Flea & Tick Collars

When they were introduced flea collars were seen as an excellent solution to a severe problem. They significantly reduced bites on animals that were otherwise under constant attack. However, they had a couple of problems.

Some animals develop an irritation in the collar area called flea collar dermatitis and the collars are really only effective on the front half of the body, closest to where the collars are worn. Because of this, flea and tick collars are generally more effective protection against tick bites because ticks often try to attach around the head and neck. In fact, if you use a flea control medication that does not control ticks, such as Advantage (tm) or Program (tm), you should definitely use a flea and tick collar if your pet spends much time outdoors.

Are there better control methods now?

Much better and safer methods are now available for flea and tick control. The best methods control adult fleas and ticks with a topically-applied medication combined with treatment of the pet's environment with an insect growth regulator called methoprene. Methoprene prevents larval fleas from developing into adults (see Flea and Tick Control in Homes and on Pets).