Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lauren Demos
Veterinarian, DVM
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lauren Demos
Veterinarian, DVM
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Fleas are a nuisance that must be dealt with, especially if you have a small canine pal. For dog parents, finding the perfect flea collar that is safe and effective may seem like a challenge, especially with all the options on the market. Pet parents must consider a few factors when looking for flea collars, such as ingredients used, if the collar uses all-natural ingredients, and if the collar actually works.
In this guide, we’ll list our top 10 picks of flea collars based on user reviews to help you make a safe and informed decision for your small dog.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Adams Flea and Tick Collar
Affordable price
7 months of protection
Kills fleas, ticks, eggs, tick larvae, and tick nymphs
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Best Value
Hartz UltraGuard Pro Reflecting Flea & Tick Collar
7 months of protection
For use in all sized- breeds
Water-resistant
Check Price
Premium Choice
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar
Provides 8 months of protection
Veterinarian-recommended
Water-resistant
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Missona Flea and Tick Collar
Uses all-natural ingredients
Provides 8 months of protection
Excellent option for puppies
Check Price
Shengkou Flea and Tick Collar
All-natural ingredients
6 months of protection per collar
Safe, breakpoint design
Check Price
The 10 Best Flea Collars for Small Dogs
This Adams Flea and Tick Collar is suitable for toy and small dog breeds and offers up to 7 months of protection. This collar is odorless and begins killing fleas and ticks instantly, and it’s easy to put on your dog. It is water-resistant, meaning it won’t lose its effectiveness if it gets wet. Not only does it kill fleas and ticks, but it also kills flea eggs, tick larvae, and tick nymphs.
Breed size: Toy and small breeds
Protection duration: 7 months
Life stage: All life stages
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Its small size is designed for small dogs, and the excess can be trimmed off after applying. This collar may cause irritation in some dogs, and if you notice irritation, take it off and discard it immediately. With the low price and 7 months of protection, this collar is the best overall flea collar for small dogs.
Pros
Affordable price
7 months of protection
Kills fleas, ticks, eggs, tick larvae, and tick nymphs
Water-resistant
Odorless
Cons
May cause irritation in some dogs
The Hartz UltraGuard Pro Reflecting Flea & Tick Collar provides full body protection for up to 7 months. It kills flea eggs and breaks the reproduction cycle, leaving your dog flea-free. It’s safe for all breed sizes 12 weeks and older, and it’s water-resistant. This collar features a Reflect-X Shield that reflects direct light for up to 450 feet for nighttime safety. Made in the U.S.A., this collar protects against fleas, flea eggs, and ticks.
Affordable price
7 months of protection
Kills fleas, ticks, eggs, tick larvae, and tick nymphs
Water-resistant
Odorless
- Affordable price
- 7 months of protection
- Kills fleas, ticks, eggs, tick larvae, and tick nymphs
- Water-resistant
- Odorless
May cause irritation in some dogs
- May cause irritation in some dogs
Breed size: All sizes
Protection duration: 7 months
Life stage: All life stages
This collar may not be effective for all dogs, so be sure to watch out for any irritation. The smell may also be pungent for some consumers. However, for the price, this collar is the best flea collar for the money.
Pros
7 months of protection
For use in all sized- breeds
Water-resistant
Features a nighttime reflective shield
Made in the U.S.A
Cons
May have pungent odor
The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar provides up to 8 months of protection against fleas and ticks. This collar comes veterinarian-recommended and is safe for dogs 7 weeks or older. The collar is easily adjustable and begins working to repel fleas within 24 hours of applying, and it kills ticks within 48 hours. It also kills re-infestation within 2 hours for fleas and 6 hours for ticks. It’s odorless, non-greasy, and has a quick release for easy removal. It’s also water-resistant.
7 months of protection
For use in all sized- breeds
Water-resistant
Features a nighttime reflective shield
Made in the U.S.A
- 7 months of protection
- For use in all sized- breeds
- Water-resistant
- Features a nighttime reflective shield
- Made in the U.S.A
May have pungent odor
- May have pungent odor
Breed size: Breeds up to 18 pounds
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: All life stages
Some consumers claim the collar does not work for the entire 8-month duration, and some dogs may scratch at it. This collar is also expensive and only suitable for dogs up to 18 pounds.
