Several things could happen if you use a flea treatment designed for cats on dogs. If used on a canine species, the chemical makeup may result in rashes, seizures, balance issues, excessive drooling, allergic reactions, organ failure, vomiting, diarrhea, or death. In addition to this, your fur friend will still be infested with fleas.
Full Answer
What happens if you put dog flea medicine on cats?
Oct 07, 2013 · Cats are not simply little dogs so that means you cannot always safely give a cat what a dog can take for fleas. Cats metabolize drugs differently than dogs and giving your cat your dog's flea medication can be fatal. If your flea medication is not specifically designed for a cat then it should not be given to your cat.
When to take your cat to the vet for flea poisoning?
Depending on what kind of flea treatment it is, there can be very serious consequences. Seizures, vomiting, death. wash it off the best you can with dish soap if it’s a topical treatment. If it’s an oral medication, contact your veterinarian immediately or go to the nearest emergency clinic.
What to do if your cat eats Flea and tick medicine?
What happens if a cat eats a flea?
How long does flea treatment take to work on cat?
Reducing the chance of flea bites helps to protect your pet against the discomfort and irritation these pests can cause, and also helps limit the exposure to potential infections that can be carried by fleas. Imidacloprid kills fleas within 24 hours.
Is flea treatment painful for cats?
NEW! Cats are much more sensitive to chemicals than dogs and can have severe reactions to some topical flea medications. Veterinarians urge owners to exercise caution when applying flea preventatives and read the packaging carefully before applying.Jan 14, 2015
Do fleas fall off cats after treatment?
No, the fleas don't jump off after the treatment. They don't jump off they rise to the top of the animal and fall off dead.
Can cat flea treatment kill cats?
Left untreated, permethrin poisoning is usually fatal. Contact your vet immediately if your cat has been exposed to permethrin or if you've accidentally put a dog flea treatment on your cat.
Why do cats act weird after flea medicine?
Cats generally don't appreciate flea treatments, but they do generally tolerate them. Some will react in a weird way and this is essentially because they have been poisoned. One thing you have to remember is that flea treatments are chemical solutions to a flea infestation. Fleas are extremely resilient creatures.
Does flea treatment make cats sleepy?
Some side-effects include seizures, vomiting, lethargy, skin burns and death. Dr. Audra Alley is a holistic veterinarian at Bowman Animal Clinic in Raleigh, where thousands of pet patients use the treatments.Nov 21, 2011
Should I let my cat with fleas sleep on my bed?
If your pet has fleas and sleeps in bed with you, fleas will likely end up in your bed. Fleas lay eggs into fur, and those eggs can fall off of your pet when they are sleeping.Aug 25, 2021
Do fleas jump off after treatment?
As eggs hatch and develop, you might find fleas reappearing 10-14 days after treatment - this is quite normal and provided the insecticide remains in place it will kill them. This is why it is important not to carry out cleaning which might remove insecticide.
How do you know the fleas are gone?
Make sure you check your pet's toes, around the ears, armpits, tail and head as well. These are often popular places for the fleas to hide and hang out. Keep a close eye on the white paper or towel. You are looking for and fleas that fall or jump off.
How do you know if flea treatment is working?
A. The active ingredient in FRONTLINE (fipronil) kills fleas by affecting their nervous system, making them hyperactive before dying. These dying fleas often rise to the top of your pet's haircoat, so the presence of visible fleas after treating your pet, is a sign that the product is working.
What happens if a cat licks spot on treatment?
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.Aug 17, 2018
How did my indoor cat get fleas?
A neighbor: If you live in an apartment complex or other housing with shared space, your cat may encounter fleas simply through other infested pets that live in close proximity. Another pet: If you have other pets that go outside, such as a dog or even a more adventurous cat, they can bring fleas into the home.
How do you know if your cat has flea and tick poisoning?
Symptoms of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Cats. You may notice the signs of flea and tick medicine poisoning within the first six hours of exposure. Take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms: Drooling. Vomiting.
What to expect from a veterinarian for a cat?
Expect your veterinarian to order blood work as part of the physical exam. Your veterinarian will use your answers, the cat’s signs, and the test results to make an accurate diagnosis. It is vital to take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as you notice the signs of flea and tick medicine poisoning.
What to do if your cat is poisoned?
The best thing you can do for your cat in the case of poisoning is take them to the veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will start by asking questions about their medical history and the signs they are displaying at home. You can also expect your veterinarian to ask about their exposure to the chemicals.
