Review of Seresto Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar for Dogs Over 18 lbs | 2-Pack
Fleas and ticks are more than just an annoying inconvenience for our beloved pets; they can lead to serious health issues and discomfort. As pet owners, finding effective solutions for flea and tick prevention is essential. The Seresto Dog Collar, manufactured by Elanco US Inc, has become a popular choice among dog owners, particularly for large breeds. This review delves into the features, benefits, and user experiences associated with the Seresto Large Dog Collar, providing a comprehensive understanding of its efficacy.
Product Overview
Specifications
- Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Department: Unisex-Adult
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Item Model Number: 86904616
- Item Package Dimensions: 5.26 x 5.09 x 3.19 inches
- Color: Grey
- Material: Plastic
- Age Range Description: 7 weeks and older
- Size: Large Dog Only
- Breed Recommendation: Large
- Number of Items: 2
- Manufacturer: Elanco US Inc
- Date First Available: April 3, 2015
Key Features
- Long-lasting Protection: The collar provides continuous flea and tick protection for up to 8 months.
- Rapid Action: Begins working within 24 hours, killing and repelling fleas by contact without the need for bites.
- User-Friendly Design: The collar is hassle-free, non-greasy, and easy to apply, making it suitable for busy pet owners.
- Veterinary Recommended: Endorsed by veterinarians, ensuring a level of trust for pet owners.
User Experiences
Effectiveness Against Fleas and Ticks
Positive Feedback
Many users have reported significant improvements in flea and tick management after using the Seresto collar. One user shared their experience of living in a flea-prone environment in the rural south, where traditional methods proved ineffective. After applying the collar, both their German Shepherd, who suffered from a severe flea allergy, and their Golden Retriever/Leonberger mix experienced relief from itching and hair loss. They noted an almost immediate reduction in flea activity, with the collar providing peace of mind.
Another user, with a husky mix that frequently played in the backyard, mentioned that despite regular treatments with various products, fleas persisted until they switched to the Seresto collar. They appreciated the collar’s lack of odor and noted that their dog no longer itched, indicating a successful treatment against fleas.
Skepticism Turned Belief
Skepticism is common among pet owners who have experienced failures with other flea and tick collars. One user detailed a previous negative experience with greasy, ineffective collars from local stores. However, after using the Seresto collar, they became a firm believer in its efficacy, reporting a significant decline in tick encounters despite living in an area frequented by deer.
Ease of Use
Application Process
The application process for the Seresto collar is straightforward, as outlined in the provided directions. Users appreciate that the collar doesn’t require complex procedures, making it accessible for all pet owners. The ability to adjust the collar’s fit is crucial, especially for growing puppies or larger breeds, ensuring comfort and efficiency in flea and tick prevention.
Comfort for Pets
Another highlight from user reviews is the comfort of the collar for pets. Unlike some alternatives that cause discomfort or irritation, the Seresto collar is designed to be lightweight and non-intrusive. The absence of odor and greasy residue means that dogs can play freely without being distracted by the collar.
Pricing and Value
Cost Consideration
While the initial investment may be higher than traditional flea treatments, users often remark that the long-lasting protection—up to eight months—makes the Seresto collar a cost-effective solution in the long run. Given the high prices associated with continuous treatments and veterinary visits due to flea or tick-related issues, the collar presents a financially sound choice for pet owners.
Overall Value
Considering the collar’s prolonged efficacy, veterinary endorsement, and user satisfaction, the Seresto collar offers excellent value. It delivers on its promises and significantly reduces the hassle of frequent flea and tick treatments.
Conclusion
The Seresto Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar has proven to be a reliable and effective solution for pet owners dealing with fleas and ticks. It combines ease of use with remarkable efficacy, making it a top choice for large dog breeds. Based on user experiences and product features, we would rate the Seresto collar a strong 4.7 out of 5.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
In summary, for those seeking a long-term, hassle-free solution to flea and tick prevention, the Seresto collar stands out. It not only enhances the comfort and health of your pets but also provides peace of mind for pet owners.
Amazon Customer –
This collar is absolutely AMAZING! I had my doubts before purchasing it for several reasons:
BUT NOW I’M A BELIEVER!
To give you some context, I have a 3-year-old short-haired pup who weighs around 45 lbs (a mix of pitbull, lab, and corgi) and a 7-year-old long-haired pup around 30-35 lbs (a Lhasa Apso terrier mix). I live in Maryland, where the weather can be really unpredictable—it’s like we have six seasons instead of four. We have woods behind our house that deer love to visit, plus a swamp and pond right across the street. This past spring and the start of summer brought a monsoon season, leading to a frustrating infestation of ticks (mostly Lone Star and Deer ticks). It was gross! I could barely take my dogs for a walk without discovering at least four ticks on them—and on me! This was on top of using a monthly tick and flea topical treatment. It was that severe, which is why I decided to try the Seresto collars (I got the large size for both of them).
Once I put the collars on my dogs, within just 1-2 days, I hadn’t found a single tick on them. I know that sounds unbelievable, but it’s completely true. It does take about 1-2 days for the medication to kick in (from my experience and what I believe the package indicated), as I did find a few ticks on them the next day. But after that, not a single tick! They’ve been wearing the collars for about 1.5 months now, and I’m keeping a watchful eye on them (I plan to update this review after 7-8 months to see if the 8-month claim holds true). For now, I’m absolutely thrilled.
