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As a dog owner, I am sure fleas and ticks are a matter of concern for you when it comes to your dog. While we know that these little buggers are not only irritating for your dog (because of the itching sensation they create), they’re also quite dangerous for your dog’s health because they can transmit diseases.
In addition to regular bathing and a proper skincare routine for your dog, you definitely need something extra to keep fleas at bay.
And a flea collar should do the trick perfectly.
So here in this guide, we’ve discussed the best flea collar available on the market, the Seresto flea collar.
Now, before we get into the Seresto flea collar review, let’s have a look at some basic facts and information about flea collars—advantages of using one, how they work, and much more.
Let’s start with basic facts about ticks and fleas.
The Facts About Ticks and Fleas
These annoying organisms are parasites, meaning they will simply take their food and live off of another organism.
While both are pests, fleas are more annoying than ticks because they cause itchy skin and flea dermatitis allergy.
Now, if your pet starts itching, he will probably get open sores which could lead to bacterial infections.
On the other hand, Ticks are less irritating because they do not cause itchy skin; however, you still have to be careful because they carry and transmit several diseases.
Diseases Caused by Ticks
Here is a list of diseases that are caused by ticks
#1. Lyme Disease:
Lyme disease is caused by deer ticks, and in this case, the tick attaches itself to the dog and transmits bacteria while sucking its blood.
Ticks must be attached to the dog for at least 48 hours for the transmission to take place.
Symptoms of Lyme disease:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes and joints
- Loss of appetite
Please Note: If Lyme disease is left untreated for a prolonged period of time, it may lead to more severe consequences like kidney or nervous system disorders.
Lyme disease is treated with oral antibiotics.
#2. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever:
As the name suggests, this particular disease is spread by the American Dog Tick, and the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Tick, and the transmission time is five hours.
It must be noted that this one is more common to the dogs that are in the east, midwest, and plains regions of the USA.
Symptoms of RMSF:
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Depression
- Joint pain
- Vomiting and diarrhea
It may cause heart abnormalities, kidney and liver failure, pneumonia, or neurological problems in severe cases.
The treatment is again by oral antibiotics, and it may take up to two weeks to kick in.
#3. Ehrlichiosis:
Brown Dog Tick and Lone Star Tick are responsible for transmitting ehrlichiosis. Unfortunately, their symptoms don’t occur until about a month after the tick bite.
Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis :
- Depression
- Reduced appetite
- Fever
- Stiff and painful joints
Treatment is done by administering antibiotics for up to four weeks.
Important Read: Best Dog Ear Cleaners Review: Natural & Safe Choices
#4. American Canine Hepatozoonosis:
Like most cases, ACH is caused by a dog ingesting a nymphal (baby) or adult Gulf Coast Tick, not by attachment through transmission.
Symptoms of American Canine Hepatozoonosis:
- High fever
- Stiffness and pain during movement
- Loss of appetite and weight
You will eventually notice muscles fading away, especially on the dog’s head, followed by discharge from the eyes.
Treatment includes the administration of anti-parasitic drugs, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. Sometimes, years of medication may be required in order to completely cure it.
#5. Tick Paralysis:
Caused by the toxin secreted by ticks, the symptoms begin to show within a week of being bitten.
Symptoms of Tick Paralysis:
- Limping
- Breathing difficulty
- Swallowing
It generally affects the nervous system. The dog begins limping, first from the rear legs and then gradually from all four legs.
This is followed by difficulty breathing and swallowing. If the condition is not checked in the early stages, it may even lead to death.
This disease requires supportive treatment, and antitoxins are available to treat it.
What Is a Flea Collar?
Simply put, a flea collar is a device—a collar, to be more specific—that’s designed with pesticides mixed with plastic resins and molded into a thin strip. It is used to protect our canine pets from fleas and ticks.
There are two types of flea collars: a flea prevention collar and a flea treatment collar.
As the name suggests, flea repellent collars repel fleas by emitting a gas toxic to fleas.
On the other hand, a treatment collar radiates and spreads medicine all over your dog’s skin and coat.
Seresto Flea Collar Review
Now that you know what flea collars are and who they work for your beloved canine Let us dive into the in-depth Seresto reviews in the following section.
Keep on reading.
So, what is a Seresto Flea Collar?
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A Seresto flea collar is mostly like any other flea collars, except for a few things here and there.
The Seresto collar uses a sustained release technology where the active ingredients of the collar are slowly emitted over several months (up to 8 months, to be precise).
