If you need more information about I’m a Vet Tech, and Here’s Why I Don’t Like Flea Collars, you can check the following LINK. With Seresto flea collars facing a $15 million lawsuit for adverse effects, here are my thoughts on this outdated method of flea prevention.
I've never been a fan of flea collars for dogs and cats. I think it goes back to my childhood when most flea collars had a distinct odor and a greasy feel. Back then, flea collars were one of just a few options for flea control (along with sprays and powders). They didn't work well to kill fleas or prevent infestations, and the chemicals they contained posed a risk to humans and pets.1
I got my first dog in the mid-1990s and reluctantly used a flea collar. But when I entered the veterinary industry a few years later, I learned about several newer products for flea control, like topicals and orals. Not only did they work to kill and prevent fleas, but they also left no odor or residue behind. Plus, the evidence showed that these products were safer for pets and people than older flea products.
With the recent class-action lawsuit settled for $15 million against Elanco Animal Health, the manufacturer of Seresto flea collars, I stand by my decision to move away from flea collars. I now use an oral flea control product each month because I know how important it is to protect my pets against fleas while using a safe product.
Are Flea Control Products Safe for Pets?
There's always a risk associated with using insecticides around pets and people. Fortunately, veterinarians and researchers have conducted tests and studies to determine which products are safe and effective. When it's time to decide what flea control product to use, I trust my vet to guide me because they understand the science behind them.
No one flea control product is universally safe for all pets—you and your vet must consider the individual pet's health and needs.
How Flea Collars Work
Some flea collars work by off-gassing chemicals that repel or kill insects, creating a "bubble" of protection around the animal, some emit essential oils or herbs to repel insects, and some, including Seresto, have insecticides embedded in the collar that slowly seep out and spread through the natural oils on the pet's skin. Unfortunately, adverse side effects have been associated with those collars, leading to the lawsuit.
To continue to work against fleas, the collar must remain on the pet. This means people and other pets who come into contact with the collar are also exposed to the active ingredients. Technically, this can be harmful depending on the specific ingredients and each individual's health.
Most flea collars must be placed snugly against the skin to work properly. Too loose, and they won't be effective. Too tight, and they could harm the pet. Plus, the collar may need to be adjusted periodically if it gets too loose or tight. This leaves an element of guesswork that can be confusing for pet parents.
As a precaution, I do not use them on my pets.
Flea Collar Alternatives
If you're anything like me and want to avoid flea collars, plenty of other options can more effectively (and easily) control fleas.
Topical Flea Control
Often called "spot-on" treatments, these are applied to an area along the back where the pet cannot reach. Most of these work by spreading throughout the dog's skin via natural oils (similar to how many flea collars work). Once the area where the product was applied is dry, it won't be absorbed by people or pets who touch the spot. Some topicals work better than others, so ask your veterinarian to recommend a safe and effective product.
Many of these spot-on products are effective against fleas and some also kill ticks. However, my pets hate the feeling of having them applied, so I rarely use them.
The EPA regulates most topical flea control products, and they can be purchased without a veterinarian's prescription. But some pets develop a skin reaction to topical products, so it's best to use them under your vet's supervision.
Oral Flea Control
Personally, I prefer to use oral flea control for my pets. These products are absorbed into the bloodstream and kill fleas after they bite the pet. I've never witnessed side effects from oral flea control, but some pets do have complications, so it's essential to work with your veterinarian and report any problems immediately.
The FDA regulates oral flea control products, and most are only available with a prescription from a veterinarian. These drugs are not appropriate for all pets, so it gives me peace of mind knowing that a veterinarian is involved and knows my pets' medical backgrounds before prescribing these products.
How to Choose the Right Flea Control Product
Ultimately, you need to choose a product that meets your needs (and your pet's needs). Consult with your veterinarian about the current products they recommend and why. Contact your vet if you notice any signs of illness while using flea control products.
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