The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced July 13 that the Seresto flea and tick collar will remain on the market after completing a multi-year review of the pet collar.

Seresto collars contain two different pesticides, Imidacloprid and Flumethrin, designed to ward off fleas and ticks. Pet owners told lawmakers the collars have led to skin irritation, seizures, and death.

8-month Seresto dog flea collars are made with a long-lasting, 8-month formula for continuous release coverage over your dog's skin and coat. Vet recommended Seresto collars are water-resistant* and remain effective after shampooing, swimming or exposure to rain or sunlight.

Yes. Seresto® kills existing fleas within 24 hours of applying the collar. New adult fleas are killed within 2 hours for the next 8 months.

July 13 (Reuters) - Elanco Animal Health (ELAN. N) said on Thursday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed the company's Seresto flea and tick collars for pets safe for use following a multi-year review.

Multiple studies have found Seresto collars to be safe for pets and their owners. See sources here and here. Collars purchased from Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital, another licensed veterinary hospital, or a licensed pharmacy are safe to use on your pet.

Just like with human medicine, nothing is 100% safe and effective. Multiple studies have found Seresto collars to be safe for pets and their owners.

If you believe you need to take the collar off, you can. But you should still call up your veterinarian. They'll give you other options for flea and tick prevention. You might also want to check and make sure your pet is wearing the flea collar correctly.

Seresto packaging used to say to not let the pet sleep with you if they're wearing the collar, because they don't want you breathing in the chemicals. They also say to wash your hands in cold water, not warm or hot, after touching the collar or dog. Why would I want to use a product like this in my dog? I wouldn't.

However, some pet owners have pointed to the collars as the reason their dogs have suffered from lethargy, loss of motor functions, skin problems, and seizures. "My takeaway is that it should be looked into," says Elizabeth Trepp, DVM.

Seresto had the most complaints about pet harm and deaths The EPA, which worked with the Food and Drug Administration to conduct the analysis, said that they were unable to get enough information from data that Elanco submitted to determine whether Seresto played a role in most death reports.

Things to look for include:

• Redness or irritation around the collar site.
• Alopecia (hair loss) around where the collar sits.
• Temporary reduced appetite after applying the collar.
• Stomach issues (vomiting or diarrhea)
• Other noticeable changes in behavior such as excessive scratching at the collar, restlessness, or agitation.