Seresto Collar and Why Some Dogs Still Have Fleas
Seresto is a popular brand of flea and tick collar for both dogs and cats. Manufactured by Bayer, it is designed to provide up to eight months of continuous protection against fleas and ticks. The collar releases its active ingredients in controlled, low doses over time, ensuring a long-lasting effect.
How Does the Seresto Collar Work?
The collar’s primary mechanism lies in its unique blend of active ingredients: imidacloprid and flumethrin. These ingredients get distributed over your pet’s skin and coat, targeting the parasites.
- Imidacloprid: Targets the flea’s nervous system, killing adult fleas and larval fleas before they can mature and reproduce.
- Flumethrin: Works to repel and kill ticks.
Together, these ingredients provide dual protection, disrupting the flea and tick life cycle.
Why Some Dogs Still Have Fleas Despite Wearing the Seresto Collar
1. Environmental Infestation
One of the main reasons a dog might still have fleas even after wearing the Seresto collar is due to environmental infestations. Fleas don’t just live on pets; they thrive in the surroundings too. If the environment, like your home or yard, is infested, fleas can continue to jump on your dog for a meal and then hop off, making it seem like the collar is not working.
2. Proper Collar Placement
For the Seresto collar to work effectively, it needs to be in contact with the dog’s skin. If it’s placed too loosely or is covered by thick fur, the collar’s ingredients might not distribute properly, reducing its effectiveness.
3. Resistance to Treatment
Just like with antibiotics and bacteria, over time, fleas can develop resistance to certain treatments. While it’s not common, it’s possible for some fleas to become resistant to the active ingredients in the Seresto collar, making it less effective.
4. Time Factor
Although Bayer states that the Seresto collar can kill existing fleas on dogs within 24 hours of being applied, if the infestation is significant, it may take a bit longer for the fleas to be completely eradicated.
Recommendations for Ensuring Optimal Flea Control
1. Treat the Environment
It’s crucial not only to treat the pet but also to address any environmental infestations. This might include cleaning and treating the home, yard, and any other spaces where your dog spends time.
2. Check Collar Placement
Ensure the collar is in direct contact with the skin and isn’t too loose. The ideal tightness is being able to slip two fingers comfortably between the collar and the neck.
3. Consult with a Veterinarian
If you’ve taken all precautions and your dog still has fleas, it might be time to consult with a veterinarian. They can recommend alternative treatments or solutions to tackle the issue.
Safety Concerns with Seresto Collar
While many pet owners have found success with the Seresto collar, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects. Some pets might experience mild skin reactions or irritations at the collar’s site. Always monitor your pet’s health and behavior after introducing any new form of treatment.
FAQs about the Seresto Collar and Fleas
Q1: Can I use Seresto alongside other flea treatments?
While the manufacturers of Seresto don’t provide explicit data on combining the collar with other flea products, it’s generally advised to be cautious. Using multiple flea treatments simultaneously may amplify the risk of side effects. Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing additional flea control methods.
Q2: How often should I replace the Seresto collar?
The Seresto collar is designed to last for up to eight months. However, the duration might vary based on factors like water exposure and shampooing frequency. If your pet swims or is bathed frequently, the efficacy period might be slightly reduced.
Q3: My dog is still scratching; does this mean the collar is ineffective?
Not necessarily. While the Seresto collar is designed to kill fleas, the itching could be attributed to other factors such as:
- Residual Flea Dirt: The remnants of flea feces could still irritate the skin even after the fleas are dead.
- Other Allergens: Your dog might be reacting to environmental allergens or even food allergies.
- Skin Infections: Sometimes, persistent scratching can lead to secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections.
If the itching persists, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Q4: Will the Seresto collar help eliminate fleas in my home?
The collar is primarily designed to protect the pet. However, by killing and repelling fleas found on your dog, it indirectly reduces the number of fleas that might infest your home. To ensure complete eradication, homeowners should consider additional measures, such as regular vacuuming, washing pet bedding, and using home flea treatments.
