How Do Flea Collars Work?

Many pet owners ask, “How do flea collars work?” not just “should I use one?” Every pet parent wants a simple but safe and effective way to keep pests like fleas and ticks out of their pet's fur. Flea collars often seem like the easiest option, as they are less of a hassle compared to other types of topical treatments.

Understanding how they work makes it easier for you, as an owner, to make a correct decision for your pet. In this article, we will guide you through how a flea collar works, how long do flea collars take to work, the available types in the market, and how to choose a collar you can trust.

And you will also learn about FurLifes plant-powered, natural-based Flea and Tick collars, which are designed to keep your pets protected without containing any harsh chemical pesticides!

With that said, let’s jump right into this article!

What Is a Flea Collar?

Alongside ampoules, tags, sprays, and shampoos, flea collars are just one of the many types of topical treatments used to protect pets against pests.

PetMD defines a flea collar as a band that's impregnated with one or more active ingredients that slowly release and distribute over the pet’s skin/fur, creating a protective barrier.

The modern flea collars we use today, once began as odor collars, which relied on strong smells to repel flies and then evolved into slow-release, long-lasting matrix collars. The ingredients of collars also changed, from using harsh insecticides to gentler synthetic or natural-based ingredients. Today, plant-based collars are beginning to become more and more popular as the newest and safest form of pest protection.

So, even if they look simple at first, there is a lot of science and history behind them.

How Do Flea Collars Work - The Mechanism Step-by-Step

Let’s learn how does a flea collar work with science to back it up.

Active Ingredients & Their Action

Flea collars function on their active ingredients and what they do. When dealing with chemical collars, they often contain ingredients that act as neurotoxic insecticides that kill fleas by disrupting their nervous system.

In natural flea collars, like FurLifes, the way it works is much more gentle. They rely on essential oils like citronella, cedarwood, geranium, or cinnamon, which don’t outright kill the fleas, but hinder them. In that case, the pests are repelled from their fur. Some natural-based flea collars do have an insecticidal effect, depending on the dosage of the ingredients.

But these essential oils don’t only work against fleas, but also against ticks. One study shows that citronella oil impacts both fleas and tick larvae when used at a 4% concentration. Even though this concentration is low enough not to be toxic to your pet, it is lethal for pests, making it a perfect ingredient for natural-based collars.

Release & Distribution Process

Once the collar is on your pet, their body heat begins to slowly warm the essential oil and spreads across their coat through their movement. Different ingredients might work by mitigating into the sebaceous glands. As that happens, the scent of the oil makes a protective ring around your pet, which might seem like a faint perfume to us, deterring pests away.

Modern matrix collars like Seresto work by slowly releasing two active ingredients for 8 months. This slow-release is made possible by the way they construct the plastic polymers of the collar.

The mechanism is backed up by the way essential oils slowly release into a volatile phase, which makes for better repellency compared to short, overpowering bursts.

What Happens When a Flea or Tick Lands on the Pet?

Fleas find the scent profile of collars uncomfortable, so when they land on your pet, they immediately try to flee. The essential oil ultimately makes your pet an undesirable host. Ticks, on the other hand, can be repelled or killed, depending on the ingredients used in the collars.

Collars usually are quick-acting - some products kill fleas already present within 24 hours; new fleas are killed within ~2 hours in certain collars. 

As we mentioned previously, an essential oil with insecticide traits is cedarwood oil, which, when exposed to ticks, eventually kills them. To keep it short, these oils work as an active encouragement for pests to stay away.

Lifespan & Factors Affecting Performance

Now that we’ve answered the first question on how do flea collars work, it’s time to answer the second one, which is how long do flea collars take to work.

Collars have a different timing depending on their type. Chemical collars start to work within 24 hours, with the first result being visible in as little as 2 hours, while natural collars like Furlifes start to repel within a few hours. To achieve full coverage, natural collars may need around 24-48 hours. The effect of natural collars is not instantaneous, like with chemical collars, but it is sustained.

Other factors can reduce the efficacy or lead to results showing up later, such as: 

• The pet's weight

• Water exposure

• Improper collar (Too loose, too tight, or improper dosage based on size)

What It Doesn’t Do / Limitations

Just like all types of pest protectors, natural-based flea collar have their own set of limitations:

• They don’t eliminate fleas from the environment. The collar protects only the pet, while fleas present in your home and yard need to be handled separately. By vacuuming, cleaning, and using FurLife™ - All Natural Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs and Cats, external infestations can be dealt with faster and easier.

• They don’t kill every life stage of the flea. Eggs and pupae aren’t affected equally as larvae and the adult flea.

• They lose their effect if they are misused. Collars that aren’t in contact with the skin or fur properly lead to lower distribution and reduced effectiveness.

• They lose their effect if in contact with water, unless they are waterproof or water-resistant, like FurLifes collars.

