How Do Flea Collars Work?

Among other things, pet parents should show concern about the appearance of fleas and ticks on their dogs. And in this case, most flea collars will make a good choice for dogs that are not yet agonizing from an occurring pest infestation. 

Flea collars are best in protecting your dogs against fleas and ticks. That means that they could be efficient in prevention, however not treating an infestation. Despite this fact, the use of flea collars has been popular. But have you ever got a curious mind on how a little band worn around the neck of the pet can prevent these annoying insects?

Understanding How Flea Collars Work

Flea collars exhibit two fundamental functions. The first one is to repel that aims to emanate a gas that holds off the pests. The other one is to treat which has a medication that permeates into the fatty layer of the skin of the dog or active component that scatters through the natural skin oils of the dog. These chemicals will manage to stay and kill any fleas that attempt to bed down on your pet. This second classification of treatment collars emanates active components that wipe out fleas and ticks before they manage to initiate a bite. 

Flea collars can guard your dog against fleas for up to 7 months since they are devised to gradually produce the bug-terminating chemicals through time. Other flea collars only perform a single function, while others act as a repellent and at the same time a treatment.

Types Of Flea Collars

There are several types of flea collars to choose from. The following are the common types that you might want to use for your pet but make sure that you are aware of their pros and cons.

High-Frequency Collars

High-frequency collars inhibit the infestation of fleas by emanating an ultrasonic wave that drives away fleas from your dog. These flea collars do not emit gases or chemicals hence you can be assured that your family and pet are safe from any possible poisons. This is very imperative especially if you want to put into priority the safety of your family. However, it will also be worthy to consider the con list of this type of collars.

High-frequency collars can only work in repelling the fleas and not kill them.  They are also considerably more costly.

Gas-Based Collars

Gas-based collars emanate a gas that is not consumed by the dog and assassinates the fleas that may come near the spot. The benefit to this type of collar is that your pet will not absorb the chemicals it emits, hence, less harmful to him. 

This type of collar both repel and terminate fleas, however, its effectiveness is only limited to the local spot – near to the collar. But what is most ideal about it is that you can easily detach it and replace it if you think that you will be in a flea-prone area.

Absorption-Based Collar

This is so far the most popular kind of flea collar. Absorption-based collars have insecticides that are penetrated by the animal and smoothly spread in the entire body inhibiting and slaying fleas that stay in the body. The insecticides can be harmful, hence, you must keep an eye on your pet and be mindful when holding them. Nevertheless, this type of collar is the most efficient when it comes to repelling and killing fleas.

Helpful Tips When Using A Flea Collar

  • You may like to change your flea collar depending on the instruction indicated in the box. This differs for every style and brand. However, many common and famous brands usually last for around 6 months.
  • Decontaminating your flea collar several days before using it is a nice idea to give it a chance to liberate itself from any overwhelming odor. After several days, you will find it more bearable to use.
  • You must suit it properly but see to it that it is not too tight. Remember that it is necessary to fit the collar just right on your pet in a way that he cannot get access to chew or bite it. Fit it loose enough to prevent your pet from choking. 
  • Another thing to remember is to monitor your pet for any negative responses. Every dog is distinct. It could mean that some chemicals that are not meant to annoy him may potentially cause him harm. Keep an eye on him at first, particularly to notice any sluggishness or illness. 

Warnings Before Using Flea Collar

Remember that most flea collars contain chemicals. That implies that you will have to regularly wash your hands after handling the collar. Furthermore, you should be cautious if you have kids in the house – you have to keep your children away and imbue the significance of washing to grown-up kids.

You should also know that although some collars are characterized as water-resistant, they are not commonly waterproof. Therefore, you will have to detach it for swimming or baths – but do not have to be troubled about a slight rain.

Conclusion

Whether you find a flea collar suitable for you or not, it will still rely on your particular requirements and situation. There is no doubt that your dog can take advantage of this kind of flea protection. If you think that the use of a flea collar is practical and useful, see to it that you carefully check the components and purchase only from prominent sources.   

We’ve compiled a list of the wonderful flea and tick preventatives available for pet owners right now. Here’s a list for your convenience.

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Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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