As a dog owner, protecting your furry friend from pesky parasites like fleas and ticks is a top priority. These biting insects not only cause irritation and discomfort, but can also transmit dangerous diseases. An effective preventative treatment is essential. In this article we talk about Seresto Large Dog & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar Pros, Cons & reviews.
The Seresto flea and tick collar has become a popular option recommended by many veterinarians. This odorless and non-greasy collar provides continuous 8-month defense against fleas and ticks by slowly and constantly releasing active ingredients into your dog’s coat.
How the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar Works
The Seresto flea and tick collar contains two active ingredients that are slowly and continuously released into the dog’s hair and skin surface in low concentrations:
Imidacloprid – Controls flea infestations
Flumethrin – Repels and kills ticks
As your dog moves around, the ingredients are spread over their coat. This provides efficient, long-lasting control of fleas, ticks, and lice without requiring monthly applications.
The Pros of Seresto Flea and Tick Collars
There are many advantages that make the Seresto flea and tick collar stand out:
Long-Lasting Prevention: Continuous 8-month protection from fleas & ticks with one collar
Water-Resistant: Remains effective after swimming or baths
Odorless & Non-Greasy: No messy creams or smelly solutions
Vet-Recommended: Trusted and recommended by veterinarians
Easy Application: Just place around dog’s neck for immediate and continuous protection
Safe for Dogs and Humans: Low pesticide concentrations make it safe for dogs, owners, and families
The Cons of Seresto Flea and Tick Collars
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider with the Seresto collar:
Higher Upfront Cost: Retails for $60-$80 for one 8-month collar
May Cause Skin Irritation: Some dogs may develop redness or itching around the neck area
Doesn’t Kill Flea Eggs or Larvae: Requires additional home treatment for severe infestations
Visible Collar: The white and colorful collar may not appeal aesthetically to all dog owners
Lack of Short-Term Options: Only available as 8-month and 10-month collars
Are Seresto Collars Effective for Large Dogs?
Numerous studies support the efficacy of the Seresto flea and tick collar, even on big dogs. In a 2012 study published in Parasites and Vectors, the Seresto collar was shown to successfully repel and kill ticks and achieve over 95% effectiveness against fleas – for both small and large dogs.
The collar works by spreading the active ingredients over your dog’s coat so they come in contact with biting parasites. Since big dogs have larger surface areas, they receive higher overall doses which improves performance. Therefore, the Seresto collar is proven to provide outstanding protection even for big dogs.
One thing to note is that the Seresto collar does not kill flea eggs and larvae. So if your large dog has a severe pre-existing home infestation, you may need additional indoor and outdoor treatment to eliminate all life stages. But for prevention, the Seresto collar is extremely reliable.
Are Seresto Flea and Tick Collars Safe?
Yes, when used as directed, the Seresto flea and tick collar is safe for both dogs and humans. Both active ingredients have low toxicity levels for mammals. The amount of pesticide absorbed into a dog’s bloodstream is miniscule and far below hazardous levels.
The EPA has approved Seresto collars as safe for puppies over 7 weeks and weighing over 1.4 lbs. However, some short-term skin irritation can occasionally develop if your dog has sensitive skin. Signs include redness, itching, hair loss, and lesions around the neck. If this occurs, remove the collar. But most dogs tolerate Seresto collars very well.
For people handling the collars, minor skin reactions can also infrequently occur. Make sure to wash hands thoroughly after application. As with any pesticide product, carefully read packaging and consult your vet, especially if your dog has health conditions or is on other medications.
Cost of Seresto Flea and Tick Collars
Seresto flea and tick collars retail between $60-$80 online and in stores. This covers one collar with 8 months of continuous protection. So while more expensive upfront than monthly flea prevention treatments, they even out over time by eliminating reordering needs.
For large dog breeds, a package with two collars is also available for around $130. This 16-month supply helps save on the cost-per-month.
Additionally, you can sometimes find Seresto collars on sale from major online retailers. So shopping around can help lower the price. Just ensure any collar has an authentic serial number and packaging before purchasing.
What Do Veterinarians Say About Seresto?
The Seresto flea and tick collar is veterinarian-recommended and has received high praise:
“I recommend the Seresto collar to all of my clients. It is very safe, non-toxic, easy to use, and provides outstanding flea and tick protection.” – Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM
“I’ve used the Seresto collar on my own pets for years. It continues to work against fleas and ticks better than any other product I’ve encountered.” – Dr. Gary Richter, DVM
“The Seresto collar is my #1 choice to safely and effectively prevent fleas and ticks on dogs. I highly recommend it to pet owners concerned about these parasites.” – Dr. Jason Nicholas, DVM
The convenience, efficacy, and safety has made Seresto a top choice among vets compared to other flea and tick products. Before trying any pest control product, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian.
What Do Dog Owners Say in Seresto Collar Reviews?
Across various online retailers, Seresto flea and tick collars for large dogs earn very high average ratings. On Amazon, the large dog collars have over 50,000 reviews with a 4.6 out of 5 star overall rating. Chewy and other sites also show consistently positive feedback.
The most common compliments in Seresto reviews from dog owners include:
• Outstanding flea and tick prevention all season
• Long-lasting 8-month protection between applications
• Water-resistant performance
• Easy to apply and use
• Vet-recommended and proven safe
Critical reviews more typically report skin irritation in dogs with more sensitive skin. A few consumers also complain about the higher cost or report inconsistent results. But the vast majority of owners say Seresto collars deliver exceptional parasite protection for their big dogs.
The Bottom Line: An Excellent Preventative for Large Dogs
For effective, veterinarian-trusted flea and tick prevention for big dogs, the Seresto collar delivers reliable 8-month defense through slow-release contact pesticides. These ingredients remain safe at low levels while spreading over your larger dog’s coat and skin for comprehensive protection against bites.
While skin sensitivity is possible in some dogs, most tolerate Seresto collars very well. The water-resistant and odorless collar is also convenient, requiring no reapplication between seasons.
So for set-it-and-forget-it flea and tick prevention on large dogs, the Seresto collar is a top choice. Just be aware it doesn’t kill flea eggs or larvae in existing infestations. Overall though, Seresto earns its veterinarian-backing and outstanding reviews as a trusted parasite prevention option for big dogs. I sincerely hope you find this “Seresto Large Dog & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar Pros, Cons & reviews” article helpful.
