How to correctly use an insecticidal collar on your pet?

The most common insect-killing products for pets are collars and drops. Experts often suggest using both together. This article focuses on insecticidal collars. Here are some tips to help protect your pet better.

How to correctly use an insecticidal collar on your pet? An insecticidal collar is not just a decoration for your dog. It’s a real medicine that needs to be used correctly to work well. If the collar is just worn loosely, it won’t be effective. The collar needs to fit properly to release the active ingredient through contact with the skin and hair.

If the collar is too loose, it won’t touch the skin, so the medicine won’t be released. If it’s too tight, it won’t rub against the skin properly, so the medicine won’t be released either. The collar should be snug enough that you can fit two fingers between it and your dog’s neck. Check the collar’s fit every two weeks because it can loosen over time.

The collar doesn’t start working right away. It takes about 10-14 days for the medicine to spread over the dog’s skin and provide full protection. So, put the collar on at least two weeks before your pet might be exposed to insects.

Some parts of your pet’s body might not be protected, like the muzzle, paws, groin, and elbows. This can happen if the active ingredient is removed by licking or contact with certain substances. Always check your pet for ticks after walks, especially in these areas.

Modern collars are better at killing ticks than repelling them. It can take a few hours to a couple of days for the ticks to die after contact with the collar. Don’t panic if you see ticks on your dog after a walk; they will die soon. It takes about two days for a tick to infect a dog with piroplasmosis, which is enough time for the collar to kill the tick.

Mosquitoes are also dangerous because they can spread dirofilariasis, a disease caused by a worm that can grow up to 30 cm and live in the dog’s heart and lungs. Use products with strong repellent effects to protect your dog from mosquitoes.

Important! When choosing an insecticidal collar for your pet, make sure it protects against both ticks and mosquitoes. Studies in Europe, North, and South America have shown that:

It is 95-100% effective against ticks.

It is 100% effective against mosquitoes (strong repellent effect).

It is non-toxic and safe for puppies, pregnant, and nursing animals.

It is resistant to moisture and harsh conditions.

It is odorless.

References Features of the use of the insecticidal acaricidal collar Skalibor - ZooMedVet