When using one of the best flea collars for dogs, you can rest easy knowing that your dog is protected against annoying parasites. Some flea collars are effective for up to eight months, which means you don’t have to worry about reapplying treatments every 30 days, as you would with topical options.
For dogs, there are a few different options for dealing with fleas. There are topical treatments, flea collars, and medications. Even if you use the best flea medication for dogs, it’s good to have a multi-pronged attack, plus your pup may not be excited about taking an oral medication, so a flea collar can be a second line of defense. The biggest advantage of flea collars is that you can simply put a collar on your dog without worrying about applying messy treatments or trying to convince your dog to take an oral supplement.
When choosing a flea collar, consider the size of your dog, whether you are looking for a chemical treatment or something all-natural, and finally whether it is vet-approved or not. We’ve rounded up our top picks for you here so that you can choose the best of the best when it comes to protecting your pup from parasites. We've also got insight from vet, Dr. Rebecca MacMillan on the best types of flea collars and things to look out for.
The quick list
Best overall flea collar for dogs
The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs is one of the most popular collars around. Not only is it fast-acting, it’s waterproof, it protects against most pests and lasts up to eight months.
Best natural flea collar for dogs
This option is all-natural and chemical-free. It is carefully formulated with cedarwood and peppermint essential oil to repel fleas and ticks and lasts up to four months.
Best fast acting flea collar for dogs
This fast-acting collar also comes at an affordable price point, which makes it a favorite among pet owners. It starts killing parasites within the first 24-28 hours.
Best hypoallergenic flea collar for dogs and puppies
This collar protects pups as young as three months and lasts for eight months. Other bonuses are that it is waterproof and a great option for dogs with sensitive skin.
Best waterproof flea collar
The Adams collar offers up to seven months of protection and is completely waterproof. The great thing about this collar is that it also targets eggs and larvae all while being an affordable option that won’t break the bank.
Best affordable flea collar for dogs
For pet parents looking for an affordable option for ridding their pups of fleas and ticks, this is our top choice. It is long-lasting and is double-action, treating and preventing fleas and ticks.
Best flea collar for small dogs
If you have a smaller dog, than you need look no further than Zodiac Flea and Tick Collar. This collar is fast-acting and is a comfy fit for smaller pooches.
The best flea collars for dogs we recommend in 2024
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Best overall flea collar for dogs
Dog owners will be delighted to know that the formula is non-greasy and odorless. This formula works discreetly in the background without you having to apply messy monthly treatments. The main active ingredients, imidacloprid, and flumethrin, are stored within the collar and released in low concentrations over your dog's hair and skin surface during the life of the collar, so your dog can have steady, reliable protection against fleas, ticks, lice, and more.
The collar itself is adjustable, and any excess can be cut off for a more comfortable fit. Finally, the collar comes with handy reflector clips that can be attached to the collar to help keep your dog visible at night.
While many users sing the praises of the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs, lauding its value and effectiveness, a word of caution: because the formula uses chemicals, dogs may experience side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Dogs’ skin can also become irritated in response to the collar and experience itching.
Pet parents are urged to watch their dog’s reaction to the collar closely to check for any abnormal or concerning symptoms. That being said, these reactions generally aren’t life-threatening and don’t occur in the majority of use cases.
Best natural flea collar for dogs
Help keep your canine companion safe from fleas and ticks with this natural and chemical-free collar. Infused with a carefully formulated blend of steam-distilled essential oils, this cedarwood and peppermint oil collar works to repel fleas and ticks for up to four months.
Gentle and waterproof, this collar will help prevent the unpleasant itching and side effects that come from flea infestations. Made with only plant-based ingredients, it’s free from harsh chemicals, including Phthalates and PVC.
The collar is adjustable up to 20 inches and is suitable for use during an active infestation or as a preventative measure. With a refreshing scent and safe formula, this is an effective collar that’s great for any pet parent looking for a natural approach to fleas and ticks.
Best fast acting flea collar for dogs
A close contender for one of the best flea collars for dogs on the market is the Rolf Club 3D Flea Collar for Dogs. Where it shines is in how fast it acts for the price you pay: it starts killing fleas and ticks within the first 24 to 48 hours of wear. Plus, the collar comes in three sizes, so no matter the size of your dog, the collar you buy can comfortably fit your pet.
If lice and pests other than fleas and ticks are a concern, you’ll want to look elsewhere as this collar doesn’t treat and prevent as many species of insects as other collars on this list. All-in-all, it’s a worthy buy for the price, and certainly worth trying out, especially if you’re new to buying flea collars for dogs.
Best hypoallergenic flea collar
Dogs can come into contact with ticks and fleas from an early age, and this collar will give them full protection from both from the age of three months. Once it's put on, the collar will guard against those pesky parasites 24/7 for a full eight months. Even better, it's fully waterproof, so a dip in the bath won't make it any less effective.
