated with natural substances, the smell of which is unpleasant and even destructive for fleas but does not cause discomfort to the animal. These can be essential oils or herbal extracts of natural origin.
Pros:
- Environmental friendliness, lack of chemical hazardous to health components;
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Short validity — such collars are valid no more than 1-2 months.
- Low efficiency — the accessory does not cope well with the invasion of bloodsuckers; it is rather recommended to be used as an aid along with shampoos and sprays or for prevention in order to protect the treated dog from returning fleas.
- Allergies — in rare cases, a pet may react poorly to a strong smell or skin contact with the collar.
Ultrasonic collars
A miniature device is attached to a ribbon fastened around the animal’s neck, emitting ultrasound of a certain tone. The owner and the pet itself will not hear it, but for fleas, ultrasound will sound like an unceasing alarm, eventually making the insects go looking for a calmer carrier.
Pros:
- As safe as possible, even allergies will be excluded.
- Long validity — high-quality products will be valid for several years; you only need to change the batteries.
Cons:
- Expensive, and the better the device is, the more you have to pay for it.
- Moderate efficiency: the collar works well as a means of prevention but does not always successfully help with the treatment.
Insecticidal collars
The main active ingredient in the insecticidal collar is poisons — most often, organophosphates and pesticides. They kill fleas very quickly, not only those that move under hair directly under the collar, but also on other parts of the body.
Pros:
- High efficiency – the collar works better than its «competitors» and is a complete, not an additional means of getting rid of parasites.
- Reasonable price.
Cons:
- Toxic substances that kill fleas can also be harmful to a dog’s health if, for example, the pet manages to chew on a new item of clothing.
How to choose the right flea collar
The healing accessory must be selected strictly according to the weight, age, breed, lifestyle and health of the dog.
It is clear that the dose of toxins intended for the extermination of bloodsuckers on a large St. Bernard can be extremely harmful to a domestic lapdog; remedies for a pregnant or lactating female dog, as well as for animals weakened by any disease, should be selected especially carefully. And puppies up to 2 months old (some veterinarians advise up to 6) should be completely protected from any contact with any substances not prescribed by a veterinarian.
To make the best choice:
- study reviews of other dog owners on the Internet;
- make purchases in specialized veterinary pharmacies and stores;
- follow the instructions and check the expiration date on the package;
- do not save money by choosing a cheap device, it is hardly worth it.
This is all an owner needs to know about dog flea collars. It’s simple, isn’t it?
