It’s simpler than you might think for flea and tick medications to inadvertently end up somewhere they shouldn’t when you have both cats and dogs. Even more dangerous, treating cats with dog-specific flea and tick medications can be fatal. Despite appearing harmless, administering canine parasite preventatives to cats can result in a medical emergency. Sadly, it happens more frequently than you might think, as many emergency veterinarians can attest. This article will discuss the risks of giving your cat a dog-specific flea or tick treatment as well as what to do if your cat comes into contact with these products.
Always make sure to purchase distinct and suitable products for each of your various animals. Instead of attempting to use the same product for both, make sure to purchase the cat-specific Hartz® flea drops if you purchase Hartz® flea drops for your dog. Hartz UltraGuard ProMAX Flea & Tick Collar – Gray.
However, even if you only apply a small amount of a flea treatment not intended for cats, you could endanger your pet. Even if they all have fleas at the same time, it’s important to purchase different products to treat animals of different sizes and species. Call a veterinarian for advice if you’re unsure of which products are suitable for your animals.
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 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. Both versions of the chemical are safe for dogs, but owners should still buy a separate product for each pet to assure theyre giving the proper dosage.
If you use the incorrect flea treatment, there are some precautions you should take because the product could be harmful to your cat. The PPH advised bathing your pet in warm water with a mild dish soap if your pet exhibits any unusual symptoms after application, such as drooling or agitation. According to PetMD, most symptoms disappear within 24 to 72 hours. Bring any pets to your veterinarian if they exhibit more severe symptoms following the application of a flea treatment.
Avoid trying to save a few dollars by using expired medications or medications intended for animals of a different species or size for the health and safety of your pet. Observe cats closely after treating a dog as they might lick or rub against the area you treated.
What Happens When a Cat Ingests Permethrin?
Signs of pyrethrin (including permethrin) toxicity in cats can include:
Cats can consume pyrethrin through oral, respiratory, and topical routes. These include licking or grooming a treated companion dog, walking through recently treated moist areas, or rubbing against recently permethrin-treated surfaces.
Consult a veterinarian as soon as you can if your cat consumes a flea and tick medication intended for dogs to prevent complications.
Your cat might be able to receive outpatient treatment from your veterinarian, or hospitalization might be necessary. The severity of the exposure, the clinical symptoms your cat is exhibiting, and the response to treatment all affect the prognosis. The prognosis can be excellent or poor; pyrethrin toxicity can cause cats to pass away.
If in doubt, contact the Animal Poison Control Center or the manufacturer of the flea/tick medication to discuss details about exposure.
Common Household Foods That Are Poisonous For Horses
Many common foods are safe for horses to eat and can be a great addition to a regular diet. However, a number of commonly consumed foods are poisonous to our equine friends.
FAQ
Can I use dog flea treatment on my cat?
The safest answer is no. Since many store-bought dog flea treatments are extremely toxic to cats, we strongly advise you to read the instructions of any product you intend to use on your pet. These treatments can contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats.
Is PetArmor for dogs safe for cats?
Based on your pet’s species and weight, these products have different formulations and SHOULD NEVER be used interchangeably. PetArmor® Plus for Dogs is available to protect your dog. Don’t forget to consider your cat’s age. PetArmor® Plus for Cats should only be used on cats and kittens older than 8 weeks.
Which dog flea treatment is toxic to cats?
Permethrin is occasionally used (in lower doses) in flea powders and collars for cats as well as some flea spot-on products for dogs. Unfortunately, cats can develop serious illnesses and even pass away from exposure to concentrated permethrin (found in some dog spot-ons).
What happens if you put Frontline for dogs on a cat?
Owners should never use pet medications that are inappropriate for their pet’s species because Frontline Plus for dogs and cats contains ingredients at different concentration levels. Using the incorrect formula can result in skin irritation and other negative side effects, veterinarians and pet experts caution.