Do Flea Collars Kill Fleas Already on Dogs?

Dog Collars Are Just One Option

Many vets do recommend that you use dog flea collars to help ward off any fleas. These collars are supposed to be good and have strong chemicals in them to kill fleas. Sometimes, you can give the collar a helping hand by giving your dog a flea shampoo bath.

Using a combination of anti-flea methods is often the best way to go. But if you can’t, then keep reading to learn how effective dog flea collars can be. Take a few minutes to get up to speed on this topic so you can protect your dog more fully.

How Long Does It Take for a Flea Collar to Get Rid of Fleas?

This is a time-release process. The dog collar will release some of the chemical ingredients to your dog’s fur and skin at a steady rate. Some collars take a little longer to release their anti-flea chemicals but usually within 24 hours it will start.

Then it may take up to 4 weeks to start seeing any results. Getting the chemical to all parts of your dog’s body does take some time. Once it does, then those fleas are as good as killed.

If you use a natural flea collar, it may take longer for the collar to start killing fleas. Natural ingredients are slower working than man-made chemicals. The key to using collars is not to give oral flea-killing medicine.

This may be too much medicine and your dog may have some harsh side effects take place. The length of service for a flea collar can range from 1 month to several months.

Why Does My Dog Still Have Fleas with a Seresto Collar?

Flea collars, no matter the brand, do not prevent fleas from jumping on your dog. It is virtually impossible to stop that attack from happening. But once they get on your pet, then the collar can kill them within 24 hours.

Different brands have different killing times and Seresto collars seem to be one of the quickest ones. If you still see fleas on your pet, then it is possible that the chemical is not being distributed evenly. The tail is the most vulnerable spot because it is the furthest away from the collar.

Also, you may be taking the collar off at night. That will cease the protection for around 6 to 8 hours making your dog vulnerable to fleas again. Having a flea collar on your pet does not relieve you of the responsibility of using anti-flea methods on your carpets, clothes, furniture, and bedding.

How Long Should I Leave a Flea Collar on My Dog?

You should leave the flea collar on until its protection expires. This gives your dog full protection and makes sure any fleas that do jump on them are killed very quickly. Taking the collar off is removing their protection.

The only time you should take the collar off before it expires is when you are giving your dog a bath. The collar is water-resistant so a little exposure to water is okay. A lot of exposure is not okay.

Also, you can leave the collar on when your dog goes to bed. Letting them sleep with the collar on is safe and it helps keep your dog protected when it is not active. Check the label or instructions that come with the flea collar to see how long they are effective.

Then make a note of when you need to buy another flea collar when that one expires.

What to Look for in a Flea Collar

There are several factors you should look for when looking to buy one of these anti-flea devices. Here are a few of those factors:

1. Natural Or Chemical– The natural ones are safe for your pet but take longer to work.
2. Water-Resistant– You need this element as dogs do not stay dry 100% of the time.
3. Protection Period– The longer it is the better it is for you. You can save money by buying a collar that lasts for 6 to 8 months over buying one that only lasts for 3 months.
4. Size– You want one that is big enough for your pet. Many collars can be trimmed if your dog is very small.
5. Tick Protection– Always helpful and adds another layer of protection for your pet.

Some Final Words

Finding and using the right flea collar is not going to be hard. There are many brands on the store’s shelves and many of them are very good at what they do. You just have to do some comparison shopping to get the best flea collar and the best protection.

This is one of those times when the brand name is very important. Unknown brands are not usually that good.