Pros
Provides 8 months of protection
Veterinarian-recommended
Water-resistant
Quick-release feature
Odorless and non-greasy
Cons
May not work for 8 months
Expensive
- Missona Flea and Tick Collar– Best for Puppies
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Breed size: All breed sizes
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: Puppies 8 weeks and up
The Missona Flea and Tick collar is veterinarian-recommended and is an all-natural alternative, which is an excellent choice for delicate puppies. It uses plant-based essential oils that are composed of citronella, clove, and peppermint oils, all of which target and repel fleas and ticks for 8 months. This collar is suitable for all breeds and is easily adjustable, allowing you to adjust as your puppy grows (they grow fast!). It’s water-resistant and affordable.
Provides 8 months of protection
Veterinarian-recommended
Water-resistant
Quick-release feature
Odorless and non-greasy
- Provides 8 months of protection
- Veterinarian-recommended
- Water-resistant
- Quick-release feature
- Odorless and non-greasy
May not work for 8 months
Expensive
- May not work for 8 months
- Expensive
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Breed size: All breed sizes
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: Puppies 8 weeks and up
While the use of natural oils is a safer option, some consumers claim the collar doesn’t work. However, other users claim the collar works beautifully. Users also claim that the collar works for fleas but not for ticks. With the inexpensive cost, we feel it’s worth a try, especially for delicate puppies.
Pros
Uses all-natural ingredients
Provides 8 months of protection
Excellent option for puppies
Water-resistant
Affordable
Cons
May not work for ticks
- Shengkou Flea and Tick Collar
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Breed size: All breeds up to 18 pounds
Protection duration: 6 months per collar
Life stage: All life stages
This two-pack flea and tick collar from Shengkou is another safer option that uses all-natural ingredients. Oils used are cinnamon, citronella, garlic, lemongrass, and thyme. This collar not only protects against fleas and ticks but also against lice and mosquitoes.
Uses all-natural ingredients
Provides 8 months of protection
Excellent option for puppies
Water-resistant
Affordable
- Uses all-natural ingredients
- Provides 8 months of protection
- Excellent option for puppies
- Water-resistant
- Affordable
May not work for ticks
- May not work for ticks
Breed size: All breeds up to 18 pounds
Protection duration: 6 months per collar
Life stage: All life stages
This pack of collars provides 12 months of protection (6 months per collar) and is waterproof. These collars also come with a breakpoint design for safety that releases in case your pup gets hung up on an object, such as a tree branch.
These collars have a citronella smell that lasts two to three weeks, and if the smell is too strong, you can open the package and wait to apply it to your dog until the smell diminishes. Some users claim the collar is hard to put on a dog, and even though it’s waterproof, users claim the collar may be ineffective once wet.
Pros
All-natural ingredients
6 months of protection per collar
Safe, breakpoint design
Waterproof
Comes in pack of 2
Cons
May have strong citronella smell
May be hard to put on
May not work once wet
- JMXU’S Flea and Tick Collar
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Breed size: Breeds 18 pounds and up
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: Dogs over 7 weeks old
JMXU’S Flea and Tick Collar fits all dog sizes and continuously releases safe ingredients in low concentrations to combat fleas and ticks. The collar is adjustable but only fits dogs 18 pounds and up, meaning it will not work with toy breeds but should work well for small breeds.
All-natural ingredients
6 months of protection per collar
Safe, breakpoint design
Waterproof
Comes in pack of 2
- All-natural ingredients
- 6 months of protection per collar
- Safe, breakpoint design
- Waterproof
- Comes in pack of 2
May have strong citronella smell
May be hard to put on
May not work once wet
- May have strong citronella smell
- May be hard to put on
- May not work once wet
Breed size: Breeds 18 pounds and up
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: Dogs over 7 weeks old
This collar kills fleas, flea eggs, and ticks, and it repels mosquitos. The inside of the collar is smooth, allowing for comfort while wearing, and it has a dual buckle system that allows for easy application. It’s waterproof and fits dogs 7 weeks and up.
Some users state the collar only works for roughly three months, and only 4% of the product involves all-natural ingredients. The all-natural ingredients include cinnamon, vanilla, lemongrass, and thyme oil.