Q5: What should I do if my pet shows an adverse reaction to the collar?
If you notice any unusual behavior or physical symptoms (like excessive itching, redness, swelling, or lethargy) after placing the Seresto collar on your pet, it’s advisable to:
- Remove the collar immediately.
- Wash the pet’s neck area with mild soap and water to remove any residual chemicals.
- Contact your veterinarian for further guidance.
Q6: Can the Seresto collar get wet?
Yes, the Seresto collar is water-resistant. While occasional exposure to water, like rain or brief immersion, will not significantly reduce its efficacy, it’s essential to note that frequent or prolonged water exposure might shorten the collar’s effective duration.
Q7: Are there any age restrictions for using the Seresto collar on puppies or kittens?
The Seresto collar is approved for use on puppies that are seven weeks of age or older and kittens ten weeks of age or older.
Q8: Can I use the Seresto collar on pregnant or lactating pets?
Yes, the collar has been tested and found safe for use on pregnant and lactating dogs and cats. However, as with any medication or treatment, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before usage.
Q9: How can I ensure I’ve purchased an authentic Seresto collar and not a counterfeit?
To ensure you’re buying a genuine Seresto product, purchase the collar directly from reputable sources like a veterinarian or established pet stores. Always be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, and inspect the packaging for any discrepancies or signs of tampering.
Q10: Why might the Seresto collar seem less effective over time?
Environmental factors and increased flea populations during warmer months can give an impression of reduced effectiveness. Moreover, fleas can develop resistance over time to certain treatments, so it’s essential to occasionally reassess the flea control methods you’re using.
Q11: Can I cut the excess length off the collar once it’s on my pet?
Yes, once you’ve secured the Seresto collar in place and ensured a snug fit, you can trim off any excess length. However, avoid cutting it too short, as you’ll want to check and adjust the fit occasionally.
Q12: Are there any storage recommendations for the collar before use?
Store the collar in its original tin and box, in a cool, dry place away from children and pets until you’re ready to use it. Exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight can degrade the active ingredients, reducing its effectiveness.
Q13: Can the Seresto collar be used during grooming sessions?
Yes, but it’s advisable to remove the collar during grooming. After grooming, ensure the collar is placed back correctly, with direct skin contact to ensure the transfer of the active ingredients.
Q14: Does the Seresto collar offer any protection against other pests like mosquitoes or mites?
The primary purpose of the Seresto collar is flea and tick prevention. However, some users have reported a decrease in other pests. It’s always best to consult a veterinarian for comprehensive pest protection.
Q15: How does the Seresto collar differ from regular flea collars?
Unlike traditional flea collars, the Seresto collar uses a unique blend of ingredients that slowly releases over eight months. It’s this sustained release, coupled with the combination of ingredients, that provides both flea and tick protection for an extended period.
Q16: Can the collar be used in multi-pet households?
Yes, but it’s important to monitor pets to ensure they aren’t chewing or playing with each other’s collars, which could lead to ingestion or damage to the collar.
Q17: Will shampooing my pet affect the collar’s efficacy?
While the Seresto collar is water-resistant, frequently shampooing your pet can reduce its effectiveness. If your pet requires regular baths, consult your vet about the best practices to ensure continuous flea protection.
Q18: What do I do if the collar gets stuck on something, like a fence or a branch?
The Seresto collar has a two-fold safety release mechanism. If your pet gets trapped, the collar is designed to widen under pressure, allowing your pet to slip free. However, always ensure the collar fits correctly and check it after any such incident.
Q19: How do I dispose of an expired or unused collar?
For environmental safety, do not dispose of the collar in water bodies or with regular household waste. Instead, check with your local waste disposal requirements or return it to the place of purchase for proper disposal.
Q20: Are there any breeds or sizes of dogs and cats that shouldn’t use the Seresto collar?
The Seresto collar is designed for all breeds and sizes. However, always ensure you purchase the correct size collar for your pet’s weight range to guarantee its efficacy and safety.
