What is the difference between dog flea medicine and cat flea treatment?
The main difference between dog and cat flea prevention medications and shampoos is the main ingredient. Permethrin is a common insecticide that is found in dog flea prevention products. It can easily be confused with pyrethrin which is in most flea prevention products for cats.
Can I use flea treatment on my dog long term?
It doesn't have long-term effect, so it shouldn't be used for continuous flea control. Instead, it might be an option if you are planning a short-term trip to an area where you expect fleas will be present, such as a boarding kennel or a dog park.
Can you mix different brands of flea treatment for dogs?
Both treatments fight fleas, lice, lone star ticks, American dog ticks, deer ticks, and brown dog ticks. So there’s no need to mix and match different brands of medication to ensure every pet has the same level of protection in your home.
How are Flea and tick treatments applied to a pet?
Oral flea and tick medication treatments—which come as chewables or pills — are ingested by your pet, rather than applied to his body. The medicine is transmitted to adult fleas when they bite your pet.
Can I give cat flea treatment to my dog?
Prevention of Flea Control Product Toxicity in Dogs and Cats Cats are more sensitive to the toxic effects of pyrethrums and organophosphates than dogs, so take care when using flea control products of any type on a cat, and never use a product intended for a dog on a cat.
What happens if you put dog flea treatment on a cat?
Permethrin is used in some flea spot-on products made for dogs, and occasionally (in lower doses) in flea powders and collars for cats. Unfortunately, exposure to concentrated permethrin (as in some dog spot-ons) can result in serious illness and even death in cats.
Is Frontline the same for cats and dogs?
FRONTLINE Plus® Cat can only be used on cats and ferrets; FRONTLINE Plus® Dog can only be used on dogs; FRONTLINE® Spot On Cat can only be used on cats; FRONTLINE® Spot On Dog can only be used on dogs and FRONTLINE Tri-Act® FOR DOGS can only be used on dogs.
Why can't cats have dog flea medicine?
Most dog tick and flea collars contain permethrins or organophosphates and work by repelling insects. As a result, they are very toxic to cats and in some cases can be fatal.
Are cat fleas different from dog fleas?
There are many species of fleas that infect different types of animals. Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are different from dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis), but in reality, you can only really tell with a microscope.
The flea life cycle
All species of flea grow and develop through the same stages, which are referred to as the flea life cycle. This life cycle can complete in 2-4 weeks in optimum (warm/humid) conditions.
What problems can fleas cause?
Both dog and cat fleas will bite to feed on blood, which can be very itchy. In animals with high numbers of fleas, this itchiness can be very intense, leading to sore, inflamed skin. Underlying allergies to the flea saliva can make reactions even worse ( flea allergic dermatitis ).
How do I get rid of fleas?
You will need to treat both the adult fleas on your pet and the many immature fleas and eggs that are in the environment too.
Will dog flea treatment kill cat fleas?
Yes, dog flea treatment that you apply to your canine pets will kill any cat fleas on them. As discussed earlier, most flea infestations in pets are caused by cat fleas anyway, so manufacturers' products are definitely effective against this parasite. Plus, different types of flea are all very susceptible to the same insecticidal chemicals anyway.
How do I stop my pet getting fleas?
As discussed in six ways to prevent fleas you should keep your cat and dog on all year round preventative flea and tick treatment. This will stop you from getting a big flea outbreak in the first place. Keeping a clutter-free, easy to hoover home will also help stop problems getting out of hand too.
Conclusion
Cat fleas and dog fleas are slightly different, with the cat flea being the more widespread and versatile of the two. Cat fleas affect many animals causing problems like itchiness and potentially spreading disease. Apply your pet’s preventative flea treatment regularly to ensure your pet has continuous cover against this pesky parasite!
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 ...
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 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 to kill fleas on a dog?
Flea Shampoos. Bathing your dog or cat is an excellent way to kill fleas. Lather the neck first, so fleas can't run up onto the head. Leave the lather on for a few minutes to help smother persistent fleas, then rinse well. Be sure to treat your house and yard as well, or your pet is likely to become re-infested.
What is the best flea killer?
The most effective natural flea killers are flea powders. Diatomaceous earth & calcium carbonate powder can be used directly on your pet's fur as well as around the house on furniture, carpet, bedding, etc. and even in the yard & garden. Reapply every few months. "Many people with a serious infestation choose both - a borate powder for carpeting, ...
How to get rid of fleas naturally?
Tackling a flea infestation naturally is most effective with a multi-prong approach that includes a flea powder, a flea comb, and complementary repellents like a flea tag, flea shampoo, squeeze-on, or flea collar, as well as flea & tick supplements, like brewer's yeast & garlic, as a natural way to help keep away fleas from the inside out.
How to keep fleas from finding a home?
This will keep populations around your pet in check. Once the fleas have been killed, a holistic repellent plan will keep them from finding a safe home on your pet, or hitching a ride into your house. Tackling a flea infestation naturally is most effective with a multi-prong approach that includes a flea powder, a flea comb, ...
What essential oils are good for cats?
Sprays and wipes repel fleas and other biting insects with the proven natural insect-repelling power of essential oils including lemongrass, citronella, patchouli, clove, and neem oil.
How long do flea tags last?
These attach to your dog or cat's collar and generally last one full year. Flea Tags use multiple approaches to repelling fleas, including a bio-energetic process to create a natural barrier and ultrasonic sound waves.
Does flea shampoo work?
Flea & tick shampoos and conditioners not only get rid of existing fleas, but repel fleas and other biting insects with the natural pest preventing power of essential oils like neem, citronella, and lemongrass.
What is Frontline Plus?
Frontline Plus: A non-prescription topical treatment with similar protection for cats and dogs. Seresto: A non-prescription flea and tick collar that lasts for eight months. The types of pests each medication treats. Why you should trust me.
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.
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 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.
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.)
What is the best flea killer for cats?
Imidacloprid: This ingredient kills fleas by disrupting the nervous system. It kills both adult and larval stage fleas that come in contact with the pet. It is approved by the EPA for use on cats and dogs. Pyrethroids: You may see pyrethroids on the list of active ingredients under a few different names.
How effective are flea and tick preventatives?
A study published in Veterinary Parasitology seems to back up the veterinarians and flea product makers. The ninety-day study found that topicals were 88.4 percent effective, while oral treatments were 99.9 percent effective. There were 128 dogs from five states involved in the study. Whatever your choice in flea and tick preventative, ...
How long do flea and tick pills last?
There are different active chemicals used in different flea and tick pill medications, some of which last a few days and others that last a month. The most common active chemicals in oral treatments include:
How long does it take for a tick to show up on a dog?
Signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses may take anywhere from 7 to 21 or more days to appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Luckily, there are many types of flea and tick medications available to stop these tiny terrors from making their home on your dog or cat. The most popular kind of effective treatment is a topical ...
What to do if flea medication doesn't protect against heartworm?
If your chosen flea medication doesn't protect against heartworm, make sure to talk to your vet about how to protect your pet. If you are wondering which treatment is the best option, please consult with your veterinarian. They will ensure to get your pet on the correct treatment plan.
Is flea and tick medicine a topical or oral treatment?
Fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance, they're also a real threat to your pet's health. Dogs and cats not treated with flea and tick medication, either in the form of a topical treatment or a flea and tick pill, can suffer everything from flea allergy dermatitis ...
Can pyrethroids kill cats?
Pyrethroids are not approved for use on cats by the EPA, and should be used with caution on small dogs, and never in households with cats as it is extremely toxic to felines. Products with pyrethroids kill fleas, ticks and mites.