What is better – drops or a tick collar for dogs?
To protect your dog from ticks, you can use a collar or special drops. In the first case, you need to put a special strap on your pet (it can be made of plastic, rubber and other artificial materials), and in the second, apply the product to the animal’s skin. It is better to use a collar for preventive purposes, and the drops will help get rid of parasites that have already settled in the fur.
For maximum effect, you can use both products, but it is important that they are from different pharmaceutical groups.
Type of protection | Advantages | Flaws |
Collars | Long period of use | May prevent you from picking up your pet using a regular collar |
Affordable price | Does not begin to act immediately (it may take up to 5 days for the substance to be distributed throughout the body) | |
You can wash your pet without the risk of leaving him unprotected (many straps are waterproof) | The dog may lose the anti-parasitic tape or get it caught on something | |
Does not require control over the dog’s actions and does not hinder movements | Not recommended for use on dogs under 1 year of age, as well as during pregnancy and lactation (except for straps with biological composition) | |
Low costs - one collar is usually enough for a season | Not very effective in long-haired breeds - the strap must fit snugly against the skin | |
Complex use – helps against several types of parasites | There is a risk of decreased sense of smell with prolonged use | |
Drops | Ease of use | Not a very long period of protection - there is a risk of missing the time of the next treatment, they are also washed off when swimming |
Begins to act very quickly (within 1-2 hours) | Do not pet the dog or allow it to come into contact with other animals for 1-2 days after applying the product. | |
High level of protection | Considerable expenses - you need to buy the product almost every month |
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Rules for using collars
When to put a flea collar on your dog
Before putting on a collar, veterinarians recommend completely getting rid of parasites. To do this, apply special drops to the withers or wash the animal with shampoo, and after 2 days put on a collar. .
Should I take off the collar at night?
If the dog lives indoors and has no symptoms of parasite infestation, the collar can be removed at night, allowing the dog to rest. In other cases, the collar must be worn 24 hours a day.
What to do if your dog is itching in a collar
If you notice your dog itching after wearing the collar for several hours, you should remove it to avoid allergic reactions and contact your veterinarian.
Can cats have a dog collar?
Cats should absolutely not use dog collars due to the high concentration of insecticides in them. Substances contained in dog protection products can be toxic to cats and lead to health problems.
Which brand of anti-tick collar for dogs is better to choose?
The rating is based on collars for both large dogs and medium and small breeds. Prices range from 160 to 2000 rubles, so you can find an option suitable for any budget.
The TOP includes the following manufacturers that produce the best anti-tick collars for dogs:
- Agrovetzaschita (AVZ) is a Russian company that produces more than 380 units of products not only for pets, but also for productive animals, fish, reptiles and birds. The company was founded in 1993, and in 2022 AVZ exports more than 330 products to 19 countries.
- Bayer is an international company with experience in healthcare and agriculture. It was founded in 1863 in Germany by Friedrich Bayer and Joann Friedrich Wescott. In Russia, there is an animal health department called Animal Health, which develops high-quality veterinary products. The company produces tick collars in different price categories.
- Biogard is a Russian company founded in 2000. Cooperation with the Swiss company Swiss Laboratory Defense made it possible to develop high-tech products for animals under the Mr. Bruno brand. It offers a wide range, including anti-tick collars, suitable for sick and weakened animals.
- Beaphar is an international company founded in 1939 in the Netherlands. The company produces high-quality products for caring for pets and maintaining their health, including collars. The plant operates in accordance with GMP standards, according to which general production and laboratory testing parameters are regulated and evaluated.
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Rating of the best anti-tick collars for dogs
When forming the rating, we took into account reviews from pet owners, as well as recommendations from veterinarians and our own observations.
To determine the list of the best tick collars for dogs, the following characteristics were studied:
- The length of the strap - it depends on what breed the product is suitable for;
- Compound;
- Pharmacological properties;
- Duration of protection;
- Adverse reactions;
- Recommended age of the animal;
- Contraindications for use.
The price-quality ratio of each anti-tick neck product was also analyzed.
The Best Anti-Tick Collars for Small Dogs
Neck straps for small pets can easily be found at the veterinary market. They are offered by more than 10 manufacturers, but the most popular ones were included in the rating. The TOP includes 3 safe and effective products for small breeds, based on reviews from veterinarians and animal owners.
Agrovet protection Fitodoc
This is a biological model with a low level of toxicity, due to which the risk of developing an allergic reaction is minimal. The composition includes essential oils with a repellent effect, so the product effectively repels fleas, lice, scabies and ixodid ticks. Fitodoc agrovet protection retains its properties for up to 3 months. In unopened packaging it can be stored for up to 2 years.
The strap is suitable for dogs of all ages and can even be used on puppies over 2 months old. Its length is 35 cm. The product is available in blue and the pet can be seen from afar. It is waterproof - you can bathe your dog without removing the anti-parasitic tape. The protective properties are not reduced when exposed to rain. Many owners note that this option works well for prevention, but if the animal already has a lot of fleas and ticks, then additional means of protection may be needed.
Advantages
- Long lasting;
- Effective protection;
- Safety of use;
- Affordable price;
- Water resistance;
- Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Flaws
- Maximum effectiveness only for prevention;
- Not suitable for puppies under 2 months.
When determining which one is best among tick collars for dogs, it is important to pay attention to contraindications. Despite the rather strong smell of oils, which is noted by almost all users, when using Fitodoc the risk of adverse reactions is minimal.
Bolfo
This is an inexpensive and reliable antiparasitic for small animals, which can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy or pet store. There is a separate model for medium and large dogs. It provides up to 2.5 months of protection against forest ticks (iscod ticks), and helps against fleas in an animal’s fur for up to 4 months. Bolfo has a long shelf life; if stored in unopened packaging, it does not lose its properties for 5 years. The length of the neckband is 38 cm, it comes in brown color. The strap is suitable for puppies over 3 months old and starts working within a few hours of being put on. The product is not waterproof, so when swimming, the strap must be removed and put on only a few hours after the end of the water procedures.
Advantages
- High level of protection against all parasites;
- Affordable price;
- Does not interfere with putting on the main collar;
- The risk of loss is minimal;
- Quick activation of protective functions;
- Neutral scent.
Flaws
- Cannot be used during the dog's pregnancy and lactation.
Bolfo is a good means of protection for small pets with a chemical principle of action; it is enough for the entire summer season. The strap is easy to put on and take off and does not cause discomfort to the dog. According to owner reviews, this anti-parasitic tape has the best price-quality ratio.
Mr Bruno New
This is a repellent neck tape, 75 cm long, produced in different colors: white, green, red, blue. It consists of 10% permethrin, which first paralyzes a subclass of arthropods and then leads to their death. The strap is used for puppies from the 1st month. The protective function makes itself felt a day after opening the package and remains for 3 months. The product is water-resistant, so unexpected rain or swimming will not reduce its effectiveness. Shelf life when unopened is 1 year.
Advantages
- High efficiency;
- Can be used from an early age;
- Water resistance;
- Long period of action;
- Suitable for pregnant and lactating dogs;
- Available in different colors.
Flaws
- Suitable for prevention only.
Mr.Bruno New is the safest anti-parasitic strap based on a biological principle of action, which can be used as early as 4 weeks after the birth of the puppy. It is suitable for sick, pregnant, lactating and allergy-prone animals, as well as for weakened pets.
How safety collars work
A flea collar is a flexible plastic band with a buckle to secure it around the animal's neck. The tape is impregnated with special substances that are activated upon contact with a dog. Due to heating, toxins from the collar spread through the coat, penetrate the skin and accumulate in the sebaceous glands. After a few days, the toxic substances will reach a sufficient concentration to destroy the bloodsuckers. The protective properties of the collar are maintained throughout the entire wearing time, so it is not recommended to remove it at night.
Benefits of flea and tick collars
Unlike sprays, drops and other anti-flea and anti-tick products, the collar has a number of advantages:
- is an accessible means of protection;
- convenient and easy to use;
- does not cause irritation or discomfort in the animal;
- destroys various types of parasites;
- has a long validity period;
- When used correctly, it is relatively safe for pets.
How long does it last?
Depending on the manufacturer, the collar is valid for 2–8 months. It is not recommended to use it longer than the period indicated on the package.
The Best Anti-Tick Collars for Medium Dogs
When compiling the rating of tick collars for medium-sized dogs, products from 10 manufacturers were analyzed, but the list included the safest and most effective, according to the owners. A detailed analysis of two models that have the maximum number of positive reviews is presented.
Kiltix
This antiparasitic product is available for dogs of all breeds, including medium-sized pets. The concentration of active substances in the strap is small, so the risk of an allergic reaction and other side effects is minimal. Kiltix is a waterproof tape that retains its properties for up to six months. The length of the product is 48 cm, so it is suitable for certain large breeds, the color is brown. If ticks attach themselves to your pet in the first days after use, they will spontaneously fall off within 1-2 days. An unopened strap can be stored for 5 years without losing its beneficial properties. Many pet owners note a pungent odor in the first days of use, but it does not cause discomfort to either the animal or the owner.
Advantages
- High efficiency;
- Water resistance;
- Durability of use;
- High-quality materials, thanks to which the strap does not break;
- Minimal risk of allergies and side effects.
Flaws
- Relatively high cost.
According to reviews from owners, Kiltix is one of the few anti-parasitic neck tapes that help even if the dog has ticks. If worn constantly, the risk of parasites is minimal.
Bars AVZ
This budget anti-parasitic neck strap of domestic production can be used for puppies older than 1 month. Its length is 50 cm and is available in red. The main active ingredient here is fipronil, so the protective functions are pronounced and last up to 4 months. Leopard AVZ is not suitable for dogs during illness and the recovery period, as well as for pregnant and lactating females due to the chemical composition. At a low cost, it provides good long-term protection for medium-sized pets.
Advantages
- Ease of use;
- Affordable price;
- Reliable fixation;
- No pungent odor;
- Waterproof;
- High quality material.
Flaws
- Relatively short period of use.
Leopard is a convenient means of preventing ticks and fleas. According to reviews from veterinarians, it is of good quality at a low cost of the product. Adverse reactions are possible only if you are hypersensitive to the components included in the tape coating.
Best Anti-Tick Collars for Large Dogs
To choose the right anti-tick collar for large breed dogs, you need to pay special attention to the length of the strap. It is important that it fastens loosely around the neck, but is securely fixed. To create the rating, the products of 10 manufacturers were studied, and as a result, the review was compiled from the 2 most popular products in this segment.
Foresto
This antiparasitic tape consists of 2 active ingredients: imidacloprid and flumethrin. The first acts on lice and fleas (both larvae and adult insects), and the second repels and kills ticks at any stage of development. The protective properties of the product last up to 8 months. Although highly effective and broad-spectrum, the strap is hypoallergenic and can be used on puppies over 7 weeks of age and weighing more than 8 kg. The collar is waterproof and reflective. Product length – 70 cm, color – gray. An unopened strap can be stored for 3 years without losing its quality.
Advantages
- The presence of additional properties - light reflection and water resistance;
- Long-term protection;
- No smell;
- Ease of use;
- Reliable fixation;
- Stylish design.
Flaws
- Relatively high cost.
Foresto is an anti-parasitic tape that provides reliable protection in any conditions. The high price is compensated by a long period of use; it is enough to buy one strap for a year (it will last from April until the winter cold).