A Seresto flea collar has two active ingredients: imidacloprid and flumethrin.
Adult fleas, as well as their larvae, are fixed by the imidacloprid in the formula.
The problems of ticks are addressed by flumethrin, which repels and kills the ticks, including larvae and baby ticks.
Hence, the problem is being eradicated from the root itself so it doesn’t become an ongoing problem.
⇒ Check out the Seresto collar reviews and price on Chewy
How Does a Seresto Flea Collar Work?
Once you put the dog collar on your dog, the ingredients are distributed throughout your dog’s skin, fur and coat—all over their body. These chemicals are toxic to fleas and ticks but harmless to your pet.
After they have been distributed and spread, the glands under your dog’s skin will eventually absorb these compounds.
When fleas or ticks attempt to attack your dog, they come in contact with the repellant, and this affects their nervous system. It slowly prevents their bodies from functioning any further.
This is how the ingredients prevent and kill fleas and ticks from affecting your dog.
⇒ Check out the Seresto collar reviews and price on Amazon
Seresto Collar vs. Other Flea Collars
There are some major differences between Seresto collars and other collars, which make them worth investing in. Here are some reasons:
- Quick Results:
After being put on a dog, it gives exceptionally quick results as it begins to work within 24 hours on fleas and within 48 hours against ticks.
Once it starts working, it can kill both ticks and fleas as fast as six hours.
If you get a store-bought flea collar, they usually repel ticks, but don’t kill them. If they do kill them, they kill at a very slow pace.
- It’s Odorless:
Seresto flea collars don’t emit any odor, so they can be used by your dogs without having any discomfort of an unpleasant odor.
- It Provides Effective Protection:
Seresto Flea Collars are effective in providing protection for a period of up to eight months, in comparison to other flea collars that provide protection for a maximum of three months.
Pros of Seresto Flea Collar
Your dog needs a Seresto flea collar in order to keep fleas and ticks at bay. There are many advantages of using a Seresto Flea Collar; here’s a list:
- It is a veterinarian-recommended product that lasts for up to eight months. Hence, this investment will help you to save in the long run.
- Because of how easily it can be applied and its odorless feature, it is very user-friendly.
- The flea and tick fighting mechanism is not only effective but also fast-acting.
Cons of Seresto Flea Collars
Although most Seresto Flea Collar reviews by customers are positive, like everything else, Seresto Flea collars come with their own set of drawbacks.
Here are some precautionary measures you might want to take into consideration before giving your dog a Seresto Flea Collar.
Don’t Use it on Puppies:
Never use any kind of flea collar on young puppies because their body is very sensitive to the chemicals in the collar.
Allergic Reactions:
Some dogs are sensitive and may be prone to a risk of an allergic reaction when they use flea collars. If this is the case with your dog, you’ll notice itchy skin and intense skin irritation.
Vomiting and Seizures:
In extreme cases, you might notice that your dog may vomit and may have violent seizures.
Some of the other symptoms include secretion and hair loss. Most of these symptoms will show up within a week of putting the collar on your dog.
If you notice your dog developing them, remove the collar immediately and consult your vet.
How to Choose the Right Seresto Collar for Your Dog?
Choosing the right Seresto collar is very important as it will determine the comfort level of your dog.
Your dog will find it difficult to wear a collar if it is too big or too small.
Seresto flea collars come in two different sizes:
#1. The Seresto Collar for Large Dogs:
This one is 70 cm in length and is mainly for dogs whose weight is over 18 pounds.
#2. The Seresto Flea Tick Bayer Collar for Small Dogs:
This one is about 39 cm in length and is for small dogs whose size is under 18 pounds.
So, depending on the size and weight of your dog, you can choose a collar for him.
Just make sure to consult your vet as well, in case your dog is sensitive or suffering from any other health issues.
Other Features of the Seresto Flea Collar:
The Seresto Flea Collar is easy to put on, and it claims to be waterproof. Because of the odorless feature, it is suitable for sensitive dogs as well.
As we have already stated before, the collar has a built-in release mechanism, which makes it very safe to use as it is made from a strong polymer matrix and consists of a set predetermined breaking point.
In Conclusion
There you go; we’ve given you complete Seresto reviews to help you understand the working mechanisms and the pros and cons of this particular device by Bayer.
A completely non-greasy, easy to apply, and economical solution for your dogs, especially if you don’t want to go through the hassle of applying flea and tick shampoos.
Also, it’ll save your dog a lot of trouble caused by fleas, keeping your dog happy and energetic. And, of course, they deserve to be happy.