Types of Flea Collars & What Makes Them Different

There are more types of flea collars available. They come in different formulations, which either repel or kill ectoparasites in a specific way. Understanding how each type of flea collar works can help owners choose the right type of protection for their pets.

Collars vary by species - they have lower doses and different ingredients for cats, as they are more sensitive compared to dogs, by duration - they can be either short-term (4-6 months) or long-term (8 to 12 months).

There are four types of flea collars available right now under different brands:

• Odor repellent collars  - This is an old type of collar that used strong smells to repel pests. They are used less and less today, being switched with more efficient types of collars.

• Chemical collars - These collars have been used for decades. Their effect relies on different synthetic insecticides like deltamethrin or propoxur. They slowly release the ingredients into the pet's fur, and they slowly spread across the body, killing the present fleas and repelling future ones.

• Polymer matrix collars - Known as “long duration collars”. These are more modern collars, which use a polymer matrix that stores the active ingredients like imidacloprid or flumethrin. It slowly releases them in controlled microdoses.

• Natural/ Plant-based collars - These collars work by using essential oils such as rosemary, lemongrass, and cedarwood, which have natural repellent properties.

• Hybrid collars - These collars offer a unique combination of both synthetic ingredients like methoprene, together with plant-based repellent.

Here’s a breakdown of their effect, longevity, and coverage via a comparison table:

How to Choose a Flea Collar – Key Considerations

There are a lot of different brands of flea collars available on the market, so choosing the right one might present a challenge. When buying a collar, pay attention to the following factors to get your money's worth:

• Species - Never use collars for dogs on cats, as they can be toxic to them. Even household pantry items, which some owners use in DIY methods of getting rid of fleas, like peppermint oil, can be lethal to them.

• Age and weight - Puppies and kittens that aren’t over 8 weeks of age and don’t weigh a certain weight can’t use the same collar that an adult or older animal would. Ask your veterinarian for age-appropriate products.

• Sensitivity - If your pet has allergies or sensitive skin, consult your veterinarian in choosing the right collar. Plant-based collars are usually easier for their skin and don’t cause adverse effects.

• Lifestyle - If your pet has regular exposure to water, it’s important to choose a waterproof or water-resistant collar, so that they don’t lose their effect faster than intended.

• Multi-pet household - If you have more pets, it’s important to protect all of them, not just one.

• Indoor vs outdoor pets - If you keep your pet outside, then it is advised to buy stronger and longer-lasting collars because of the constant exposure.

• Verified ingredients - Choose companies that are transparent about the ingredients and products they use, for your pet's protection.

Introducing FurLife’s Flea & Tick Collars – How They Work & Why They Stand Out

If you are aiming to provide your pet protection without the risk of the ingredients present in chemical collars, turning to the natural side of flea prevention might seem overwhelming at first. It is very important that when choosing a natural-based collar, that it contains 100% natural ingredients which actually do work - Something that we can proudly say that FurLife offers.

Our 8 Months Natural Flea & Tick Collars are designed for both dogs and cats, and they provide the protection that pet parents are looking for, without the heavy chemical ingredients. The protection comes from our plant-based ingredients:

• Citronella Oil

• Cedarwood Oil

• Rosemary Oil

• Geranium Oil

• Cinnamon Oil

When the collar is first applied, the pet's body heat begins to activate the essential oils that are embedded in the neck. In about 24 hours, the oil slowly migrates from their neck to every end of their body through natural movement.

But our collars don’t offer just protection; they can also be an accessory! Available in 6 colors - green, blue, red, black, grey, and pink- they can make your pet a real head-turner.

These oils are known for repelling not only fleas, but also ticks and mosquitoes, by creating a scent barrier that these pests avoid, repelling them from your pet. They are easy to apply as one, two, three - Just clip the collar around their neck and you’re good to go! There is no greasy residue or need to reapply monthly, as they offer up to 8 months of protection for a fraction of the cost! They are safe for both cats and dogs, as they do not contain any neurotoxins or harsh pesticides. 

How to Use a Flea Collar Safely & Get Maximum Effectiveness

In this part of the article, we will introduce step-by-step instructions on how to get the most out of any brand of flea collars:

• First, it is recommended to remove old collars or stop topical treatments, as mixing products can irritate the skin or cause atopic dermatitis in the pet.

• Place the collar on your pet. Use the two-finger rule when doing so to provide a snuggle fit. This means that two fingers should fit between the collar and the pet's neck.

• Cut off the extra length so that your pet doesn’t chew on it.

• Check the fit of the collar regularly, especially if you have a growing puppy or kitten.

• It is also important to watch for irritation like redness, dry skin, or excessive scratching. Skin allergies can happen to any type of dog or cat breed. If you notice this, remove the collar immediately and talk to your vet.

• Limit water exposure, especially if you are using a collar that isn’t waterproof or water-resistant.

