Both dog and cat flea treatments work the same way. You need to wait for any topical treatments to dry completely before petting your dog, wash your hands after petting a dog with a flea collar, and read the instructions thoroughly. Additionally, separate any pets, dogs, and cats for 24 hours after applying any topical flea treatments.
Full Answer
How long should you keep cats and dogs apart after flea treatment?
You should keep cats, dogs, and any other animals apart for 24 hours after applying a topical flea treatment. This is because you don’t want the treatment to come into contact with any sensitive areas on your other pets. Such as the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
Is it safe to use dog flea treatment on cats?
Owners looking to save some money when treating multiple pets with fleas may question their veterinarians' warning not to use dog products to treat cats. But even if you only use a small dose of a flea treatment not meant for cats, you may be putting your pet at risk.
How do dog and cat flea treatments work?
Both dog and cat flea treatments work the same way. You need to wait for any topical treatments to dry completely before petting your dog, wash your hands after petting a dog with a flea collar, and read the instructions thoroughly. Additionally, separate any pets, dogs, and cats for 24 hours after applying any topical flea treatments.
How do you administer flea medications to dogs and cats?
Flea medications can be administered to dogs and cats a variety of ways including: Topical - Typically applied to the back of the neck in a location that is not able to be licked off by your pet, topical flea medications are available both over the counter and from your veterinarian.
Can my cat be around my dog after flea treatment?
For this reason, you should keep a cat away from a dog that has been treated with a flea and tick medication containing permethrin for 72 hours. Even a small dose of permethrin can adversely affect your cat's health.
How long after flea treatment can I let my dog inside?
You may also need to give your pet a bath to remove the flea dander or dirt, along with secondary bacteria that may be causing your dog to itch. If your dog received a topical flea treatment, however, wait 72 hours before bathing them.
Is cat flea treatment harmful to dogs?
The formulations and doses available with the Advantage product are such that the product available for cats will most likely not be effective if applied to your dog. This product is non-toxic and has a bitter taste, which means that it shouldn't be harmful if applied to your dog; it probably just won't be effective.
How long should I not pet my cat after flea treatment?
Avoid petting your cat for 24-48 hours in the spot where you applied a topical medication. These treatments aren't harmful for humans, but it's important that as little as possible is removed from the cat and soaked through human skin.
Can my dog sleep in my bed after flea treatment?
You can handle, stroke and cuddle your pet as usual as soon as the application site is dry. In the meantime treated animals should not be handled and children should not be allowed to play or sleep with them.
Can I pet my dog after flea treatment?
Ideally, with any topical flea-and-tick treatment, manufacturers recommend you wait until the product is dry before petting your dog. Of course, different products come with different recommendations on how you should handle all-things-canine when it comes to your dog.
Why does my dog act weird after flea treatment?
The ingredients in a flea medicine can be an allergen to certain dogs and behaving weird could be due to an allergic reaction. Wounds: if the dog has a wound on their skin near where the pipette has been administered, it is possible the toxicity can cause a reaction.
How long does flea medicine toxicity last?
The symptoms typically last two to three days. The most common symptoms of flea and tick medicine poisoning in cats include: Tremors/muscle twitching/trembling.
How long does it take for flea treatment to dry?
Keep your pet from getting wet until the application appears dry. Drying time can take up to 24 hours. During this time, please keep objects away from the area which has been treated.
Should I keep my cat indoors after flea treatment?
In fact, many products recommend that you keep your kitty indoors for anywhere up to a week after administering the flea medication, to be certain that the repellent chemicals are active, and your pet is fully protected.
Can you wash off flea treatment?
Pour a dime-sized amount of detergent onto the application area. Work the dish soap into a foamy lather in the fur and down to the skin. Make sure you are washing the skin as well as the fur; this is where the medication is absorbed. Rinse the pet off thoroughly until the water runs clear.
Can my dog go outside after flea treatment?
Introduction. Flea treatments for dogs are meant to be safe and to keep flea infestation from occurring. Most dogs do not have any adverse reactions to having a flea treatment and they can resume normal daily activities immediately following the treatment.
What is the best flea medicine for cats?
In addition to all the different ways flea medications can be applied, there are a variety of different types of drugs, as well as all-natural ingredients, that are used in pets. Some are safe for both dogs and cats at appropriate dosages while others are toxic to cats. New drugs are regularly introduced to the pet market but popular options include: 1 Selamectin2 2 Permethrin 3 Fipronil 4 Afoxolaner 5 Nitenpyram 6 Spinosad 7 Fluralaner3 8 Sarolaner 9 Imidacloprid 10 All-natural ingredients
What is the best way to treat fleas in a carpet?
