Did you know fleas have been around for about 165 million years and that one female flea can lay around 2,000 eggs in her lifetime (2 - 3 months)? These tiny parasites are a nuisance to control, but without proper treatment, your pet and your home can quickly become infested. Plus, fleas can pose health risks to your pet.
In this post, we will cover some flea facts, how to tell if your dog has fleas, the types of flea collars, how they work and the common ingredients used in flea collars. Plus, we'll also review our top three picks for the best flea collar for dogs on the market today. Let's "jump" to it!
Best Flea Collars for Dogs at a Glance
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Fleas?
There are many ways to tell if your dog has fleas. The most obvious sign is you can actually see the fleas moving about on your pet. However, fleas are very quick to catch, so you will probably notice pepper-like dirt on your dog's skin. This is actually the feces the fleas leave behind.
Another sign of your dog having fleas is he is scratching more than usual. This can include around his ears and head region. Your dog may also be restless and licking or chewing at parts of his body. If this happens, check for those nasty biting pests.
The first place to check to see if your dog does indeed have fleas is behind his front legs (armpits) and in the groin region. These are the warmest parts of your dog's body and the most protected, so fleas will hang out there to stay safe. You will also want to check for redness and blood on your dog's skin, as these two signs can indicate flea bites.
What Are Flea Collars and How Do They Work?
A flea collar is a thin strip of plastic made with a mixture of insecticide and resin to either repel or kill the fleas on your pet.
Common Ingredients Used in Flea Collars
There are four main active ingredients found in flea collars. These are:
1. Deltamethrin (delta-METH-rin) - classified as one of the safer insecticides, Deltamethrin is a synthetic Pyrethroid of a naturally occurring pesticide called Pyrethrin, which is found in the chrysanthemum flower.
2. Amitraz (AH-mih-traz) - although the specifics of how this pesticide works is still a mystery, it is effective as an antiparasitic drug.
3. Pyriproxifen (pie-rih-PROX-uh-fen) - this pesticide works by sterilizing the fleas so they are unable to reproduce and targets both the eggs and the larvae.
4. Propoxur (pro-POX-ur) - this pesticide will cause nervous system damage in the flea and within 24 hours they will be dead. However, be aware that this pesticide is toxic to humans so always wash your hands after handling a flea collar with Propoxur in it and keep it away from children.
My Detailed Buying Guide
