Why is a collar needed
A dog collar is a kind of plastic headband. It gives off a pungent odor that parasites can smell well. They are suitable for different breeds of dogs and no matter how old she is. For a good effect, a flea rim for dogs should be worn every day.
There are different types of such products. They have both pros and cons. They are selected according to different criteria, from the manufacturer to the parameters. You also don't need to save on them. Headbands that are too cheap may not protect the dog.
Prophylaxis
After a long struggle with pests, I don't want them to return at all. Therefore, you should follow the basic measures that will protect not only a small puppy, but also an adult dog from infection:
- avoid the animal in contact with stray animals;
- regularly examine the pet and periodically treat it with flea remedies;
- after getting rid of parasites, it is necessary to thoroughly vacuum the places and process the surrounding area;
Fleas are not the worst thing that can happen to a pet, this phenomenon is quite common. The main thing is to notice this in time and start effective treatment. It is necessary to carefully consider the selection of funds, as you can see, they are quite diverse and not suitable for everyone. It is worth stocking up with patience and the desire to help the pet, because besides the owner, no one will save him from endless itching and bites. Because we are responsible for those we have tamed.
Operating principle
Depending on the principle of action, they are divided into the following types:
- Ultrasonic. They are battery powered and scare off parasites with their sound.
- Chemical. They contain bad substances that kill insects.
- Biological. Bio collars are made with essential oils and herbs.
Chemical rims are impregnated with special substances that are capable of killing parasites with their smell at a distance. They have no contraindications, but still it is better to wear them for adult dogs. Since small puppies can be poisoned from such a smell. This also applies to pregnant animals.
Biological made on the basis of essential oils, with the addition of celandine and other herbs. They can be worn by any dog, as they have no restrictions. These bio rims do not kill parasites, they only ward off. When ticks and fleas feel this smell, they try not to get under their influence. But such bio collars have one drawback, they cannot be used for a long time. Over time, the smell disappears and they lose their strength. Therefore, this must be carefully monitored in order to change it to the animal in time.
Ultrasonic leads are not harmful at all, but they are the most expensive ones. They are free of chemicals and odorless. However, many owners are not happy with this type of headband. They believe that such protection is a poor option for controlling insects. This product works in a very simple way, it emits sound that insects can hear. They also have a minus, they are battery-powered and need to be changed from time to time.
Varieties of collars and how they work
Means differ from each other in the way they act on parasites, you need to familiarize yourself with the parameters before buying a specific brand. There are three types of flea control that are used in collars:
- chemical;
- ultrasonic;
- natural.
Collars are effective protection against parasites
The first method is often used. Manufacturers add substances poisonous to parasites to the anti-flea collar for dogs.
For your information! Leaving the collar, the toxins gradually spread through the animal's coat. As a result, a layer forms on the pet's body, which will protect it from the attack of ticks and fleas.
The collar must be changed regularly as it has a limited period of validity. Manufacturers declare that the product is safe, but they cannot be used on puppies and pregnant females.
The ultrasonic anti-tick collar for dogs is a modern solution to the problem of parasites. The tool scares off fleas by emitting signals that are unpleasant to them, and they leave the pet's body. This type of collar is safe for animals, but not always available in stores.
This natural product is great for dogs under one year old and also for small pets. This is due to its gentle action and the absence of harmful components in the composition. Despite its safety, the collar is often ineffective.
How do they work
All three headbands work differently. Chemical ones kill insects, and bio leashes and ultrasonic ones scare them away. When using a chemical leash, allergies may occur.
To know how much a flea collar is worn in order to remove it, then carefully read the instructions, as it will act for a short time.
What is the best leash to choose
There are a couple of types of these products that occupy the first places in use. Such as the:
- Flea barrier rim.
- Collar against fleas leopards.
The leopard collar is used for cats and dogs against fleas and ticks. It's easy to use and has a number of positives:
- quite low price;
- high efficiency;
- ease of use;
- long-term protection;
- neutral color, you can combine it with different accessories.
Such a collar also has bad sides, such as:
- not all animals like to wear them, they interfere with them and they try to take them off;
- an allergic reaction may occur.
The barrier company is very popular, it produces not only collars, but also shampoos and drops. Such companies manufacture both chemical and bio collars. The life of a valid chemical product is six months. And they use biological ones for eight months. There are also ultrasonic ones, they look like a small box that is worn around the dog's neck and emits sound waves. This bezel has no time limit as it is battery powered.
Possible side effects and precautions
A quality drug usually has almost no side effects. Most of the symptoms are manifested in the presence of an allergy to the active substance. They are manifested in the following:
- skin irritation;
- tearing;
- depressed state;
- tremor;
- temperature increase.
Flea shampoo for cats and kittens: which is better
If the condition of the dog worsens, you need to remove the product and contact your veterinarian. After working with the collar, you should wash your hands and other parts of the body that have come into contact with the poisonous substance using soap.
Important! It is advisable to keep small children away from the dog or to control their interaction.
