Flea and tick medicine poisoning can be fatal if it is not treated by a veterinarian. Flea and tick medicine poisoning occurs when your cat has a negative reaction to the medication. The chemicals from the medication disrupt the nervous system and can lead to serious health problems.
Is dog flea treatment toxic to cats?
Using too much of the chemical can be dangerous, and it is highly toxic to cats. “I’ve seen it far too many times, unfortunately,” Dr. Chin says. Some dog flea treatments contain chemicals that are highly toxic to cats. “People should be aware,” says veterinarian Dr. Whitney Chin. (Geoff Wiggins)
How can I prevent flea and tick medicine poisoning in cats?
You can prevent flea and tick medicine poisoning from happening again by using the medication as directed. 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.
What is the best flea treatment for my Cat?
Topical flea products (known as spot-on) have made the treatment of fleas, ticks and parasitic worms so much easier than tablets and pastes. These products are applied to the skin on your cat’s neck (between the shoulder blades) once a month, or as directed. Common topical flea products include Frontline, Revolution, Program and Advantage.
What are the signs of toxicity from 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.
Can cats be poisoned by flea treatment?
Flea and tick medicine poisoning can be fatal if it is not treated by a veterinarian. Flea and tick medicine poisoning occurs when your cat has a negative reaction to the medication. The chemicals from the medication disrupt the nervous system and can lead to serious health problems.
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.
What happens if you put flea medicine on a kitten?
Once kittens are 8-10 weeks and over 1.5-2 pounds, they can safely receive appropriate topical flea treatments. These products not only kill fleas on your kitten but can prevent new fleas from hitching a ride on your pet.
Can topical flea medicine make my cat sick?
If it is too strong, it can pose a serious threat to our cat's health via poisoning or toxic shock. This is why flea treatment is applied using a pipette on the nape of the neck. Prepackaged pipettes control the dosage and the placement prevents the cat from ingesting the toxic chemicals.
What happens if you put too much flea medicine on a cat?
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 cats have an allergic reaction to flea medicine?
Many flea-allergic cats chew or lick the hair off their legs. Itching and hair loss around the tail base, neck, and head should be considered suspicious for flea allergy dermatitis. In addition, an affected cat may have numerous, small scabs around the head and neck.
What happens if a cat licks Advantage flea medicine?
The product is bitter tasting and salivation may occur for a short time if the cat licks the product immediately after treatment. Treatment at the base of the skull will minimize the opportunity for the cat to lick the product.
Does flea treatment have side effects?
Although most dogs and cats handle this powerful pesticide just fine, others can have severe reactions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic reactions, including muscle tremors, loss of muscle control and seizures.
How do you treat permethrin poisoning in cats?
Five Tips for Treating Cat Permethrin ToxicosisBathing. Bathing is extremely important, and it should be done in lukewarm water with liquid dishwashing detergent. ... Thermoregulation. Muscle tremors caused by permethrin can lead to hyperthermia. ... Intravenous fluid administration. ... Control Tremors. ... Nutritional support.
What if I applied frontline wrong?
If your dog shows any of these signs at all, the best thing to do would be to take it to the vet immediately. If you are still seeing fleas after treatment with Frontline, this could mean one of 4 things: You've applied the solution incorrectly. Frontline is ineffective for your pet.
Is Frontline poisonous to cats?
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.
Is Frontline Plus toxic to cats?
Each applicator contains a small amount of liquid, which is applied directly to your cat's skin. Apply one dose of Frontline Plus every 30 days for maximum protection against fleas and ticks. Frontline Plus is safe for cats over the age of 8 weeks and 1.5 pounds.
Can cats be poisoned by flea treatment?
As long as flea treatments are used strictly according to manufacturer’s instructions, the risk of cats being poisoned is exceptionally low.
What do I do if my cat ate flea medicine?
You should contact your DVM veterinarian immediately to explain precisely what has happened, with full details of the products involved. They will...
How long does flea medicine poisoning last?
This depends on how much, of what type, and in what way (skin exposure or ingestion) the cat was exposed to the product. This is a specific questio...
Is flea and tick medicine poison?
Flea and tick medicine is designed to be poisonous to fleas and ticks, but harmless to cats and other animals, as long as it is used correctly. But...
What are the symptoms of flea and tick medication poisoning in cats?
The signs are often non specific, but they often include respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological signs.
Can cats die from flea and tick medication poisoning?
In severe cases of flea and tick medication poisoning, death is possible, and prompt treatment of poisoned cats is essential.
How long does it take to get flea and tick medication poisoning?
Exposure to high levels of flea and tick medication, or even low levels of certain types of flea and tick medication, can cause rapid signs of toxi...
How old do kittens have to be to use flea and tick products?
In addition, all flea products have a minimum age for use, kittens must reach a certain age before they can be treated with any kind of flea or tick product. Most products also have a minimum weight. The amount (or dose) of pyrethrin used in a formula often will vary according to a cat’s weight.
Why are cats more sensitive to fleas than dogs?
Cats are much more sensitive than dogs are to pyrethrins, and because the level of pyrethrins will be higher in a flea repellent that has been formulated ...