Pros
Continuously releases safe ingredients in low concentrations
Includes all-natural oils
Smooth, comfortable collar
Waterproof
Cons
Only fits dogs 18 pounds and up
May not work the entire 8 months
Contains only 4% all-natural ingredients
- Cadorabo Flea and Tick Collar
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Breed size: All sizes
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: All life stages 8 weeks and up
The Cadorabo Flea and Tick Collar uses natural ingredients, such as lemon eucalyptus (60%), linaloe oil (25%), lavender oil (5%), and citronella oil (10%). The two-pack of collars fits all dog breeds 8 weeks and up and offers 8 months of protection.
Continuously releases safe ingredients in low concentrations
Includes all-natural oils
Smooth, comfortable collar
Waterproof
- Continuously releases safe ingredients in low concentrations
- Includes all-natural oils
- Smooth, comfortable collar
- Waterproof
Only fits dogs 18 pounds and up
May not work the entire 8 months
Contains only 4% all-natural ingredients
- Only fits dogs 18 pounds and up
- May not work the entire 8 months
- Contains only 4% all-natural ingredients
Breed size: All sizes
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: All life stages 8 weeks and up
It’s waterproof and kills fleas, flea larvae, ticks, sarcoptic mange, chewing lice, and repels mosquitos. The low-concentrated ingredients are distributed all over your dog’s coat and skin, and it’s eco-friendly.
Some users report their dog scratches at the collar, and some claim the all-natural ingredients do not work to kill fleas. However, other users are pleased with the results. Avoid prolonged exposure to wetness, as this will diminish the collar’s effectiveness.
Pros
Uses natural ingredients
Two in a pack
Eco-friendly
Waterproof
Cons
May cause irritation
May not kill fleas
Effectiveness diminished with prolonged wetness
- Monipgu Flea and Tick Collar
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Breed size: All sizes
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: All life stages
The Monipgu Flea and Tick collar is yet another product that uses all-natural oils for a safer option, especially if your dog suffers from skin allergies. This collar kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and ticks. It’s waterproof and fits small, medium, and large dogs. It’s also easily adjustable and offers 8 months of protection.
Uses natural ingredients
Two in a pack
Eco-friendly
Waterproof
- Uses natural ingredients
- Two in a pack
- Eco-friendly
- Waterproof
May cause irritation
May not kill fleas
Effectiveness diminished with prolonged wetness
- May cause irritation
- May not kill fleas
- Effectiveness diminished with prolonged wetness
Breed size: All sizes
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: All life stages
The collar comes in a pack of two with a flea comb and instruction manual, all at a reasonable price. It offers a quick release, and if you are not completely satisfied with the collar, customer service will get back to you within 24 hours.
A downfall with this product is it does not disclose all ingredients used until you buy the product and can read the label inside, even though they advertise “all-natural” ingredients, so proceed with caution. The collar may also be hard to adjust.
Pros
8 months of protection
Comes with flea comb
Quick release
Cons
All ingredients not disclosed until purchased
May be hard to adjust
- Fipukin Flea and Tick Collar
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Breed size: Dogs under 18 pounds
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: All life stages
The Fipukin Flea and Tick Collar was created by veterinarians and lasts 8 months. This two-pack comes with a flea comb and tick removal tool, and also repels lice. It’s waterproof and easily adjusted for a perfect fit.
8 months of protection
Comes with flea comb
Quick release
- 8 months of protection
- Comes with flea comb
- Quick release
All ingredients not disclosed until purchased
May be hard to adjust
- All ingredients not disclosed until purchased
- May be hard to adjust
Breed size: Dogs under 18 pounds
Protection duration: 8 months
Life stage: All life stages
This collar continuously emits natural plant oils for effectiveness, and the company donates a portion of all proceeds to the Animal Welfare Association. It’s also made with an emergency breakpoint design.
Some users state that the collar does not work, and skin reactions have been stated, so proceed with caution. It also may have a strong chemical smell.
