Fleas and ticks are a real problem for dogs, and surely, every dog owner has experienced dealing with them at least once. If your dog is currently suffering from flea and tick infestation and you are looking for a solution, you’ve probably learned about a number of options, such as liquid drops, pills, as well as flea and tick collars.
While each of these options has its pros and cons, one solution that is really worth looking into is the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar. At first glance it may seem more expensive than its alternatives, but in the long run you will actually get to save more money if you use it right.
The Purpose of a Flea and Tick Collar
Finding out that fleas and ticks are feasting on your dog is one of the most annoying things that you may face as a dog owner. On the surface, it is a problem because your dog will feel very uncomfortable, but the real danger lies on the diseases that these parasites can transmit if you don’t control them early enough. The Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar can take care of that problem, and many dog owners as well as veterinarians swear by its effectiveness.
Highly Recommended by Veterinarians
Any veterinarian will tell you that keeping your dog healthy is one of the best ways to keep him happy. When he is infested with fleas and ticks, you’ll see him scratching a lot to get some temporary relief from the discomfort. Treatment should be started right away if you don’t want your pet to suffer from these pests, and you would need a long-term solution that kills the problem up to its source. There are many flea collars available in the market, but if you ask your veterinarian, he or she will likely recommend the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar because it works –– for a long time, and almost immediately.
Now, you may be tempted to just go for the regular flea and tick collars that you’d find at the grocery because it is much cheaper. However, you’ll get exactly what you paid for with these types of collars, because they usually only work near the areas where it is attached. You may stop seeing fleas and ticks on your dog’s neck, but if you check near the tail area, you’d likely notice that the pests just learned where their safe zone is.
Other options that seem cheaper at face-value are liquid drops like Frontline Plus and pills like NexGard, Bravecto, or Comfortis. A box of Frontline Plus contains 3 drops, and you will have to administer one each month for three months to kill fleas and ticks and to make sure that their larvae get wiped as well. This is also the case for the pills. Keeping tabs of schedules for these treatments may be a hassle, and there is a tendency to forget about them even if you are careful with remembering dates. If you want something that is more convenient and longer-lasting, the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar is a much better investment for both you and your dog.
How the Collar Works
The Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar contains two active ingredients that target fleas and ticks as well as their larvae –– imidacloprid and flumethrin, respectively. From the collar, these ingredients make their way to the dog’s hair, and then its skin. It will then be uniformly distributed throughout the dog’s body. The ingredients are continuously released in low concentrations, killing the pests through contact before they even get to bite your dog.
The collar is proven to kills fleas in just 2 hours and ticks in 6 hours after the initial application, and you can already see big improvements within 24 hours. It can be simultaneously worn with leash collars if you have one for your dog. You don’t need to deal with any mess, grease, or foul smells and it is also water-resistant as it stays useful even after bathing, swimming, or rain exposure. This is why many dog owners are impressed by the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar and many dogs are probably thankful that their owners chose this product over its counterparts.
Probably the best thing about this collar is its longevity –– it can last up to 8 months, which is a lot more than the promise of other alternatives. However, to keep it effective for the whole of 8 months, the dog should be bathed just once per month. If your dog regularly swims, the effectiveness will be lessened to 5 months for flea control and 7 months for tick control. Even so, it still lasts comparatively longer than drops, pills, or cheaper collars. This means it can take care of the problem for a longer time while you and your dog enjoy such hassle-free treatment.
The Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar has three sizes –– one for cats, one for small dogs (18 pounds and below), and one for big dogs (over 18 pounds). It is important that you get the right collar size for your dog so it won’t feel too restricting or too loose, and also because the ingredient concentration will need to match their size.
Some Caveats
Although the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar is great for getting rid of pesky canine parasites, its effectiveness will mostly depend on how your pet reacts to it. Most owners have found this product to be the most helpful in dealing with fleas and ticks, but not all dogs will respond favorably to it. It may also not work as effectively on dogs with thick coats such as Great Pyrenees and Alaskan Malamutes.
It is important to observe how your dog reacts to the collar, and take note if you notice anything like hair loss, severe irritation, and wet secretion. If these symptoms are present on your dog, he may be allergic to the collar’s ingredients. Technically, the ingredients are not toxic to dogs but like humans, every dog will react differently to these treatments. The best thing to do is to remove the collar and have your dog checked by the veterinarian just to be on the safe side. It will be very helpful to be aware of your dog’s allergies so that you can find the appropriate treatment for him just in case this product is causing more harm than good.
Final Verdict: A Great Option for Getting Rid of Your Dog’s Pests
Although the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar may seem like the more expensive option, it will actually turn out to be the more affordable alternative because you wouldn’t have to keep on buying treatments every month or every three months. You just have to make sure that your dog always wears it because it will practically be useless if it comes off. Also, be aware of your dog’s exact weight because the concentration of the ingredients will vary depending on the size of the dog.
This is not a perfect product by any means, but the features of the Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar are worth considering especially if you have tried other options that didn’t work too well. It is important to note that some dogs will not experience any ill effects, while others may prove to be allergic. If your dog is fortunate enough to be non-allergic to the collar, the fleas and ticks will eventually be gone as promised, as long as you use it right. Both you and your dog will be happy, and he will probably be grateful every day if he could communicate with you via words.
