Seresto Collar - Pet Product Review

  Seresto:   Not your momma's flea collar.

  Seresto is Bayer's new innovative 8 month pest control collar.

Cousin Lily, I brought a gift for you.  The nice humans from Bayer gave it to me when I was at BarkWorld 2012.  It was a secret!  Seresto wasn't released in the United States until February 2013.   They have been using it in Europe for over a year.  I know I heard your humans talking about the tick issue in your yard.  This will keep them off of you.

Seresto comes sealed in a cool looking canister.  There are 3 different kinds: small dogs (less than 18 pounds), large dogs (over 18 pounds), and cats.  Yes, they have one for cats.   The price for all three sizes is the same.  The price of one 8 month Seresto collar is comparable to the price of 8 doses of a quality monthly treatment, maybe even less.  
It closes with a ratchet type mechanism, not a buckle.  The ratchet closure will release if enough pressure is applied.  That way you don't need to worry about getting trapped by it.  Do not attach your leash to it, it isn't designed for that.  The small dog and cat collars have a predetermined break point as an added safety measure.

 Seresto combines the effectiveness of top spot treatments with a slow sustained delivery method that lasts up to 8 months.   (If you have a bath more than once a month, or go swimming more than once a month; it is closer to 5 months.)   The ingredients are distributed through the sebaceous layer, like a top spot.  However, it releases slower than a top spot.  It can take up to 24 hours before it is effective on fleas, and 48 hours for ticks.    Good news, you don't have to wait for it to dry!  You can roll on the bedspread right away!

The active ingredients are very similar to Advantix.

Advantix II one month top spot liquid                                        Seresto 8 month collar

Permethrin....44.00%                                                                    Flumethrin....4.5%

Imidacloprid....8.80%                                                                   Imidacloprid....4.5%

Pyriproxyfen....0.44%                                                                    

 The collar needs to touch the skin to release the ingredients.  For a comfortable fit, humans should be able to fit 2 fingers between the collar and the skin (the collar will be able to touch the skin in the other spots).  I don't know, but I imagine the ingredients are absorbed by the sebaceous layer the same way a sponge soaks up water.  Once there is enough in it, it won't soak up any more.

 Seresto is a neutral gray color, so it won't clash with your regular collar.  It even comes with bling!  There are 3 reflectors inside the container that you can attach to it.   Pawsome!  The reflectors help humans see you, and they add pizazz.   I think the Seresto collar is prettier than Lily's regular collar.  BOL!

  Cousin Lily has been wearing her Seresto collar for almost 4 months.  She has not had any side effects or hair loss.  There are no fleas, ticks, or other bugs on her.  It does appear that she (or one of her humans) may have loosened the collar a little.  I suggest checking the fit every few months, particularly on very active dogs.

Surveys have shown that many pet owners don't use their flea treatments consistently.   It is also known that flea treatments are most effective when they are used consistently- all year long.   One of  Bayer's goals is for more pet owners to consistently treat their pets.   With Seresto, there won't be anymore "I forgot to put on the flea spot" excuses.  You only need put Seresto on once every 8 months.   Seresto doesn't stink, have any powder, or greasy residue.  There is no mess.

I recently received a Seresto collar for myself, at Global Pet Expo 2013.  I will wear it as soon as my current dose of Advantix II is finished. 

 

Note:  I received Seresto before it was released in the United States.  Therefore, I was unable to ask my veterinarian about it.  My veterinarian sells Advantix, a Bayer product, and I use it.   I compared the active ingredients, and asked the Bayer veterinarian several safety questions - before I accepted a sample to use.   Please remember I am not a veterinarian.   You should always check with your veterinarian before changing any of your pet's medications or pesticides.

Review Disclaimer: I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review. I was given a free product to review. The opinions in this review are my own and not influenced by any outsider . I receive no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.