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Benefits Of Flea And Tick Collars

from: Kyle Besser

Dog flea and tick collars were introduced in 1964 as an effective and relatively safe way to protect dogs and cats from fleas and ticks. When flea and tick collars were introduced, flea collars were seen as an excellent solution for flea control. Flea collars significantly reduced flea bites on pets that would otherwise be under constant attack.

Flea and tick collars are made from a special plastic that slowly releases insecticide that kills adult fleas and ticks for weeks or even months. After the specified interval, flea and tick collars will lose their effectiveness and must be replaced to continue the protection.

Before the widespread use of flea and tick collars, flea infestations were a constant battle and a health threat for dog owners. Flea and tick collars were a huge advance in protecting pets from ectoparasites. Similar slow-release insecticides are used for pest control in livestock.

Flea and tick collars are only really effective on the front half of the body, closest to the flea and tick collars. Because of this, flea and tick collars are generally more effective aganist ticks because ticks often try to attach themselves around the head and neck area. You should definitely use flea and tick collars if your dogs spend much time outdoors where ticks are likely waiting for a host to come along.

Following package instructions for flea-and-tick-collars is essential when using over the counter products. Only buy flea and tick collars that are labeled for use on the species you will be using them on (dog, cat, etc.). Cats in particular are very sensitive to drugs and chemicals. Be sure to read all labels carefully.

Even when labels are read and instructions are followed, adverse reactions to flea and tick collars can happen. Some animals develop an irritation in the collar area called flea collar dermatitis. This flea collar dermatitis is usually not a serious problem in itself, but dogs with skin irritations are prone to scratch the affected area constantly, which can make the irritation worse and risk infection.

Moisture hastens the release of the insecticide from the flea and tick collars and can cause rash on wet dogs. To avoid this, remove flea and tick collars when running dogs in wet grass or weeds or when the dog might take a swim. Return the flea and tick collar to the dog once the dog is dry. If your dog should happen to get a rash, remove the flea collar until the dog's skin heals.