Can you use dog flea medicine on cats?
Is it safe to treat your cat with your dog’s flea treatment? The safest answer is no. We strongly recommend to carefully read the instructions of any product you intend to apply to your pet, as many supermarket dog flea treatments are extremely toxic to cats.
What is the difference between cat and dog flea treatment?
The difference between flea control products for dogs and cats is a chemical called permethrin. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, this chemical is very safe for dogs and is common in flea sprays and drops. Cats, though, are especially sensitive to it and many of its variants.
What kind of flea and tick medicine can I give my Cat?
Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity in Cats. Pyrethrin and pyrethroid are insecticides typically used for treating flea and tick infestations in pets. Pyrethrins are naturally-based and derived from the Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium plant and from pyrethrum-related plant species. Pyrethroids, meanwhile, are synthetic,…
What happens if you put flea medication on a cat?
One of the most commonly presenting emergencies I see is accidental poisoning of cats by their well-intentioned pet owners. They often put “small dog” flea medication onto their “big cat,” without appropriately consulting with their veterinarian or reading the label carefully, resulting in severe poisoning in cats.
Can a dog get sick from too much flea control?
However, dogs and cats can easily become sick if too much or the wrong flea product is applied, or the product is ingested post-application. Ingestion occurs if the dog or cat licks the treated area. Below is more information about potential reactions and flea control product toxicity in pets.
What are the side effects of flea products?
The most common signs of toxicity from pyrethrum-based flea products are muscle tremors and excessive salivation. Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling.
What happens if you give a cat flea medicine?
Dog flea medications can be highly toxic to cats – that is why the warning on the box says do not apply to cats. It would be best if they were seen at your nearest emergency clinic, as they will be able to treat them for the toxicity. The toxin in dog flea control can cause tremors, seizures, and possibly death.
Are there any over the counter flea products that are toxic to cats?
It’s a fact. Many over-the-counter products labeled as safe for cats can still be toxic to some kitties. These products frequently contain pyrethrins. Some cats are more sensitive to these products than others. Because of owner error, owners mistakenly put certain DOG flea products on their cat, causing neurologic signs, seizures, coma, even death.
Can a dog be poisoned by Flea and tick medicine?
Cats are more sensitive to these ingredients than dogs, but the poisoning is harmful to both types of pets. The effects range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of exposure and condition of your cat. Flea and tick medicine poisoning can be fatal if it is not treated by a veterinarian.
However, dogs and cats can easily become sick if too much or the wrong flea product is applied, or the product is ingested post-application. Ingestion occurs if the dog or cat licks the treated area. Below is more information about potential reactions and flea control product toxicity in pets.