Powders - Beneficial for carpeting and other fabric surfaces, powders are used if there are live fleas in your pet's environment. Flea Bombs - Another option for treating an environment that has a flea infestation, flea bombs create a fog or aerosol that is able to infiltrate small spaces that fleas like to live.
What to do if your dog is sick?
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources.
Can you use shampoo on fleas?
Shampoos - Like sprays, shampoos are only used if your pet has fleas since there are no lasting preventative benefits. Shampoos for giving a pet a flea bath may contain all-natural ingredients or permethrins to kill live fleas.
Can flea sprays be used on pets?
Sprays - Usually only used when there is an active flea infestation , sprays usually contain all-natural or permethrins that are designed to be sprayed directly onto pets as well as surfaces. Sprays are most often purchased from pet stores but some veterinarians offer them as well.
Is flea medicine safe for cats?
Safe Flea Medications For Cats. If your veterinarian sold you a flea medication specifically designed for cats then it is most likely safe, but if you are purchasing a flea medication from a pet store it may not be safe for a cat, even if the label says it is. For example, permethrin-containing products should always be avoided in cats, ...
Can fleas be administered to dogs?
Flea medications can be administered to dogs and cats a variety of ways including: Topical - Typically applied to the back of the neck in a location that is not able to be licked off by your pet, topical flea medications are available both over the counter and from your veterinarian.
What to do if your dog has fleas?
If any pet shows more serious symptoms after a flea treatment application, bring him or her to your veterinarian. For your pet's health and safety, avoid trying to save a few dollars by using expired medications or medications meant for animals of a different species or size.
What is the difference between flea spray and cat spray?
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. The chemical is derived from chrysanthemum plant ...
How long does it take for a dog to drool after a bath?
PetMD noted that most symptoms resolve between 24 to 72 hours.
What is the chemical that makes cats sick?
The chemical is derived from chrysanthemum plant and appears commonly in a synthetic form. Cat are unable to properly process it, and because of this it can make them sick. The natural version, called pyrethrins, is used instead in products meant for cats.
Can you use flea treatment on cats?
But even if you only use a small dose of a flea treatment not meant for cats, you may be putting your pet at risk. It's important to buy different products to treat animals of different sizes and species, even if they all have fleas at the same time.
Can cats rub on dogs?
Also, keep an eye on cats after a dog is treated, as cats may lick or rub against the area you treated on the dog. Always be sure to buy separate and appropriate products for all your different animals. For instance, if you get Hartz® flea drops for your dog, be sure to also get the cat specific Hartz® flea drops instead ...
How long after flea treatment can I pet my cat?
They don’t give any indication on how long that’ll take, though. Which is why I wait at least 24 hours.
How long does it take for a cat to dry out after flea treatment?
The best answer is that it typically takes around 45 minutes for flea treatment to be touch dry. This doesn’t mean you can pet and stroke your cat on the area that was treated though. You should wait at least 24 hours before petting them to ensure the treatment is completely dry. The general rule is that it’s better to err on the side of caution. ...
How long should I wait to bathe my cat after a bath?
As a general rule, however, you should wait at least 48 hours before bathing your cat after applying a treatment. If you wait a little longer, even better. It’s important to wait at least 48 hours for the treatment to work properly. So, even if your cat is a bit dirty, I wouldn’t bathe them before waiting at least this long.
How long should I keep my dog and cat apart?
You should keep cats, dogs, and any other animals apart for 24 hours after applying a topical flea treatment. This is because you don’t want the treatment to come into contact with any sensitive areas on your other pets. Such as the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. I have to make sure I separate my cats and dogs.
How long does it take for fleas to dry on a cat?
The best answer is that it typically takes around 45 minutes for flea treatment to be touch dry.
How to get rid of a cat that rubs his neck?
If you do run your hand over their neck or see them rubbing the area on any clothes or furniture within a few hours, disinfect the area and wash your hands thoroughly with soap. If you have any questions or concerns, especially about the health of your cat, I suggest you call your veterinarian.
What to do if a cat is exposed to fleas?
If a cat is exposed to a dog’s oral or topical flea medication, the pet guardian should seek veterinary help immediately and bring the medication with them to the vet, Gordon says.
What to do if your dog has flea poisoning?
The best thing you can do for your pet if you suspect flea or tick medicine poisoning, is take them to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. How quickly treatment is started can mean the difference between life and death.
