Why Is My Dog so Itchy?

While more than 2,000 species of fleas exist, the cat flea (ctenocephalides felis) is the most responsible for your dog’s itching. Fleas can be an annoyance, but to some dogs, one or two bites from a flea can make your best friend miserable! This is one of the reasons why today you are reading about the Seresto Flea Collar for Dogs review and buying guide.

Flea saliva contains anti-coagulant and other components that can result in severe itching that lasts for weeks after the bite. Referred to as Flea Allergy Dermatitis, the result is raw, irritated patches of skin on your dog.

Even if your pooch doesn’t go outside much, he can still get fleas as these parasites come indoors on our clothes or jump across thresholds. As a dog mom or dad, it is up to you to find the best flea collar for dogs to prevent this suffering.

If you notice your dog scratching, but don’t see fleas, take a comb with tiny, close-together teeth down his back and over the base of his tail. As you pick up grains, dump them onto a dampened paper towel.

If the debris sits there, you’ve combed up dirt and dander. If the paper towel turns pink, those grains are dehydrated blood from your dog (aka flea dirt). You need to help alleviate his itch as well as prevent more of those critters from getting on him.

We have determined what we feel the best flea collar for dogs is, so please continue reading this Seresto collar review.

Before we get to the Seresto review, however, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention another pest that can make your dog miserable — the tick.

There are more than 800 species of these tiny arachnids. They, like the flea, feast on the blood of your dog. Ticks live in grassy and wooded areas around the world, mostly in warm, humid climates, but some species can be found in more arid parts as well. Not all carry diseases, but many do.

Where you and your pooch live will help determine the best methods of flea and tick prevention to use on your dog. I talked to Julie Buzby, DVM, CVA, CAVCA and Founder of Dr. Buzby’s Innovations, and this is what she wants you to know.

With ANY medication, there are risks, but the risks are low for these classes of drugs when used as directed. The risks associated with your dog not being protected, however, can be very high, depending upon where you live or travel.

Julie Buzby, DVM, CVA, CAVCA

Speak to your veterinarian who knows your dog’s health history and what tick diseases are prevalent in your area.

Seresto Flea Collar Review

How Does Seresto Work?

Some preventatives repel parasites, some kill fleas and ticks, and others treat or prevent the life cycle from continuing by sterilizing eggs and the young. All good intents, but those that just kill or treat may still allow the parasites to bite your dog, causing irritation and disease.

The best flea collar for dogs is one that repels fleas and ticks BEFORE they have a chance to bite and kills them on contact (not just after they have sunk their teeth into your dog). One that is multi-purpose, killing more than one type of parasite, is a plus, and the Seresto collar gets high marks in all these areas.

The Seresto Flea & Tick Collar releases a low concentration of two active ingredients that are stored and slowly released from Bayer’s special designed matrix collar: imidacloprid (an insecticidal neurotoxin) and flumethrin (insecticide with low toxicity to mammals).

As the ingredients wear off, they keep on replenishing for up to 8 months, distributing over your dog’s skin and coat. Just the contact with the ingredients kills the fleas and ticks, so no biting is required.

Haiku wearing his Seresto flea collar while hiking

Is Seresto Safe?

Each dog is unique. What is safe for one may not be safe for another as each has his own sensitivities. Overall, my experience and the feedback I received seem to point to the fact that Seresto collar side effects are minimal and infrequent when used as directed.

Human error can lead to problems, so follow directions implicitly and monitor your dog no matter what preventative you use. At the first sign of something not quite right, contact your veterinarian.

What Makes Seresto the Best Flea Collar for Dogs?

Number one would be that it does the job. The Seresto Flea & Tick Dog Collar is keeping my dog free from annoying bugs in our lush and humid southeastern climate. No fleas and ticks means that Haiku won’t suffer from Flea Allergy Dermatitis or contract Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, Hepatozoonosis or other tick diseases.

Additionally, the collar is odorless and non-greasy. It doesn’t get Haiku’s fur oily or interfere with his sense of smell and isn’t greasy when I touch his neck. Since it is water-resistant, I don’t have to reapply after each bath or even monthly. This is one more thing I can’t forget to do.

Putting on the Seresto Flea Collar

To perform a fair Seresto dog collar review, I talked to my veterinarian and followed directions carefully. I learned to tell a real from a fake, and purchased one within expiration date and the appropriate product for the weight of my dog.

After taking the collar out from its packaging, I unrolled it, removing the small plastic connectors. Next, I placed the Seresto Flea & Tick collar around Haiku’s ultra-furry neck and inserted the end through the buckle and loops. I adjusted it to fit comfortably, yet made sure two of my fingers could slide between the collar and Haiku’s neck to assure it wasn’t too tight.

Buckles on the Seresto flea collar

I also applied the three optional reflector clips and then supervised, checked, and observed my boy to make sure the collar did not loosen or tighten. Most importantly, to stay vigilant that he was not suffering any ill effects.

Buckles on the Seresto flea collar

Seresto Flea Collar Specs

Large Dog Collar

• 27 ½” (69.85 cm)
• For canines over 18 lbs.

Small Dog Collar

• 13 ¼” (30.48 cm)
• For canines under 18 lbs.

