Introduction
Ticks are a major menace for pet owners during the summer months. According to the CDC, ticks spread at least 16 human diseases in the US alone. For our canine companions, ticks can transmit dangerous illnesses like Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Pet owners have turned to products like the Seresto collar to help protect dogs against ticks. Seresto collars contain active ingredients that are stored in the collar and spread onto the dog’s hair and skin. This is supposed to repel and kill ticks on contact. However, some pet owners report still finding live, biting ticks on their dogs even with the Seresto collar on.
This article will examine how effective Seresto collars are against tick bites, whether ticks can bite through the collar, and steps you can take to maximize your dog’s protection.
What is a Seresto Collar?
The Seresto collar is a flea and tick collar for dogs that provides long-lasting protection against parasites. It contains two active ingredients – imidacloprid and flumethrin – that work together to repel and kill fleas, ticks, and lice (1).
Imidacloprid attacks the nervous system of fleas and other insects, causing paralysis and death. It is gradually released from the collar over 8 months, so it remains effective through the entire period (2).
Flumethrin also targets the nervous system of ticks and repels them from attaching and feeding on the dog. It binds to the dog’s hair and skin oils and spreads over their body via movement. The repellant effect lasts for 6-7 months (1).
The innovative slow-release technology of the Seresto collar allows the active ingredients to be emitted at low concentrations. This helps maintain effectiveness while also reducing the risk of skin irritation that could occur from a single high-dose exposure (3).
Overall, the dual-action formula of imidacloprid and flumethrin in the Seresto collar provides continuous flea and tick protection by both killing and repelling parasites for up to 8 months when worn properly (1,2). This long-lasting preventative helps keep dogs free of dangerous vector-borne diseases transmitted by these pests.
How Effective is the Seresto Collar?
Studies have shown the Seresto collar to be highly effective at repelling and killing ticks. One study published in Parasites & Vectors found the Seresto collar was over 95% effective against tick challenges for up to 8 months [1]. The repellent effects begin working within 24 hours of putting the collar on the dog. The collar also has insecticidal effects by disrupting the nervous system of ticks that come in contact with it, causing paralysis and death.
In a controlled laboratory study, the Seresto collar provided close to 100% tick control for 6 months. After 8 months, efficacy remained above 95%. The researchers concluded the Seresto collar provided “high sustained acaricidal efficacy against ticks for 8 months” [2]. Another study found the Seresto collar provided 95.2% protection against Ixodes ricinus ticks after 7 months in a real-world setting [1].
The research demonstrates the Seresto collar is highly effective for months at preventing tick bites, attachment, and death in dogs.
Can Ticks Still Bite Through the Collar?
While the Seresto collar does have repellent properties, ticks can still bite and attach to a dog wearing the collar before dying. According to users on Reddit, the active ingredients in the Seresto collar don’t kill ticks immediately, but take at least a few hours after initial contact with the dog’s fur to take effect.
As one Redditor explained, “Sersto does kill on contact, it just takes a few hours after contact. If I find a non-attached, non-engorged, tick on my dog with seresto and it’s alive, I just pick it off and kill it” (source). Another customer review on Amazon noted, “Seresto has not repelled the ticks, but they bite and die.”
So while the Seresto collar will kill any ticks that bite, it does not prevent them from initially attaching and biting. For this reason, it’s still important to regularly check your dog’s skin and fur for any attached ticks. Remove any ticks you find promptly, before they can transmit any diseases.
Maximizing Effectiveness
There are several things you can do to get the maximum effectiveness from a Seresto collar:
Proper collar fitting is crucial. The collar should fit snugly but allow two fingers to fit between the collar and your dog’s neck. Check the fit regularly as your dog’s neck size may change over time. An ill-fitting collar can lead to irritation or allow ticks access under the collar.
It’s also important to continue monitoring your dog closely for ticks even when using the Seresto collar. Perform frequent tick checks after activities like hiking or playing in wooded areas. No preventative is 100% effective, so diligent monitoring helps catch any breakthrough ticks.
Using the Seresto in conjunction with other preventatives like topical tick treatments or sprays can provide an added layer of protection. Ask your veterinarian if layering the Seresto collar with other products is recommended for your pet.
With proper fitting, monitoring, and potentially additional preventatives, you can maximize the Seresto collar’s effectiveness against ticks.
Drawbacks and Risks
While the Seresto collar can be highly effective for many dogs, there are some potential drawbacks and risks to be aware of before using this product. According to the EPA (1), less common but serious side effects have been reported in some animals wearing the Seresto collar. These include neurological symptoms like seizures, ataxia (loss of coordination), and muscle tremors. Other side effects like skin irritation at the application site, hair loss, and drooling have also been reported in some cases.
