My Dog Ate A Seresto Collar

The Short Answer is:

The Seresto collars are generally safe and very effective at repelling fleas and ticks from your dog, just like other kinds of flea and tick collars. However, if your dog ate the Seresto collar, be aware of the symptoms and consult a veterinarian.

The purpose of this article is to explain “My Dog Ate A Seresto Collar“.

Seresto collars have been the topic of much discussion among pet owners recently particularly whether or not they are safe for pets.

The Seresto collar is a brand of flea and tick collars that is used to protect pets against fleas and ticks.

It works by gradually releasing active ingredients over your dogs body as it is wrapped around his neck. Once the active ingredients have been released they will kill any fleas nearby.

Considering that dogs chew on and swallow anything you might be concerned about the ingredients found in Seresto collars and whether they are safe for your pet. Additionally there are several articles on the internet claiming that Seresto collars are harmful. Are Seresto collars really dangerous?

Are the chemicals in Seresto collars toxic?

Seresto collars contain imidacloprid (ten percent) and flumethrin (four percent). Imidacloprid is an insecticide that attacks the nervous system of fleas. Flumehtrin on the other hand repels ticks.

EPA has approved these chemicals for topical use so your dog should be fine wearing a Seresto collar. There have been reports of dogs experiencing skin redness and hair loss in the area near the collar but it is unlikely to occur. Some conditions can increase the likelihood of skin reactions such as the dog being too young or having an open wound.

Ingestion of imidacloprid can lead to over-salivation diarrhea vomiting congestion tremors and ear twitching. Symptoms of flumethrin poisoning include hypersalivation diarrhea vomiting hyperactivity tremors and lethargy.

In Seresto collars imidacloprid and flumethrin are only present in small amounts. Therefore dogs with poor health aging puppies and puppies under seven weeks old are at a greater risk of intoxication. Dogs who are generally healthy should have a strong defense against the pesticide if only ingested a small chunk. There are even certain doses of imidacloprid that can be taken orally to treat flea infestations.ly.

How a vet will treat the chemical poisoning

Symptoms that are serious could require your dog to be hospitalized and given IV and nutritional therapy. A veterinarian may also prescribe activated charcoal magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate to treat intoxication. Additional treatments are given according to the symptoms. Your dog will also be x-rayed if the vet believes it may be necessary to locate the collar chunk and see if it should be surgically removed. 

What materials are Seresto collars made from?

As well as the dangers from the chemicals eating a collar comes with its own risks. Most flea collar ingestion problems result from intestinal blockage rather than poisoning. Seresto collars are made of plastic specifically a fine polymer matrix that controls pesticide release.

Ingestion of a piece of the plastic collar can lead to blockage of the windpipe also known as choking. Open your dogs mouth and gently pull down their tongue if they’re coughing gagging or gasping for air. Remove the chunk of plastic if you can see it. Alternatively you can perform the Heimlich maneuver by carrying them and pressing them right beneath the rib cage. Last but not least if you are unable to remove the collar or if all attempts have failed take your dog to the vet immediately.

Seresto collars come with small structures that are prone to be swallowed by your dog. Unless your dog swallowed these small items they probably would not cause choking. The issue now becomes a possible gastrointestinal obstruction.

Symptoms of a chunk of a collar being stuck in a dog’s intestine

• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• A lump or tenderness on their abdomen
• Trouble keeping food down Vomiting
• Dehydration

How to treat gastrointestinal blockage at home

First of all you must take your dog to the vet if a gastrointestinal blockage occurs. Be sure to consult your vet before inducing vomiting. Poisoning can lead to blockages and even death. Veterinarians will determine the severity of the situation and prescribe treatments if necessary. When you get your pet treated your vet will tell you what you need to do next.

After a blockage home remedies include nursing the digestive system back to health. It is important to make sure your pup consumes lots of fluids and fibers just like humans. Vets typically recommend pumpkin puree which is an easy-to-digest food. Keep an eye on them and make sure they are not overly active. Another thing you can do is apply warm compresses to their stomach to relieve pain. 

Why do dogs eat non-food items?

It would be best if you figured out why your dog eats its collar in the first place so that you could prevent it from happening again. Because dogs are intelligent creatures they know that their collars are not food so why do they still eat them?

“Pica” is the term for compulsive eating of non-food items. This condition can be either behavioral or medical in origin. Behavioral problems are usually caused by boredom anxiety or stress. The medical reasons for pica on the other hand include nutritional imbalance digestive issues diabetes and thyroid disorders. It has been shown that puppies are more susceptible to pica.

How to stop a dog from eating a Seresto collar

Keeping them occupied will prevent them from eating non-food items when they are bored. They need stimulation exercises and things they can fidget with. You can train your dog by making them wear a basket muzzle whenever they chew on their collar (remember never leave them unattended while they’re wearing a muzzle). PICA caused by medical conditions is more complex and you may want to consult your veterinarian. They will be able to prescribe a treatment thats tailored for the medical condition.

In addition you must further eliminate the possibility of your dog eating its Seresto collar. When putting it on make sure it is snugly fitted. Trim the excess length to prevent your dog from biting. Make sure you put it away where your dog cannot get to it when it is not in use.

Natural alternatives to treating fleas and ticks

Seresto collars have been proven to be effective in reducing fleas and ticks especially during flea season. In addition they are affordable and last for months on end. There are many opinions about them with some people believing they’re toxic.

If your dog is susceptible to pesticides or you wish to avoid all possible problems associated with flea collars you can consider alternatives. Many options are available including spot-on liquids and oral flea treatments. Alternatively you can also use a more natural approach including:

Oils essential to human health

Use essential oils rather than pesticide chemicals to spray on your dog. Despite the fact that they would not kill fleas these are effective at repelling them and they are definitely safer. You can use peppermint lavender eucalyptus cedar oil and lemongrass oils as some of the most effective oils. If you are using essential oils make sure that they are diluted in a safe concentration for dogs.

Juice of lemons

Lemon juice has a stingy scent that repels fleas and ticks as well as essential oils. You can spray your dogs fur with lemon juice spray. Before brushing your dogs fur spray lemon juice on the brush. Oranges and other citrus fruits work well as pest deterrents.

Get some ladybugs

Flea predators these red and black creatures are actually fleas. Go to the nearest garden center and buy some ladybugs. Release them in your backyard and you’re done! Fleas would not bother you anymore.

Keeping a clean environment

Fleas and ticks are more likely to live on dirty pets and in dirty environments as you probably already know. To prevent infestations keep your house clean. Make sure your dogs bed covers pillowcases and bedding are changed regularly. Make sure you trim the lawn regularly because fleas love overgrown and untidy lawns.

Additionally you should groom and clean your dog frequently. A number of medicated dog shampoos are available to treat flea and tick infestations. You can remove fleas and ticks from your dogs fur even when its not bath time by soaking them in water or spraying them.

Conclusion

The Seresto collars are generally safe and very effective at repelling fleas and ticks from your dog just like other kinds of flea and tick collars. However if your dog ate the Seresto collar be aware of the symptoms and consult a veterinarian. Remember that sometimes the symptoms of a serious problem may seem mild. Keep an eye on your dogs behavior for instance as you might not even realize that hes been ingesting pieces of his collar.

If your dog is under seven weeks of age has a medical condition or is a toy designer its not a good idea to wear a Seresto collar since they’re more susceptible to pesticide poisoning. Make use of natural remedies instead of chemicals to get rid of fleas and ticks.

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.