Small & Large Breeds, Alternative & More
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For many dogs and owners, spending time outdoors is a favorite pastime. From daily walks and hikes to long camping trips and adventures, our canine friends accompany us to many exciting places. Just as we take precautions for our safety, we also do so for our pets. This includes using flea collars to help protect pets from these parasites. Finding the best flea collar for dogs, especially those that spend a lot of time outside, is a big part of keeping them safe and healthy. The best flea collar for dogs is the Hartz Ultra Guard Pro, but we’ve got some other picks for dog sizes (and an eco option too).
At A Glance: Best Flea & Tick Collars For Dogs
Why Do Dogs Need Flea & Tick Protection?
Flea and tick collars work to prevent infestation by these harmful pests. A flea infestation is no joke. Fleas lay a lot of eggs, about 40 to 50 a day, which can quickly become a painful problem. Fleas carry diseases that are spread after they bite infected animals. These diseases include tapeworms, bubonic plague, Bartonellosis, Tungiasis, and Murine typhus. Ticks bite and attach to the skin and then feed on the blood. Ticks are quite harmful as they stay on your dog and feed for a few days. They carry a bacterial infection called Lyme disease. Lyme disease can affect humans and even cats. There are various kinds of ticks, and all are dangerous.
Parasite prevention methods can help to protect these disease-carrying pests from hurting your dog. They contain ingredients that repel, paralyze, and sometimes kill ticks and fleas.
Many of these collars contain repellents. Others use insecticides and work by dispensing pest-control chemicals on the skin and fur. What will be most effective for your dog depends on your pet’s size and specific circumstances. If you suspect your dog already has an infestation, it is best to contact your veterinarian for the next steps, as many over-the-counter will not be enough to treat the problem. Your pup may need oral or topical medication to clear out an infestation fully.
Pest prevention collars generally use chemicals or natural oils to repel pests. Some will use more chemicals than others, as some products repel, and others kill pests. Sometimes pets can have a skin reaction to ingredients in a product, so always observe your pet after using any new product on them. If you have a pet with sensitive skin or allergies or are an owner with these sensitivities, look for products that use natural ingredients rather than chemicals.
5 Chemicals Commonly Found In Pest Control Collars
- Amitraz
- Deltamethrin
- Methoprene
- Propoxur
- Pyriproxyfen
Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) is another chemical found in many collars, which the EPA has classified as a possible human carcinogen. While the chemical is incredibly effective at killing fleas, lice, eggs, and larvae, it can be harmful to humans and pets if not used according to product specifications. Owners who are pregnant or have small children may want to pick a product that does not contain the chemical.
Essential oils like citronella, clove, peppermint, cinnamon, lemongrass, basil, sandalwood, and tea tree oil are all examples that can be found in some pest control products.
Best Flea & Tick Collars For Dogs
Knowing what criteria we considered, it’s now on to our top picks, along with the pros and cons for each.
Best Overall: Hartz Ultra Guard Pro Review
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Hartz’s Ultra Guard Pro is an easy-to-find, easy-to-use, very reliable overall pick. It offers complete body protection from fleas and ticks and lasts up to 7 months. It kills eggs for that time as well, preventing infestation. The product is water resistant, meaning it can stand up to a bath, swim, and get caught in a rainstorm. Active ingredients are Tetrachlorvinphos 14.55% (S) and Methoprene 1.02%.
We appreciate that Hartz Ultra Guard works to kill flea eggs for several months, helping stop the parasite life cycle. The product is designed and safe to use with adults and puppies 12 weeks of age and older. It may be worn alongside your pup’s regular gear. We appreciate that these are flexible, water resistant, and offer complete body protection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full body protection | Not effective right away for active infestation of ticks |
| Affordable | |
| Flexible | |
| Safe for puppies | |
| Kills fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks | |
| Water resistant | |
| Easy to use |
Price
Best For Small Breeds: Adams Flea & Tick Collar Plus Review
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Adams Flea & Tick Plus is a viable pest prevention method for most dogs and puppies. It works to kill fleas and ticks and repels mosquitos and prevent new infestations. Water-resistant and offers 24-hour protection. Protects up to 6 months per collar.
The product is safe for adults and puppies over three months. Easy to adjust, affordable, and widely available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Water resistant | Some dogs may be sensitive to ingredients |
| Full body protection | Not effective for all dogs |
| Kills fleas, ticks, larvae, and eggs | |
| Long lasting for 7 months |
Price
Best For Large Breeds: Missona Flea & Tick Collar For Large Dogs Review
Missona is a top pick for larger breeds and is safe for both adults and puppies. Works to repel and kill fleas, eggs and larvae, tick larvae, nymphs, and mosquitoes. Missona’s product also offers full body protection. Long-lasting protection keeps going for about eight months. It uses botanical ingredients and is water resistant. It contains citronella, clove, and peppermint oil.