What causes a cat to become toxic?
Toxicity can also occur as a result of ingestion, such as when a cat grooms itself or licks another animals (including dogs) that have been treated with a pyrethrin product.
Can pyrethrin be used in cats?
Because pyrethrins are so effective at insect control, products that are formulated for insect control in and around the home, including gardens, can also be found in the cat’s environment.
Do you have to separate cats after flea treatment?
Also keep in mind that because cats groom each other, you will need to keep them separated after applying a flea or tick product until the product has dried. Common synthetic pyrethroids: bifenthrin, permethrin, allethrin, tetramethrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin.
About Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats
Pet owners often choose to prevent fleas and ticks in cats and dogs using regular medication, which makes sense, but it’s important to remember that the active ingredients of these products can have a toxic effect on cats in certain circumstances.
What Are The Different Types Of Flea And Tick Medication?
Flea and tick medication works in different ways, requiring different specific approaches to toxicity. The most common products are:
Symptoms Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats
While poisoning is unlikely to happen if flea and tick products are used according to manufacturers’ recommendations, mishaps can happen, and they can lead to cats becoming ill and even die following exposure to these medications.
Diagnosis Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats
Signs of toxicity include anorexia, salivation/drooling, agitation and restlessness, hyperthermia, vomiting, incoordination, staggering when trying to jump, walk or even just to stand normally.
Treatment Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats
The priority initially is to stabilize any general signs of flea and tick medication poisoning and then, if necessary, proceed with the specific treatments to prevent the further absorption.
Prognosis
The prognosis depends on the severity of the signs, the type of product involved, and the level of flea and tick medication exposure.
Prevention Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats
All insecticides should be used strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and they should be kept out of the reach of cats. Dog parasite control products should never be applied to cats.
How many cats died from flea and tick?
More than 2,000 cats and dogs have been reported dead after exposure to flea and tick medication since 2008, and some researchers are worried about human exposure to the pesticides.
How many animals have died from flea and tick products?
CBC Marketplace investigates risks to humans and pets from popular pet products 2:03. CBC Marketplace has discovered that more than 2,000 animals are reported to have died in North America since 2008 as a result of exposure to flea and tick treatment products, which can contain dangerous chemicals that kill fleas but can also harm pets.
Can fleas cause cats to shake?
According to the website of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), “Toxicity [to cats] from dog flea and tick products is a medical emergency.”. Symptoms of exposure can include uncontrollable shaking, and the CVMA advises taking affected animals to a vet immediately. “The longer your cat is left to shake, ...
Can flea collars get on bedding?
Pesticides in flea collars 'can get on the bedding, it can get on kids’ hands, it can go all sorts of places,' public health scientist Miriam Rotkin-Ellman told Marketplace co-host Erica Johnson. (CBC) Health Canada receives reports about incidents related to Canadian products used domestically and in the United States.
Is flea treatment unfair?
Some researchers are also concerned that pesticide exposures from flea treatments could have consequences for humans, especially small children. “It’s one of those things that is incredibly unfair — it’s unfair for families, it’s unfair for their pets, it’s unfair for kids.
Can fleas be toxic to cats?
Some dog flea treatments contain chemicals that are highly toxic to cats. “People should be aware,” says veterinarian Dr. Whitney Chin. (Geoff Wiggins) . “Some people think, A cat is a small dog and I’ll just use a little dose,” Dr. Chin says. Cats can also be inadvertently exposed if a dog in the home is treated with a product ...
Is permethrin safe for cats?
Dr. Chin says one chemical common in over-the-counter dog treatments — permethrin — is of particular concern. Using too much of the chemical can be dangerous, and it is highly toxic to cats. “I’ve seen it far too many times, unfortunately,” Dr. Chin says. Some dog flea treatments contain chemicals that are highly toxic to cats.
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.
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.
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.
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 ticks kill cats?
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. Flea and tick medicine poisoning occurs when your cat has a negative reaction to the medication.
What to do if my dog ingests flea collar?
If your pet has ingested part of a flea collar, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian, the emergency number on the product package or Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 for assistance. Q: I gave my pet an oral flea medication containing Nitenpyram and now my pet is scratching, panting and acting agitated.
What are the symptoms of fleas dying off?
Common symptoms of this are vocalization, agitation, scratching or panting. These symptoms are expected to be mild and self-limiting and not related to toxicity.
How long does it take for fleas to go away?
Normally this sensation will fade once the fleas have died off, commonly within a few hours. If the symptoms continue or other symptoms are seen, then a veterinarian should be contacted.
What is the reaction of animals to permethrins?
Some animals have a response to Permethrins called paresthesia. Paresthesia is a “pins and needles” or tingling feeling to the skin which can cause shaking and shivering, twitching, agitation, biting at feet and tail and rubbing the body along the floor or furniture.
How to contact a veterinarian about a dog's poison?
If you are unsure of the symptoms you are seeing, you should contact a veterinarian, the emergency number on the product package or Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 for assistance.
Why do cats vomit?
