If you have dogs you know very well how prone they are to ticks and fleas feasting on them. This is something you need to take aggressive action against to provide your pet relief.
So what are your options for dealing with this issue? Luckily, flea collars give you an all-natural approach to killing off the fleas and keeping your pet happy and healthy.
We know just how overwhelming it is to pick the right product when the market is so big and vast. That is why we did the hard work for you! We tested the 10 best flea collars and narrowed down the top 5!
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: Bayer Animal Health Flea Collar |
This high-quality, robust collar is built to last and is suitable for a large dog like a German shepherd. It provides fast and long-lasting results to keep your dog comfortable and happy. | Check Price |
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Most Environmentally Friendly: Sobaken Flea Collar | This collar is not only effective in treating all fleas but is also environmentally friendly. You’ll be caring for both your dog and the planet! | Check Price |
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Best All-Natural Option: Primova Flea Collar | This collar employs all the natural ingredients. Instead of chemically formulated ingredients, it uses a combination of essential oils to fight off pesky fleas. | Check Price |
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Best For Small Dogs: Seresto Flea And Tick Collar | This collar promises fast results to take effect in 24 hours. It is also built with quality materials and is perfect for a puppy or small dog. | Check Price |
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Best For Water-Resistance: Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea And Tick Collar | If you’re looking for something that will help with killing the fleas and is also water-resistant, this collar would be the best bet! | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Flea Collars
For this test, we identified the top brands known for making high-quality flea collars.
We then tracked down popular stores that carry these brands and read and evaluated the top-rated flea collars. We researched what customers had to say about each collar.
Once we narrowed down the top flea collars, we tested them with various breeds and sizes. It was important to us to find several top options that are affordable, easy to maintain, and tasteful in style. We didn’t want a potty that would attract attention.
We then evaluated these flea collars on the type of ingredients they use, how effective they are, if they are safe and what kind of size options are available.
From all our research on dog flea collars, we tested 10 of the highest-rated flea collars. We were able to narrow down the top 5 that we will review below.
Best Flea Collars Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Bayer Animal Health Flea Collar
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Ingredients | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Dimensions: 4.75 x 4.75 x 1.5 inches; 2.08 Ounces | Brand: Seresto | Active Ingredients: Flumethrin* 4.5%, Imidacloprid 10.0% (*Trans Z-1/trans Z-2 Ratio: max 66% trans Z-1 and min 34% trans Z-2) | Features: Water-resistant
What We Liked
- Ongoing protection for 8 months
- Provides relief within 24 hours of application
- Kills of fleas and ticks
What We Didn’t Like
- The price point is a little steep
Ingredients & Effectiveness
Throughout our tests of the various flea collars, we were careful to pay attention to the ingredients being used and their effectiveness. For this collar, there are two main ingredients: flumethrin and imidacloprid.
These ingredients were selected with purpose and we appreciated how well they worked. Flumethrin was chosen as the active ingredient to repel and kill ticks; while imidacloprid was chosen to kill fleas.
The combination of these two ingredients make a powerful team and just after 24 hours of putting it on, we saw that our pups were visibly relieved.
If you’re unsure if you need a flea collar, check out this article from PetMD to see if your dog is showing any signs of fleas.
Sizing & Safety
The size of this particular collar accommodates big dogs and adjusts to a neck size of 23 inches. Oftentimes, we find that finding a good product for a large dog is a challenge and we were pleased to find that this one is suitable and high quality.
When we were testing this product and getting ready to put it on some of our dogs, we were pleased to find that the manufacturer included instructions for how to put the collar on correctly. It emphasized how to put it on to ensure safety and effectiveness.
As dog lovers, we are always concerned about the safety that any product offers and we were not disappointed with this dog collar. Its effectiveness does not wear off if it is wet. However, the brand does recommend that if a dog swims at least once a month, the collar should be switched out in 5 months after putting it on.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON2. Most Environmentally Friendly: Sobaken Flea Collar
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Ingredients | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 4.9/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Dimensions: 20.08 x 0.98 x 0.2 inches | Brand: Sobaken | Active Ingredients: Spearmint, Clove, and Citronella Oils| Features: Hypoallergenic, Waterproof
What We Liked
- 8 month protection
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Eco-friendly
- Affordable
What We Didn’t Like
- It doesn’t work well for bigger dogs
Ingredients & Effectiveness
Here at BarkVA we always take extra measures to ensure that the products we use on our dogs are safe. You never know what kind of reaction a new dog will have and that’s why we were so excited when we learned that this flea collar is hypoallergenic!
