Seresto® Flea Collar for Dogs and Cats: How It Works, Directions, and More
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What Is the Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats?
The Seresto® flea and tick collar is an over-the-counter parasite preventative collar for dogs and cats that kills and repels fleas and ticks for eight months.
In dogs, the Seresto® collar also repels and kills chewing lice and aids in the treatment and control of sarcoptic mange.
Ask your veterinarian if Seresto® is a good choice for your pet before purchasing.
Seresto® Flea & Tick Collar Considerations for Dogs and Cats
Seresto® should not be used in kittens less than 10 weeks of age and in puppies less than 7 weeks of age. If your pet is a senior, debilitated, breeding, pregnant, or nursing, consult your veterinarian before using Seresto®.
Using Seresto® with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it is important to discuss your pet’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.
How the Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar Works
The Seresto® flea and tick collar contains a unique matrix technology that continuously releases low concentrations of the two active ingredients, insecticides flumethrin and imidacloprid, from the collar and onto the pet’s skin and coat for eight months.
Seresto® also includes optional light reflectors that may be clipped onto the collar for increased safety for your pet.
Seresto® is designed with a release mechanism, so in the unlikely event of your pet being trapped by the collar, your pet’s own strength widens the collar to allow for quick release.
Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar Directions for Dogs and Cats
Follow the directions on the product label or as provided by your veterinarian.
Make sure that the Seresto® collar does not come into contact with your pet’s eyes or mouth.
As a guide for the correct fit, it should be possible to insert two fingers comfortably between the collar and your pet’s neck.
Seresto® should be worn continuously for an eight-month period. Check periodically and adjust your pet’s fit as needed, especially in rapidly growing puppies and kittens.
Replace the collar after eight months for year-round flea and tick prevention, or every five months if your dog swims or is bathed more than once a month.
Missed a Dose?
If you forget to replace your pet’s Seresto® collar after eight months, remove the old Seresto® and replace it with a new one when you remember, to ensure that your pet has year-round continuous protection from fleas and ticks.
Possible Side Effects from Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats
Seresto® collars are generally tolerated well in dogs and cats if fitted correctly without it being too tight or too loose. As with any pesticide product, there may be sensitivities in some pets.
Rarely, Seresto® may cause side effects including:
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Mild scratching, redness, or hair loss at the application site (usually resolves on its own within one to two weeks without the need for collar removal)
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Dermatitis, inflammation, eczema, among other skin abnormalities (very rare)
If you notice these side effects in your pet, contact your veterinarian. They may recommend that you remove the collar and bathe your pet.
Human Side Effects
Seresto® flea and tick collar is a veterinary medication not intended for use in humans.
Do not allow children to play with Seresto® or put it in their mouth. Seresto® contains small parts and is a choking hazard. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling Seresto®.
People who are sensitive to the ingredients in Seresto® (flumethrin and imidacloprid) should avoid contact with it.
Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.
If you accidentally ingest this medication, immediately call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at (800) 222-1222.
Call Your Vet If:
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Severe side effects are seen (see above)
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Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
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You see or suspect an overdose
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You have additional questions or concerns about the use of Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar
Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar Overdose Information for Dogs and Cats
Seresto® has a high level of safety, but toxicity may occur if your pet ingests the collar.
If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435
Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar Storage for Dogs and Cats
Always confirm storage requirements by reading the product label specific to dogs or cats.
Store Seresto® in the original unopened container in a cool, dry place.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Seresto® FAQs
Does the Seresto® collar kill fleas?
Yes, Seresto® kills adult fleas on dogs and cats within 24 hours of collar application and any new fleas within two hours, with protection against further flea infestation lasting eight months. Seresto® kills fleas before they lay eggs. Seresto® also helps control flea larvae (the immature stages of fleas) in the environment.
Is the Seresto® collar waterproof?
Seresto® is not waterproof, but it is water-resistant. Seresto® remains effective after your pet gets wet, so there is no need to remove the collar when your pet goes swimming, is bathed, or is exposed to rain.
For the collar to work for the full eight-month duration, your dog must not be bathed more than once a month. For dogs who swim or are bathed more than once a month, Seresto® provides flea control for only five months and tick control for only seven months.
Are Seresto® collars safe for dogs and cats?
Seresto® collars are considered safe for dogs 7 weeks of age and older and cats 10 weeks of age and older. Consult your veterinarian before use in ill, debilitated, geriatric, pregnant, breeding, or nursing pets.
Additionally, Seresto® has two safety features. It is designed with a release mechanism, so in case your pet becomes trapped, their own strength widens the collar to allow for quick release. Seresto® also includes optional light reflectors that may be clipped onto the collar for increased safety for your pet.
Remove the Seresto collar from your pet immediately if your pet is experiencing any side effects, and call your veterinarian right away.
Talk to your veterinarian if you have additional concerns about the safety of Seresto®.
It is important to be aware that counterfeit Seresto® collars have been noted on the market, and these products are not safe. Please ensure that you obtain your Seresto® collar from a licensed distributor.
How long does it take for Seresto® flea collars to work?
Seresto® kills adult fleas within 24 hours of application and any new fleas within two hours. Seresto® kills ticks within 48 hours of application and any new ticks within six hours.
Seresto® may not kill ticks that were already on your pet before you applied the collar, so you will need to remove any existing ticks at first. Seresto® protects against further flea and tick infestation for eight months.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.
