The Best Flea Collars for Dogs in 2020 (Prevention + Existing Infestations)

There are thousands of flea species, but dogs’ most common problem causer is the cat flea.

Cat fleas will set up a home on the dog (the host) and lay eggs to continue infestation long after the original flea is gone.

Preventing fleas is more important than trying to get rid of them after your dog has been infested, and the best flea collars for dogs remain the most popular method.

Why and When to Use Flea Collars for Dogs?

The key to using flea collars for dogs is the prevention of parasites on the dog.

While these collars do, in fact, work as treatments on already infested dogs (as indicated by the below studies), they’re far more effective as a preventative method.

It’s already established that fleas are dangerous for dogs for several reasons.

They aren’t only a nuisance causing itchiness in dogs, but fleas spread diseases and pose a fatal danger to pets.

Vets agree that it’s important to prevent fleas on a dog first, but if that failed, you must focus on breaking the flea’s cycle ASAP.

“The best way to control fleas is to break the cycle. More fleas lay more eggs. The best treatment either kills the adults or kills one of the juvenile stages,” says Dr. Alison Diesel, DVM (source)

There are several different types of flea collars, and they mostly differ on the type of chemical used to discourage parasites from setting up homes base on your pooch.

Some are more effective than others, and we’ve ranked and reviewed those below.

Here are the three top-rated options of best flea collars for dogs, in that order:

Are Flea Collars for Dogs Actually Effective?

Yes. Among many different options, studies have shown how using a dog flea collar remains the most effective way to fight these parasites.

Several specific brands, including some listed as the best flea collars for dogs below, have been scientifically studied and tested to assess their success rate.

Here’s a breakdown based on chemicals used:

Dog flea collars with imidacloprid/flumethrin will reduce flea count by 95% and tick count by 90% during a period of 7-8 months (1).

Dog flea collars with deltamethrin have been shown effectiveness of 85% to 97% (2).

Propoxur injected dog flea collars were effective at about 80% to 90% range (3).

Most flea collars for dogs will start working at about the 48-hour mark (4).

The success rate is similar among different flea dog collars, going around 80% to 95%.

To pick the best flea collar for a dog, this should be considered, along with a discussion with a veterinarian.

Several factors will matter in deciding which is the best dog flea collar for your individual pet.

For example, your dog’s breed and their fur will matter, as well as the dog’s behavior; it also matters what region you’re based in.

Some areas have a larger tick and/or flea population than others, mostly on the climate.

Other Alternatives to the Best Flea Collars for Dogs

Below we’re discussing and reviewing the best flea collars for dogs and how they work.

However, because flea and tick infestation on dogs is widespread, there are other ways to fight these parasites or prevent them in the first place.

Here are a few common alternatives (or additions) to dog flea collars:

• Dog flea pills – another very effective solution that’s been proven to work.
• Dog flea shampoo – a good way to supplement other flea and tick treatments.
• Homemade flea solutions – many natural, homemade flea and ticks solutions also work, but research shows that they aren’t as effective.

Finally, if your dog already has fleas, you’ll need to begin by removing existing fleas from your pooch and then treating potential infestation in your home with flea bombs, flea sprays, flea traps, or any other available tools.

Top Best Flea Collars for Dogs

1Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs

The first product to be mentioned is the popular collar made by Seresto. Created for dogs and puppies 7 weeks of age and older (under 18 pounds), the Seresto collar provides 8-month protection from the time it is put on.

This collar is fully odorless, non-slippery, and non-greasy. It’s also simple to use: remove the collar from the protective bag and adjust it to fit a dog’s neck.

It closes similar to a buckle on a belt, and you can cut off any excess length. We aren’t the only ones that rank this as one of the best flea collars for dogs after we’ve seen its effect within the second week.

Seresto collar has also been given great reviews by many other pet owners and has remained an Amazon bestseller for the last few years.

Unlike some other brands, this one works faster because it’s through contact, which is great for prevention – fleas or ticks do not need to bite the dog before they get eliminated.

When using this dog flea collar on an already infected dog, you’ll be able to tell the difference simply by looking at a dog’s fur.

Within about a week, your pet will seem more comfortable with no irritating rashes causing a nuisance on their skin.

Additionally, what solidifies this as the best flea collar for dogs is that it also works on lice.

Due to the chemicals used, Seresto helps prevent, control, and manage sarcoptic mange on dogs.

This is one of the most popularly vet-recommended ticks and flea collars for dogs.

It’s not without disadvantages, however. While we haven’t witnessed anything with our pets, owners have reported some dogs getting slightly sick after browsing through Seresto dog flea collar reviews.

There were also a few reports of seizures. Unfortunately, this is to be expected due to the chemicals used, and this has also been observed in studies (though instances are sporadic).

Another disadvantage is that if you’re looking to use it as a dog tick collar, too, then it only repels certain types of ticks.

PROS: Made for dogs under 18 pounds Safe for puppies 7 weeks and older Protection for 8 months Not slippery, completely odorless Kills lice, controls sarcoptic mange

CONS: Expensive Some dogs may get sick Rare reports of seizures Only repels certain types of ticks

 

2

SOBAKEN Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs

This collar is a one-size-fits-all option and provides 8 months of protection for dogs 12 weeks of age and older.

These parameters are as good as the Seresto collar; however, this is also a less expensive option.

