The weather is getting warmer, and you know what that means – flea and tick season is upon us! As a pet owner, you’d do just about anything to make sure your furry companions are happy, healthy, and pest-free.
But you might also have some concerns about using harsh chemical preventatives on your pets. That’s where natural flea and tick collars can help.
These collars repel fleas, ticks, and other pests using natural ingredients like essential oils, plant extracts, and botanicals. Not only are they safer for your pet, they can keep bugs at bay without the harmful side effects of chemical-laden products.
In this post, we’ll explore how natural flea collars work and reveal our top 5 picks for natural flea and tick prevention. We’ll also give you tips on how to choose the best collar for your dog or cat.
Let’s dig in!
How Natural Flea and Tick Collars Work
Before we get to the product recommendations, it helps to understand what makes natural flea collars effective and how they keep pests off your pet.
Scent-Based Repellents
Many natural flea collars contain concentrated essential oils that have a strong aroma that repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Some of the most common oils used include:
- Citronella oil – extracted from lemongrass, known for its fresh, strong scent
- Peppermint oil – has a menthol smell that bugs dislike
- Eucalyptus oil – derived from eucalyptus leaves, has a medicinal, woody scent
- Lemongrass oil – has citrusy, lemon-like aroma
These oils are soaked into the collar and the smell is slowly released into your pet’s coat, creating a barrier that makes them less appealing to pests. The oils also disrupt the fleas’ octopamine receptors, which overwhelms and repels them.
Botanical Insecticides
Some natural flea collars use certain plant extracts that are safe for pets but toxic for fleas and ticks. One of the most common is pyrethrum, derived from chrysanthemum flowers.
Pyrethrins attack the flea’s nervous system but break down quickly so they don’t linger on your pet. While toxic to bugs, mammals like dogs and cats can tolerate pyrethrins well.
Other ingredients like lemongrass, rosemary, and clove extracts also have insecticidal effects against fleas. The collars slowly disseminate these botanicals onto the pet’s coat to repel and kill pests.
Extended Protection
The key to an effective natural flea and tick collar is making sure the oils, extracts, and botanicals are slowly released and make continuous contact with your pet’s fur. This creates a lasting zone of protection that keeps repelling pests instead of just working for a short time after application.
Depending on the product, natural collars typically provide 4-8 months of protection before needing to be replaced. Proper collar tightness ensures the ingredients remain pressed against the fur.
Now that you know how they work, let’s look at the top natural flea and tick collars recommended for dogs and cats this year.
Top 5 Natural Flea and Tick Collars For Dogs and Cats
1. Wondercide Natural Flea and Tick Control Collar
Key Active Ingredients: Cedar oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, vanillin
The Wondercide collar uses several natural essential oils plus a certified organic, plant-based pesticide derived from vanillin. This provides dual power to repel and kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
It’s made from natural ingredients and is EPA-approved and VOC-free. For dogs and cats over 12 weeks old. Provides 6 months of continuous protection before replacing.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon, Wondercide.com
Price: $19.99-$25
2. Arava Natural Flea & Tick Prevention Collar
Key Active Ingredients: Geranium oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, clove oil
The Arava collar contains several potent essential oils known to effectively deter fleas and ticks. It provides 8 months of continuous protection.
It’s made in the USA from eco-friendly materials. The natural ingredients also have soothing properties that can help relieve pet allergies and skin irritation.
Safe for both dogs and cats over 12 weeks old. Does not contain any pyrethrins.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Chewy, Petco
Price: $15.95-$22.99
3. Only Natural Pet Herbal Flea Tick Tag
Key Active Ingredients: Citronella oil, geranium oil, peppermint oil, cedarwood oil
This flea and tick tag from Only Natural Pet combines four powerful essential oils along with other botanical extracts. It provides effective natural prevention for both dogs and cats.
In addition to repelling fleas and ticks, the essential oils help neutralize pet odors. It’s made in the USA with natural plant-derived ingredients.
