Pet Myth #7: Flea collars

Frontline or advantage/advantix is the best option for fleas.  
The chemicals in flea collars are toxic to many pets and kids also.

The reality: "We know that they (flea collars) don't work—the research on flea collars has shown that the effectiveness is only where the collar touches," explains Dr. Rubin. "You'll find fewer and fewer on the market. I've seen dogs with flea collars in the past and fleas are running all over the rump of the animal. Dr. Rubin recommends veterinary hospital-sold products like Frontline to prevent fleas and ticks. Just be sure to never mix up cat and dog products—products designed for dogs can be deadly if applied to cats.

How Flea Collars Work

French Bulldog puppy with a flea collar.

(Photo: goldyrocks/iStock/Getty Images)

 

Flea collars can be found at grocery stores, pet stores and at a veterinarian's office. The flea collars bought or recommended from your vet tend to be more effective than the inexpensive ones in the grocery stores. There are two types of flea collars. The first type emits a gas that is toxic to fleas. This gas is supposed to keep fleas away from your dog, although it works best for the head and neck area where the collar is located. The other type of flea collar emits a toxin absorbed into your dog's skin, and it should kill fleas if they bite your dog. Flea collars are most effective for killing adult fleas; however, some collars are made with Insect Growth Regulator to prevent flea eggs and larvae.

Electronic flea collars are another type of collar. These collars do not have a good reputation for controlling fleas. They are also called ultrasonic flea collars. The way they are supposed to work is that the collar puts out an ultrasonic noise that should keep fleas and ticks away from your dog. They are usually between $25 and $50, and they last for several months and even years. Some of these electronic flea collars also have an insecticide on the plastic to help with flea control. The problem with these collars seems to be that the noise is emitted too infrequently to ward off pests.

Flea collars are not as popular as they used to be. Many people worry that fleas bite their dogs before the fleas actually reach the flea collar. A lot of pet owners are using flea medications such as Frontline and Advantix. These are liquid medications applied to the neck area of the dog, under the hair, right on the skin. They last for one month, and some are waterproof. The amount of medication a dog needs depends on the weight of the dog. Many of these medications also kill flea eggs and larvae. Some people may use flea shampoo on their dogs or get their dogs dipped to prevent flea problems, although these methods are also not as popular as flea medications.