It usually takes about 24-48 hours for flea collars to work, although it depends on the brand and the strength of the flea collar. However, even though the collar works within 1-2 days, it can still take up to 3-4 weeks to see noticeable results.
Fleas: Your dog knows them, you despise them. If you’re a dog (or a cat) owner, there’s bound to be at least one time you have to deal with fleas.
These pesky critters aren’t just annoying; they can also potentially harm your favorite four-legged friend.
But with all the information and advice out there, it’s hard to know what will work quickly and effectively.
Flea collars are one way to help prevent fleas from happening in the first place. But first, it’s important to know how long they take to work and the proper steps to take to make sure your dog is fully protected.
What You'll Learn
What Are Fleas?
The term “flea” actually refers to over 2,500 species of flightless insects. Fleas survive by living off their host, which are mammals or birds. To survive, they feed off of the blood of their host.
The fleas you find on domestic dogs and cats are usually dog fleas, Ctenocephalides canis, or cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis.
Cat fleas are more common worldwide, but either will cause discomfort and itching to your pup. Fleas can also cause an infestation on your dog, leading to several health problems if not treated.
Life Cycle of Fleas
Fleas go through a life cycle that is imperative to know to help prevent an infestation. The specific time of the cycle varies widely – from two weeks to 180 days.
Typically, a flea will go through its life cycle in 3-6 weeks. An adult flea can lay hundreds of eggs in a few days.
If your dog is carrying fleas that are laying eggs, the eggs may fall off onto your floor or carpets. Once the eggs hatch, larvae eat flea feces and household debris until they are ready to pupate in a cocoon.
The pupa will stay in the cocoon for up to a year, waiting for the right conditions before it emerges.
It’s important to know the life stages so you can kill the fleas before they lay eggs or kill the eggs before they can hatch.
Your dog can contract fleas from the outdoors or other creatures. Fleas have strong back legs that enable them to jump from creature to creature and claws that are strong enough to stick to their host.
Fleas can jump over 50 times their own length, and their narrow bodies allow them to move through your dog’s fur or a bird’s feathers.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Fleas?
There are a few telltale signs that your dog has fleas. One thing to always be on the lookout for, especially after your dog has come from a day out in the woods or from an unfamiliar place, is excessive itching and scratching.
Dogs are often allergic to the protein found in the flea’s saliva, irritating your dog’s skin, causing your furry friend to excessively itch and scratch, even if they only get a single flea bite. If the fleas are especially bothersome, your dog may even bite themselves to ease the discomfort.
Losing Hair
If your dog is losing hair because of excessive itching, that is a sign their skin is irritated and should be checked out. Often, the excessive itching and biting that your dog does to get rid of fleas will lead to hair loss.
Examine Your Dog
Another way to check for fleas is simply to examine your dog. Although fleas are small, they can often be seen on your dog’s fur or skin, or you can see droppings they left behind.
Adult fleas are about 1/8 of an inch long and, while they are narrow, you may be able to spot them from their strong back legs. If you find one flea on your dog, assume there are more hidden.
Flea Dirt
Flea droppings are called “flea dirt,” and you may find them on your dog or on your carpet, chairs, or any other place your dog may have been.
It’s tiny and black, almost resembling pepper. It will turn from brown to black and is actually bits of dried blood.
Fleas will leave other signs, too, like eggs, which resemble little white ovals. If you find one, it’s important to immediately take care of it, as it will hatch within a few days.
Different Types of Treatment
If you find fleas on your dog, it’s important to call your veterinarian right away. There are many options for treating fleas on your dog, and most of them are available with no type of prescription.
There are many medicated flea treatments, such as shampoos and sprays. One natural solution is flea combs. Although these are time-consuming, they do not contain any type of chemical or medication. Instead, they are specially made to capture fleas.
If you use these, it’s important to get as close to your dog’s skin as possible. You may also have trouble finding every flea, especially if you have a furry or large dog. There are other treatments, like tablets and spot treatments, as well as flea collars.
Flea Collars
Flea collars are a popular option, especially for dogs who are outside a lot, as they give long-lasting protection against fleas.
Flea collars release flea repellents, either as a gas or spread naturally through the dog’s natural oils of its coat and skin.
They stick to the dog and provide protection for a prolonged amount of time. There are many types of flea collars that range in cost. Shop around or ask your veterinarian which one will work best for your pup.
How Long Will It Take for the Flea Collar to Work?
It’s important to know how long it will take for the flea collar to begin working so you can take the proper precautions while it goes into effect.
The answer varies, but the usual time is 24-48 hours. Since the flea collar contains active ingredients such as amitraz, it will take some time to work.
After the active ingredients begin to work, you will see noticeable results within 3-4 weeks. Flea collars typically last upwards of 8 months.
Is a Flea Collar Right For My Dog?
Always consult your veterinarian before trying any medicated treatments. Flea collars are great because they provide long-lasting protection, but because they are collars, areas around your dog’s neck will get the most protection, with its back legs and behind getting the least amount.
It’s also important to know what kind of flea collar you are getting and whether it’s safe, especially if you have a puppy or a smaller dog.
Dogs with skin sensitivities may have a minor adverse reaction to flea collars, so keep an eye out within the first few days of using it.
Fleas aren’t fun for you, and they aren’t fun for your dog. Fleas can cause long-lasting damage, especially if your dog gets infested.
The blood-sucking pests can even cause anemia for your dog. If your dog passes the fleas onto you, the bite can get infected. Fleas can also pass diseases to humans.
For these reasons, it’s important to have a protection plan in place for your dog, especially if they are outdoors a lot.
Keeping an eye out for excessive scratching and biting is a good idea, but it’s just as important to take preventative measures to keep your dog from getting fleas in the first place.
Treatments like flea collars can be a fantastic, hassle-free option, but it’s always important to understand how they work and how long it takes for them to kick in so you can keep your dog protected.
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