The scourge of domestic animals - blood-sucking parasites - from time to time, in a literal and figurative sense, they poison life to both dogs and their owners.
The danger lies not only in the fact that they live in dog hair, they also suffer various diseases. And if there is a small child in the house, the fight against fleas, ticks and other insects becomes a matter of the health of the whole family.
One of the most common ways to protect against adversity is flea collar.
How does a flea collar work?
The action of the collar is based on the use of deadly for flea poison, which it is impregnated. The composition of such impregnation may be different. The basis of his actions lies the gradual spread of poison throughout the dog's body.
Worn on an animal, the collar is heated and poisonous to insects, the composition begins to be absorbed into the dog's skin, and then spreads through the sebaceous glands throughout the skin.
Insects that have bitten a dog die. And now attention! Keyword - "bitten"But the owner’s task is to rid the dog not only of the presence of insects, but of their bites. This means that even with a collar the dog is endangered, and the threat to her health remains.
None of them has an instant action. It is usually delayed by several days (each manufacturer has his own time). This is due to the fact that the poison must enter the body of the animal and spread throughout the skin.
therefore It is necessary to carry a collar constantly, without removing neither for the night, nor during bathing. By the way, bathing, especially at first wearing, should be excluded.
Active substance on collar almost all manufacturers does not exceed 8 months.
Kinds
Collars, produced today by different manufacturers, differ in the composition with which they are saturated and, accordingly, in their action. In total there are three types:
- chemical collars. They are impregnated with insecticide, suitable only for healthy adult dogs due to the high concentration of the poisonous substance;
- biological - less effective, but much safer for the animal. The composition includes only essential oils and plant extracts. Due to their gentle action, they are suitable for use for puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches and sick or convalescent dogs;
- ultrasound collars, quite expensive and versatile, they can be worn on the dog at any age and condition. According to dog breeders, despite the high cost, they are less effective.
Advantages and disadvantages
They are, perhaps, equally. It all depends on the owner of the dog. If he is attentive to the animal, then there will be no harm from using the collar. But first things first.
Advantages:
- Ease of use. He put a collar on the dog and forgot it in the coming months until the action of the train ended.
- Low price. It is lower than the drop against fleas and other insects.
- Hygienic safety. The composition penetrates the skin of the dog and it can not be washed off, the wool does not stain the soft furniture and clothes of the owner, as is the case when applying sprays or oil drops.
- Widespread action. The poison composition acts on all bloodsucking parasites.
Disadvantages:
- Ability to cause allergies not only the animals themselves, but also the people around them. It is undesirable to sleep next to the dog. Poison has volatile compounds that, if released into the air, can cause undesirable reactions in humans.
- Insect repellent. It disappears in 1-2 months and the dog again remains with insects, which begin to bite it and only then die. The trouble is that the owner does not notice this moment, and therefore does not take any measures.
- The action of chemical collars does not pass without a trace for the dog's body.. The poison, which at first glance is absolutely safe for the animal, does penetrate into its body. It can cause long-term effects in the form of diseases of internal organs, which the host does not associate with the collar afterwards.
- Disadvantage for owners and danger for young children.. Wash hands thoroughly after each contact with the dog wearing the collar. A curious baby can try on the tooth collar, worn on his beloved dog. And it ends badly. The poison is dangerous for the child, it can cause severe reactions, up to seizures and loss of consciousness.
How to use?
If your pet is infected with fleas, ticks or other insects, do not rush to immediately put a collar on it. Parasites must first be fully withdrawn.
When putting on a collar, make sure that it does not fit tightly to the neck of the dog. There must be a distance of at least 1.5 cm between them.
The first days should be avoided long walks into the forest, especially where there is little sun or possible contact of the dog with other animals.
Otherwise, all your efforts to eliminate fleas and ticks will come to naught.
Do not remove the collar day or night, otherwise its action will stop. Wait for a swim, especially in the first week.
Very important! Carefully read and keep the instructions for use until the end of the dog wearing a collar! This will help avoid unpleasant consequences and danger for the dog itself and others.
In it, the manufacturer indicates the composition of the means with which the collar is soaked. In the event that he gets into the body of a child or the dog itself (if it gets and chews a collar), it indicates an antidote that should be used by doctors and veterinarians.
Also, the instructions say for which dogs the collar can be used. Each drug has contraindications. Be sure to read this section!
How to choose?
Their choice is large enough, but it is better to give preference to well-known companies. And remember - "good does not happen cheap"! Too low a price can produce an unsafe fake. Veterinarians recommend products from Russian and European manufacturers. So, the main criteria:
- manufacturer - give preference to familiar brands;
- reviews - take your time and ask your friends, pet shop sellers or the Internet;
- collar size and for whom it is intended - adults, puppies, weak animals;
- price - do not save on the health of your pet.
The most famous and popular brands:
Foresto. This collar is recommended by veterinarians as a means of maximum protection for dogs against blood-sucking parasites, including ticks. In the composition is repellent. The advantage of it is water resistance, it is suitable for dogs leading an active lifestyle in nature. Duration 8 months.
It affects not only adult insects, but also on the larvae. Price from 1.5 to 2.5 thousand rubles.
Beafar. The peculiarity of the active ingredient on the collar is that it begins to kill insects before the bite. The validity of the collar against fleas and jaws is 5 months, against ticks - 2.5 months of constant wear.
It is put on a dog after 10 days of anti-parasitic shampoo treatment. It is contraindicated in puppies up to 6 months, pregnant, lactating females and weak or sick animals. Cost of from 300 to 500 rubles.
Some tips
- Wearing a dog collar, try not to let it out of your sight for several hours. At this time, an allergic reaction may occur - the dog may itch, worry, it may appear rash.
- It is not recommended to use the collar all the time. Use only if there is a risk of infection.
- Do not use in parallel other means of parasites.
- After antiparasitic treatment of the dog, do not forget about his litter. It should also be processed.
When taking care of your pet, remember that his health is the health and safety of your family.
In conclusion, we bring to your attention a video review of the Foresto collar from fleas and ticks for dogs:
