This method of flea treatment has been widely used for several years. You don’t hear about it often these days with all the new ways to control and get rid of flea infestations. A flea collar is often also considered bad for dogs or cats health. This is not the case with new flea collars though. They are a great way to prevent fleas from attacking your pets, as an alternative to flea drops and similar products. Today, both organic and chemical based flea collars (from good brands) are considered safe for pets and are quite useful in preventing fleas. They work by repelling fleas in the first place but does not kill them, so please be aware of the difference.
Do flea collars work?
If you have tried other types of flea treatment products and failed, maybe a flea collar is worth a try. I use flea drops myself, but I know many people who have had great success with flea collars. Sometimes all it takes is a different approach. As long as it doesn’t harm your pets or yourself, you have nothing to lose.
I have also heard of many cases where the flea infestation has been completely wiped out, but then returns after a few weeks. You have to remember that even though you kill all the fleas and flea eggs in your home and on your pets, there is the chance of new fleas being dragged inside as soon as your dog or cat has been in the garden or outside for a walk.
Whether or not flea collars work depends on the other steps you take for the infestation. I always recommend using an integrated approach: so use everything at your disposal, such as shampoos, powders, sprays along with a preventative product like drops or collars for best results.
Types of collars that prevent fleas
There are several products specifically designed to kill fleas or prevent them from reproducing. The flea collar is a way to make sure they don’t catch a ride on your dog or cat inside your home. You can be absolutely sure that fleas will attack your pets in the summer months, if you don’t do anything to prevent it. And once you have a flea infestation in your home, it is much harder to get rid of than if you had stopped it from happening in the first place.
Organic flea collars
Organic or herbal flea collars are a good way to prevent fleas, and even though they might not provide a one hundred percent guaranteed flea-free home, they definitely improve your odds. Most contain essential oils so make sure you research the product and ensure that your cat or dog is not allergic to it. The problem with organic or herbal collars is that they may not provide long lasting results. This means you’d need to replace the collar every few weeks or each month.
Chemical flea collars
Flea collars for dogs and cats with chemicals like pyrethrin are usually quite effective and safe. Many work on fleas as well as ticks, lice, mange etc. Always follow product label instructions before attaching it to your pet. You can buy a larger collar and have it cut to size to fit your pet. Never allow your pet to swim with the flea collar on as water tends to decrease their effectiveness. Also, remove the collar whilst bathing your pet. Many chemical based collars are effective for up to 2-4 months after which you need to attach a new one.
Different flea collars for dogs and cats
You can get a flea collar for cats and another one for dogs. They are typically two different products with the same effect. Even though the organic flea collars may not be as effective as the chemical ones, I’m sure your pets will appreciate them more. You can also get collars that prevent fleas and ticks at the same time, so read the descriptions carefully and make sure these are the ones you buy.
If your dog or cat isn’t used to wearing a flea collar or any other collar, you might have trouble convincing them how great they are. Try it for some time and if they still don’t like it, I recommend switching to flea drops. They probably won’t like that either in the beginning because of the smell, but at least that will pass after a few hours.
5 reasons why you should use flea collars
- Flea collars offer lasting protection against fleas and ticks – some work up to 6 months.
- They are easy to use; just place one around the pet’s neck as per the instructions.
- Collars can be economical and affordable.
- Most are safe and non toxic.
- They may not kill existing fleas and ticks but they certainly repel them and prevent new ones from jumping on your pet.
Essential oil based flea collars
Many pet parents hate using chemicals on their pets, which I completely understand. While chemical flea control is generally more effective, some natural products can also show good results. This is applicable to flea collars as well. Organic homemade flea collars usually contain essential oils and the strong aroma of these oil repels fleas.
However, just because essential oils are natural does not always mean they are safe for your pets. So always try a small test first prior to using the homemade flea collars below. Also check if your pet even likes the smell by dipping a Q-tip in the oil you plan to use in the recipe. Allow your dog or cat to have a sniff at it. If your pet hates the smell, he or she might sneeze, run away, try to wipe it off on the carpet or furniture, or display other strange behavior. If your pet accepts the smell, then you can continue.
As always, never let your pet ingest the oil or lick the homemade flea collar.
How to make a homemade flea collar
This natural flea collar will discourage fleas from taking up residence on your pet.
Ingredients
- 1 part pennyroyal leaves (not for use around cats)
- Dried or fresh chamomile flowers
- Rosemary herb, dried (handful)
- Rue leaves, southernwood leaves and wormwood leaves (one handful each-dried)
- 3-5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Crush or chop the herbs, flowers and leaves. Sprinkle or spray eucalyptus essential oil on them. Place the treated herbs inside a handkerchief. Tie this around your pet’s neck like a scarf or bandanna.
Another way to make a flea collar at home
Here is an alternative to the homemade flea collar above.
- 1 untreated felt collar
- Mix together 2 tsp of vodka, 1 tsp of rosemary essential oil, 1-2 tsp of lavender oil, 1-2 tsp of pennyroyal oil, 1 tsp of citronella essential oil, 2 tsp of eucalyptus essential oil and oil from 4 garlic capsules.
- Dip the felt collar in the solution and leave it to soak for a few hours. Now dry the collar for a few hours before attaching it around your pet’s neck.
- When using this remedy for cats, avoid Pennyroyal oil which could be toxic to them.
Do try out this great alternative to flea drops and start protecting your pets 24/7. You can get them here.
