What is the name of a flea collar? - briefly
«Flea collar», also called an anti‑flea collar, is a band placed around a pet’s neck that releases insecticide to prevent flea infestations. It is commonly marketed under brand names such as Seresto.
What is the name of a flea collar? - in detail
A flea collar is a veterinary device designed to be positioned around a pet’s neck, delivering insecticidal or repellent agents that target fleas and, in many formulations, ticks. The product creates a controlled release of chemicals that spread across the animal’s skin and coat, providing continuous protection for a specified period.
Common commercial designations include « Seresto », « Advantage », « Frontline », « K9 Advantix », « Scalibor », and « PetArmor ». Each brand employs distinct active compounds, such as imidacloprid, flumethrin, permethrin, or a combination of pyriproxyfen and pyriproxifen, to achieve efficacy against various ectoparasites.
Key components:
- Active ingredient – the chemical responsible for killing or repelling fleas; concentration varies by product.
- Matrix material – polymer or fabric that controls the diffusion rate of the active ingredient.
- Duration of action – typical collars provide protection for 6 months (e.g., « Seresto ») or 3 months (e.g., « Advantage »).
Safety considerations:
- Verify species compatibility; some formulations contain permethrin, toxic to cats.
- Ensure proper fit: the collar should rest snugly but allow two fingers to slide underneath.
- Replace the collar according to the manufacturer’s stated lifespan; expired devices lose efficacy and may cause irritation.
When selecting a collar, compare active ingredients, treatment length, and species restrictions to match the pet’s needs and the regional flea prevalence.