How to use the collar correctly
It's very simple to use:
- Unpack the box first.
- Remove plastic connections and other items.
- Stretch it a little and dress your pet.
- Pull it up so that there is little space left, and the dog does not press and has something to breathe. Approximately 1.5 centimeters
- After he began to act, during the first days, exclude trips to the forest and water procedures.
Application features
The use of dog tick collars, leashes and key rings is generally a simple and moderately effective method of protection.
The collar is put on the dog, adjusted in size so that a gap of 1.0–1.5 cm remains between the animal's neck and the collar, then the free end of the tape is passed through the retainer and the excess collar is cut off, leaving the end no more than 5 cm long.
The collar is used continuously during the season of parasite activity. Collars start to work 2-3 days after the start of use. In the first days of using the collar, the attack and attachment of ixodid ticks to the animal is possible, but after 1–2 days the parasites spontaneously disappear. The effectiveness of using a collar depends on the condition and size of the dog's coat. Before putting on the collar, the dog is washed, and after washing, the collar is put on only on dry hair. The term of protective action is up to 6 months.
How to choose protection for an animal
Finding good collars is not easy as we thought. They are sold in a large number and different for every taste. Before buying them, you need to know a few rules:
- If you have already selected the manufacturer whose product you will buy, read reviews about it.
- Read the ingredients on the label. What chemicals are included in it.
- Be sure to consider the size of your four-legged friend. So that he is not small on him.
- Don't skimp on them. Flea protection at low prices can harm your pet.
So that the animals do not have fleas and ticks, you can also use special drops. Perhaps this method will suit you even better. There are many types of drops. Some can help for a couple of days, while others for a couple of months. It depends on the purpose for which you acquire them. If you need to go outdoors for a couple of days, then you don't need a large amount of the drug. And if the road is long, then it is better to take drops with a strong effect.
Rating, description and cost of anti-flea and anti-mite collars
Collars of Russian manufacturers
Compared to imported anti-flea and anti-mite collars, domestic products are much cheaper, but their service life is on average 4 months. In the store you can find both chemical varieties and collars with natural impregnation. The table shows the most popular models.
Name | Manufacturer | price, rub. | Active ingredients | Validity | Additional Information |
Leopard | Agrovetzashita | 150–230 | fipronil, insect growth regulator | 4 months | Available in different sizes for large and small breeds. Effective against fleas, ticks, lice and mosquitoes. Contraindicated in sick and weakened animals, puppies in the last third of pregnancy, puppies up to 2 months. The active substance with individual intolerance causes hypersalivation and lacrimation, tremors in the muscles, vomiting and skin irritation. |
Insectal plus | Ecoprom | 150–200 | fipronil, permethrin | 3-4 months | Sizes: 80, 65 and 35 cm. Not intended for sick and recovering animals, puppies and nursing bitches, puppies up to 4 months old. Destroys, in addition to ixodid ticks, fleas, lice and lice. |
Fitodoc | Agrovetzashita | 200–300 | essential oils of citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, margose, tea tree with a repellent effect | 3 months - from insects, 5 weeks - from ixodid ticks | Contains natural ingredients that are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Suitable for animals over 2 months old. |
European products (made in Germany, Holland, France)
Most of the collars of European production are several times more expensive than Russian collars. The high cost pays off with a service life that reaches 8 months of continuous use even after contact with water. The table shows French, Dutch and German models that are popular among pet lovers.
Name | Manufacturer, country | price, rub. | Active ingredients | Validity | Additional Information |
Kiltix | Bayer, Germany | 800–1300 | propoxur, flumethrin | 6 months | 3 sizes: 70, 53 and 38 cm. Exposure to moisture reduces performance, so you need to remove it while bathing. |
Foresto | Bayer, Germany | 1500–2800 | imidacloprid, flumethrin | 8 months | 2 sizes: 70 and 38 cm (for large and small breeds). Reflective clips are available (cannot be removed after fixing). Waterproof. |
Ungezieferband | Beaphar, Holland | 270–300 | diazinon | from fleas - 6 months, from ticks - 2-3 months | Waterproof. It takes effect 5 days after being put on the animal. |
S.O.S. Flea & Tick Collar | Beaphar, Holland | 500–650 | tetrachlorvinphos | from fleas - 8 months, from ticks - 4 months | The animal can be bathed without removing the product. The active ingredient is powder, it can crumble in the first few days of wearing. |
Scalibor | Intervet Production SA, France. | 800–1000 | deltamethrin | 6 months | Moisture resistant, but before swimming in an open reservoir, it must be removed, since the active substance is toxic to fish. |
Rolf club 3D | Veterinary Bio UG, Germany | 220–400 | fipronil, diflubenzuro | 6 months | It is used against 9 types of parasites. It can be in 3 sizes: 75, 65 and 40 cm. Waterproof, but the manufacturer recommends taking it off and putting it on dry wool before bathing. If an animal is severely affected by ectoparasites, before using the collar, it must be washed with an insectoacaricidal zoo shampoo and treated with its bedding. |
Collars made in the USA
Among the anti-flea and anti-mite collars made in the USA, the leading place in the ranking is occupied by the "UltraGuardFlea & TickCollar" company -. Collars cost from 500 to 700 rubles. The active ingredients present in the impregnation are tetrachloroviphos and methoprene. Collars are absolutely safe for all dogs, regardless of age, health status, etc. Like most products in this category, they are not afraid of water, so you can safely bathe your pet and not worry about the safety of the effect. American products serve up to 7 months.