It is hypoallergenic so your puppy isn't exposed to any potentially irritating ingredients reducing the chances of an allergic reaction. The collar relies on natural essential oils such as spearmint, clove, and citronelle to ward off pests. Be warned though, essential oils can be strong smelling, and straight out of the packet some dogs may find the citrus smell too much. The odor does fade over time though, so it may be worth waiting a couple of days before putting it on your pooch.
The collar is 25 inches so it can be used to protect larger dogs too, and you can adjust it as your puppy grows to ensure a perfect fit. It's easy to adjust too – just wrap it around your pup's neck, slide the end into the buckle then cut off the excess (remember to leave room for them to grow if you are putting in on a young dog). As with all collars it should be adjusted to be loose on their neck so it doesn't cause any restriction.
Best waterproof flea collar
Protect your dog from fleas and keep them safe with this reflective collar from Adams. With an outer shield that reflects direct light up to 450 feet and seven months of protection against fleas, ticks, eggs, and larvae, this affordable collar offers outstanding value for money.
The active ingredients spread quickly, working their way down your dog’s coat and spreading across the body for immediate relief. Even when wet or completely submerged the collar continues to be effective and it’s fully adjustable up to 26 inches, making it an ideal choice for both small and big dogs.
While most reviewers report this collar as being effective at getting rid of current infestations, a few pet parents note that it didn’t clear up their dog’s flea outbreak. If you find this to be the case, first ensure you’ve checked the instructions to see if the collar requires stretching to activate the ingredients. If the problem persists, we recommend initially pairing this collar with another form of treatment - such as a topical or shampoo until the infestation clears.
Best affordable flea collar for dogs
It's great for pet owners on a tight budget looking for alternative flea and tick prevention measures without spending too much cash. While it’s long-lasting and allegedly both treats and prevents fleas and ticks, the price is somewhat reflective of the lower quality of the product compared to other best flea collars on the market.
The formula used in this flea collar only targets fleas ticks and larvae – while this is the standard, you can get increased protection against other species of insects if you opt for a different flea collar.
While this collar is a great option in a pinch, it’s difficult to recommend long-term use of this collar, as the formula’s main active ingredient is a harmful and potentially toxic chemical called tetrachlorvinphos. Overexposure to tetrachlorvinphos is known to cause side effects like nausea and confusion, which can ultimately lead to conditions like cancer, or even death. For this reason, this collar is best not used around other pets and children.
Best flea collar for small dogs
For pooches on the smaller side, the Zodiac Flea and Tick Collar for small dogs is the ideal choice. Best of all, the active ingredients gets to work straight away, and works from head to tail to get rid of pesky fleas and ticks. Particularly those which may carry Lyme disease. In addition, the treatment lasts 7 months, which is a great alternative to the long-lasting, (and more expensive) topical treatments available.
Specifically designed for small dogs and puppies with necks up to 15 inches, you can easily cut off excess collar to suit. What’s more, it’s waterproof, so will still be effective in the rain or if your pooch loves playing in puddles!
How to choose the best flea collar for dogs
If you’re in the market for one of the best flea collars for dogs, you may be wondering how to pick one that’s right for you and your pet. To make the best choice, there are a few factors to consider before purchasing. While all our top choices are truly the best on the market, you can narrow down your pick by looking at the following:
1. Chemical vs all-natural
If you are particularly concerned about chemicals around your pet or your children, opting for a 100% natural flea collar for dogs may be in your best interest.
2. Odor vs odorless
While many people think a fresh smell is rather pleasant, if you are averse to strong odors, opt for an odorless flea collar.
3. Price
If you’re new to flea collars for dogs and aren’t sure whether or not it’s the best treatment and prevention option for your pet, you may want to choose a less costly flea collar before investing in a high-cost one.
4. Vet approval
Having a vet's seal of approval can put your mind at ease, knowing your pup's collar is effective. Especially for first-time pet parents, who may be overwhelmed with all the different options out on the market.
Dr. MacMillan adds: " I would always advise purchasing one that is vet-approved. These may be more expensive than some others on the market, but if your vet recommends it, then you will have confidence in the product’s effectiveness."
These are just some of the factors that can help you make the best choice among the best flea collars for dogs. However, when in doubt, we encourage pet owners to talk to their vets for more personalized advice.
If you’d like to see how collars measure up against flea medication, take a look at Flea Medicine vs Collars for a full summary.
Do flea collars for dogs work?
We know that some flea collars work really, while others are not as effective. But rest assured, they are crucial in helping your pup stay safe from fleas and ticks.
Vet Rebecca MacMillan weighs on the best type of flea collars: "The best flea collars use chemicals proven to work against fleas and ticks such as imidacloprid and flumethrin. These will be slowly released by the collar, continuously, at low concentrations. The chemicals spread through your dog's coat through the lipid layer of their skin and hair. This gives nose-to-tail protection against unwanted parasites."
Alexis has worked with publications such as Daily Mail, World of Cruising and Father's Quarterly. Originally from the United States, she started her career as an editorial intern at Ohio Magazine and has been in love with writing ever since.
Rebecca is a vet surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