Beaphar Flea & Tick
...I tested this strap on a German Shepherd that was monitored for 2 weeks. Before putting on the anti-parasitic tape, I bathed the pet with insecticidal shampoo and waited until the fur was completely dry. During the specified time, walks were regularly taken through the forest, fields, and areas with tall grass. During the testing period, the dog showed no signs of discomfort and did not suffer from fleas and ticks...
Expert opinion
This is a budget product for large animals over 6 months old. The active substance in Beaphar Flea & Tick is diazinon, which provides a duration of action of up to six months. The strap is waterproof and you can bathe your pet without removing it.
This model destroys insects that have already settled in the dog’s fur, and also protects against attacks by new ones. It is securely fixed on the neck, but does not cause discomfort and does not interfere with wearing another collar for a walk. Product length – 65 cm, color – black.
Advantages
- Profitable price;
- Ease of use;
- Waterproof;
- Reliable fixation;
- High efficiency.
Flaws
- Pungent odor in the first days.
Flea & Tick is not suitable for weakened animals or pregnant or lactating females. It is convenient to use for large pets who spend a lot of time outside.
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Main substance
The substance that is released and acts on parasites is called deltamethrin. It is also commonly classified as a pyrethroid group; it has an instant repellent effect that immediately drives away fleas and ticks, and at the same time it is also capable of killing (acaricidal/insecticidal property) parasites.
Which tick collar for dogs is best to buy?
Anti-tick collars for small dogs and large pets must be purchased at official pet stores or veterinary pharmacies. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the size of the strap, because the protective equipment should not cause discomfort.
Antiparasitic neck bands for medium and large dogs are most often found on sale, so owners of small animals need to be especially careful. The excess length can be cut off, but it is important to consider that in products for large breeds the concentration of substances is higher, which can lead to negative consequences for small pets. You also need to take into account the pet’s age and its current condition, taking into account contraindications.
Here is which option and in what cases is it better to choose:
- Fitodoc - suitable for owners of small dogs who are sick or recovering at the time of purchasing a collar, as well as for pregnant and lactating small pets.
- Bolfo is convenient for owners of small animals who need a quick effect - the product will begin to act within a few hours.
- Bruno New will be appreciated by owners of small dogs that are no more than 1 month old, as well as pets prone to allergic reactions.
- Kiltix – suitable for medium-sized dogs that already suffer from ticks. The collar is relevant both for prevention and for combating existing insects.
- Bars is a popular model that will be appreciated by owners of medium-sized pets who want to get a long-term effect at a budget price.
- Foresto - suitable for owners of large dogs who appreciate the stylish design of the accessory, as well as for those who do not want to buy several products per year.
- Flea & Tick is effective in controlling existing parasites and is convenient for large animals that spend a lot of time outside.
The choice of the best tick collar depends on the individual characteristics of the dog: age, weight, health characteristics. No one is immune from the consequences of personal intolerance to the components used in the strap. But a careful study of the product, taking into account the characteristics of the pet, will allow you to choose an option that will provide the necessary effect with minimal risk to the pet.
Why are fleas and ticks dangerous?
Fleas don’t just pester pets, causing them to simply tear their skin, they carry pathogens of dangerous diseases and cause allergies. Just because a dog doesn't go outside doesn't mean he'll never see fleas.
These small parasites can get into the house on clothes and shoes; all you have to do is walk through the entrance where an infected animal has been. If your dog goes out for a walk, it’s easy to pick up parasites. For example, by talking to a stray dog or playing with a neighbor’s infected pet.
Until recently, a tick was waiting for a walking dog in the forest or in a forest plantation. But climate change has led to an increase in the population of dangerous blood-sucking creatures, so you can even find parasites on bushes growing near your home. Danger awaits pets walking in parks, on the banks of a river, or even while relaxing at sea.
The last decade has added another problem for dog breeders, which can be solved with the help of a collar. Dogs are bitten by breeding mosquitoes that carry heartworms. Growing helminths move under the skin, can live in mucous membranes or affect internal organs (leading to death).