Best Tick Collars for Dogs of 2023

Tick collars protect dogs from nasty eight-legged, disease-carrying ticks and may also repel or kill other bothersome critters like fleas and lice. These collars can protect your dog from tick bites and tick-borne diseases and keep them comfortable during the heat of tick season. Plus, a tick-free dog increases your chances of staying tick-free, too.

Tick collars all basically work the same. They’re loaded with tick-attacking substances, such as insecticides or essential oils, that release into the dog’s coat and skin. Some collars can eradicate an existing tick infestation, while others are better at prevention. We put together a list of the best tick collars for dogs, with collars designed for dogs of different sizes and collars that can last several months before they need replacing.

Best Overall: Seresto Flea and Tick Treatment and Prevention Collar

Best for Large Dogs: Zodiac Flea and Tick Collar

Best Waterproof: TevraPet Activate II Flea and Tick Collar

Best Environmentally Friendly: Wondercide Flea and Tick Collar

Best Pest Control System: Adams Flea and Tick Collar

Best Budget: Hartz UltraGuard Pro Reflective Flea and Tick Collar

How We Picked the Best Tick Collars for Dogs

We considered a few factors when picking the best tick collars for dogs, including the collar’s adjustability, treatment method, safety features, and effectiveness.

Some collars are one-size-fits-all while others offer sizes based on dog weight and/or neck circumference. While we’ve included both types, the collars designed for dogs of a specific weight and neck circumference offer the best fit. Their adjustability increases the chances of a snug but comfortable fit that prevents your dog from pulling the collar off.

Treatment methods range from various pet-safe insecticides to essential oils. Collars with insecticides can kill an existing infestation, while essential oil and other natural-based collars typically can only repel ticks and fleas. While all of the collars on our list are safe for pets, we also included an environmentally-friendly option for those who want to avoid insecticides altogether.

Best Tick Collars for Dogs: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Seresto Flea and Tick Treatment and Prevention Collar

Specs

Size(s): Small or large

Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid and flumethrin

Months of Protection: Eight

Pros

Highly durable and long-lasting, with up to eight months of protection

Protects against fleas, ticks, and lice

Kills pests within 24 hours of application

Non-greasy design leaves an attractive coat

Cons

Escape artists may get the collar off

Expensive

The Seresto Flea and Tick Treatment and Prevention Collar flies high above other tick collars in flea and tick prevention as well as in durability. It also soars above them in price, but the design and longevity make it worth it for many pet parents.

This collar contains imidacloprid and flumethrin integrated into the collar’s structure for a slow, consistent release that kills existing ticks, fleas, and lice. We like that the collar’s design eliminates the greasy feel that some insecticide-filled collars leave behind. It offers protection for up to eight months, accounting for one bath per month. If your dog spends a lot of time in the water or gets a bath more than once monthly, the collar’s life may shorten to an average of five months.

The Seresto comes in two sizes—one for dogs under 18 pounds and one for dogs over 18 pounds. The smaller sizes fit necks from 5 to 11.75 inches, and the larger 10.5 to 23 inches. While this collar is highly effective for up to eight months, you pay a high price for that longevity. Additionally, tenacious dogs might be able to slip out of this collar, especially if it’s not sized correctly.

Best for Large Dogs: Zodiac Flea and Tick Collar

Specs

Size(s): Puppies, small/medium, or large/giant

Active Ingredients: Tetrachlorvophis

Months of Protection: Seven

Pros

Large fits necks up to 26 inches in circumference

Lasts up to seven months

Multiple sizes mean a better fit

Affordable price for the amount of protection

Cons

Better for prevention than eradicating

Leaves behind white powder

The Zodiac Flea and Tick Collar comes at an affordable price yet offers excellent protection against unwanted critters. Of course, it’s important to note that it’s better for prevention than getting rid of an existing infestation of either ticks or fleas. But once activated, the tetrachlorvophis keeps pests from making your dog their home.

We like this collar for large dogs because the largest size can fit necks up to 26 inches in circumference. With three sizes, you’re more likely to get a better fit with the Zodiac than those that come in one-size-fits-all. The smallest size is rated to fit even toy breeds or puppies. The Zodiac collars can last up to seven months, though how frequently you bathe your dog can influence longevity.

Note: You might experience a bit of white powdery residue with this collar, which is especially noticeable if your dog has darker hair.

Best Waterproof: TevraPet Activate II Flea and Tick Collar

Specs

Size(s): One

Active Ingredients: Deltamethrin, pyriproxyfen

Months of Protection: Six

Pros

Fully waterproof (versus water-resistant)

Also kills fleas, flea eggs, lice, and repels mosquitos

Comes in a year’s supply

Cons

Limited sizes

While many collars are just water-resistant, the TevraPet Activate II Flea and Tick Collar is completely waterproof. That added protection can be helpful for water-loving dogs or even those who frequently get bathed with their collar on. Each collar in this two-pack lasts for six months, providing up to 12 months of protection for a single dog.

We like that this collar can take on so many pests, including ticks, adult fleas, flea eggs, and lice. It even repels mosquitoes. While it’s not an all-in-one pest control solution, it’s an excellent start at protecting your dog from dangerous diseases. On the downside, it only comes in a single size that fits necks up to 23 inches.

