Are Seresto Collars Safe?

woman putting a collar on dog to kill and repel ticks and fleas

A recent investigation from USA TODAY revealed troubling statistics about the popular flea and tick preventative Seresto collars. The article states that the collar is responsible for more than 1,500 pet deaths and more than 75,000 other ‘incidents’, including nearly 1,000 cases causing human harm.  

Elanco, the company that manufactures Seresto collars, released a statement disputing the claims made in the USA TODAY article and emphasizing that the product is safe and highly regulated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – who is in charge of controlling pesticides like the ones contained in Seresto collars – stated that while no pesticides is without risk, Seresto collars are still deemed safe for usage. 

Over the last couple of years, a market has emerged for fake Seresto collars that are virtually identical to the original but contain chemicals that can seriously harm your pet. These counterfeit collars are sold on popular websites, making it especially hard to determine whether you have an authentic product.

Why is flea and tick prevention important? 

Fleas and ticks carry harmful and deadly diseases that pose a serious health risk to your pet. Preventing these illnesses keeps your pet healthy and reduces the risk of them catching a dangerous disease that is costly to treat. For more information about flea and tick prevention, check out our FAQ and education guide

What flea/tick preventative should I use instead?

 At Anicira, we recommend Bravecto and Nexgard. Please speak directly with your veterinarian about your pet’s flea and tick needs.

How can I tell if my pet’s Seresto collar is fake?

If a Seresto collar is significantly cheaper than you would normally pay, it may be a counterfeit. Seresto collars do not expire, so if it has an expiration date, it is fake. Check out the active ingredient and make sure it contains the correct active ingredient at the right dosage for your pet. Real Seresto collars always have the lot number on them printed on the tin and the collar. For a full list of signs, check out this article

We recommend purchasing flea and tick treatment directly from your veterinarian to ensure that it is not counterfeit.