The products used in this collar are natural essential oils. They ward off fleas and ticks and last for 8 months.
Sizing & Safety
The sizing of this flea collar is very versatile. The packing claims that it is a “one size fits all”, and we attest that this is true. We tried this on different-sized dogs. However, we noticed that our bigger dogs didn’t get the same level of relief as the small dogs.
The collar being all-natural, hypoallergenic, and well-sized makes it a safe collar. The polyester material is comfortable for the dog to wear. As with the previous collar, this one also comes with a set of instructions on how to safely put it on your dog.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON3. Best All-Natural Option: Primova Flea Collar
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Ingredients | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 4.8/5 |
| Sizing | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Dimensions: 25 x 0.4 x 0.4 inches | Brand: Primova Pet Products | Active Ingredients: Lemongrass, thyme, castor, oil | Features: Waterproof
What We Liked
- Size is adjustable to suit all age ranges
- It is waterproof
- All natural ingredients
- 8 month protection
What We Didn’t Like
- Some owners reported still finding ticks
Ingredients & Effectiveness
The active ingredient used in this collar is a combination of essential oils. It has a special formulation that is made to keep nasty fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and 500 other insect species off your pooch. This makes it a very natural option and free of potential chemical side effects.
Although this is natural, we find that sometimes it isn’t always the most effective and some users agree. We won’t discourage you from giving this collar a go, especially if you love the natural way of doing things. Just watch your dog closely to make sure that the itching subsides after putting the collar now.
If you’d like to learn more about natural products for dogs, check out this article on the Top 8 Benefits of Using Natural Products.
Sizing & Safety
The coolest part about this collar that we loved is that it is easy to adjust its size based on the dog’s neck size. We love this because unlike with other collars, it will fit regardless of the dog’s size.
Because of its formulation that uses natural oils only, this product is also fairly safe as well. We didn’t notice any reactions on our dogs throughout our tests.
Application of the collar is also very simple and we loved the instruction manual that it comes with, ensuring that the collar will be put on properly by any owner.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON4. Best for Small Dogs: Seresto Flea And Tick Collar
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Ingredients | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 4.8/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Dimensions: 5×3.13×5 inches | Brand:Seresto | Active Ingredients: Imcidacloprid, flumethrin | Features:
What We Liked
- Ongoing protection for 8 months
- Provides relief within 24 hours of application
- Kills of fleas and ticks
- Available in a 2-pack
What We Didn’t Like
- Some users complained that it wasn’t effective
Ingredients & Effectiveness
The two active ingredients used in this collar are imidacloprid (to control flea infestations) and flumethriin (to repel and kill ticks). The collar is to last 8 months and release the treatment continuously throughout the 8 months.
We really liked the combination of ingredients which seemed to help our dogs tremendously. We noticed immediate relief.
During the research stages of our tests, we found that some customers who bought these collars didn’t see much relief in their dogs. For this, we recommend either supplementing with an additional anti-flea product or speaking with your veterinarian.
Sizing & Safety
The sizing of this collar is suitable for a small dog that weighs up to 18 pounds. The brand that produced this collar does sell a collar for big dogs which we reviewed earlier.
The application process for this collar is simple and we appreciated the clear instructions. This collar does not expire if you store it in a drawer for future use. You can rest assured knowing that if you buy several collars, your dog’s safety will still be guaranteed even if you open it at a later time.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY5. Best for Water-Resistance: Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea And Tick Collar
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Ingredients | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 4.7/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Dimensions:0.75 x 3.75 x 5 inches | Age Range: 12 weeks and older | Brand: Hartz | Active Ingredients: Methoprene | Features: Water-resistant
What We Liked
- Affordable price point
- Water-resistant
- 7 month protection
- Reflects direct lights for up to 450 ft for nighttime safety
What We Didn’t Like
- Limited to dogs with necks up to 26 inches
Ingredients & Effectiveness
The active ingredient in this collar is methoprene which kills and repels fleas, ticks, flea eggs, and flea larvae. It also prevents eggs from hatching and provides 7 months of protection.
