How do dog flea collars work?

Older style collars usually work by emitting the toxin as a gas, therefore, they will only kill fleas in close proximity to the collar. The newer collars contain flea and tick repellent chemicals that are continuously released from the flea collar and spread over the pet via the natural oils of the hair, coat and skin. These flea killing chemicals then adhere to the hair and skin and provide continuous protection.

There's a range of different flea collars for dogs available of variable effectiveness. The older types of collar contain organophosphates, which can cause toxic reactions in dogs, cats, and possibly people if exposure is prolonged. Permethrin collars are also popular and low cost but can be very harmful to cats. Newer and further advanced collars tend to be more effective and safer to use. Any flea collar can be problematic if there are other pets' in the household and they lick or chew each other's collars.

Why should I use a flea collar for my dog?

Dog flea collars can be useful as a preventative tool in the fight against fleas and ticks. However, they're not appropriate for every pet in every situation. There are times when flea and tick collars for dogs can be a very valuable tool, especially for pets spending most of their time outdoors. They are not the best form of protection alone but can be beneficial when used in conjunction with other flea control products, especially in areas of high parasite challenge. As with any insecticidal product, adverse drug interactions can occur, although this is unlikely. Flea and tick control collars are becoming safer and more advanced in protecting your pet against these pesky parasites.

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