Collar training your puppy
To begin with, in order to accustom a dog to a flea headband, he must get used to a regular product.
When the puppy is still small, it is very easy to accustom him to wearing protection. As for an adult dog, there can be problems with this. If a dog hasn't worn it since a young age, then of course she won't like it. At first it will not be convenient for her to be in it. It will twirl, itch and run away a lot.
It is best to let the dog get to know him first. When you have dressed him, distract the dog with a game or some kind of treat. It is better to wear it before eating, since she will not notice anything other than a bowl of food. If you teach your dog to put on a collar before eating, he will quickly get used to it and will look forward to this moment.
Wear it for ten minutes, several times a day. If you see that your pet has started wearing it, gradually increase the time. Then you will be able to put it on when it suits you.
Symptoms and external signs
The first and main sign that a pet has fleas is its constant scratching. He can also gnaw his own fur. And to find out whether the puppy was really attacked by parasites is possible only with a detailed examination. You can comb it against the grain to make sure there are bloodsuckers or not. Usually they like to be behind the ears, as in this place there is thinner skin and it is easier to bite.
Fleas can also be found during water procedures. Insects will jump off the pet or try to move to drier parts of the body.
Flea saliva causes very severe allergic reactions in babies, so redness will be another symptom. Sometimes it happens that due to the negative effects of parasites, hair loss is possible. Therefore, you should carefully monitor changes in the behavior and appearance of the dog.
Read the Causes of alopecia in Spitz: effective ways to eliminate the problem
When is the best time to wear
As for service dogs, for them the collar is practically part of the body, they wear them all the time. And for hunting dogs, on the contrary, it will be superfluous. During the hunt, it will only interfere with them, the dog can catch on a branch and get stuck.
For pets, it is needed to fasten a leash, hang a tag on it with the name of the dog and, of course, to protect it from fleas and ticks. A flea collar for puppies is worn before going for a walk. While the animal walks, it can pick up parasites, which in turn can infect it with various diseases.
If your pet is clean and has no fleas, wear a collar or drip drops for prevention. And what is better to buy drops or a collar, decide for yourself. And if you cannot decide, then you need the help of a specialist. So that later the animal does not get sick, and is always in a good mood.
Contraindications and negative consequences of use
Most flea collars have contraindications for use:
- do not use sick and weakened animals;
- do not combine with other insecticidal preparations;
- take precautions when in contact with the collar.
When choosing an accessory for kittens, pregnant and lactating pets, you must choose special options marked "approved for use" or seek help from a veterinarian. When handling a collar, instructions must be followed, as human skin is more sensitive to toxins than animal hair. It is important to avoid contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, make sure that children or other pets do not touch the collar. After contact with the product, wash your hands with soap and water.
Allergic reactions
The chemical composition with which the collar is treated can in some cases cause an allergic reaction. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the animal's body. Therefore, when using the product for the first time, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the cat or dog. Symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- irritation on the skin;
- salivation;
- lacrimation;
- hair loss;
- sneezing;
- restless behavior.
If they appear, it is necessary to urgently stop using the collar and seek advice from a veterinarian.
Collar odor
Typically, the main disadvantage of flea collars is the unpleasant odor. However, among modern antiparasitic devices there are products with a pleasant smell or without it at all. Bio-collars usually have a light pleasant aroma of essential oils. The pungent odor, as a rule, should disappear over time. If this does not happen and it causes discomfort to you and your pet, then it is better to choose a less odorous version.
Poisoning an animal with toxins
Regardless of the high cost or quality of the collar, it can cause poisoning of your pet, if suddenly a cat or dog licks, bites off or gnaws at it. First of all, it is necessary to identify the symptoms of poisoning:
- lethargy of the pet;
- refusal to eat, thirst;
- increased salivation;
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
- heavy breathing, dilated pupils.
Refusal to eat and intense thirst are one of the signs of animal poisoning.
In such cases, urgent veterinary advice is important. If possible, it is necessary to find instructions for the collar used: manufacturers indicate information on the antidote. This information will also help the veterinarian find the appropriate medication, since different collars contain different active ingredients in their composition.
First aid can be provided on your own, eliminating the further ingress of toxins - remove the collar and wash off its remnants from the fur. And also cleansing the stomach with the help of any preparations for a person will help: activated carbon dissolved in water (1 tablet per 1 kg) or other absorbent.