Why is the Seresto Collar not Working? 7 Possible Reasons!
Why is the Seresto Collar not Working? 7 Possible Reasons!
By: Sarah Hodgson
October 30, 2023
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Fleas and ticks are common pests that can be quite frustrating for pets. There's not much you can do to help keep them away. This is where the Seresto Collar comes in.
However, if you have this collar your pet might still be attracting these pests. In this post, we will delve into what the Seresto Collar is, how it works, and why it might not be working for your pet.
Let's dive in!
Quick Answer
Check to ensure that the collar is applied correctly. If the problem persists, consult your vet. They can help determine if there is a larger infestation problem or if the pests have developed resistance to the collar's ingredients.
What is a Seresto Collar?
The Seresto Collar is a unique product by Bayer, a leading animal health company. It is a long-lasting and effective collar that protects your pet from annoying pests such as fleas and ticks. The collar is non-greasy and odorless, and it offers protection for up to eight months. This means you do not have to worry about monthly treatments, which can be both inconvenient and easy to forget.
The Seresto Collar is available for both cats and dogs. It's designed to kill fleas and ticks on contact, without them having to bite your pet. This is a significant advantage as it means your pet is less likely to suffer from flea and tick-borne diseases. No more treatments and vet visits!
How does a Seresto Collar work?
The Collar employs a unique technology. It uses two active ingredients: imidacloprid and flumethrin. They are stored within the collar and are released in low concentrations over your pet's skin and coat. These ingredients work together to kill fleas and ticks on contact.
The collar's design ensures the active ingredients are distributed evenly over your pet's body. It works by creating a 'shield' of protection that kills pests upon contact, meaning they don't have to bite your pet to be exposed to the active ingredients.
Now it's all fun and games until you get it and you see it's not working. We'll get into that now.
Seven Reasons Why Your Seresto Collar May Not Be Working
If you've been using the Seresto Collar and noticed that it's not working as effectively as you hoped, there could be several reasons for this. Below we'll go over the seven main reasons it might be causing some problems.
1. Incorrect Application
Firstly make sure that the collar is properly applied for optimal performance in safeguarding your pet from these pests.
Achieving the right fit is crucial, the collar should snugly encircle your pet's neck, while still allowing just enough space to slip two fingers comfortably between the collar and your pet's skin. This ensures that the collar remains in place securely, preventing it from becoming too tight or too loose, both of which can hinder its intended purpose.
2. Inadequate Contact
The collar operates by dispersing the active ingredients evenly across your pet's skin and coat, ensuring a consistent and reliable application. It's crucial to understand that for the collar to function at its best, it must have proper and sufficient contact with your pet's skin. Inadequate contact can compromise its effectiveness and the protection it offers to your pet. Therefore, ensuring a snug fit and proper placement to ensure it works properly.
3. Early Infestation
Thirdly, In cases where your pet was heavily infested with fleas and ticks before the application of the Seresto Collar, it's important to understand that the process of eradicating these pests may require some time. The collar works to eliminate these pests, but the severity of the infestation can influence the duration of the treatment.
Heavily-infested pets may carry a larger population of fleas and ticks, which means that it can take a bit more time for the collar to effectively exterminate these pests.
4. Environment
When your pet resides in an environment where fleas and ticks are frequent, it's important to be aware that they can continue to be exposed to new infestations. The risk of reinfestation becomes more significant when your pet regularly ventures into areas where these parasites thrive, such as parks, wooded areas, or places with tall grasses. Even if you've diligently applied a flea and tick preventive like the Seresto Collar, the collar's efficacy can be affected by constant exposure to these pests in a high-risk environment.
To mitigate this risk, it's advisable to not only rely on preventive measures but also take proactive steps to reduce the flea and tick population in your pet's surroundings.
5. Resistance
Occasionally, in certain situations, specific populations of fleas or ticks might develop resistance to the active ingredients present in the Seresto Collar. This resistance can be a concern in regions where the same type of flea or tick infestation has been consistently treated with the same type of product, creating selective pressure on the parasite population to adapt and become less susceptible to the active ingredients.
6. Water Damaged
The Seresto collar is water resistant however, if it's exposed to too much water it can cause the lifespan of the collar to shorten, being ineffective.
If you bathe your pet often with the collar on or it goes swimming with it, it can damage the collar's lifespan. So keep this in mind when it comes to water activities!
7. Thick Fur
Lastly, if your pet has thick fur it can be difficult for the collar to do its job and penetrate that deep. Thick fur acts as a natural barrier, making it more difficult for the collar's active ingredients to disperse effectively and provide the desired level of protection.
In such cases, ensuring proper collar placement becomes even more crucial.
Understanding The Right Way To Use Seresto Collar
Using the Seresto Collar correctly is super important for its effectiveness. First, ensure that you apply the collar correctly. It should fit snugly, but not too tight. Remember, you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your pet's neck.
The collar should be worn continuously for the full protection period. It is also water-resistant, so your pet can continue to wear it while swimming or bathing. However, prolonged and intense exposure to water or shampooing should be avoided as it may shorten the collar's lifespan.
These are all tips that we already discussed so if you are still confused go back and read a bit more about the causes!
Common mistakes to avoid with Seresto Collar
While the Seresto Collar is designed to be simple and easy to use, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. These include:
- Do not use the collar on puppies under seven weeks of age or on kittens under ten weeks of age.
- Remember, the collar is not a magic bullet. It works best as part of a comprehensive flea and tick control program. This includes treating your pet's environment.
- Avoid touching the collar with your hands frequently. This can reduce the amount of active ingredients available to be released onto your pet's skin.
- To ensure the effectiveness of the Seresto Collar, remember to replace it every eight months for continuous protection. Regularly check the collar's fit, especially in growing pets.
- Consider your pet's lifestyle. If your pet swims or is bathed more than once a month, the duration of the collar's effectiveness may be reduced.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it, the Seresto Collar is an innovative and effective solution for controlling fleas and ticks in your pets. However, its effectiveness can be compromised if not used correctly. Make sure you use it properly to ensure its effectiveness on those pesky pests!
We hope we gave you some useful tips in this post, let us know! Thereby keeping your pet happy, healthy, and pest-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Seresto Collar Provide Protection?
The Seresto Collar is formulated to repel and kill ticks and fleas for an impressive duration of up to eight months.
Are There Alternatives To Flea and Tick Collars?
Yes, several alternatives to flea and tick collars are available, such as topical treatments like PetArmor Plus for Dogs and Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment. These alternatives offer different modes of protection, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your pet's needs.
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