Lasts for 4-6 months for cats and small dogs, 2-3 months for larger dogs. Requires occasional reapplication.
Where to Buy: OnlyNaturalPet.com, Amazon
Price: $8.99-$14.95
4. Seresto All Natural Flea and Tick Collar
Key Active Ingredients: Geraniol, cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil
The Seresto collar relies on geraniol as the active pest repellent. Geraniol is a natural extract found in rose and palmarosa oils. Along with other ingredients like cinnamon and lemongrass oil, this collar safely repels fleas, ticks, and lice.
Provides 8 months of continuous protection for both cats and dogs before reapplication is needed. Made in the USA with eco-friendly, VOC-free materials.
Where to Buy: Seresto.com, EntirelyPets
Price: $19.99
5. Hartz Ultraguard Flea & Tick Collar For Dogs
Key Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, n-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide
The Hartz Ultraguard collar uses natural pyrethrins combined with some chemical ingredients to ward off pests. While not completely natural, pyrethrins are plant-derived and safer than synthetic pesticides.
Repels and kills fleas, ticks, flea eggs/larvae, and chewing lice. Lasts for 7 months of continuous protection. For use on dogs and puppies over 12 weeks old.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon, PetSmart
Price: $8.99-$15.49
Now that you’ve seen the top recommended natural flea and tick collars, it’s also important to know how to pick the right one for your specific pet. Here are some tips on choosing the best natural collar for dogs and cats.
How To Choose The Right Natural Flea Collar
There are a few important factors to consider when selecting a natural flea and tick collar for your dog or cat:
Pet Age
Some essential oils may be too harsh for young pets. Make sure to choose a collar approved for puppies and kittens as young as 12 weeks old. Avoid products with pyrethrins for very young pets.
Pet Size
The collar must properly fit your pet’s neck to maintain full contact with the fur. Measure your pet’s neck and buy the right size collar. Large dogs need a higher concentration of oils versus smaller pets.
Single vs Multi-Pet Household
Some natural collars work best in single pet homes. Opt for a stronger formula if you have multiple pets.
Other Pets and People
Ensure the ingredients in the flea collar won’t irritate other pets or family members. Avoid very strong oils if needed.
Pet Sensitivities
Dogs and cats with skin allergies or sensitivities may react to certain oils or botanicals like cinnamon, peppermint, or cedar. Choose hypoallergenic collars.
Indoor vs Outdoor Pet
Outdoor pets need collars with higher strength oils and more frequent reapplication. Indoor pets may only need lightweight, lower concentration collars.
Climate and Environment
Pets in hot, humid climates or who swim/bathe frequently will need more regular collar reapplication. Choose a collar with 8 month protection if possible.
Other Pest Protection
Some collars also repel ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and mites in addition to fleas. Pick one with broader protection if needed.
Pet Comfort
The collar should not be too tight around the neck and avoid metal clasps that may cause irritation. Ensure your pet is comfortable wearing it.
Budget
Natural collars range from $15-$30. Decide how much you can reasonably spend, but don’t sacrifice quality to save a few dollars.
Making sure to evaluate these factors will help you select the safest, most effective natural flea and tick collar for your beloved pet.
You probably still have some questions about using these natural products. Let’s look at some frequently asked questions about flea and tick collars:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do natural flea collars work as well as chemical ones?
High quality natural collars work very effectively – especially if you choose one with essential oils and botanical insecticides like pyrethrins. They may work a bit slower than chemical collars, but natural collars provide the same flea and tick protection without the harsh side effects.
How long do natural flea collars last?
Most natural collars provide 4-8 months of continuous flea and tick prevention before needing to be replaced. Check the product description for each collar’s duration of effectiveness.
Can I use a natural flea collar on puppies or kittens?
Yes, as long as the product states it’s specifically safe for use on puppies and kittens as young as 12 weeks old. Avoid collars with pyrethrins for very young pets.
Are natural flea collars safe to use if my pet has allergies?