• Pair the collar with environmental control to prevent a flea infestation from happening in your home. Wash the bedding regularly and vacuum the house.

• Replace collars regularly to maintain continuous protection.

Always be careful when putting a collar on your pet, as if there are any incompatibilities, they could develop allergies or try to take it off by themselves and accidentally ingest the ingredients. When using chemical collars, this could be lethal! Do not put a collar on your pet if they have a medical condition before consulting a veterinarian.

It is also advised to teach your children about flea collars and what they do, so that they do not accidentally remove them or try anything else. In the case of young children, keep an eye on them when playing with the pet, to see if they try to bite or chew on the collar, or rub their hands excessively and then put them in their mouth.

Sometimes, even if you’ve done everything right, it might seem that the collar doesn’t do its job right. In that case, it is recommended to see if the collar has the correct fit, check the house if there is a severe home infestation, or if the collar has a passed due date.

If your pet keeps scratching the collar and tries to take it off, check for any signs of an allergic reaction, like skin redness, fur falling off, or patches of dry, flaky skin. If there aren’t any symptoms of an allergic reaction, then see if the collar is put on correctly - It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Check if there is something under the band, like dirt or leaves from outside, which could be irritating your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do flea collars kill fleas or only repel them?

This depends on the type of collars used - Most chemical collars work by killing fleas, while natural collars, like FurLife, work by repelling them. Natural-based collars are safer and gentler, especially in pets that have more sensitive skin or a history of allergic dermatitis. 

How long do flea collars take to work?

Collars start to have an effect pretty quickly. Chemical collars start to work in the first 24 hours, with the first noticeable changes being in a few hours, while natural collars start working as the oil warms up and spreads into your pet's coat, which takes about 5-6 hours. Full body coverage happens after 24 to 48 hours.

My dog swims/baths a lot – will the collar still work 8 months?

Frequent exposure to water, whether that be swimming or bathing, can reduce the effect of both natural and chemical collars. Some brands are waterproof or water-resistant, but that varies from brand to brand. FurLifes collars are water-resistant, and they both tolerate normal outdoor activity and regular swimming or bathing.

Can I use the same collar for a cat and a dog?

No. Dogs and cats are different species, and they have different sensitivities. Some ingredients which is safe for dogs can be toxic to cats. Always choose a species-specific collar!

What age/weight does my pet need to be before using a flea collar?

Most flea collars are designed for pets aged 8 weeks and up. Young puppies and kittens shouldn’t get collars as the ingredient dosage is toxic for them. If you have a puppy or kitten with fleas, ask your vet for age-appropriate ways to get rid of them and for future prevention.

What if I already have a flea infestation – is a collar enough?

In cases of mass infestations, a collar won’t be enough on its own. It won’t eliminate the fleas that are living in your carpets, furniture, and bedding, as well as those outside. Combining the collar with frequent washing and vacuuming helps in clearing the infestation faster, whilst protecting your pet from reinfestation.

Are flea collars safe for puppies/kittens, pregnant pets, and seniors?

Flea collars are safe for puppies and kittens over 8 weeks and healthy adult pets. It is advised to ask your veterinarians if you are planning on putting a collar on a pregnant or nursing pet, even if it is a natural one. Senior pets tolerate flea collars, unless they have some underlying illness. If they have fragile skin, natural low-irritation ingredients may be better for them.

What active ingredients should I look for?

This depends on your goals. If you are looking for a collar with natural ingredients, then essential oils such as Citronella, Cedarwood, or Cinnamon oil, which are some of the ingredients in FurLifes collars, are great. For chemical collars, ingredients such as imidacloprid or deltamethrin get the job done, but be aware that they are synthetic insecticides. It is recommended to always double-check the ingredients if you are purchasing a collar for a cat, since they are more sensitive.

Can I use a flea collar instead of a monthly topical or oral flea/tick treatment?

Yes, flea collars can be used as a substitute for other treatments, but this is as long as they match what your pets need and their lifestyle. Veterinarians recommend not to combine chemical collars with other products unless they have previously approved it. Natural collars can be paired safely, but it’s always a smart move to check that with a veterinarian, especially if your pet has allergies. Combining is recommended mostly in high-risk areas or in cases of chronic flea allergies.

Bottom Line

Now that we’ve reached the end of this article, it can surely be said that you now know exactly how does a flea collar work, how the active ingredients are released, how they protect your pet, and how to choose the right one for them. When flea collars are used the right way, they provide a simple yet long-lasting protection, particularly when a high-quality collar, like FurLife’s, is used.

If you are looking for a hassle-free, long-lasting, but natural-based way of protecting your pets, FurLifes 8-Month Flea and Tick Collar offers just that - a simple treatment with no chemicals, only comfort. 

Ready to get yours? Explore the FurLife range now to give your pet long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks — without monthly hassle.