what flea and tick treatment can i use with dogs and cats

Full Answer

Which natural flea treatments for cats really work?

To utilize this DIY flea spray, combine the following ingredients into a large container:

• 1 gallon of white vinegar
• 1/2 gallon of purified water
• 16 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 8 ounces of witch hazel essential oil

What is the best de flea product for cats?

Treat Stubborn Fleas

• Clear the decks. Take all pets and family members out of the house, and then coat carpets and other surfaces with a flea spray. ...
• Make sure all your pets get flea treatment. Any untreated pet can be a flea reservoir, and you'll never get control of the flea situation. ...
• Call a flea expert. ...

Are there any home remedies for fleas on cats?

One of the most effective natural flea killers is citric acid, which makes lemon juice a widely-recognized home remedy for treating fleas. You can spray your cat’s coat with a solution made by boiling a cut lemon or two (let the lemons steep for a few hours) and then draining the liquid before transferring it to a spray bottle.

What are oral flea medications work best for cats?

Your vet may recommend oral flea medications such as:

• Comfortis (great for cats)
• Simparica
• Nexgard
• Credelio

What flea medicine can be used for both cats and dogs?

Comfortis is the FDA-approved chewable, beef-flavored tablet that kills fleas and prevents flea infestations on dogs and cats for a full month.

Can you use the same flea treatment on cats and dogs?

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 safest flea and tick treatment for dogs and cats?

Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). The Seresto collar is a very popular option right now. It uses flumethrin and imidacloprid to kill fleas at multiple stages of development as well as ticks.

Can you use cat flea and tick spray on dogs?

Most feline flea and tick medications can be given to both your dog and cat. However, to be safe, you should consult your veterinarian to make sure.

Is Frontline Plus for dogs safe around cats?

Yes, FRONTLINE Plus® / FRONTLINE® Spot On can be used on any breed of cat and dog, including collies and other herding-breed dogs which can sometimes show a sensitivity to some parasite treatments.

Is Frontline Plus for dogs and cats the same?

Despite the fact that fipronil and methoprene are approved for use on both dogs and cats, there is a major difference between the two types of Frontline Plus. Comparing the two products, Frontline Plus for Cats has a higher concentration of active ingredients than the dog version.

Is Bravecto or NexGard better?

Bravecto kills many types of ticks including the lone star tick for 8 weeks. Nexgard is the only FDA approved option for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease. Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations.

Is Frontline toxic to cats?

Cat Safe Flea and Tick Medications Frontline, which has a main active ingredient called fipronil, is available over the counter and is safe for cats when the cat-specific product is purchased.

What is the difference between Frontline Plus and Frontline Gold?

The only difference is that Frontline Gold kills fleas faster than Frontline Plus does. Frontline Gold has added a powerful third ingredient, pyriproxyfen which helps to kill the next generation of flea e...more. Both products require monthly applications and are safe to use in all dogs and puppies above 8 weeks of age ...

Can I use Advantage 2 for cats on my dog?

No, do not use Advantage® II for cats on dogs. Please follow label directions for the application of our flea products.

What happens if you use dog flea medicine on cats?

“We've seen several cases of accidental toxicity to dog flea and tick medication in cats,” Gordon notes. “Using any flea or tick medications meant for dogs on cats (or animals other than dogs), is dangerous and can result in sickness, permanent damage or even death.”

Can you use Advantage Multi for dogs on cats?

Advantage Multi Directions: Advantage Multi for Cats is also the first and only approved product to kill adult fleas, treat flea infestations, and prevent heartworm disease in ferrets. Do not use Advantage Multi for Dogs on cats or ferrets.

Does Seresto collar for cats work?

Seresto Collar for Cats protects against fleas, American dog ticks, deer ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks.

Does Revolution for Dogs work against ticks?

Revolution for Dogs protects against a narrower range of pests compared with the other flea treatments we recommend—but it’s the only one that protects against heartworms. Revolution doesn’t protect against brown dog ticks, which are found worldwide. ( Bravecto, Frontline, and Seresto do fight these.)

Can you use Bravecto for dogs?

Who should use this: Bravecto Topical Solution for Dogs and Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats are ideal if you like the concept of going three months between treatments, and your primary worries are fleas, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks (in dogs) or fleas and black-legged ticks (in cats).

Can you rub flea and tick spray on cats?

Others, like Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home Spray for Cats, contain essential oils that are toxic to cats.

Does a flea collar protect against ticks?

This flea collar’s eight-month protection lasts much longer than a topical, and it protects against fleas, ticks, lice, and mange. But it won’t protect against internal parasites like heartworms, hookworms, or roundworms, and some pets may not like having an extra thing around their neck. For a collar that’s suitable for smaller dogs, see below.

Does Revolution Plus kill ticks?