We found that our dogs did get a lot of relief from using this collar. We also saw that it was still effective after allowing our dogs to play in the water.
Sizing & Safety
This collar is safe to use on puppies that are 12 weeks of age and older. However, its use is limited to dogs whose necks are up to 26 inches wide.
As dog lovers, we always appreciate any additional elements of safety for our dogs so we were really excited when we saw that this collar reflects light during the night. This ensures your dog will be safe from any oncoming drivers or other hazards during the night.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWYComparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Best For Environmentally Friendly | Best For All-Natural | Best For Small Dogs | Best For Water-Resistant |
| Overall Rating | 5/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Affordability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Ingredients | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.8/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 5/5 | 4.9/5 | 5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
The Winner
Overall, the best collar we found is the Bayer Animal Health Flea Collar which earned the perfect 5 out of 5-star rating. It begins taking effect in just 24 hours after application and lasts for 8 months. Our dogs were quite comfortable wearing these collars and we highly recommend all dogs owners give this collar a try!
Read More: How Often Can I Bathe My Dog With Flea Shampoo? If your dog isn’t on flea preventative medication, flea baths along with your flea collar can help to kill and repel fleas. Learn more.
How to Choose the Best Flea Collar for Your Dog
Choosing the best flea collar can be a challenge because of all the features different collars offer. We put together a guideline we used to narrow down our own search to the best flea collar.
Ingredients
You should start by establishing that the collar you have in mind contains no harmful chemicals and no toxins. All-natural ingredients like essential oils can keep ticks and fleas away without harming your pooch.
Sizing
Most collars fit small, medium, and large dogs. For teacup breeds or extra-large dogs, you should look for a collar designed for this purpose.
Fast-Acting Results
The vast bulk of collars we reviewed today start taking effect after just 24 hours. We recommend keeping this in your list of considerations when looking over the available collars.
Long-Lasting Results
The standard length of protection is 8 months and we recommend you look for collars that align with this standard.
Your Dog’s Age
We recommend reading the labels carefully to ensure that the collar is safe for your doggie’s age. Sometimes puppies need a gentler formula, so watch out for age restrictions.
Pests the Collar Repels
Some collars repel other pests beyond ticks and fleas. Depending on where you live, you may have to pick the collar that targets the pests that irritate your pet the most.
Reflective Finish for Safety
Do you frequently take your doggie for night-time walks? If so, you should look at flea collars equipped with reflective strips to keep you and him safer.
Aside from these guidelines, we recommend you also consult a veterinarian especially if you’re having trouble pinpointing something that works.
Read More: The Best Flea Killers for Yards. Keep your dog safe from fleas in your yard with these proven-to-work flea killers!
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a brief overview of the 5 other options that didn’t make our list.
1. Adams Flea And Tick Collar For Dogs – Considered for Versatility
This collar is very versatile because it adjusts to the size of the dog’s neck and will fit most dogs. It is water-resistant and the brand promises 7-month protection. We didn’t choose this collar because of the mixed reviews and conflicting test results.
2. Rolf Club 3D Flea Collar – Considered for Fast Results
This collar provides quick relief, is highly adjustable to the dog’s size, and kills all life cycles of fleas and ticks. We didn’t choose this one to be part of our top 5 though, because it isn’t as durable as the other ones we tested.
3. Arava Flea and Tick Prevention – Considered for All-Natural
This collar is from the all-natural variety of flea collars and has a natural, soothing scent. The quality of this collar is impressive. This collar didn’t make it to our top 5 because while it prevents new flea infestations, it doesn’t do well with killing off the present infestation already on the dog when put on initially.
4. Lordddon Flea and Tick Prevention Collar – Considered for Water-Resistance
This collar is water-resistant and promises 8-month protection. It’s also built in a way to fit all dogs and sits firmly on the neck. We didn’t choose this one for our top 5 because we didn’t see as much relief as we did with the other collars we reviewed.
5. Adams Flea and Tick Collar For Dogs – Considered for Water-Resistance
This collar works well in damp conditions and has a fast-acting treatment. However, we ordered several collars from this brand and a few came in poor condition which is why we weren’t able to rate this collar with our top 5.
Final Thoughts
We hope the information provided here on the flea collars we reviewed is useful to you. Did you know that there are several different types of collars to target different dog challenges?