If an animal is able to lick the product when it is wet on the fur or scratches the area and then licks their foot, the bitter taste of the product can cause the animal to salivate , foam at the mouth, become nauseous or vomit. Also, some cats have been known to become agitated and run around the house.
How to flush out a dog's mouth?
For dogs, treats or water flavored with chicken or beef broth may help to flush out the mouth. The symptoms should be mild and self-limiting. You should try to prevent the animal from licking until the product has fully dried. Once dried, it should not cause the same reaction when licked.
Can flea medicine cause death?
End of dialog window. Used incorrectly, pets' flea medication 'can literally cause death'. Are you still watching? Yes, Continue. No. Manufacturers and many veterinary experts say that, while some of the reactions aren't explainable, most of the products are safe, when applied correctly.
Does garlic cause anemia in cats?
Beyond effectiveness, even natural products have health risks. Alley says garlic can cause anemia in pets, and brewer's yeast can cause intestinal problems. As for Uno the cat, he's back to his old self. Biddle says she wants pet owners to realize the risks of spot-on flea and tick treatments.
Is Frontline flea and tick treatment safe?
Millions of people rely on spot-on flea and tick treatments, such as Frontline and Advantage, which are easy and effective, but many pet owners have found that products like these can also be dangerous. Sarah Biddle says she followed the directions to apply a store-bought treatment to her normally playful cat, Uno.
What are the chemicals in flea and tick shampoo?
Fipronil, selamectin, and imadocloprid are the chemical agents in these spot-on products and are also found in shampoos and sprays. The U.S. EPA pressures the FDA to increase the safety of toxic spot-on flea and tick products for our pets. With reported cases of skin allergies, auto-immune disorders, and even cancer and death caused by flea ...
How to drown fleas?
Use a flea comb daily. Pull the little jumpers off the comb and put them into a bowl of water to drown while you work. (It’s very satisfying.) Bathe your animals with a non-toxic shampoo, massaging the soap through the fur for 10 minutes to make sure fleas have drowned.
How long does boric acid flea powder last?
This treatment is completely safe and lasts one full year. Flea Stoppers and Fleabusters are two common easy to find boric acid flea powder products and can be found online or in select pet stores. You can administer these yourself or have it professionally done.
How long does flea treatment last?
Boric acid is a non-toxic powder that kills the fleas and larvae. This treatment is completely safe and lasts one full year.
What is the best treatment for hot spots in dogs?
The most common medical treatment for hot spots is a steroid, which only further debilitates the health of your pets. With a bit of knowledge and effort on our part, we can help our pets live longer and healthier lives, keep our families safe, and contribute to a healthier environment.
What is toxic pyrethrin?
Toxic pyrethrin is an insecticide that comes from chrysanthemum and d-Limonene from citrus. When we use these products a toxic chain of events is set in motion. Our pets’ immune systems are depressed.
Why are natural products toxic?
Natural products are suspect for two reasons. In some cases, a natural plant-derived component is combined with toxic chemicals to create the end product. In other cases, the plant-derived component is itself toxic to animals though it might be safe for humans.
What happens if you put flea cream on a cat?
Contact dermatitis – A local reaction to the product. Symptoms can include tingling, itching and scratching, redness, rash and in more severe cases, blistering and ulceration. Poisoning – Poisoning can occur if the cat is treated with a dog flea product.
How to treat fleas on dogs?
Flea treatment poisoning (overdose or administration of a dog flea product): If possible, apply a small amount of dishwashing detergent such as Dawn or Fairy Liquid (the type you use to wash dishes in the sink) directly to the back of the neck where the product is, apply warm water, lather and rinse the detergent off.
How to tell if my cat is allergic to fleas?
Common symptoms. Foaming at the mouth – This usually occurs when your cat has licked some of the product which has a bitter taste and is self-limiting. Hair and skin loss – Some particularly sensitive cats can receive chemical burns from topical flea products.
How old do kittens have to be to get flea treatment?
Do not use flea products on kittens under the age of 8 weeks (12 weeks with some brands) unless the product is marked as safe for young kittens. Read the instructions to make sure your kitten is old enough to receive treatment. Always check with your veterinarian before applying flea products to kittens OR their mother.
Can fleas be a problem for cats?
Adverse Reactions To Cat Flea Products. Adverse reactions to topical veterinary-prescribed flea treatments are rare but can happen in some cats. Topical flea products (known as spot-on) have made the treatment of fleas, ticks and parasitic worms so much easier than tablets and pastes. These products are applied to the skin on your cat’s neck ...
Can you use multiple flea products at the same time?
Always buy flea products from your veterinarian, be wary of over the counter flea products in supermarkets, most are ineffective, and some can be dangerous. Don’t use multiple flea products at the same time (for example topical flea products in conjunction with a flea collar), unless advised to do so by a veterinarian.
Can you apply flea cream to kittens?
Always check with your veterinarian before applying flea products to kittens OR their mother. Seek veterinary advice before applying a flea product to an elderly, pregnant or sick cat. If you have a dog and a cat, check to see which products are safest to use to help avoid toxicity.