Kills more pests in cats. Revolution Plus for Cats combats more pests —fleas, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and several species of ticks —than any other treatment we recommend. But it requires a more-frequent monthly application, and you’ll need a prescription.

Does Frontline Plus work for dogs?

Frontline Plus is our favorite non-prescription topical treatment, and it protects against fleas and a range of tick species. But it requires monthly applications, and it won’t fight against parasites like heartworms. For dosing that is suitable for dogs of other weights, see below.

How to kill fleas and ticks on a dog?

Shampoo: Flea and tick shampoos primarily kill fleas and ticks that are already on a pet, through contact. To properly use these products, wet your pet's coat thoroughly with water and rub the shampoo into the coat, ensuring not to get suds into the eyes or ears.

How do flea and tick control products work?

To reduce putting your pet and your family at risk, use medicated drops, collars, powders, shampoos or sprays to keep pesky parasites at bay.

How do ticks and fleas work?

Fleas and ticks have the potential to transmit numerous types of diseases to both animals and people. They work by killing fleas and ticks (and sometimes mosquitos, depending on the product) by depositing chemicals into the sebaceous glands, where the active ingredient is released and translocates through the glands that lubricate a cat ...

How long do tick collars last?

Collars have a longer lasting efficacy, typically up to 7 or 8 months, and can be worn in addition to a pet’s normal collar. Flea and tick collars have two functions: repelling and treating. Some collars only repel and others both repel and treat. Repellant collars emit a gas that deters fleas and ticks from biting.

How long does it take for flea pills to work?

Flea pills work very quickly, beginning in as little as 30 minutes. Currently, there are no oral medications that kill ticks.

Do flea collars kill ticks?

If only using a collar that rep els, a parasite must bite for the pesticide to kill it. Treatment collars release ingredients that kill fleas and ticks on contact before they bite. Be sure to read the packaging clearly of any flea and tick collar you’re considering to be sure it addresses all your concerns.

Can tick collars be used on cats?

Flea and tick collars are a convenient option for pet owners with cats or dogs that are not suffering from an existing infestation. Like topical formulas, they effectively prevent but will not necessarily cure an infestation.

How to protect pets from fleas and ticks?

To protect both pets and children, avoid toxic chemicals while warding off fleas and ticks. Try these safer tips and products instead. Getting rid of pesky fleas and ticks is only half the battle. Doing it safely is a challenge in itself. Since many pet products contain hazardous chemicals, safety is a concern to both pets and humans.

What are the ingredients in flea and tick control?

The Natural Resources Defense Council has been arguing to have the most risky chemicals removed from flea-and-tick control products, but two suspect ingredients remain on the market: propoxur and tetrachlorvinphos.

How often should I wash my dog for fleas and ticks?

She suggests: Regularly bathe your pet with natural cleaners. Vacuum the home once a week. Empty the bag and dispose of its contents. Wash pet bedding in hot, soapy water once a week.

Is a tick collar toxic?

This collar lacks hazardous chemicals and its active ingredient, Pyriproxyfen, has very little toxic effect on humans. Zodiac Non Breakaway Flea and Tick Collar for Cats and Kittens ($5.70 at amazon.com) This collar contains s-methoprene, the insect growth regulator that is thought to be harmless to mammals.

Is Capstar safe for dogs?

Tablets cause no exposure to humans and according to Rotkin-Ellman, are safe when prescribed by vets. Ask your pet doctor about: Capstar Flea Control Tablets ($17.99 at amazon.com) This digestible tablet is suitable for dogs and cats and contains nitenpyram, which is not a registered pesticide, but a veterinary drug.

Can you use spot on collars on dogs?

Spot-on treatments pose less of a threat than collars, but since they are so concentrated , its important that you apply the right dosage to your pet, based on its size and weight. And remember that cats and dogs respond differently to drugs, so make sure to use cat-safe products on your dog if you also have a cat, and vice versa. Try:

Is Propoxur toxic to dogs?

Through NRDC's efforts, flea and tick collars containing propoxur now carry warning labels in California, telling pet owners that the ingredient is toxic and may cause cancer. NRDC is petitioning the Environmental ...

How long should I keep my cat away from my dog after flea treatment?

Always store cat and dog medications separately to prevent accidental administration of a dog flea/tick product. Keep cats away from dogs for 72 hours after they have received a flea or tick product that contains permethrin. Better still, avoid the use of flea and tick products on dogs that contain permethrin if there is a cat in the home.

How to clean a cat's face after a sneeze?

Immediately wash the affected area using warm water and dishwashing soap (the type you use in a sink, not a dishwasher such as Dawn or Fairy Liquid). Apply a drop or two of dishwashing liquid, lather with a small amount of lukewarm water, rinse. Keep water away from the cat’s face to prevent accidental water aspiration.

How to bathe a cat that is hypothermic?