The collar may also pose higher risks for certain animals. The EPA warns pet owners not to use the Seresto collar on puppies under 7 weeks old, as they may be more susceptible to side effects (1). Some advocacy groups have called for the collar to be recalled due to the risks, but the EPA and manufacturer say the benefits outweigh the risks when used as directed (2).
It’s also important to note that while highly effective against fleas and ticks, the Seresto collar does not repel or kill all tick-borne diseases. Even with the collar on, dogs can still contract illnesses like Lyme disease from tick bites (3). So pet owners should still check their dog regularly for any attached ticks.
Alternatives to the Seresto Collar
While the Seresto collar is a popular option for tick prevention in dogs, there are some alternative products pet owners can consider:
Oral Flea and Tick Medications
Oral flea and tick medications like Nexgard and Simparica Trio provide systemic protection by disrupting the flea and tick lifecycle once they bite your dog. Nexgard claims to kill fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 48 hours of biting. Simparica Trio also treats and controls heartworm disease and intestinal worms in addition to fleas and ticks 1. These medications are given once a month and can be easier to remember than applying a topical medication.
However, some pet owners prefer to avoid oral insecticides and the medications require a prescription from your veterinarian. There is also a small risk of side effects like vomiting, diarrhea or skin irritation in some dogs.
Natural Tick Repellents
Some pet owners look to natural options like tick repellent sprays made with ingredients like essential oils, garlic, and rose geranium oil. These products can repel ticks through the dog’s coat rather than killing the ticks. However, natural repellents may need to be reapplied more frequently than other medications.
While natural tick repellents are appealing for avoiding chemicals, there is less research on their effectiveness compared to products like the Seresto collar. Owners will still need to thoroughly check their dog for any attached ticks.
Flea and Tick Collars
There are other chemical flea and tick collars besides Seresto that provide contact repellent and insecticide effects. These include collars like the Hartz Ultraguard Plus Flea & Tick Collar and Bayer Animal Health K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention Collar.
However, some research suggests other collars may be less effective than the Seresto collar, needing reapplication during the month. They also tend to use more toxic pesticides than newer products like Seresto. But they can provide an affordable short-term option.
Signs Your Dog Was Bitten
If your dog was bitten by a tick, there are some common symptoms to look out for. According to Westport Veterinary Hospital (https://www.westportveterinary.com/site/blog-westport-vet/2021/01/11/tick-borne-diseases-dogs), the hallmark signs of tick-borne diseases in dogs include vomiting, fever, swelling around joints, lameness, and lethargy. Other possible symptoms can include loss of appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, nose bleeds, and neurological issues. Prairie View Animal Hospital (https://www.prairieviewah.com/tick-borne-diseases-dogs-spot-prevent-potentially-dangerous-diseases/) notes additional signs like bruising of the gums and belly.
To check your dog for ticks, run your hands over their body feeling for any small bumps. Pay close attention to warmer areas like behind the ears, around the muzzle, under armpits, and between the paw pads where ticks like to hide. Look also at the head, neck, and shoulders. Check for redness, swelling, or irritation on the skin as these can indicate a tick bite. It’s recommended to check your dog thoroughly for ticks daily, especially after time spent outdoors.
If you find a tick, remove it right away using tweezers. Clean the area thoroughly with antiseptic. Monitor your dog closely over the next few days for any symptoms of illness. Contact your vet immediately if you observe any signs of a tick-borne disease. Prompt treatment is essential for your dog’s recovery.
What to Do if Your Dog is Bitten
If you find a tick attached to your dog, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible to reduce the chances of disease transmission. Here are some tips for safe tick removal:
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upwards with steady, even pressure to remove the tick. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. Clean the bite area with antiseptic after removal. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-remove-tick-from-dog/
You should contact your veterinarian if any parts of the tick remain in the skin, if the tick was engorged when removed, or if you notice any signs of illness in your dog after a bite. Symptoms to watch for include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, limping, or skin rashes. Your vet can test for tick-borne diseases and provide treatment if needed.
Monitor the bite area closely for several weeks. Redness, swelling, or oozing can indicate infection. Mark the calendar for when the bite occurred and make note of any changes. If symptoms worsen or persist, seek veterinary care promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment is key for effective management of tick-borne diseases.
Conclusion
In summary, the Seresto collar is an effective option to protect dogs against ticks and fleas for up to 8 months. However, it does not fully prevent all tick bites in all cases. Ticks may still be able to bite through the collar if conditions are right. To maximize effectiveness, check your dog regularly during high tick season and after activities in wooded, brushy areas. Pair the Seresto with topical repellents when necessary. While quite safe for most dogs, be aware of potential risks like skin irritation. Consult your vet if you have concerns. There are also alternative collars, though none work as long as Seresto. If your dog shows any signs of a tick bite, remove the tick promptly and monitor your dog closely. With reasonable precautions, the Seresto collar can provide excellent protection against the annoyances and dangers of ticks and fleas.