Pros
Comes with flea comb and tick-removal tool
Donates to Animal Welfare Association with purchase
Emergency breakpoint design
Waterproof
Cons
May not work on all dogs
May cause skin reaction
May have strong chemical smell
10. TevraPet Activate II Flea & Tick Collar
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Breed size: All dog sizes
Protection duration: 6 months
Life stage: All life stages 12 weeks and up
The TevraPet Activate II Flea & Tick Collar offers 6 months of protection and is suitable for dogs of any size. It kills fleas and ticks on contact, and the collar is fully adjustable. It also kills flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and mosquitos. This collar comes vet-approved, and it starts working within 24 hours. If not completely satisfied, the company will refund you within 1 year of purchase. These collars are made in the U.S.A.
Comes with flea comb and tick-removal tool
Donates to Animal Welfare Association with purchase
Emergency breakpoint design
Waterproof
- Comes with flea comb and tick-removal tool
- Donates to Animal Welfare Association with purchase
- Emergency breakpoint design
- Waterproof
May not work on all dogs
May cause skin reaction
May have strong chemical smell
- May not work on all dogs
- May cause skin reaction
- May have strong chemical smell
Breed size: All dog sizes
Protection duration: 6 months
Life stage: All life stages 12 weeks and up
A common complaint with this collar is that it doesn’t work well to kill ticks, and some dogs may have unpleasant adverse reactions, such as diarrhea, skin reactions, and trembling.
Pros
Vet-approved
Starts working within 24 hours
Full refund if not satisfied
Fully adjustable collar
Cons
May not work on ticks
May cause adverse reactions in some dogs
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Flea Collars for Small Dogs
Picking a flea collar is important for your small dog’s health, and one size does not fit all. Certain factors need to be considered before purchasing, and in this buyer’s guide, we’ll go over those factors to help you even further.
Vet-approved
Starts working within 24 hours
Full refund if not satisfied
Fully adjustable collar
- Vet-approved
- Starts working within 24 hours
- Full refund if not satisfied
- Fully adjustable collar
May not work on ticks
May cause adverse reactions in some dogs
- May not work on ticks
- May cause adverse reactions in some dogs
How Flea Collars Work
Flea collars work by releasing chemicals throughout the oils in your dog’s skin and fur. Flea collars are designed to continuously release these chemicals that will offer 6 months and up of protection. Flea collars can be a more affordable option rather than topical treatments, and you don’t have to worry about remembering to administer topical treatments monthly.
With these collars, you can apply them to your dog and forget about it for several months. Bear in mind, though, that some flea collars may cause an adverse reaction in some dogs, such as skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, and even seizures. We recommend consulting your veterinarian before purchasing a flea collar to ensure its safety.
Synthetic vs. All-Natural Ingredients
Some flea collars advertise using only all-natural ingredients rather than synthetic ingredients. All-natural flea collars use essential oils, but not all essential oils are safe for your small dog. For example, some all-natural flea collars use citronella oils, which can be toxic if ingested. When contemplating a collar that uses citronella, ensure the oil is on the inside of the collar so your dog cannot lick it off.
Waterproof Flea Collars
All the flea collars mentioned above are waterproof, which is an important feature to consider, especially if your dog loves the water. Bear in mind, however, that prolonged exposure to water may cause the collar to lose its effectiveness.
Comfort
The flea collar you choose must be comfortable for your dog. Most are easily adjustable, but the collar should be too tight around your dog’s neck. A rule of thumb is to ensure you can slip two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
Another excellent feature to look for is if the collar has a breakpoint design, meaning it will release if your dog gets hung up on an object that could cause choking.
Efficacy
Most of the flea collars we’ve listed protect not only against fleas but also flea eggs, larvae, ticks, lice, and mosquitos. Some also break the life cycle to prevent more fleas. It’s important to check the efficacy of a flea collar before purchasing it to ensure it will work for what you need it for.
Conclusion
We hope our reviews of the top 10 flea collars help you in making an informed and safe decision for your small dog. To recap, the Adams Flea and Tick collar provides 7 months of protection, kills fleas and ticks instantly, kills flea eggs, tick larvae, and tick nymphs, and is designed for small dogs for the best overall flea collar. For the best value, Hartz UltraGuard Pro Reflecting Flea & Tick Collar provides 7 months of protection, features a reflective shield, breaks the reproductive cycle, and is water resistant.
When in doubt, always consult your vet to provide the safest option for your small dog.
Featured Image Credit: Alexei_tm, Shutterstock
