How does a collar protect against fleas? - briefly
The collar continuously emits a measured amount of insecticide that disperses over the animal’s skin and fur, killing fleas on contact and deterring new ones from establishing. This steady, low‑dose diffusion maintains protective levels for several weeks.
How does a collar protect against fleas? - in detail
A flea‑preventive collar delivers insecticidal compounds directly to the animal’s skin and coat. The collar is infused with chemicals such as imidacloprid, flumethrin, or pyriproxyfen. These substances are slowly released from the polymer matrix as the collar warms against the body. The diffusion process spreads the active agents through sebum and hair, creating a protective layer that contacts any flea that lands on the pet.
The protection works through several mechanisms:
- Neurotoxic action: Imidacloprid binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the flea’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death within minutes of contact.
- Growth inhibition: Pyriproxyfen interferes with the development of flea eggs and larvae, preventing the life cycle from completing.
- Repellent effect: Flumethrin acts as a pyrethroid, disrupting nerve function and deterring fleas from staying on the host.
The collar’s continuous low‑dose release maintains an effective concentration of chemicals for several months, typically 6–8, without requiring re‑application. Because the dose is localized, systemic exposure remains low, reducing the risk of adverse reactions while still providing a robust barrier.
Factors influencing efficacy include:
- Proper fit—tight enough to stay in place, loose enough to allow airflow.
- Species compatibility—collars are formulated for dogs, cats, or specific breeds; using the wrong type can diminish results.
- Environmental conditions—extreme heat or water exposure can accelerate chemical loss, shortening the effective period.
In summary, a flea collar protects by continuously delivering neurotoxic and growth‑disrupting agents onto the animal’s surface, creating a hostile environment for adult fleas and their offspring, and sustaining protection over an extended timeframe.