Do flea collars work

Do Flea Collars Work?

This seems to be a question that remains perpetually unanswered, apart from the fact that most of the general public knows such flea collars are effective in protecting furry/domestic animals from parasites. 

However, not many are aware about the functioning of these products. Though flea collars kill fleas and ticks and remain active over extended periods, their strength starts dwindling within a fortnight. Specified intervals must thus be brought forward for these collars to ensure renewed protection. 

These collars have a ‘slow-release technology’ that allows mixed chemicals to kill insects upon contact, spreading through the subcutaneous level, the bloodstream, as well as the coat of the animal. The effect is strongest if the mix contains S-methoprene, a chemical which thwarts parasite reproduction. 

Flea collars are most beneficial when a dog is brushed regularly instead of being bathed often, since their chemicals chiefly depend on sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands that secretes natural oils to moisten and protect the skin) to harness protection against fleas and mites. Regular bathing depletes these sebum deposits, and brushing the animal’s fur is thus preferable. A minimum of 48 hours must pass before putting the collar back after a bath, since it takes that much time for the sebum to make up for its prior depleted deposits. 

Despite being highly functional, flea collars are no miracle solutions. They are most effective as a preventative, rather than a full blown curable measure against parasitic problems or infections, especially if the latter issues are in the advanced stages. This is the very reason why people dispose of these collars after becoming frustrated about an increasingly itchy pet. 

Thus, to elaborate again, flea collars should be used for preventing flea problems, and not curing them, as that is not their prime function. Some collars kill parasites, turn their eggs sterile, or do both. If the chemicals contained in them are meant to kill ten thousand fleas, then you cannot expect to get rid of a million. 

Also note that not all dogs are tolerant of these chemicals. In such cases, electronic flea control, ultrasonic, and electromagnetic collars come in handy. The latest in the market utilizes ionic air cleaning, which, surprisingly, has no scientific studies to back up its intended purpose. 

To conclude, the following flea collars have been found to deliver satisfactory results: 

Additional Articles on Alternative Health Remedies

• Acupuncture for Animals
• Homeopathic Vets
• Natural Cat Vitamins
• Natural Dog Vitamins
• Reiki for animals
• Dog Vitamins VS Supplements
• Magnetic Therapy for Horses
• Using Flower Essences