Can you use flea and tick medicine on cats?
Some flea and tick over-the-counter medications contain ingredients that are highly toxic to cats and should never be used. “We’ve seen several cases of accidental toxicity to dog flea and tick medication in cats,” Gordon notes.
Can a pet guardian give a dog flea medicine?
Some pet guardians care for more than one furry family member, many are from different species such as cats, dogs, Guinea pigs, birds and rabbits. When an issue arises like flea or ticks, there may be temptation to give the same prescription or over-the-counter flea or tick medication that they purchased for their dog to their cat.
How long after flea treatment can I pet my cat?
You can usually cuddle and pet your cat immediately after receiving an oral flea prevention medication. Topical products can take a few hours to soak into the skin layer.
Should I worry about Fleas?
Fleas don’t generally like to live on humans, but they can occasionally bite. Flea bites tend to occur around the ankles and feet. Contact your family physician if you suspect you have flea bites.
How often should I apply flea prevention?
It depends on which formulation you decide to use for your cat. Most oral medications are used every 1-3 months that can vary by brand. The standard time frame for applying topical medications is usually every 30 days, but this can depend on the brand used.
Is there anything else I can do to protect my cat against fleas?
Make sure every animal in your household has been treated for fleas. If one pet has an infection, it’s likely the others will contract one, too.
Why you should not use dog flea treatment on cats
Remember that cats and dogs have different physiologies. What is okay for one may be toxic for the other. This difference is particularly important when it comes to flea treatments, especially for cats.
What to do if you accidentally use dog flea treatment on cats
There are so many instances where you can accidentally use dog flea treatment on your cat. It may happen because of your own negligence. But it can also intentionally happen because of your own stinginess. Intentionally using a dog flea treatment on your cat so you can save a few dollars is never a good idea.
How to treat fleas on cats safely
Remember that flea treatments have powerful ingredients to get rid of fleas. You shouldn’t be surprised if your cat ends up with symptoms even if you use the safest treatments. Even FDA-approved flea treatments can lead to neurologic adverse events like ataxia, muscle tremors, and seizures.
You should not use dog flea treatment on cats
You may be trying to save money by using the same flea treatment for your cat and dog, but this can actually make you pay more. Generally, you should not use dog flea treatment on cats because cats are sensitive to common dog flea treatment ingredients.
How to kill fleas on cats?
1. Using flea shampoo. One really common scenario is a frustrated pet parent who uses flea shampoo, then applies, for example, a topical flea treatment for cats, to kill the fleas. Many of the spot-on flea products use the natural oils of the coat to spread over your pet.
How long should I bathe my dog after flea shampoo?
So, if you’ve just washed your pet and stripped the natural oils, they’ll be less effective. Check the packaging for specific recommendations, but most say you cannot apply within 48 hours of a bath, and you shouldn’t bathe your dog for at least 48 hours after application, either.
How long does it take for fleas to hatch?
Pet parents often have unrealistic expectations, especially if they buy a product from the vets – but the truth is, the pupae can wait 12 weeks to hatch, which means you need to treat for 12 weeks, without a gap, to beat them.
Can fleas feed on rabbits?
There’s no point in treating your dogs if the adult fleas can feed on your rabbit, or on the neighbour’s cat that sleeps on your sofa sometimes! The minute you forget a day of your dog’s treatment, or use a sub-standard product, they’ll catch fleas again. Make sure you treat all the animals in the house so the adult fleas have nowhere safe to go! If you have a visiting cat, please check with their owner before applying flea treatment, to avoid double-dosing.
How long does it take for flea drops to dry?
If you used simple flea drops, these should dry within about 15 to 20 minutes, at which point it should be safe to touch the cat.
Is it necessary to use flea treatments?
Having to use flea treatments may be inconvenient, but it may be necessary . The most important takeaway is that you always need to follow the exact instructions on any and every flea treatment product you buy.
Can you touch a cat after flea treatment?
Before we talk about touching and petting your cat after a flea treatment, it is important to note that most flea treatments are not overly safe. Many cats may suffer from adverse side effects from flea treatments.
Do flea collars come off cats?
This situation is a bit different with flea collars, because of course, unlike drops or sprays, flea collars are a constant application and release method; they don’t come off your cat.
Do you have to wear gloves when treating cats for fleas?
One thing to keep in mind as well is that it is always recommended to wear gloves when applying any sort of flea treatment to cats. Once again, these flea treatments contain harsh chemicals which should not come in contact with human skin. So, always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after each application.