Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats: How It Works, Directions, and More
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The Seresto® collar is a long-lasting flea and tick preventative for dogs and cats. Learn how it works, how to use it correctly, possible side effects, and important safety information to help protect your pet year-round.
Key Takeaways
- The Seresto® collar provides up to eight months of flea and tick protection for dogs and cats.
- In dogs, the Seresto® collar also kills chewing lice.
- Wear the collar continuously and replace it every eight months for year-round protection (or sooner for dogs that swim or are bathed frequently).
- The collar is water-resistant but not waterproof.
- Talk to your veterinarian before using Seresto® in very young, pregnant, breeding, nursing, or medically compromised pets.
What Is the Seresto® Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats?
The Seresto® flea and tick collar is an over-the-counter parasite preventive for dogs and cats that kills and repels fleas and ticks for up to eight months. In dogs, it also kills chewing lice.
Ask your veterinarian whether the Seresto® collar is the right parasite prevention option for your pet before purchasing.
Safety Considerations for the Seresto® Collar
The Seresto® collar is not appropriate for every pet. Before using it, talk with your veterinarian about your pet's age, health, and any medications they take.
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Age restrictions: Do not use Seresto® on kittens younger than 10 weeks of age or puppies younger than 7 weeks of age.
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Health considerations: If your pet is senior, debilitated, breeding, pregnant, or nursing, consult your veterinarian before using Seresto®.
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Medication interactions: Using Seresto® with certain medications may increase health risks. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about all medications, vitamins, supplements, and medical conditions before using the collar.
How the Seresto® Collar Works
The Seresto® collar provides continuous flea and tick protection by slowly releasing two active ingredients onto your pet's skin and coat for up to eight months.
The insecticides flumethrin and imidacloprid are released continuously at low concentrations using a unique matrix technology, helping kill and repel fleas and ticks over an extended period.
Seresto® also includes optional light reflectors that can be attached to the collar to help improve your pet's visibility in low-light conditions.
The collar is also designed with a quick-release mechanism. If your pet becomes trapped, the collar can widen under your pet's own strength to allow for quick release.
How To Use the Seresto® Collar
The Seresto® collar should be worn continuously to provide up to eight months of flea and tick protection. Always follow the product label or your veterinarian's instructions.
When using the Seresto® collar:
- Make sure the collar does not come into contact with your pet's eyes or mouth.
- Adjust the collar so that you can comfortably fit two fingers between the collar and your pet's neck.
- Check the fit regularly and adjust it as needed, especially for rapidly growing puppies and kittens.
- Replace the collar after eight months for continuous year-round flea and tick protection.
- If your dog swims or is bathed more than once a month, replace the collar every five months.
Missed a Dose?
If you forget to replace your pet's Seresto® collar after eight months, remove the old collar and put on a new one as soon as you remember to maintain continuous flea and tick protection.
Seresto® Collar Side Effects
The Seresto® collar is generally well tolerated by dogs and cats when fitted correctly, but some pets may experience mild skin irritation or other side effects.
Possible side effects include:
- Mild scratching, redness, or hair loss at the application site (these signs usually resolve within one to two weeks without removing the collar)
- Dermatitis, inflammation, eczema, or other skin abnormalities (rare)
If your pet develops side effects, contact your veterinarian. They may recommend removing the collar and bathing your pet.
Human Side Effects
The Seresto® collar is a veterinary product and is not intended for use in humans.
When handling the collar:
- Do not allow children to play with the collar or place it in their mouth. It contains small parts that present a choking hazard.
- Avoid contact with your eyes, skin, or clothing.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the collar.
- People who are sensitive to flumethrin or imidacloprid should avoid direct contact.
Humans should never use medications intended for pets, and pets should never receive medications intended for people.
If the collar is accidentally ingested, contact your physician immediately or call the National Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.
When To Call Your Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if:
- Your pet develops severe side effects.
- Your pet's condition worsens or does not improve.
- You suspect your pet has ingested the collar or experienced an overdose.
- You have additional questions or concerns about using the Seresto® collar.
Seresto® Collar Overdose
The Seresto® collar has a wide margin of safety when used as directed, but toxicity can occur if your pet ingests the collar.
If you suspect your pet has ingested the collar or experienced an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees may apply.
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
How To Store the Seresto® Collar
Store the Seresto® collar according to the product label to help maintain its safety and effectiveness.
Storage instructions:
- Always read the product label for the storage requirements specific to the dog or cat collar.
- Store Seresto® in its 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. The Seresto® collar kills adult fleas on dogs and cats within 24 hours of application and kills new fleas within two hours.
The collar helps prevent flea infestations for eight months by killing fleas before they can lay eggs. It also helps control flea larvae in the environment.
Is the Seresto® collar waterproof?
No. The Seresto® collar is water-resistant, not waterproof.
It remains effective after swimming, bathing, or exposure to rain, so there is no need to remove the collar.
However, if your dog swims or is bathed more than once a month, the collar provides flea control for five months and tick control for seven months, rather than the full eight months.
Are Seresto® collars safe for dogs and cats?
Yes. Seresto® collars are considered safe for dogs 7 weeks of age and older and cats 10 weeks of age and older when used as directed.
Consult your veterinarian before using Seresto® in ill, debilitated, geriatric, pregnant, breeding, or nursing pets.
Seresto® also includes two built-in safety features:
- A quick-release mechanism that helps the collar release if your pet becomes trapped.
- Optional light reflectors that can be attached to improve your pet's visibility.
Remove the collar immediately and contact your veterinarian if your pet develops side effects.
Because counterfeit Seresto® collars have been found on the market, purchase your collar only from a licensed distributor.
How long does it take for the Seresto® collar to work?
The Seresto® collar begins killing adult fleas within 24 hours of application and new fleas within two hours.
It kills ticks already on your pet within 48 hours and new ticks within six hours. Existing ticks present before the collar is applied may need to be removed manually. The collar provides continuous flea and tick protection for eight months.
Do I need a prescription for the Seresto® collar?
No. The Seresto® collar is available over the counter, although it's still a good idea to ask your veterinarian whether it's the best parasite prevention option for your pet.
Can my dog or cat wear a Seresto® collar all the time?
Yes. The Seresto® collar is designed to be worn continuously for up to eight months to provide ongoing flea and tick protection.
Can puppies and kittens wear a Seresto® collar?
Yes. Seresto® is approved for puppies 7 weeks of age and older and kittens 10 weeks of age and older.
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.
