Introduction
Flea and tick prevention is critical for maintaining dogs’ health and wellbeing. Fleas and ticks can spread dangerous, even fatal, diseases to dogs, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, bartonellosis, and ehrlichiosis. They also cause substantial discomfort and irritation from bites and can lead to skin infections. Severe flea infestations may even cause anemia in puppies and smaller dogs. Therefore, using flea and tick preventative products is imperative to keep dogs healthy and reduce the risks associated with these parasites.
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, “Preventatives are types of medication that can be safely and routinely given to deter fleas and ticks from biting your dog. They come in a variety of easy-use formulations, including oral and topical options.” Proper use of vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives protects dogs against disease and provides much-needed relief from irritating bites. With routine prevention, dogs can enjoy the outdoors pest-free.
Types of Flea Collars
There are two main types of flea collars for dogs: chemical and natural collars.
Chemical flea collars contain pesticides that kill fleas and ticks. These ingredients are slowly released onto the dog’s fur over several months. Popular chemical ingredients include:
– Imidacloprid – interferes with the nervous system of fleas (Tractor Supply)
– Fipronil – disrupts the insect central nervous system (The Spruce Pets)
– Propoxur – inhibits energy production in insects (Amazon)
Natural flea collars use plant-based ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, and cedar oil to repel fleas. These collars often contain fewer harsh chemicals compared to traditional versions. However, natural collars may need more frequent replacing than chemical ones.
When choosing a flea collar, pet owners should consider their dog’s age, weight, and sensitivity to certain ingredients.
How Flea Collars Work
Flea collars contain active ingredients that are gradually released onto the pet’s coat to repel and kill fleas. Some active ingredients commonly used in flea collars include:
Pyrethroids – Synthetic insecticides that attack the nervous system of fleas, causing paralysis and death. Examples are permethrin and etofenprox. [1]
Imidacloprid – A chloronicotinyl insecticide that interferes with the flea’s central nervous system. It causes overstimulation of the nerves leading to convulsions and death. [2]
Flumethrin and propoxur – Work together to repel and kill fleas. Flumethrin attacks the nervous system while propoxur inhibits an enzyme in the flea’s metabolism.
These ingredients are gradually released from the collar and spread over the pet’s coat from contact. This creates a zone of protection around the pet’s neck and upper back that repels and kills any fleas that come into contact with the treated fur.
Can Flea Collars Get Wet?
Most modern flea collars are designed to be water-resistant, meaning they can withstand some exposure to water without losing effectiveness. Popular brands like Seresto claim their collars remain effective after swimming, bathing, or exposure to rain or sunlight (Source: https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx2AHUP6HLF69KB).
The active ingredients in flea collars are embedded into the plastic matrix of the collar in a way that water has difficulty penetrating. So getting the collar wet does not wash away the insecticide. However, prolonged or frequent submersion can impact the integrity and efficacy of the collar over time.
It’s generally recommended to avoid constantly soaking flea collars, but the occasional swim, bath, or rain shower will likely not make the collar stop working. Check the product instructions for water resistance specifics. Most collars can handle normal wetness just fine. But take care to thoroughly dry the collar after significant water exposure before reapplying (Source: https://mypetandi.elanco.com/en_gb/parasites/fleas/why-seresto-collar-might-not-be-working).
Removing Collar While Bathing
It is generally recommended to remove your dog’s flea and tick collar before bathing them. Though most modern flea collars are water-resistant, getting the collar wet repeatedly can impact the collar’s effectiveness over time.
Leading flea collar brands like Seresto advise removing the collar during bathing. As one Seresto customer asked on Amazon, “Can I bathe my dog with Seresto collar on?” The official Seresto answer stated: “We recommend removing the collar during a bath and putting it back on afterwards.” [1]
Other pet owners have also found it best to remove flea collars before bathing, with one noting: “Taking it off for a short bath should not effect protection, because it has absorbed into their bloodstream and continues to do so throughout them wearing it.” [2]
So for most flea and tick collars, go ahead and remove the collar while shampooing and bathing your dog. Just be sure to thoroughly dry and reapply the collar afterwards to maintain full effectiveness.
Drying the Collar
It’s important to properly dry a flea collar after bathing your cat before putting it back on. Water can damage the ingredients in some flea collars, reducing their effectiveness. According to experts, the best way to dry a wet flea collar is to gently pat it dry with a towel and allow it to fully air dry before reapplying.
Don’t use a hair dryer or other heat source to speed up the drying process as this may damage the collar. Simply pat away any excess moisture with a clean towel. Then lay the collar out flat in an area with good airflow and allow it to completely dry for at least a few hours or overnight if possible. You want the collar to be 100% dry before putting it back on your cat.