Missona is adjustable for larger breeds and may be sized down for small breeds. The excess length can be cut off, so you can make a custom fit for your pup. Make sure to leave a little room to grow if using it for puppies. Not safe for puppies under eight weeks old. It needs to be worn loosely and can safely be worn along with a regular collar.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly rated and effective | Not good for dogs with sensitive skin |
| Easy to adjust | Will not 100% remove problem |
| Will not 100% remove the problem | |
| Large enough for bigger breeds | |
| Can be used on puppies over 8 weeks old |
Price
Best Environmentally Friendly: Parenda Dog Flea Collar Review
Parenda offers a water-resistant option that works to protect dogs against fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. It uses natural ingredients, including essential oils and herbs. It has a pleasant smell, which does not affect owners or other pets. Safe for puppies over seven weeks old. Effects can last up to 12 months. Great for pups with allergies as it uses all-natural ingredients.
Parenda makes a flexible, easy-to-use collar. Free of harmful chemicals, so safe for sensitive dogs and owners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural | May not be effective for all dogs |
| Pleasant herbal scent | |
| Easy to adjust and flexible | |
| Safe for puppies over 7 weeks old and up | |
| Waterproof |
Price
What About Wondercide, Sobaken & Dog Gone Smart?
While these didn’t make our top picks, they’re still highly rated and worth considering.
Wondercide Peppermint Flea & Tick Collar Review
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Wondercide is a cruelty-free product made in the USA. Uses sustainable ingredients and recycled packages. Has a natural, pleasant peppermint smell. Easy to size for all breeds of dog. It uses a breakaway design so dogs will not get tangled up or choke. It works to repel fleas and ticks for four months and mosquitoes for one.
Wondercide is a “plant-powered” repellent, which is safe for pets and people. Water resistant, with a fresh peppermint scent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plant powered | Higher price |
| Breakaway design | May not fit giant breeds |
| Peppermint scent | Repels pests but does not kill them |
| Made in USA |
Price
Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar Review
The Sobakan collar uses natural ingredients to protect against adult fleas, ticks, larvae, lice, and sarcoptic mange. It is safe for dogs that are 12 weeks and older and can last eight months. It is a one size fits all product and can adjust to suit each dog’s specific size. The product is waterproof and uses natural clove, citronella, and spearmint oils.
Sobaken donates a portion of every sale to charitable organizations dedicated to saving animals. It can fit neck sizes up to 25 inches.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural | Higher price |
| Waterproof | |
| Lasts up to 8 months |
Price
Dog Gone Smart Unbugz-It Bug Repellant Bandanna Review
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A bandanna is not a traditional pest control collar, but the one from Dog Gone is worth mentioning. Many of us have pets that do not like collars and protest wearing pest-repellant collars. The bandana has bug-repellent protection bound into the fabric fibers. It is odorless and lasts through 25 washes. Machine washable, but do not machine dry.
It has an adjustable clasp and is far more comfortable than a collar for some dogs. It works to repel fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs that might try to bite your pets. An excellent option for long outings, camping trips, and other events when your pup needs protection and may protest a traditional pest prevention collar. The product also has less rubbing around the neck for dogs with sensitivity in that area.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-adjust clips | May not be as effective as some pest control collars |
| Lasts up to 25 washes | |
| Natural cotton fabric | |
| Odorless | |
| Easy adjust clips |
Price
Products To Avoid
Not every product is safe, despite what it says on the packaging. There are a few to watch out for. Never use products that are not specifically made for dogs to use.
Warning
Additional Flea & Tick Prevention Methods
Preventing parasites and dealing with infestation and bites is a challenging yet unavoidable part of dog ownership. If your pet spends any time outside, you must consider how to handle pests. Pest prevention collars can be effective and are very convenient for owners. However, in many cases, these alone are not enough. Plenty of other flea control choices include topical, chewable, or sprays for your home and yard, shampoo, repellents, and additional options, including subscriptions. Some owners may even use a homemade flea and tick prevention method.
If you are concerned that your pup has an active pest infestation, it is best to seek out the advice of your veterinarian before trying any of these do-it-at-home options. This is especially true if your dog has other health concerns like flea allergies or respiratory issues. Learn more about allergy symptoms to make sure you can identify if your pup is having a bad reaction. With proper prevention and treatment, your dog can live and enjoy the outdoors pest free.
