Do flea collars work?
Justen Stoltenberg
2025-08-28 16:12:19
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Do Flea Collars Really Work on Dogs and Cats?
Yes!
All flea collars are designed to kill fleas.
However, some flea collars may be more effective than others:
Some collars target only adult fleas, while others may kill some of the younger stages of fleas, too.
Some collars kill and repel fleas.
This distinction matters because if a flea is repelled, it can’t bite and pass on diseases.
Seresto® is the No. 1 veterinarian-recommended flea and tick collar and has been trusted by dog and cat owners to repel and kill fleas and ticks on contact for nearly a decade.
Aryanna Smith
2025-08-17 11:29:38
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They didn't work well to kill fleas or prevent infestations, and the chemicals they contained posed a risk to humans and pets. Some flea collars work by off-gassing chemicals that repel or kill insects, creating a "bubble" of protection around the animal, some emit essential oils or herbs to repel insects, and some, including Seresto, have insecticides embedded in the collar that slowly seep out and spread through the natural oils on the pet's skin. Unfortunately, adverse side effects have been associated with those collars, leading to the lawsuit. To continue to work against fleas, the collar must remain on the pet. Most flea collars must be placed snugly against the skin to work properly. Too loose, and they won't be effective. Too tight, and they could harm the pet. Plus, the collar may need to be adjusted periodically if it gets too loose or tight. This leaves an element of guesswork that can be confusing for pet parents. As a precaution, I do not use them on my pets.
Parker Hills
2025-08-15 21:06:12
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Flea collars have been available for a long time. Modern flea collars work by holding a large concentration of anti-parasitic medication against your pet’s hair and skin. This medication is slowly absorbed into the oil glands of the skin, which then distribute it around the body, where it affects any fleas it comes in contact with. For example, imidacloprid and flumethrin—the active ingredients in the Seresto® collar—work against the nervous system of fleas and ticks, making it difficult for these parasites to attach to your pet’s skin and killing them if they do manage to bite. Collars like Seresto® have been shown to be just as effective as topical drops and are even better at repelling fleas than some of the oral preventative options. It takes about 24 hours for a new collar to start working against existing fleas, and then any new fleas that attach are killed within two hours. Flea collars provide the longest continuous protection available. Only medicated collars have been proven to protect your pet.
Linwood Walter
2025-08-03 11:05:28
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The answer is yes. When used according to label directions, flea collars can protect your pet from itchy, annoying flea bites. Flea collars typically work best if they have an insect growth regulator (IGR) that kills the flea eggs and flea larvae. Flea collars are typically effective for months, giving lasting protection to dogs. If your cat doesn't seem to take to a flea collar, you can try other options like a spot-on treatment or a cleansing shampoo designed for cats. If your dog doesn't take to a flea collar, there are other products you can try, including a spot-on treatment or a flea and tick foaming shampoo. Flea collars work best when they're part of a larger flea prevention program, where you also use flea products for your home and yard. Around the clock protection, collars provide 24/7 protection ensuring your pet is pest-free, anywhere at any time.