Tips for use
Each collar against ticks, fleas and other parasites must be supplied with instructions for use, which outline the basic rules and recommendations. However, some of them are relevant for all means.
- The collar should fit well to the neck, but not too tightly. It is optimal if there is a gap of 1–1.5 cm between it and the neck. This way the dog will not be able to lick it or bite it and at the same time will not experience discomfort.
- The collar is always selected taking into account the size, age and health characteristics of the pet. It is better to first consult with a specialist on this issue. For some diseases, wearing a collar may be contraindicated.
- The protective agent has its own expiration date; it is usually written on the box. After this time, you must purchase a new collar.
- When using an insectoacaricidal collar, insectoacaricidal drops should not be applied on the same day. If additional protection is required, consult the manufacturer.
- It is best to buy an accessory at a large, trusted pet store or veterinary pharmacy. This way, the risk of purchasing a fake will be reduced to zero.
- If you need to wash your animal with shampoo, be sure to remove the collar.
- The collar should be worn all the time, and not just for walks. The animal must be wearing a collar both at home and during sleep.
- If the skin under the collar is red, the dog is itching and is restless, you need to remove the collar and wash the animal with soap or shampoo.
- It is not advisable to hide a protective collar under a regular leather one.
Types of collars
Today there are many types of dog tick collars. They may vary in size. The length of the elastic band is selected in accordance with the “dimensions” of the pet. Manufacturers usually produce collars for dogs of small, medium and large breeds. The fastener will help you accurately adjust the tightness of the fit.
Collars are classified according to the type of active substances used. Thus, all tick collars are conventionally divided into “chemical” and “biological”. It should be understood that this division is very superficial and the collar can simultaneously contain several components.
Insectoacaricidal (chemical)
They give the maximum effect, as they have a detrimental effect on parasites. The service life of such collars is quite long. Insecticidal collars have certain contraindications; usually they should not be worn on puppies or pregnant or lactating females.
Repellent (biological)
Such products do not kill ticks, but only repel them. They are usually impregnated with plant extracts and essential oils, and occasionally synthetic repellents are used. If collars contain only natural ingredients, they have fewer contraindications. But it should be borne in mind that if the animal is already infected, then first you need to take measures to exterminate the parasites, and then use the collar for preventive purposes. You should also keep in mind that if your dog is allergic to certain plants, the collar may not be suitable.
Review of the 10 most popular models 2020-2021
"Kiltix"
- Manufacturer:
Bayer, Germany.- Active ingredients:
propoxur, flumethrin.- Validity period:
6 months.- Price:
800 – 1,300 rubles.
The German Kiltix collar is considered one of the best in its class. The concentration of active substances is small, so overdose and side effects are excluded.
Bayer produces 3 size models:
- for small dogs – 35 cm;
- for medium dogs – 48 cm;
- for large dogs – 65 cm.
The Kiltix model is waterproof. But before bathing, it is better to remove the collar from the dog - this way you can extend the life of the product by at least a month.
"Foresto"
- Manufacturer:
Bayer, Germany- Active ingredients:
imidacloprid, flumethrin.- Validity:
up to 8 months.- Price:
1,500 – 2,800 rubles.
The Foresto collar differs from the previous one in its higher concentration of insectoacaricides. It has no smell at all. Allergies when using it occur quite rarely.
Completely waterproof, so the animal can be bathed without removing the tape.
Available in two versions: for dogs up to 8 kg and over 8 kg (length 38 and 70 cm respectively).
"Foresto" is considered the most effective collar - reviews about it are mostly positive. The product not only repels ticks, but also destroys parasites that still get on the pet’s skin and fur, reducing the likelihood of a bite to a minimum.
The package contains 3 reflective clips - with them your pet will be visible in the dark.
"Leopard"
- , Russian Federation.
- Active ingredients:
fipronil, diflubenzuron.- Validity period:
up to 4 months.- Price:
150 – 230 rubles.
This is one of the cheapest models. However, the collar is effective in protecting against ticks and other types of ticks.
However, you need to be careful - in reviews of owners there are often references to allergic reactions, including vomiting and convulsions. The model is available in different sizes: for large, medium and small breeds of dogs.
"Ungezieferband"
- Manufacturer:
Beaphar, Holland.- Active ingredient:
diazinon.- Validity period:
against fleas - up to six months, against ticks - up to 2-3 months.- Price:
270 – 300 rubles.
"Ungezieferband" is a popular model from. The collar is completely waterproof.