Now, addressing some of the other reviews I read—after seeing pictures of rashes caused by the collar, I was concerned, especially since my smaller dog has existing skin issues. However, both of my dogs are doing perfectly well with no skin reactions from the collar. I don’t want to make assumptions, but I wonder if the rashes on other dogs were due to them not being accustomed to wearing collars, leading to excessive itching? My dogs have worn their regular collars nearly 24/7 since they were puppies, so when I added the Seresto collars, they didn’t even flinch. Of course, I understand that every dog reacts differently, but thankfully, my dogs have had no rash problems.
For those who claim the collar doesn’t work, I can only speak from my experience—it has truly worked wonders for my dogs, especially considering we live in a heavily tick-infested area. The difference is remarkable, especially for my long-haired dog, where ticks can easily hide in her fur.
The collar isn’t greasy and doesn’t emit a strong odor. It does have a slight medicinal residue, but it’s not bothersome in everyday life.
I’m sold and plan to stick with this product moving forward. NO MORE GREASY, SMELLY MONTHLY TOPICAL TREATMENTS!
Side note
Be sure to read the packaging instructions carefully! They mention that the collar’s effectiveness may be reduced to around five months for dogs that swim frequently and highlight that it’s designed to unlatch if the dog pulls, in case it gets caught on something (which I really appreciate). So, you CANNOT use this as a walking collar! The collar does detach if you hold it and your dog pulls (personal experience: a guest jumped up, and I accidentally grabbed the Seresto collar, and it unlatched). But you CAN reattach it! So make sure to take the time to read the package instructions.
I hope this helps! I truly love this collar. THANK YOU, SERESTO!!!
michelle –
These Seresto flea collars are fantastic! With my husky mix’s thick fur and love for lounging in the backyard bushes, we struggled to eliminate all the fleas. We tried everything—Frontline, Capstar, various sprays, flea shampoo, and constantly sweeping and washing their bedding. Nothing worked until I found these collars. They are a bit on the expensive side, but they’re absolutely worth it! There’s no odor, and my dog doesn’t mind them at all. He’s so much happier now that he’s not itching anymore!
J. Gibson –
I live in a very rural area in the South where springs and summers can be extremely hot and full of bugs. Over the past few seasons, I’ve faced a significant flea problem. While ticks haven’t been as prevalent, fleas have been a nightmare. I have two large rescue dogs and two cats. My German Shepherd, who weighs 90 pounds, suffers from a severe flea allergy that has caused him hair loss and intense itching due to the high flea population in recent years. I’ve tried everything: natural flea remedies for indoors, treating my lawn, and various flea pills prescribed by my vet. Comfortis worked decently during the winter and early spring, but as the season progressed, it became ineffective. The same was true for Trifexis and Frontline. Between flea and heartworm medications, I was spending around $100 a month for preventative care for my two dogs. Remembering that Advantage had worked for me about ten years ago, I decided to give it another shot.
I also read about the Seresto collar, which claims to protect against fleas and ticks for eight months. Since Advantage had been effective in the past, I thought it was worth considering. My local vet didn’t carry it, so I turned to Amazon, where I found many positive reviews. I ordered a collar and eagerly awaited its arrival.
As soon as it arrived, I put it on my German Shepherd, the one most affected by fleas. I didn’t even trim the collar due to his size. One review mentioned a 10-day period for the collar to start working, but I noticed dead fleas later that same day. The flea situation in my house had become so serious that I was contemplating calling an exterminator. With all my pets scratching incessantly, it was unbearable. However, within about a week of putting the collar on my dog, everything changed. While I occasionally spot a flea after walks, the infestation in the house has completely ceased. Even areas where the dogs and cats don’t go are now flea-free. I had planned to buy another collar for my 160-pound dog, but given how effective this one has been, I don’t think it’s necessary. My German Shepherd is regrowing his hair and is no longer scratching constantly. He’s sleeping better—and so is everyone else in the house.
I understand that $50 for a flea and tick collar might seem steep, especially with the current economy (which is why my vet doesn’t carry it), but it’s absolutely worth it if you’re dealing with a flea or tick issue. My monthly preventative costs dropped from $100 to just $30 after purchasing this collar, making it around $6.25 a month for the best flea and tick protection I’ve ever found. There’s no need to trick my pets into taking pills or deal with messy topical treatments anymore.
I’m completely sold on this flea collar and won’t use any other brand for flea and tick prevention. This is the only solution for me. Believe the glowing reviews; they are spot on.
Edit, September 4, 2014: I wanted to update my review after a couple of months of using this collar. It continues to perform wonderfully! It’s effective against fleas and ticks as promised, and my dog hasn’t had any allergic reactions (which I worried about after reading another review). My home and surroundings are now entirely flea-free. I didn’t expect one collar to eliminate all fleas with four animals running around, but it has. My German Shepherd has nearly all his hair back, and his personality has greatly improved—he’s more playful and happy, just like before his awful allergic reactions. The only scratching he does now is from the new hair growth, and that’s decreasing steadily. I haven’t seen a single flea in over a month, and I no longer worry about picking up any little hitchhikers during our walks, knowing the collar will protect him. My only concern now is him playing in poison ivy!