A tick collar for dogs is important to prevent ticks and fleas from attaching to doodles in instances where medicated tick shampoo may not be as potent and active. Using a tick collar for dogs is also a great way to prevent these dangerous parasites from making doodles sick and potentially passing serious diseases to you or your family. Since there are so many collars to choose from, what is the best dog tick collar for doodles?
The best dog tick collars for doodles are those that are designed for small breed dogs or adjustable to fit doodle neck sizes. Tick collars should be formulated with powerful, yet safe repellent and killing ingredients to kill all life cycles of fleas and ticks.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about tick collars and how the products can help keep these parasites off of your Goldendoodle, Cockapoo, Cavapoo, or similar doodle breed.
We will also offer product recommendations for 7 of the best tick collars on the market for doodle breeds and explain why the collars work so well in tick prevention. These are:
- Seresto Small Dog Flea and Tick Collar
- TevraPet Activate II Flea and Tick Collar
- Adams Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
- Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Collar
- Salvo Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
- Natural Care Repellent Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
- Virbac Preventic Tick Collar for Small Dogs
Read on to find out more and to decide which collar is best for your doodle.
How does a flea and tick collar for dogs work?
Before we go into the product recommendations, let’s first explore exactly how tick collars for dogs work and the various designs of collars.
A tick collar is designed to be worn for a period of time around your doodle’s neck like any ordinary collar.
Tick and flea collars primarily use chemicals and pesticides that are formulated to be safe when exposed to pets.
This wasn’t always the case, and there are potential dangers associated with off-brand tick and flea collars that may use toxic chemicals on dogs. This is why it is always important to check the safety of the ingredients of tick collars for dogs, and all of the 7 products we recommend are safe for dogs.
A tick and flea collar works by primarily emitting fumes from the chemicals around your dog’s coat that immediately repel fleas and ticks once they jump or latch onto your dog.
Some collars work by releasing the safe chemicals onto your dog’s coat and skin that either repels or outright kills ticks or fleas once they start crawling on your dog or attempt to feed.
The best flea and tick collars will use a design formulation that allows the chemicals to be released gradually over a dog’s entire outer layer of skin and coat. There are some collars that will only keep the ingredients concentrated around the neck and upper torso of a dog.
But, there are some additional details to understand when it comes to collars that can kill ticks. Ticks are a bit different from fleas, and can also be much more dangerous since they spread diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – which can also spread to humans as well.
This is why it is important to always read labels and descriptions on flea and tick collars for dogs to make sure the product can kill fleas and ticks at the same time.
Let’s take a look at some of the best flea and tick collars available for purchase.
7 Best Dog Tick Collars for Doodle, Goldendoodles, and Similar Breeds
To ensure that each collar is best represented, each collar is thoroughly reviewed for your convenience.
Seresto Small Dog Flea and Tick Collar (Best Overall)
No products found.The Seresto 8-month flea and tick collar for small dogs provide continuous 8-month flea and tick protection. Unlike oral flea and tick prevention products that require fleas and ticks to bite your pet to work, the Seresto flea and tick collar for small dogs kill fleas and ticks through contact with no biting required.
This flea and tick collar for dogs is water-resistant and remains effective after swimming, shampooing, or exposure to rain or sunlight. With this in mind, it is important to remember that your doodle must not be bathed more than once per month.
For dogs that swim once a month or more, the control duration is reduced to five months for flea control, and reduced to seven months for tick control.
This tick collar is tailored to fit small dogs and contains two active ingredients: imidacloprid to control flea infestations and flumethrin to repel and kill ticks. These active ingredients are slowly and continuously released in low concentrations, spreading from head to toes, even the tail, over your doodle’s coat and skin.
The Seresto flea and tick collar for small dogs can be used alongside other identification collars.
I really love this collar on Rosie because it allows us to avoid the hassle of messy monthly treatments and get effective protection not just against fleas but also potentially dangerous ticks as well.
Pros:
- Provides 8-months of continuous flea and tick prevention
- Seresto flea and tick collar for small dogs work through contact, so fleas and ticks do not have to bite your dog to die
- Veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention for dogs in a convenient, odorless non-greasy collar
- No need for messy monthly treatments
- Starts to repel and kill fleas within 24 hours of initial application
- Flea and tick collar for small dogs also helps treat and control sarcoptic mange and kills lice
Cons:
- Active ingredients are a bit potent and could potentially cause skin issues
TevraPet Activate II Flea and Tick Collar
No products found.Just as great is the Activate II Flea and Tick collar that provides vet-quality, whole-body protection without the expense of some of the other leading brands. Each one-size-fits-all dog collar works to kill fleas and ticks, including ticks that may transmit Lyme disease, for six months per collar.
Unlike most collars, this model also repels mosquitoes, which is an added benefit if you live in an area where heartworms are a concern for dogs.
With two collars included, this means your doodle will be constantly protected for up to 12 months with just one purchase. This flea and tick treatment for dogs also kills fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae, helping to prevent flea infestations, and is both easy to use and waterproof, in addition to being designed to provide a more secure fit.