But it begins to act only 5 days after the start of use. Therefore, for the first week you need to carefully walk the dog, avoiding shaded areas, trees, and thick grass.
The collar should not be worn on puppies under 6 months of age.
"SOS Flea & Tick Collar"
- Manufacturer:
Beaphar, Holland.- Active ingredient:
tetrachlorvinphos.- Validity period:
4 months – against ticks, 8 months – against fleas.- Price:
500-650 rubles.
It has a wide spectrum of action - leads to the death of fleas, lice, lice, and ticks. The peculiarity of the collar is that it also has a detrimental effect on insect larvae.
The active substance does not penetrate the blood, but spreads throughout the dog’s skin. Destroys pests even before they bite, providing reliable protection for your pet.
The model is available in two sizes – length 60 cm and 70 cm.
"Ultra Guard Flea & Tick Collar"
- Manufacturer:
Hartz, USA.- Active ingredients:
tetrachlorviphos, methoprene.- Validity period:
7 months.- Price:
500 – 700 rubles.
The American “Ultra Guard” model is specially designed for puppies - can be worn from 6 weeks. It is safe, only occasionally there is an intolerance to the components.
The product is completely waterproof, has a pleasant smell, and is suitable for pregnant dogs. You can safely bathe your pet in it - the collar will start working again immediately after drying.
After unpacking, the tape needs to be stretched a little so that white powder appears on its surface - this is how the source of insectocarcide is activated.
Not recommended for use with other antiparasitic agents.
How to choose the right flea and tick collar
To choose a comfortable protective equipment for your pet, you need to study in detail the classification and size range of protective collars.
There are the following types of collars:
- Biological - more natural. Suitable for young puppies or dogs recovering from illness, as well as for females during pregnancy, as they contain plant extracts. Efficiency is average.
- Ultrasonic - odorless. This type of protection is harmless and universal. The action of such devices is based not on insecticidal properties, but on the sending of ultrasonic waves.
- Chemical ones are the most effective. They are recommended for completely healthy and adult dogs, as they contain a high concentration of toxic substances that are fatal to fleas, ticks and other parasites.
In addition to classification by species, there is a division by size of animals depending on the length of the collar:
- For small dogs of breeds such as Spitz, Chihuahua, lapdog, dachshund and many varieties of terriers, a collar up to 38 cm in length is suitable.
- For medium-sized pets, the representatives of which are: bulldog, husky, bull terrier, collie, husky, poodle, you need a product with a length of at least 58 cm.
- For large dogs: mastiff, Doberman, St. Bernard, German and Caucasian shepherd - a protective tape of 70 cm is intended.
Having decided on the type of product and measuring the volume of the dog’s neck, you can go shopping for a protective accessory.
When choosing a device, you should also consider the following factors:
- Composition and active ingredients. Manufacturers who have nothing to hide indicate this information.
- Cost of the collar. A cheap product may have questionable contents that are dangerous for your four-legged friend.
- Manufacturer. It is better to choose brands that have been tested by time and customers and have positive reviews.
You need to approach the purchase of protective equipment responsibly, having studied in detail all the characteristics and recommendations for using the product, so that your pet is as comfortable in a collar as without it.
For kittens and pregnant cats
A small kitten has a weak immune system, so it needs to be protected from negative external influences. For a baby, infection with parasites is especially dangerous, since his body cannot yet effectively resist diseases. However, popular and effective collars containing insecticides can cause irreparable harm to the kitten.
Veterinarians advise using biocollars that do not contain toxic chemicals to protect babies. They act due to essential oils that parasitic insects cannot tolerate.
The same products are recommended to be used for cats bearing offspring.
How the collar works
A tick and flea collar is a strap made of a special porous material, or an option is a product with an insert made of such material. It is impregnated with a composition that has an effect on insects and ticks. The collar gradually releases these protective substances as you wear it.
Since substances are released only during contact, the dog must wear the collar constantly and replace it with a new one when the expiration date expires. Only strict adherence to the instructions for use can provide maximum protection against ticks.
Advantages
- Ease of use.
The collar can be easily put on your pet. As a rule, dogs and cats do not experience any discomfort from wearing a compact strap. - High safety profile.
The active substances contained in the tape are in most cases non-toxic to pets and, in addition, are released in doses and gradually. - Duration of action.
The vast majority of collars provide protection against ticks for a long time, usually several months, which relieves the owner of the need to constantly treat the pet’s fur. - Reasonable price.
In most cases, the price of a tick collar for dogs and cats will be lower than the cost of regular treatment of animals with other means.