Allowing the collar to air dry helps ensure no moisture remains trapped next to your cat’s skin when you reapply it. This prevents skin irritation or inflammation. Once fully dry, inspect the collar to make sure it’s intact with no damage before placing it back on per the product instructions. With proper drying, the collar should regain its full effectiveness against fleas and ticks.
Reapplying the Collar
After bathing and drying your dog, you will need to reapply the flea collar. Follow these steps:
- Make sure your dog is completely dry before putting the collar back on. Any moisture can impact the collar’s effectiveness.
- Check the collar for any visible damage from getting wet. Look for tears, broken parts, or other signs it may be compromised. If you see damage, replace the collar.
- If the collar appears undamaged, place it back around your dog’s neck. Make sure it fits properly – snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
- Examine the skin under the collar and around your dog’s neck. Look for any redness, irritation, or hot spots which could indicate an allergic reaction. If you see irritation, remove the collar and contact your veterinarian.
- Check that the collar is properly fastened and secured. Test it by gently pulling to ensure it does not slide off over your dog’s head.
- Refer to the product instructions to confirm how long the collar remains effective after getting wet. Its flea and tick prevention properties may be reduced.
- Monitor your dog closely over the next several days. Look for persistent scratching, evidence of live fleas, or other signs the collar may have lost efficacy after being wet.
- If fleas persist, you may need to replace the collar sooner than the labeled expiry date.
Always follow the specific instructions provided with your particular flea collar brand and product. Never use a flea collar that appears damaged, and contact your vet if you have any concerns about irritation. With proper precautions, you can maintain your dog’s flea prevention after occasional baths.
Maintaining Effectiveness
To help preserve the efficacy of flea collars between baths:
- Avoid getting the collar wet as much as possible. Limit baths to only when truly needed, and use a damp cloth for spot cleaning when you can (1).
- When bathing your dog, remove the collar and thoroughly dry it before reapplying. Allow the collar to air dry completely rather than actively drying with towels or heat (2).
- Check the package instructions for your specific collar’s water resistance and reapplication guidelines after getting wet.
- Monitor your dog closely for any signs of fleas or ticks, and reapply a new collar before the end of the advertised protection period.
- Use flea and tick prevention products like sprays or monthly spot-on treatments to supplement the collar’s protection.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently to pick up eggs and larva that could reinfest your dog.
- Regularly inspect your dog’s skin under the collar for irritation, and ask your vet if concerns arise.
Following the product directions and taking steps to limit water exposure will help maintain each collar’s pest protection between baths.
Signs of Irritation
Flea collars can sometimes cause skin irritation in dogs. The active ingredients and other chemicals in flea collars can be irritants for some dogs’ skin. Signs of skin irritation from flea collars may include:
- Redness at the application site
- Scratching or biting at the neck area
- Hair loss around the collar
- Crusting or scabbing on the skin
- Swelling around the neck
Skin irritation is one of the most common side effects seen with flea collars. It’s important to closely monitor the skin under the flea collar when first applying it to watch for any adverse reactions. Mild irritation may be normal at first. But if the irritation persists or worsens, it’s best to remove the collar. Severe reactions like oozing sores or swelling of the neck warrant immediate collar removal and veterinary attention (Source).
In rare cases, humans can also experience skin irritation from handling flea collars. Symptoms may include rashes, hives, or itching on the hands. Carefully washing hands after application can help avoid skin irritation in humans (Source).
When to Ask a Vet
It’s important to monitor your pet closely after applying a new flea collar. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of irritation or other adverse reactions. According to the ASPCA, signs that warrant a veterinary visit include:
- Redness, rashes or sores on skin under the collar
- Scratching, biting or rubbing at the neck area
- Hair loss where the collar contacts the skin
- Change in behavior such as depression or lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Severe reactions like facial swelling, muscle tremors or seizures require immediate veterinary attention. If your pet experiences a bad reaction to a specific brand or type of collar, have the vet document it to avoid future issues. The ASPCA also recommends updating your vet at your pet’s annual exam about any flea and tick preventives you are using.
You may also want to consult your veterinarian if you notice fleas persisting despite proper and continual use of the collar. They can recommend additional treatments or prevention methods if the collar does not seem effective. According to the American Kennel Club, the effectiveness of some chemicals in collars can diminish over time, especially with exposure to water. Your vet can help determine if yours needs to be replaced sooner than the labeled expiration date.1
In general, your veterinarian is a great resource for guidance on flea prevention and any concerns related to your pet’s flea collar.