Both collars contain imidacloprid, which targets both fleas and their larva, and flumethrin, which repels and kills ticks – adults, babies, and larva – for up to 8 months.

Seresto Flea Collar Main Features

• Active ingredients are stored in the specially designed polymer collar’s unique matrix
• Large collars can be trimmed to fit your dog’s neck
• Small dog collars have “zig-zags” that are pre-determined breaking points to better size
• Collar has a ratchet release system to remove quickly

Seresto Flea Collar Side Effects

Just watch commercials advertising pharmaceutical drugs for humans. It can scare the pants off you when you read the potential side effects. Every medication, even natural remedies, may not agree with all.

When putting anything on, in, or near your dog, it is critical to read and follow directions exactly and get prompt medical attention for any negative side effects. Infrequent yet adverse reactions to the Seresto Collar include the following that dog owners reported:

• Itchy skin, redness, and irritation resulting in hair loss
• Swelling
• Nausea & vomiting
• Seizures
• Red eyes which disappear upon removal of the collar
• Spontaneous abortion and congenital disabilities

Additionally, fake Seresto Flea & Tick collars are out there. Low price ($30-$40) might be your first clue. There are several tell-tale signs, including flat paint on the inside of the lid, stickers rather than embedded printing, or lack of a seal.

Sometimes, you get what you pay for. Don’t risk your pet’s health and safety over saving $10 or $20! Watch the video below for details so that you and your best friend don’t get scammed!

How Long Does it Take for Seresto Collar to Work?

I aim to be proactive, so Haiku started wearing his collar BEFORE fleas or ticks had taken up residence. However, I did catch him scratching before applying the collar.

The packaging claims the Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs begins killing existing fleas within 24 hours. Once on your dog for a full day, the Seresto collar will kill re-infesting fleas within two hours and repel and kill ticks as quickly as 6 hours after applying. Some claims, however, state that the collar may take up to two weeks to be fully effective.

What Do Other Seresto Flea Collar Reviews Say?

Laurie Adams Barre, a Louisiana dog mom, swears by the Seresto Flea & Tick Dog collar:

Georgia dog mom, Joyce Culberhouse says:

Vanessa Rosenberg of Connecticut feels:

Veterinarians Prefer Seresto

Dr. Liz Koskenmaki, Burbank, California shares:

Julie Reck, DVM, Veterinary Medical Center of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Co-Founder of Aspire Vet, says:

Seresto Flea Collars for Dogs: FAQs

Before we wrap up this Seresto Flea Collar for Dogs review and guide, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this product and its effects, summing up all that we have discussed here.

Is the Seresto flea collar safe for all dogs?

In short, yes. The Seresto collar for dogs is a water-resistant and resilient product with a lifespan of up to eight months.

It is safe for all dogs with the age over 7 months. Sunlight or rain does not have an impact on the collar’s quality or looks. The collar provides optimal protection to your dog without putting in any way in danger its wellbeing and health.

Speaking of water resistance, your dog can keep the collar on while you bathe it or it goes for a swim. You can use dog shampoo with no problems while your furry buddy wears the collar as well.

Does the Seresto Flea Collar for Dogs have any side-effects and what are they?

As we previously mentioned, the Seresto flea collar for dogs seldom leads to any side-effects. However, keep an eye on your pup and note symptoms such as itching and redness around the collar, swelling or even eye redness. Usually, these side-effects and symptoms disappear soon after you remove the collar.

Do veterinarians recommend this Seresto flea collar?

Yes, the Seresto collar comes with vets’ approval and recommendation. It is a long-term protective measure that keeps fleas and ticks away without monthly treatments, medication, and other interventions.

What is better, the Seresto or the Frontline collar?

In comparison to the Frontline Plus, the Seresto collar does not protect your dog against mosquitoes. Both are very effective in controlling fleas, lice, and ticks. Make sure you ask your veterinarian what dog collar to choose against fleas and ticks in case she is pregnant or nursing. Some flea collars may have an adverse impact on the health and wellbeing of new mommies.

Is Seresto Flea & Tick Dog Collar Worth It?

Fleas and ticks carry deadly diseases. It is essential, though, that you discuss and understand the risks and benefits of any flea and tick preventative with your veterinarian. They are familiar with your dog’s health and medical history.

When applying any medication, observe your dog for several hours to make sure there are no immediate ill effects, and then continue to monitor. Every medicine has its risks, dog toothpaste included, and each dog is unique. It is up to you to stay tuned and react quickly if anything doesn’t seem right with your dog.

Read directions, make sure medications have not expired and that they have been properly stored, and use weight-specific and species-specific doses.

If you take all of this under advisement, the Seresto flea & tick dog collar does seem worth it for keeping your dog parasite-free. 

Although the price point appears high, in most parts of the country, you may only need one collar annually (two at most). At the same time, you must purchase other preventatives monthly. Dividing the price over the 6-8 months, the Seresto Flea & Tick Collar is effective and may help you save money or end up costing the same as other options.

Haiku’s and my experience doing this Seresto flea collar review was entirely positive. So are the opinions of pet parents and veterinarians who shared their exclusive thoughts for this Seresto review. Two weeks after beginning this Seresto Dog Collar Review, Haiku remains parasite-free with no ill effects.

No fleas, no ticks, and a healthy dog = happy dog mom!