There are many parasites that can make life difficult for our dogs – and fleas are definitely one of the nastiest tormentors.
There are different anti-flea products to prevent them from making themselves at home on the dog in the first place.
That includes that Seresto collar, the side effects of which we will now examine as well as further information.
Seresto collar – What side effects can occur?
As the Seresto collar contains chemical substances can have side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and hair loss appear.
Itching, contact dermatitis and even tremors and cramps can also occur in response to the Seresto collar.
Let’s take a closer look at these side effects.
Vomit
The Seresto collar contains the substances imidacloprid and flumethrin, which are effective against both fleas and ticks.
The dog organism is not used to these substances, they are classified as toxic. And to get rid of this, a dog may vomit as a side effect.
Diarrhea
The same principle applies to diarrhea. This also serves primarily to get rid of toxins in the body.
hair loss
The hair loss usually occurs in the areas where the Seresto collar has come into contact.
Due to the reaction of the skin with chemicals, it is not uncommon for fur to fall out in the first few days.
Good to know
In rare cases, contact dermatitis can also occur, as well as eczema and lesions. In this case, you should remove the collar.
Increased salivation
The Seresto collar may cause increased salivation in the first few hours after it is put on.
Again, the ingredients are the triggers that cause problems for the dog.
lethargy/fatigue
Medications, spot-ons, flea collars – all tax the dog’s body, which can be overwhelmed with this procedure.
As a result, the dog becomes tired, it appears exhausted and lethargic.
itching
Imidacloprid and flumethrin can also lead to unpleasant itching, which in turn results in increased scratching.
The scratching can just as well be a reaction to the collar as a constricting foreign body and is then classified as a behavioral problem.
cramps & tremors
These side effects are among the very rare side effects. If you can identify these, you should remove the Seresto collar immediately.
How do I react if my dog shows a side effect?
The side effects mentioned are usually not yet dramatic and usually go away on their own within a few hours or days away.
Nevertheless, you should keep a closer eye on your dog after putting on the Seresto collar.
Do you feel that the collar is doing him more harm than it could possibly be good for? Then please take this away from him.
You can also consult your veterinarian if you are not 100% sure how to behave.
This applies in particular to side effects that are not described in the package leaflet.
In very rare cases, rapid and shallow breathing can also occur, which should definitely be checked by the attending veterinarian.
How do chemical tick and flea collars work?
Chemical collars against ticks and fleas work because of certain ingredients. In the case of Seresto, these are imidacloprid and flumethrin.
Imidacloprid is effective against fleas, which do not even settle on the dog, while flumethrin is effective against ticks.
Can I also use the Seresto collar when my dog is pregnant or in heat?
We do not recommend using the Seresto collar when your dog is pregnant or in heat.
So far, no tolerance studies have been carried out on pregnant or lactating bitches, which is why you should not put on the Seresto collar here.
The Seresto collar is also not suitable for puppies younger than 7 weeks.
How long does the Seresto collar last?
The protection of the Seresto collar against fleas and ticks should last up to 8 months.
This gives it long-term protection that cannot be guaranteed by other antiparasitic agents.
Do the benefits of the Seresto collar outweigh the risks and side effects?
Whether the benefits of the Seresto collar outweigh the risks and side effects is ultimately up to you as the dog owner.
The side effects mentioned usually disappear after a few days. In addition, the dog is protected from fleas and ticks for the next 8 months.
This also gives him relatively reliable protection against diseases that can be transmitted by these two parasites.
These include Lyme disease and TBE, diseases that are transmitted by ticks and can also be dangerous for us humans.
The diseases and other parasites that infected fleas can transmit to dogs are also not without problems.
They include cucumber seed tapeworms, a flea allergy and – as with ticks – meningitis.
On the other hand, your dog will be exposed to chemical substances every day for almost nine months.
This can come with its own risks and long-term health problems.
What alternatives are there to the Seresto collar?
There are many alternatives to the Seresto collar – and not all of these are automatically chemical in nature.
If you still want to choose a chemical product, you can choose from these spot-ons, among others:
- Bravecto
- Advantage
- Front line combo
- NextGard combo
The duration of action of these spot-ons is usually 4 to 6 weeks. The exception here is Bravecto, which is designed to provide comprehensive parasite protection for up to 12 weeks.
NexGard Combo is also one of the spot-ons that offer a more comprehensive protection and fights tapeworms and roundworms in addition to fleas and ticks.
However, the side effects that can arise from the Seresto collar can also occur here.
Would you rather use a natural remedy? Then these things are suitable:
- coconut oil
- cistus
- brewer’s yeast
- Apple Cider Vinegar
These home and homeopathic remedies can help make life difficult for fleas and ticks.
However, caution is also required here, especially when using coconut oil.
If you rub your dog with it, the layer of fat can lead to heat build-up in the dog’s body, especially in summer.
Important
The effectiveness of these funds has not yet been scientifically proven – information that you should definitely keep in mind.
Conclusion
The side effects of the Seresto collar for the dog include, among others vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss and lethargy.
In rare cases, the collar can cause unpleasant itching and increased scratching.
Do you notice cramps, tremors, contact dermatitis or eczema and lesions? Then you should take the Seresto collar off your dog as soon as possible.
There are also alternatives to the Seresto collar that do not always have to be chemical in nature, such as coconut oil.
Which anti-parasitic agent is ultimately the right one for your dog and you should be weighed up in peace and discussed with your veterinarian.
What tips and experiences can you share with us? We look forward to reading these in our comments!