Best Environmentally Friendly: Wondercide Flea and Tick Collar

Specs

Size(s): One

Active Ingredients: Cedarwood oil, peppermint oil

Months of Protection: Four

Pros

Free of harmful chemicals

Prevents tick and flea infestations

Appealing peppermint scent

Cons

Repels but doesn’t kill ticks

If the thought of strapping insecticides to your dog makes you cringe, the Wondercide Flea and Tick Collar might be for you. This collar uses two natural essential oils—cedarwood and peppermint—to repel ticks and fleas. It’s water-resistant and fits necks up to 23 inches in circumference. It lasts up to four months and has a pleasant minty smell instead of the chemical scent you’ll get in other collars.

Unfortunately, it can’t eradicate an existing infestation of ticks or fleas, so there’s no killing. However, when coupled with other preventative measures, this collar can successfully keep ticks and insecticides away from your dog and family. This collar is also less likely to irritate your dog’s skin thanks to the lack of chemicals.

Best Pest Control System: Adams Flea and Tick Collar

Specs

Size(s): One

Active Ingredients: Tetrachlorvinphos, methoprene

Time Effective: Seven

Pros

Can be used alongside other Adams flea and tick control products for inside and outside the home

Adjustability feature works well for larger necks

Low price for seven months of protection

Cons

Less effective without the help of other tick and flea control products

The Adams Flea and Tick Collar is effective at killing and preventing ticks. When used properly, it can keep ticks away for up to seven months, though the longevity often goes down with frequent exposure to water. All tick collars are adjustable, but this one gets bonus points for the ease of adjustability, especially for larger dogs. We also like that it comes at an affordable price for seven months of protection.

Note that the collar does an even better job when used alongside other products in the Adams tick and flea prevention line, including sprays for both inside and outside of the house.

Best Budget: Hartz UltraGuard Pro Reflective Flea and Tick Collar

Specs

Size(s): One

Active Ingredients: Tetrachlorvinphos, methoprene

Months of Protection: Seven

Pros

Reflects light up to 450 feet

Kills ticks, fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae

Fits larger dogs with necks up to 26 inches

Affordable price for seven months of protection

Cons

One size fits all may not work for all dog breeds

The Hartz UltraGuard Pro Reflective Flea and Tick Collar does more than attack ticks and fleas. This collar’s reflective design adds another layer of protection when it gets dark by reflecting light up to 450 feet. At the same time, its blend of insecticides can kill and prevent infestations of ticks and fleas and kill flea larvae and eggs before they become more problematic. Plus, the price makes it extremely affordable for pet owners, especially if you have multiple dogs. It can last for up to seven months.

This water-resistant collar has a one-size-fits-all design, fitting necks up to 26 inches in circumference. However, the one-size design may not work for smaller breeds or those with narrower heads.

What to Consider When Choosing a Dog Tick Collar

Tick collars use active ingredients like imidacloprid or flumethrin to kill ticks before they can burrow into your dog’s skin. They’re easy to put on and typically last a few months. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before you strap one on your dog.

Dog Size and Head Shape

Tick collars come in sizes to accommodate dogs of all sizes. Take a good look at the shape of your dog’s head. Greyhounds, whippets, and other breeds with narrow heads may need a collar with more adjustability to prevent your dog from slipping the collar off. If your dog is a bit of a collar escape artist, you might want to consider a backup tick protection method, like flea and tick home spray.

Medical History

Dogs can have adverse skin reactions to tick collars, especially if your dog already has sensitive skin. Certain medications can make your dog’s skin more sensitive, so check with your veterinarian before deciding on a collar.

Lifestyle

Flea collars can lose their potency prematurely if exposed to water frequently. If your dog can’t stay out of the lake or pool, you may need to replace the flea collar more frequently or use a backup flea prevention method, like a topical flea and tick treatment.

Age

Check the age requirements for the collar. Most aren’t designed for puppies younger than 12 weeks, though some are safe for pups just over 7 months old. Check the collar’s label for age or size recommendations.

Location

Some pests are more common in certain areas of the country. Know what kinds of parasites and pests you’re trying to keep away from your dog to make sure you get a collar that specifically targets them.

FAQs

Best Tick Collars for Dogs: Final Thoughts

Best Overall: Seresto Flea and Tick Treatment and Prevention Collar

Best for Large Dogs: Zodiac Flea and Tick Collar

Best Waterproof: TevraPet Activate II Flea and Tick Collar

Best Environmentally Friendly: Wondercide Flea and Tick Collar

Best Pest Control System: Adams Flea and Tick Collar

Best Budget: Hartz UltraGuard Pro Reflective Flea and Tick Collar

A tick collar that’s snug but not uncomfortable and slowly releases substances that kill and repel ticks can keep your dog comfortable and disease-free for months. A tick collar’s lifespan varies by the brand but also by your dog’s habits, so keep that in mind when deciding on the type and the replacement schedule. Of all the best tick collars for dogs out there, we like the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar the best, thanks to its effectiveness and long-lasting protection.

Why Trust Us

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

The post Best Tick Collars for Dogs of 2023 appeared first on Field & Stream.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.