I've always wondered how well a flea collar, located around the neck of a larger animal, can possibly affect fleas that infest the hind end of the animal.

Recently I encountered a large dog that had a flea collar AND a lot of fleas. Conclusion: the standard collar-idea is inadequate.

Therefore, I suggest a whole-body harness of straps, all of which are made from flea-collar material. Different sizes of this harness will be required for different animals, of course, unless you want to include a rather lot of adjustment points.

Your pet horse, after getting used to this harness, might appreciate it.
-- Vernon, Nov 07 2012

It's a great idea if you can make it strong enough. Today's flea collars aren't made for structural durability.
-- Voice, Nov 07 2012


Well, perhaps this harness should be thought of something more like something to wear, than something to actually control the animal, or to carry a significant load.
-- Vernon, Nov 07 2012


While I've strapped a great many things on to my horses, I've never had one that had fleas. (Research) apparently they can get them but it's not common.
-- normzone, Nov 07 2012


It's difficult getting even a collar on fleas- a harness would be very difficult indeed. All those wriggling legs …
-- 8th of 7, Nov 07 2012


//Recently I encountered a large dog that had a flea collar AND a lot of fleas.//

The most common cause of that is a failure to replace the collar on a regular basis.
-- MechE, Nov 07 2012


// I've always wondered how well a flea collar, located around the neck of a larger animal, can possibly affect fleas that infest the hind end of the animal. //

It can't. Flea collars are an outmoded and wasteful method of treatment that were largely ineffective even in their heyday. Modern monthly-dose topical treatments are the most effective flea/parasite prevention products ever developed (with the conditional exception of DDT).

This Idea is an inspired improvement to a useless device, so it wins my appreciation, but not my bun. I do hope you understand.
-- Alterother, Nov 07 2012



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