We’ve noticed the Sobaken collar to take maximum effect sometime between two and three weeks from putting it on our dog.

As with most other best flea collars for dogs, the instructions are simple to follow. A list of ticks that the use of this collar can eliminate is included in the package.

You’re likely to notice the reduction in fleas and ticks on your pooch, even in the most flea and tick-infested parts of the country.

A useful tip: because the Sobaken dog flea collar isn’t completely odorless, take it out of the package and let it air out for a few days – this will reduce a potentially strong reaction in your pet.

In terms of disadvantages, we’ve checked Sobaken dog collar reviews from other pet owners and, while this wasn’t the case for us, some reported irritated skin on dogs.

In contrast, others saw their pets twitching and become restless when wearing it (in rare cases).

Note that the chemical is different, and some dogs may have a negative reaction to the active ingredients, so be sure to check the list before ordering to ensure this collar will be safe and effective for your pooch.

If need be, consult with a veterinarian. Keep a close eye on your pet for a day or two after putting on the dog flea collar to ensure they do not have too strong of a reaction to it.

PROS: More affordable One-size-fits-all Safe for puppies 12 weeks and older Effective for 8 months

CONS: Potential skin irritation Not completely odorless Possibility of a negative reaction to active ingredients

 

3

Hartz UltraGuard Plus Reflective Orange

The third product to make the list of the best flea collars for dogs is made by Hartz.

New improvements made to the Seresto collar have almost pushed Hartz out of the market.

This one is available in several sizes, it’s adjustable, and you can get it separately either for large breeds (necks up to 25″) or small breeds (necks up to 15″).

We’ve found it effective at killing fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae but haven’t tested it on ticks. Others report its success with ticks, tick nymphs, and tick larvae, however.

It provides a full 7 months of protection for dogs and puppies over 6 weeks old. This collar is easy to put on and works quickly and effectively.

This orange collar with a reflective strip reflects direct light from up to 300 feet away for an added dimension of nighttime safety. 

We’ve looked through other Hartz dog flea collar reviews to see what other pet owners thought, and most reviews are positive.

Even dogs with sensitive skin seemed to be fine with this collar, and pet owners who have tried multiple brands and products claim this as the most cost-effective option.

There are no disadvantages besides the comparisons you see with the other flea collar for dogs brands.

It’s an affordable option and a good alternative to the more expensive products.

It’s important to note that some owners did say that their collar had no effect on fleas and ticks for the whole period, but such reports are rare.

PROS: Affordable Wide range: kills fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae, as well as ticks, tick nymphs, and tick larvae Effective for 7 months Works well for dogs with sensitive skin Water-resistant

CONS: Unpleasant odor Some reports that the collar was not effective Some reports that it did not last 7 months

 

4

Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea Tick Collar Puppy

The Hartz collar kills fleas, flea eggs, and ticks with a 7 month protection period similar to Seresto, suitable for adult dogs or puppies of 12 weeks and older. I

t’s waterproof, and getting it wet will not affect the parasite control it provides, making it a better option for dogs living near water bodies or having pools.

It’s adjustable so that it fits a large variety of neck sizes.

You will notice a larger number of negative reviews for this collar, and that’s to be expected for something significantly cheaper than the first two best flea collars for dogs mentioned above.

However, we did find it to be effective enough, and so did other pet owners after we’ve read through several Hartz dog collar reviews. Given the price tag, many reported it to be cost-effective.

A useful tip: Be sure to trim the excess length, so your dog does not chew the extra piece off and ingest toxic ingredients.

As with the other flea collars for dogs, some dogs may negatively react to this collar with varying degrees.

However, this one seems to be far less safe than the other two options. While we didn’t have the time to notice this, there are some reports of specific cases where patches of hair were falling out on a dog, and chemical burns and rashes seemed to be the most common issue.

Every dog may react differently to this collar, as will be the case with all similar products, but it’s an important test this first.

PROS: Very cheap Waterproof Effective for 7 months

CONS: Many safety complaints It May be toxic if ingested Negative reactions include hair loss, chemical burns, and rashes.

 

X

Bonus Mention:
Virbac Preventic (Tick-only Collar)

The last “bonus mention” on our list claims to be the only tick collar that detaches and kills ticks effectively. I

t is effective for three months, at which point it must be replaced to continue working effectively. This collar by Preventic is recommended for dogs and puppies three months and older.

This collar measures 25 inches but is adjustable and sure to fit your dog with no problem!

They must wear the collar tight enough to make contact with the skin but not so tight that it is uncomfortable for your dog.

Some customers say that this is the only brand that truly works against fleas and ticks.

Many customers have been using the Preventic Tick Collar for over 10 years!

Although it may take a week or two to reach full effectiveness, many customers say they are pleased with the results and plan to order this product every couple of months so that they can keep their pet flea and tick-free forever.

Unsatisfied customers claim that this last of listed best flea collars for dogs works effectively but is very toxic to pets.

However, most flea and tick collars must be to kill pests successfully.

If your pet chews on this product or consumes it, there is a good chance they will become very ill.

Therefore, it is essential to ensure it is safely and securely fastened and the excess is cut off, as explained in the instructions.

PROS: Effective at killing ticks Good for three months You can use it on puppies 12 months and older

CONS: It May take 2 weeks to reach full effectiveness Made with toxic chemicals – dangerous if ingested

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