Apply detergent, lather and rinse three times, then wrap the cat in a warm towel to prevent hypothermia. If you are not confident enough to bathe the cat, don’t waste time, proceed immediately to the nearest veterinarian who can bathe the cat for you.

Can I give my dog flea and tick chews?

Better still, avoid the use of flea and tick products on dogs that contain permethrin if there is a cat in the home. I prefer to give my dogs chews instead. Speak to your veterinarian about the safest flea and tick products for your dog and cat. Avoid supermarket flea and tick treatments. Always check the active ingredient on cat or dog flea ...

Can I buy flea treatment for my dog?

It is never a good idea to buy a dog flea treatment and to save money, split the pack between dog and cat, or treat several cats with a single dose meant for a dog. Accidental administration of a dog flea product on a cat. When a cat comes into contact with a dog who has recently been treated with a dog-flea treatment that contains permethrin.

Do flea and tick products contain permethrin?

Do other flea and tick products contain permethrin? Topical flea treatments are the most common source of permethrin poisoning in cats, but other dog products which may contain the toxin include: Flea collars .

Can fleas kill cats?

The short answer is no, treating a cat with a dog flea treatment can potentially cause death. The active ingredient in most spot-on (products that are applied to the back of the neck) dog flea treatments is permethrin, a synthetic compound that acts like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower . It affects the nervous system in insects, by ...

How to prevent fleas and ticks in puppies?

How to Prevent Flea and Tick Infestations. Once your puppy is old enough, it’s important to start using a monthly flea and tick preventive medication to help ensure that your dog won’t be affected by fleas or ticks in the future. Many of the treatments available and are effective for preventing both fleas and ticks.

How to treat a dog with a tick?

After visiting woody areas or spending a lot of time outdoors, give your dog a tick check, looking him over for any embedded parasites. If you spot a tick on your pet, carefully remove the tick from your dog and contact your vet in case further treatment or testing is necessary.

How long does Seresto work on dogs?

This product may be useful at stopping flea larvae from molting. Seresto is effective against fleas and ticks for up to 8 months and can be used on a dog as young as 7 weeks old. Speak with your veterinarian about this option.

Why is flea and tick prevention important?

Why Flea and Tick Prevention Is Important. In addition to being uncomfortable for your dog, fleas are also the leading cause of tapeworm, a parasite whose larvae is carried by fleas. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and other serious conditions.

How old do puppies have to be to use flea and tick products?

Flea and Tick Protection for Puppies. Most flea and tick products are not safe to use on puppies until they’ve reached at least seven or eight weeks of age (see chart below).

How many fleas are there in pets?

Of the flea population, only 5 percent includes adult fleas on pets, Grognet says. The rest are in various stages of the life cycle and can be found outdoors or in your home. Vacuum your carpets (remember to remove the bag afterward) and clean all bedding your pet has used as well as any chairs with padding.

Can you use flea shampoo on dogs?

Flea shampoos & collars: Most veterinarians do not recommend flea shampoos or collars for puppies or adult dogs because they are not very effective, Grognet says. There is an exception: The Seresto collar is designed to slowly release its active chemicals (imidacloprid and flumethrin).

Why is it important to protect your pet from heartworms?

Protecting your pet against heartworm is more important than ever! With climate change on the rise, warmer winters, and an increasing number of pesky bugs around, that means increasing numbers of spreading diseases such as heartworm.

What parasites are OTCs designed to prevent?

Most OTCs are designed to prevent only one or two types of parasites at a time (such as fleas and ticks ) instead of a large number of them: fleas, ticks, ear mites, intestinal worms, and even heartworms.

What are some examples of OTC preventatives?

Examples of OTC preventatives include flea and tick sprays, shampoos, dips, collars, and some “spot-on” treatments. Commonly used over-the-counter preventatives include Frontline and Seresto.

What is OTC medication?

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications. OTC = "Over-the-Counter". Over-the-Counter preventatives are available without a prescription. The reason some flea/tick topical preventatives are in this category is that they aren’t absorbed into your pet’s body the same way a prescription medication is, hence, no prescription is required.

Can you prescribe heartworm medication for cats?

For this reason, the FDA requires a prescription for heartworm preventatives. So, the first step is a quick-but-important heartworm test, and then your vet can prescribe the right medication for your pet. Unfortunately, there is no effective cure for heartworm in cats, which is why prevention is so important!

Can you give a dog heartworm preventative?

Giving your dog or cat a heartworm preventative if they’re already infected won’t solve the problem — in some cases, doing so can actually make things worse and can be fatal for your pet.

Can OTC medications prevent fleas?

This means that many OTC medications may not prevent your cat or dog from a flea or tick infestation. However, in an effort to combat this resistance, many brands are adding ingredients to their formulas, such as Frontline Gold and Frontline Tritak. Although these are still considered pesticides despite these additions.