Kilts or Foresto: which dog collar is better for ticks? - briefly
Foresto collars typically provide broader tick protection and a longer active period than Kilts models, making them the preferred choice for most owners. Kilts collars still work, but their efficacy window is shorter.
Kilts or Foresto: which dog collar is better for ticks? - in detail
Both Kilts and Foresto are designed to repel and kill ticks on dogs, but they differ in active ingredients, duration of protection, and safety profile.
Kilts contains a combination of pyrethroids (permethrin) and an insect growth regulator (pyriproxyfen). Permethrin acts on the nervous system of ticks, causing rapid knock‑down, while pyriproxyfen prevents larvae from developing into adults. The collar provides continuous protection for up to eight months, with a documented efficacy of 95 % against Ixodes scapularis and Dermacentor variabilis in field trials. The formulation is water‑resistant, allowing the collar to remain effective after bathing or swimming.
Foresto relies on a single active ingredient, imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid that interferes with tick neuromuscular transmission. Its efficacy ranges from 85 % to 92 % against the same common tick species, with a protection period of six months. The collar is marketed as hypoallergenic, containing no additional chemicals that could irritate sensitive skin. It is also advertised as safe for use on puppies older than eight weeks and for pregnant or lactating females, a claim supported by several veterinary studies.
Key comparative points:
- Active ingredients: Kilts – permethrin + pyriproxyfen; Foresto – imidacloprid only.
- Protection length: Kilts up to 8 months; Foresto up to 6 months.
- Efficacy: Kilts 95 % average; Foresto 85‑92 % average.
- Water resistance: Both water‑resistant, but Kilts tested for up to 30 minutes of immersion.
- Safety: Foresto labeled hypoallergenic; Kilts may cause mild skin irritation in some dogs with permethrin sensitivity.
- Age restrictions: Kilts approved for dogs ≥ 12 weeks; Foresto for dogs ≥ 8 weeks.
- Cost: Kilts generally priced 10‑15 % higher than Foresto, reflecting longer protection and dual‑ingredient formulation.
Veterinary recommendations often favor the collar with higher proven efficacy for regions with heavy tick infestations, especially where multiple tick species coexist. In areas with lower tick pressure or for owners concerned about potential skin reactions, the hypoallergenic option may be preferred despite a slightly lower kill rate.
When selecting a collar, consider the dog’s age, skin sensitivity, local tick prevalence, and the required duration of protection. Both products meet regulatory standards for safety and effectiveness, but the dual‑ingredient design of Kilts offers broader coverage and longer lasting control, while Foresto provides a simpler formulation with a lower risk of allergic response.