This collar works through contact, so fleas and ticks die without having to bite your dog first. Whether you have a small dog like a doodle, a large dog, or a medium dog – the Activate II Flea Collar is fully adjustable and guaranteed to fit your dog.
The Activate II Collar uses the active ingredients Deltamethrin and Pyriproxyfen, which are the same safe and effective active ingredients trusted by vets everywhere.
The collar starts to repel and kill fleas and ticks within 24 hours of initial application.
Pros:
- Comes with 2 collars for a full year of tick protection
- Waterproof and Highly durable
- Veterinarian trusted repellent ingredients
Cons:
- As with most tick collars, the active ingredients could potentially cause skin irritation on your doodle
Adams Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
No products found.The Adams Flea and Tick Control Collar is perfect for doodles on the move that needs fast relief from biting fleas and ticks. This collar prevents infestation by breaking the flea and tick life cycle, killing the flea eggs, flea larvae, tick larvae, and tick nymphs, and providing continuous prevention for up to 7 months.
The active ingredients covering the surface of the collar are rubbed onto the fur of the animal and the effective solution works its way down through your dog’s natural fur and hair oils across the body to protect from head-to-toe. Even when wet, and or completely submerged, the collar continues to be effective for up to 7 months.
A great aspect of this collar is that it is fully adjustable and can be fitted for small and big dogs (fitting necks up to 26″). Simply wrap the collar around your dog (slip 2 fingers flat under the collar to ensure a snug fit, but not too tight), fasten, and snip off the excess length. The collar stays on and in effect even on the most active dogs.
You may need to adjust this collar to fit your doodle’s neck, so please take care when doing this.
Pros:
- Kills and prevents fleas, ticks, flea eggs, and flea larvae through contact
- Fast-acting flea and tick treatment and prevention in one step.
- Remains effective after swimming or exposure to rain
- An outer shield reflects direct light up to 450 feet
- Kills all 3 stages of the flea and tick life cycle
Cons:
- Has been known to cause seizures in some breeds, but not doodles
- May cause skin irritation
Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Collar
No products found.Hartz is a trusted and affordable brand and this bright orange collar kills and repels both fleas and ticks on doodles with necks up to 22 inches for 7 months. It also prevents flea and tick eggs from hatching for over half the year, stopping the flea and tick life cycle and inhibiting re-infestation. The water-resistant design remains effective even after getting caught in the rain.
Additionally, the collar has a Reflect-X Shield that reflects direct light for up to 300 feet for an added dimension of nighttime safety. For continuous flea and tick protection from head to tail, replace the collar every 7 months.
To place the collar, first remove it from the package, unroll and stretch to activate the insecticide generator. Place the collar around the dog’s neck, adjust for proper fit, and buckle into position.
The collar must be worn loosely to allow for the growth of the dog and to permit the collar to move about the neck. Generally, a properly fitted collar is one that, when fastened, will snugly slide over the dog’s head. Leave 2 or 3 inches on the collar for extra adjustment and cut off and dispose of the extra length.
Consult a veterinarian before using this product on debilitated, aged, or medicated doodles. Sensitivity may occur if your doodle has never been exposed to safe insecticides.
With this in mind, some dogs may become irritated by the collar if it is applied too tightly. If this occurs, loosen the collar. If irritation continues, remove the collar completely and bathe your dog with mild soap and rinse with a large amount of water. If signs continue, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Note: Do not use this product on dogs simultaneously or within 30 days before or after treatment of other flea and tick products. However, flea and tick collars may be replaced immediately.
Pros:
- Kills and repels fleas and ticks, plus prevents flea eggs from hatching for 7 months.
- Can be worn simultaneously with your dog’s regular collar
- Orange collar with reflective strip reflects direct light from up to 300 feet away for an added dimension of nighttime safety
- Water-resistant design won’t cause loss of effectiveness if your playful doodle takes a stroll in the rain
- Fits dogs with necks that measure up to 22 inches
- For use on adult dogs and puppies 12 weeks of age and older
Cons:
- This flea and tick collar is powerful so be sure to monitor your dog closely when wearing
- May cause increased skin sensitivity
Salvo Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
No products found.One thing I have always liked about this brand is that unlike topical flea medicine for dogs, Salvo collars offer the same protection with no messy application. The time-release technology is distributed by the natural oils on your dog’s skin, and the collar protects for up to 12 months total.
The unique design features a triple clasp system that locks into place, which means you simply adjust the collar to fit your doodle’s neck, then enjoy rough and tumble playtime flea and tick-free.
Salvo treatment collars each last 6 months, and this purchase is a two-pack that will give you the full year of protection. This collar will kill adult fleas and ticks on contact to ease your dog’s pain without delay.
Each long-lasting collar also protects doodles when outdoors against Brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, and deer ticks that cause Lyme disease. The triple-locking design feature is available in two adjustable sizes for comfort that grows with your doodle. Safe on all dogs over 12 weeks of age and 4 pounds.