Why do cats get fleas and ticks?
The causes of this condition are as follow: Sensitivity to the medicine. Medicine clinging to hair coats. Unusually low body temperature. Overdosing of medication. Ingestion of topical medication.
How long does it take for a cat to be released from the hospital?
The good news is your cat may be released from the hospital in just two to three days.
How long do you have to monitor a cat after poisoning?
Constant Monitoring. The medical staff will monitor your cat for several days to ensure they are recovering from the poisoning. This includes monitoring their blood glucose, body temperature, and kidney function. Your cat may need to remain hospitalized until their symptoms fade and their body is functioning normally.
Can you put flea and tick medicine on a cat?
You should never use medication on your cat that is designed for another animal. It is important to contact your veterinarian before using flea and tick medicine on your cat. If in doubt, asking your veterinarian for a prescription product that is safe for your cat is best.
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.
Can you overdose a cat on flea treatment?
Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to.
Can I give my cat flea treatment twice?
While you can reapply flea treatment early in some cases, you should talk to your veterinarian to find the best and most effective flea treatment for your pet.
What happens if you flea your cat too often?
They can also lead to your cat developing a tapeworm infection if a cat were to ingest an infected flea (which can happen during grooming). And because fleas feed on blood, a severe infestation may even lead to anaemia.
Can you overdose a cat on Advantage?
The active ingredient can cause nerve damage. The cat may suffer from an accidental overdose .
What flea medicine is killing cats?
Ingredients like permethrin are commonly included in dog flea and tick treatments, which can actually kill cats .
Can I reapply flea treatment early?
If you are finding fleas on your pet even after applying your pet’s topical flea treatment, you might consider reapplying it early. However, this solution is not always recommended and may lead to an overdose in some rare cases.
How often can you give flea treatment?
Flea sprays are used directly on your dog but must be designed for animals. Never use a household flea spray on your pet. Pet flea sprays kill fleas but may need to be re-applied from as often as every few days to every few weeks.
How much flea treatment should I give my cat in 2021?
Answered July 5, 2021. If your cat weighs 9 pounds, it's recommended to use the Advantage II Flea Treatment for Small Cats 5 to 9 pounds. Use this treatment if they're over 9 pounds. Each brand will use different active ingredients, and these ingredients will work in different ways to prevent fleas.
Is Advantage safe for cats?
Advantage is extremely safe in cats and dogs, and the larger dose won’t cause any problems for your cat even if it was less than 9 pounds. But if you dose him too light, the product won’t cover his entire body and he could still have fleas.
Can you use cat flea treatment on dogs?
Generally, no. If the flea treatment is designed specifically for a cat, this means the chemical makeup of the flea treatment product will only work with the biology of a feline animal. The ingredients will be especially harmful to a canine. Keep in mind that you might still run into issues with unintended side effects even if it did work.
What happens if you use cat flea treatment on dogs?
Several things could happen if you use a flea treatment designed for cats on dogs. If used on a canine species, the chemical makeup may result in rashes, seizures, balance issues, excessive drooling, allergic reactions, organ failure, vomiting, diarrhea, or death. In addition to this, your fur friend will still be infested with fleas.
Can you use the same flea treatment on cats and dogs?
If the flea treatment is mammal agnostic (suitable for use on both a cat or a dog), then the treatment should be acceptable as long as the product is used as directed.
Are cat and dog fleas the same?
The fleas found on cats and dogs are the same. They all go through the same life cycle, from egg to larva, pupa, and adult flea. Fleas are different from other parasites and diseases because they can infect both dogs and cats, making them quite dangerous for pets of either species.
Is dog and cat flea medicine the same?
It depends on the type. Generally, the liquid topical drops you place between the shoulder blades are not the same for dogs and cats. These vials of liquid are clearly labeled with each species, with pictures and the words “dogs” or “cats” to avoid any mistake.
How to find flea medicine for dogs or cats
The critical component to remember when shopping for flea treatments is carefully reading the labels before purchasing. Do not rush this step. It can be easy when you’re sleepy or in a hurry to mistake “Not for use on cats,” for “For use on cats,” for example. Compare the vocabulary on the packages to what is on the label.
Can you control the fleas in the house the same for dogs and cats?
Yes. Clearing and dealing with a flea infestation in the home is the same for dogs and cats (or for any other small mammal you might have for a pet). You must start with a coordinated attack in a manner that works for you and your household. You’ll be treating your pets directly, the yard (if you have one), and your house simultaneously.
