With Seresto flea collar facing a $ 15 million lawsuit for adverse effect , here are my thoughts on this outdated method of flea prevention .
alexei_tm / Getty Images
I ’ve never been a sports fan of flea collars for dogs and kat . I think it goes back to my puerility when most flea collars had a distinct odor and a greasy feel . Back then , flea collars were one of just a few options for flea control ( along with spray and powders ) . They did n’t work well to down fleas or prevent plague , and the chemicals they contained posed a hazard to mankind and ducky .
Photo:alexei_tm / Getty Images
I beget my first andiron in the mid-1990s and reluctantly used a flea collar . But when I entered the veterinary industry a few years after , I check about several new product for flea control , like topicals and viva voce . Not only did they put to work to kill and keep flea , but they also left no odor or residuum behind . Plus , the evidence showed that these products were safe for pets and masses than sr. flea product .
With the recent division - action lawsuitsettled for $ 15 millionagainst Elanco Animal Health , the manufacturer of Seresto flea collar , I abide by my determination to move away from flea collar . I now practice an unwritten flea control product each month because I know how crucial it is toprotect my pets against fleaswhile using a dependable product .
Are Flea Control Products Safe for Pets?
There ’s always a risk associated with using insect powder around pets and people . Fortunately , veterinarians and researchers have transmit trial and studies to determine which products are safe and effective . When it ’s time to determine what flea control product to use , I trust my vet to guide me because they understand the skill behind them .
No one flea control intersection is universally safe for all pets — you and your vet must weigh the individual pet ’s health and motivation .
How Flea Collars Work
Some flea collars work by off - gasconade chemicals that drive or kill worm , creating a " house of cards " of protection around the animal , some emit essential oil or herb to repel insects , and some , including Seresto , have insecticides embedded in the collar that slowly seep out and distribute through the natural vegetable oil on the pet ’s tegument . alas , adverse side effects have beenassociated with those leash , direct to the lawsuit .
To proceed to function against fleas , the collar must continue on the deary . This means people and other favorite who come into touch with the collar are also exposed to the active ingredients . Technically , this can be harmful reckon on the specific ingredients and each individual ’s wellness .
Most flea apprehension must be place snugly against the skin to process decently . Too loose , and they wo n’t be effective . Too sloshed , and they could harm the deary . Plus , the collar may need to be adjusted sporadically if it gets too loose or tight . This entrust an element of guesswork that can be discombobulate for pet parent .
As a precaution , I do not use them on my pets .
Flea Collar Alternatives
If you ’re anything like me and want to avoid flea collars , plenty of other options can more efficaciously ( and easily ) dominance fleas .
Topical Flea Control
Often called " spot - on " treatments , these are applied to an orbit along the back where the ducky can not reach . Most of these employment by spreading throughout the frankfurter ’s cutis via instinctive oils ( similar to how many flea collars workplace ) . Once the area where the merchandise was applied is dry , it wo n’t be absorbed by people or pets who touch the spot . Some topicals work better than others , so necessitate your veterinary surgeon to recommend a good and effective Cartesian product .
Many of these spotlight - on product are in force against flea and some also kill tick . However , my pets hate the feeling of having them apply , so I seldom expend them .
TheEPA regulatesmost topical flea ascendence products , and they can be buy without a vet ’s prescription drug . But some ducky develop a skin chemical reaction to topical products , so it ’s best to apply them under your vet ’s superintendence .
Oral Flea Control
Personally , I favour to use oral flea control for my positron emission tomography . These product are absorb into the bloodstream and down flea after they seize with teeth the pet . I ’ve never find side effect from oral flea control , but some pet do have complications , so it ’s of the essence to work with your veterinarian and report any trouble directly .
The FDA regulates unwritten flea ascendency product , and most are only available with a prescription from a veterinarian . These drugs are not appropriate for all pets , so it gives me peace of judgement do it that a veterinarian is involve and knows my pets ' medical background knowledge before prescribing these products .
How to Choose the Right Flea Control Product
finally , you ask to choose a production that meets your motive ( and your pet ’s needs ) . Consult with your vet about the current products they recommend and why . Contact your vet if you notice any sign of illness while using flea control products .
Bowman , D.The frustrating and sordid history of the Great Flea War . DVM 360 .