Pros:
- Starts working on contact for fast relief and long-lasting protection against fleas and the ticks
- Peel-Away comfort strip and triple-locking clasp for irritation-free security even on active or sensitive dogs
- Distributed by the natural oils on your dog’s skin to ensure non-stop treatment
Cons:
- May attract fleas and ticks during the first week
- May cause skin irritation
Natural Care Repellent Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
No products found.Tick collars that use natural ingredients should be understood best as repellents and not outright contact flea and tick-killing collars. But if you just want to repel ticks, and want your dog to only be exposed to natural ingredients, Natural Care is committed to providing affordable, natural, and effective products that you can trust.
Natural Care products are made with high-quality, pure botanical oils to effectively deter fleas and ticks to get the job done powerfully and naturally, for you and your doodle. The highly durable, construction of the collar is water-resistant and adjusts to fit most dogs, up to 20-inch neck size.
To apply the collar, remove and discard activation dots and fasten the collar around your dog’s neck. Make sure two fingers can fit comfortably between the collar around your dog’s neck.
If necessary, carefully cut off and discard any excess length beyond the clasp. It is best to leave two extra notches remaining beyond the clasp to accommodate future adjustments for fit.
Your new collar repels fleas and ticks with natural botanical oils and will take 2-3 weeks to be fully effective. For best results, leave the collar on at all times and replace it every 4 months.
Resolve any existing infestation prior to use.
Again, it’s important to stress that natural collars really only repel ticks from your doodle. Natural products are important and I thought I would include one of the better collars as an option.
Pros:
- Uses cedarwood and peppermint oil for effective yet gentle flea and tick prevention
- A perfect fit for most dogs and puppies four months or older, adjustable up to a full 20-inch neck size
- Flexible nylon construction for your dog’s comfort
- Highly effective natural repellent
Cons:
- Does not kill ticks
Virbac Preventic Tick Collar for Small Dogs (Consult With Your Veterinarian)
No products found.No list of tick collars is complete without talking about the chemical amitraz. This powerful pesticide is both highly effective but also controversial and potentially harmful to dogs.
On one hand, tick collars containing this chemical are perhaps the most effective tick collars available for killing all life stages on ticks no matter where they attach to a dog.
But the chemical is hard to control, and all dogs tend to react differently to the potent chemical. This is why it is crucial to always consult with your veterinarian before purchasing and using a tick collar that contains amitraz on your dog since a side effect can be poisoning.
This collar by Preventic starts working within 24 hours of application and continues working for as long as the collar is worn, up to 90 days. The collar will kill all life stages of ticks within this time frame but you have to closely monitor your dog’s behavior and activity to ensure that the chemical is not causing side effects.
This collar is the final world on tick collars that will assuredly kill ticks on your doodle but always speak to a vet first before making this purchase.
Pros:
- Amitraz is one of the most potent tick killers available
- Adjustable and designed for small dog breeds like doodles
Cons:
- Can cause potentially severe side effects
- Never leave on your dog past 90 days
Do you need a collar for fleas and ticks or just ticks?
There are very few collars available that only treat ticks and this is a good thing since both fleas and ticks typically share the same season during the year.
If you only want to target ticks, you can use a product like Virbac Preventic that contains amitraz but you are strongly encouraged to check with your veterinarian first since this is a powerful chemical.
Apart from that, many of the best flea and tick collars available will work to combat both types of parasites on your doodle.
Both of these parasites do not mind competing with the other when it comes to feeding on a dog or nesting in their coat.
Additionally, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can all be repelled by the presence of a dog flea and tick collar that contains pesticides.
In summary, using a tick and flea collar is a great idea since you can kill and repel the two most common pests that feed on the blood of dogs. If you live in an area with out-of-control tick populations, you can ask your veterinarian about using a collar that contains amitraz.
Flea and tick prevention tips
Flea and tick prevention for dogs should include tick and flea collars as well as regular bathing with a medicated flea and tick shampoo as well as precautions during tick season.
To prevent fleas and ticks, make sure that the grass in your lawn or garden is kept very low since both fleas and ticks live and nest in tall grass. Additionally, for ticks, make sure that all areas in your yard that are shaded are treated with a tick pesticide and grass is kept trimmed and bushes are treated as well.
Always inspect your doodle if you walk in wooded areas and in places that frequently have a lot of dog activity, such as dog parks or local recreational parks.
Finally, be sure to frequently inspect your doodle’s coat for fleas and ticks and make sure to pay attention to the area between paws and behind the ears, since these areas are preferred feeding and hiding spots for ticks.
Final thoughts
In summary, the best flea and tick collars for your doodle should work in conjunction with a complete tick and flea treatment plan. Be sure to regularly bathe your doodle with a medicated flea and tick shampoo in addition to using a tick collar that provides months of protection.
Many of the best tick and flea collars contain ingredients such as imidacloprid and flumethrin or deltamethrin since these chemicals are generally safe to be on your dog’s skin. But keep in mind that many dogs will develop skin irritation from tick and flea collars no matter what chemicals are used in the collar.
Be sure to buy a tick collar for small dogs for doodles or choose from one of the adjustable collars we reviewed above that are adjustable. Always consult with your veterinarian if you decide to try a collar containing amitraz.