Many essential oil collars have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. But some oils may still cause skin irritation. Opt for a hypoallergenic collar just to be safe.
Do natural flea collars repel other pests like ticks and mosquitoes too?
Many collars do help repel ticks, mosquitoes, mites, lice, and other pests in addition to fleas. Check the product description to see what insects it targets.
Should I give my pet a bath before applying a natural flea collar?
Yes, bathing removes dirt, oil, and debris that could affect the collar’s effectiveness. Apply the collar on a clean, dry coat for best results.
Can I use a natural flea collar if my pet swims regularly?
Frequent swimming will wash away some of the oils and botanicals. Opt for a long-lasting 8 month collar and monitor its effectiveness after swimming. Reapply if needed.
Are there any side effects or risks to using natural flea collars?
When used as directed, natural collars have very minimal risks. But you should monitor your pet for signs of skin irritation or allergy and remove the collar if these occur.
How tight should a natural flea collar fit on my pet?
It should be snug but you should be able to fit 2 fingers between the collar and your pet’s neck. Tighten or loosen so it makes contact with the fur without choking them.
What precautions should I take when using natural flea collars?
Don’t allow children to play with the collar. Monitor your pet for the first few days for any signs of reaction. Only use on the recommended pet species. Discard properly when finished.
Do I need to use other flea treatments with a natural flea collar?
Natural collars alone are usually sufficient for prevention. But you can use natural sprays, shampoos, or topicals occasionally to boost effectiveness, especially during peak flea season.
How often do I need to reapply a natural flea collar?
Follow the package directions, but expect to replace collars every 4-8 months. Reapply sooner if fleas persist despite using the collar. A yearly application is sufficient for indoor pets.
What should I do if my pet seems irritated by its flea collar?
Discontinue use and remove the collar if irritation occurs. Bathe your pet to wash off any oils or residue from their coat. Talk to your vet to identify the irritant ingredient.
How do I properly dispose of/recycle used flea collars?
Don’t simply throw them away or flush them – the oils can contaminate groundwater. Fold the collar in half and place in a sealed plastic bag. Check with your local waste authority for proper disposal instructions.
We hope these answers help give you confidence in choosing and using natural flea and tick collars for your pets. Always monitor your furry friend closely and consult your vet if anything seems abnormal.
Now let’s recap the key takeaways:
Give Pests the Brush Off
Flea and tick season is tough on pets and pet parents! But natural flea collars offer an effective, non-toxic solution.
Natural collars repel pests using plant oils, extracts, and botanicals that are safe for dogs and cats when used properly. Find the right collar for your pet based on their age, size, sensitivities and your household needs.
The top recommended natural flea and tick collars this year are:
- Wondercide Natural Flea and Tick Control Collar
- Arava Natural Flea & Tick Prevention Collar
- Only Natural Pet Herbal Flea Tick Tag
- Seresto All Natural Flea and Tick Collar
- Hartz Ultraguard Flea & Tick Collar For Dogs
No pet owner wants to use harsh chemicals on their furry friends. And thanks to quality natural collars, you don’t have to! Keep the pests at bay this season and give your pet safe, natural protection.
Have more questions about choosing or using natural flea collars? Feel free to contact us or consult your veterinarian. And be sure to follow us on social media for more helpful pet health and wellness tips!
David Henry
Hello, everyone! I'm David Henry, a dedicated customer and enthusiastic reviewer of Tractor Supply Company. As a farmer and agriculture enthusiast, I frequently visit Tractor Supply Company to explore and purchase a wide range of agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment. Over the years, I have accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in shopping at Tractor Supply Company, and I aim to help others make wiser choices through my sharing. I understand the importance of selecting the right products for farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. That's why I enjoy sharing my insights and recommendations to assist individuals in finding the best-suited products for their needs. Join me as we embark on a journey of discovering quality products and making informed decisions at Tractor Supply Company. Together, let's enhance our farming and outdoor experiences through valuable insights and practical advice.
