Pugs are adorable, but they come with their own set of challenges. One of these is finding a flea collar that fits them comfortably. That’s where this blog post comes in! Here you’ll find tips and tricks to make sure your pug stays safe from pesky fleas – without being uncomfortable.
Can Pugs Wear Flea Collars?
Yes, they can, although, it’s not recommended because it puts them at risk of being unable to breathe. Pugs are brachycephalic dogs, meaning they have smushed faces and already have trouble breathing. Any type of collar can place significant pressure on your dog’s trachea, esophagus, and more, especially if it’s not fit correctly.
So if flea collars are not recommended, what are pet parents supposed to do? Especially, when the weather warms up and like all dogs, Pugs are prone to fleas. We’ll take a look at how to get your Pug to wear a collar and other alternatives as well.
What Is A Flea Collar?
If this is your first time owning a Pug, you may not be familiar with what a flea collar is, especially, since there are several flea and tick medications available.
Flea collars are a type of collar you can put on your pet to protect them from fleas.
Flea collars work by releasing chemicals that kill the fleas, and in some cases also their larvae. They’re an effective way to control infestations because you don’t have to apply the chemical directly onto your pet’s skin.
Should I Use A Flea Collar For My Pug?
Most flea and tick collars are not suitable for very young puppies, pregnant, senior, or nursing Pugs. Before using a flea collar on your Pug, consult with your veterinarian.
Are Flea Collars Safe For Pugs?
If done correctly, a Pug can wear a flea collar. That said, there are several precautions a pet parent should take when getting their dog to wear one.
We’ll discuss some of the precautions below.
Make Sure It’s Not Too Tight
First and foremost, ensure the collar is not too tight. The collar should be loose enough to move without any force. If you can fit your thumb under the collar, then it’s a comfortable fit. A tight collar will cause your pooch to scratch and dig into it causing an injury, or it can cause choking or gagging.
Also, be aware that a dog’s collar will fit differently depending on the body position. For instance, when a Pug sits down, its loose skin and body fat are redistributed.
Watch for Allergic Reactions
Pugs are prone to skin allergies, so you’ll want to monitor them for any allergic reactions. Flea collars contain strong pesticides and other chemicals that rub against your dog’s skin. This can lead to skin irritations, rash, and other skin conditions if used for prolonged periods.
Remove the flea collar immediately, as soon as you notice any type of reaction. Depending on the severity of the reactions, you may want to contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline.
Correct Dosage
Flea collars are over-the-counter treatments, which means they are not prescribed by your veterinarian. It’s up to you to ensure you choose the right product that matches your pets’ species, weight class, and life stage.
Putting a flea collar on your Pug that is recommended for a large breed dog may not contain the right dosage for your pup. In addition, it may trigger other health problems such as skin rashes, allergies, or sensitive skin.
Poisoning
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, flea and tick preventative collars contain chemicals such as amitraz, carbamates, organophosphates, and etc, which are poisonous if ingested by pets. This can lead to symptoms such as; vomiting, bloating, drooling, diarrhea, slowed heart rate, or high blood pressure.
It’s not unusual to hear stories like this where a popular flea collar is linked to over 1,500 pet deaths. Make sure you read the label before buying a flea collar for your pet. If you’re not sure about whether or not the collar is safe for your Pug, don’t buy it or check with your veterinarian.
Dangerous to People and Animals
If you have children and they put their fingers on the collar then touch their mouths and eyes, it exposes them to harmful chemicals. It’s a known fact that flea collars can be hazardous to people.
A study conducted by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), concluded that even when they are used as prescribed, flea collars can have serious consequences on both humans and pets.
The study also found that when a flea collar is removed, unsafe pesticide levels can remain on a cat’s or dog’s fur for several weeks after the initial use.
Flea Collars Alone Don’t Work
Most pet parents don’t realize that flea collars don’t offer complete protection. They only protect the area around the neck, meaning it leaves the rest of the body vulnerable to fleas.
If you live in an area where fleas and ticks are bothersome, using only a collar won’t provide enough protection for your pooch.
Should I Remove The Flea Collar At Night?
Apart from strangulation hazards, there are other reasons you may want to consider removing the collar at night.
For example, if your Pug scratches its ear at night, its front or back foot could get stuck in between the collar, especially, if it’s too loose. This could cause your dog’s limb to be broken overnight.
If your Pug grooms him/herself at night, their teeth or tongue can get stuck on the collar. This can lead to mouth injuries as well as broken teeth.
Always read the manufacturer’s label and use it properly. That said, if you don’t feel safe having your Pug sleep with it on, you can always remove it and put it on when they go outside in the morning.
It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Alternatives for Pugs
If you’re like me and don’t want your Pug to wear a flea collar, it’s still important to protect them, because, like all dogs, Pugs can get fleas. Fortunately, there are some natural alternatives for dogs.
Vets around the world will recommend you use a monthly flea and tick treatment, but it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
There are also natural remedies you can try out at home that won’t harm your pup in any way. These include essential oils, a natural diet, or even food-grade diatomaceous earth around your Pug’s yard. I’ve put together a list of natural remedies for Pugs and how to use them, that will work for fleas or just itchy skin, so be sure to check it out.
Final Word
Flea collars are one of the most popular tools you can use to keep your furry friend safe from pesky fleas. However, due to size and breathing concerns, you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of the risks before you put a collar on your Pug or any other breed for that matter.
We hope this post has given you some insight into how to keep your dog safe from fleas without causing too much discomfort in the process!
References and Further Reading
Pet Car RX – How Do Flea Collars Work
PetMD – 5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog