what to do if you accidentally give your cat dog flea treatment

If you accidentally applied dog flea and tick medication to your cat, contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinarian, or an animal poison control center immediately. The sooner you treat it, the less poisonous it may be and the less expensive it may be to treat.

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What should I do if I accidentally gave my cat flea medicine?

When calling the emergency number let them know over the phone that you have accidentally put dog flea medicine on a cat. You will most likely need to pay an increased fee to see an emergency Vet but fast treatment is essential for Permethrin poisoning. DO NOT wait until your normal Veterinarian reopens. What are the signs of permethrin poisoning in cats? The chemical in dog …

What should I do if my dog eats flea treatment?

If sized for a small dog, your cat might be okay. You need to wash the cat and get it to the er right away. Part of the treatment will depend upon meds used. Also be sure they get the cat either on an IV or give subq fluids, as that will be needed to flush the system. Otherwise, the outcome will mostly depend on how quick the cat gets treatment. OF course the drug you used, and dosage …

Do you need to treat itchy dogs and cats for fleas?

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Can I use dog shampoo to wash flea treatment off my cat?

What happens if I put dog flea treatment on my cat?

These treatments can contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats. Permethrin poisoning causes ataxia, tremors, tachycardia, salivation, dilated pupils and seizures, which can be fatal.

Is dog flea medicine harmful to cats?

Canine flea and tick medications are so dangerous to cats because cats don't have the metabolic pathways that allow their bodies to quickly filter out these specific chemicals.

Which dog flea treatment is toxic to cats?

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.

Will flea medicine hurt my cat?

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.

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.

Is it OK if my cat licks flea medicine?

If your pet happens to lick the topical flea medication, give them a small amount of their food to help relieve the bad taste. Next, contact your veterinarian or the APCC for additional steps to take and signs to monitor for.

How long does flea medicine toxicity last?

24 to 72 hoursLiving and Management. Hypersalivation may recur for several days after use of a flea-control product on an animal. Most mild to severe clinical signs resolve within 24 to 72 hours.

What happens if you put Frontline for dogs on a cat?

Can FRONTLINE Plus® / FRONTLINE® Spot On be used on any breed of cat and dog? 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.

What to do if you accidentally put flea and tick medication on your cat?

If you accidentally applied dog flea and tick medication to your cat, contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinarian, or an animal poison control center immediately . The sooner you treat it, the less poisonous it may be and the less expensive it may be to treat.

What is the best flea and tick medication for dogs?

Allethrin. Deltamethrin. Cypermethrin. Permethrin. Cyphenothrin. Many of these active ingredients are used in high concentrations in flea and tick topical spot-on medications for dogs without any problem; however, in certain species (like cats and fish), this high level of a concentrated pyrethroid can result in severe poisoning.

Can you bathe a cat?

Keep in mind that cats are very hard to bathe at home, and when in doubt, you should never put yourself (or your cat) at risk of harm. If you can’t bathe your cat, seek immediate veterinary attention so they can bathe your cat to remove the topical spot-on medication. Note that since the flea and tick medication is very oily, it will not come off if you're only using water or a dog/cat shampoo alone. Your cat should be bathed with a mild liquid dish soap (used specifically to wash the dishes in the sink) such as Dawn.™

Can cats handle pyrethroids?

Unfortunately, cats have an abnormal liver metabolism and cannot handle high concentrations of pyrethroids (or other drugs). As a result, cats develop poisoning when exposed to these chemicals. Signs of poisoning in a cat can be severe and include the following: Agitation.

Is it safe to spray fleas on cats?

Other sources of these chemicals include household insect sprays and topical flea sprays and shampoos; however, these are typically in very low concentrations (<1% pyrethrins or pyrethroids) and are generally safe for cats and dogs.

Is flea and tick spot on safe for dogs?

These active ingredients are commonly found in household insecticides, sprays, and topical spot-on medications. These chemicals are very safe for dogs, but should never be used for cats.

Can flea medication be put on a cat?

One of the most commonly presenting emergencies I see is accidental poisoning of cats by their well-intentioned pet owners. They often put “small dog” flea medication onto their “big cat,” without appropriately consulting with their veterinarian or reading the label carefully, resulting in severe poisoning in cats.

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 kill 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.

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.

Can flea medication be taken over the counter?

Oral - Taken by mouth either as a treat or a pill, oral flea medications are available most commonly from your veterinarian but some types can be found over the counter. If you want to avoid having a wet spot that you can't touch on your pet for a few hours or having to question whether or not a topical medication was fully absorbed then oral flea medications are a good option.

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.

How to apply flea treatment?

How to Apply Each Brand of Topical Flea Treatment 1 Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. 2 Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. 3 Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 4 Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.

Why is flea prevention not working?

Incorrectly applying topical flea prevention is the most common cause for its failure to work. Flea prevention is expensive, and you don’t want to waste a dose.

How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?

Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.

Where to apply hair spray for dogs?

You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.

How to apply Bravecto to cat?

Bravecto. Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow.

Where to put hair on dog?

You must part the hair so that you can apply it to the skin at the base of the neck. Read the instructions on the package; most direct you to apply it all in one spot on the neck, while a few will have you apply it to several spots along the back that the pet cannot reach (for larger dogs).

What percent of fleas should be treated?

You should be treating your home for adults plus the other 95 percent—flea eggs, flea larvae and flea pupae.

How to tell if fleas are toxic?

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.

How long does it take for fleas to toxicity?

Signs of flea control product toxicity can occur from one to 12 hours after application and may vary depending on the type of flea control product poisoning. 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 ...

What to do if your dog is toxic to Dawn?

If you notice any signs of toxicity, contact your veterinarian. It is generally recommended that you immediately wash your pet with warm water and a mild detergent, such as Dawn® dishwashing liquid. Pets can chill easily so dry thoroughly after bathing and keep your pet warm.

Is flea control safe for pets?

Many of these products are safe and effective when properly used. However, these products also carry risk of toxicity and other adverse health consequences if used incorrectly. As such, it is important to confirm the flea control product is appropriate for the species, weight, and age of your pet.

What is the most common flea control product?

The most common type of flea control product is pyrethrum-based. As you look at the product label, you will see the main ingredient listed as a pyrethrum, pyrethroid, or permethrin. The active ingredients in pyrethrum-based flea products include allethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, ...

Can a dog get sick from flea spray?

However, dogs and cats can easily become sick if too much or the wrong flea product is applied, or the product is ingested post-application. Ingestion occurs if the dog or cat licks the treated area. Below is more information about potential reactions and flea control product toxicity in pets.

Is flea product safe for cats?

What You Should Know About Flea Product Toxicity in Dogs and Cats. Fleas are a common pest for both cats and dogs. Fortunately, there are a variety of products available to help prevent infestation. When used as directed, such products are safe and effective. However, dogs and cats can easily become sick if too much or the wrong flea product is ...

How to apply flea treatment to cat?

These kinds of flea treatments are easy to apply. All you have to do is snap the top and squeeze the contents onto the back of your cat’s neck and spread it a bit.

What to do if your cat rubs against something?

If you see your cat rub up against anything, wash that area thoroughly, while also keeping in mind that you should not come into contact with it either. Wear rubber gloves if you need to.

What to do if your cat rolled on something?

If, say, your cat stepped on something or rolled on something dirty or smelly, use a pet wipe to clean as much as you can, while avoiding the area where the medication was applied.

Is flea treatment toxic to cats?

Flea treatments for our pets are toxic to us, as well as to our cats. You should avoid touching the solution and keep your cat from ingesting it.

Where to keep pet medications?

Keep pet medications out of sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet, and in a separate location from human medications.

Can pets be monitored at home?

Most pet medication exposures can be safely monitored at home.

Can pets have steroids?

Sometimes they may need treatment for inflammation with steroids. Pets can have chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and depression to name a few. The bottom line is most of these disease states are treated with the same medications that humans are given.

Can pets be on the same medication as humans?

Pets can also be on the exact same medications as humans. For example, they can get infections that require treatment with an antibiotic. Just like humans, after surgery they may be given pain medications. Sometimes they may need treatment for inflammation with steroids.

Can I use imidacloprid on my dog's eyes?

It can also be irritating to the eyes causing redness, stinging, tearing, and pain. For advice on how to rinse the eyes after an eye exposure call the Missouri Poison Center. Liquids that are applied to the skin of the pet can also contain pyrethroids or another type of insecticide, imidacloprid. This ingredient is not expected to cause significant ...

Can heartworm meds cause rash?

In general, an accidental dose of a pet’s heartworm med is not expected to cause serious symptoms in a healthy individual. Side effects may include rash, headache, dizziness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and a mildly rapid heart rate.

Can you give your dog medication at the same time?

Do not give the pet their medication at the same time you are taking your own medication.