Make sure you have the best flea, tick, and other parasite prevention available when it comes to safeguarding your dog. However in some dogs, small dogs especially, problems can arise.
Dogs are constantly bothered by fleas, as evidenced by their constant scratching. Even the most resilient pup can experience problems due to an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Even if one can get past the itching of fleas, these parasites can lead to anemia by sucking blood and hair loss by scratching.
The Food and Drug Administration oversees the majority of flea and tick products to protect your dog from harm, but a reaction is still possible depending on the size and potential allergens. Spot-on pesticides, or those used directly on dogs’ skin, frequently have more negative side effects than other types of pesticides.
When side effects do occur, your dog’s nervous system is the main target. Symptoms that indicate a mild poisoning include:
If any of these symptoms appear, an allergic reaction to the pesticides “pyrethrin” and “pyrethroid,” which are used to treat fleas, may be to blame. “Dogs with low body temperatures from a bath or cool weather are more susceptible to reactions, as are dogs who have recently undergone anesthesia — such as during a spay or neuter.”
After a flea treatment, if your dog still throws up, you should take him to the veterinarian right away. Other severe symptoms include:
Each of these signs points to a more serious issue than just an allergic reaction. Dogs weighing 10 to 20 pounds had the worst reactions to spot-on flea treatment. Stronger dogs may be able to withstand the effects of the ingredients used in flea treatments, which are efficient insecticides.
Although many dogs can get rid of fleas with over-the-counter medications, if your dog develops an allergy, there are other options. Groom your pet first, with a fine-toothed comb. Change your pet’s bedding completely and get rid of any fleas you find. You can set a trap to catch any adult fleas that are still present after a thorough bath and bed decontamination. Place a night light nearby your dog’s sleeping area and a dish of soapy water underneath it. Commercial electric flea traps achieve the same goal by offering a location where fleas can gather at night and get trapped.
Placing diatomaceous earth around the house after cleaning will allow you to protect your dog’s space. Most parasites, including fleas, find this dirt, which is actually composed of fossilized remains, to be a desiccating substance. Since it is nontoxic to both humans and animals, you can typically brush this into your allergic dog’s fur without causing a reaction.
Take your dog to your local veterinarian for a checkup and more information if, in any situation, they notice an unusual reaction in your dog to fleas or effective flea medication. Pesticide overdoses are difficult for any little guy, so it could be a weight issue, or it could be something more serious.
Recovery and Management of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Dogs
With prompt recognition and early treatment, the prognosis is good. The prognosis is typically poor if your dog experiences neurological symptoms, kidney problems, seizures, and high body temperatures.
Adverse reactions like excessive drooling, paw flicking or scratching, and ear twitching are frequently mild and can disappear by themselves. Although drooling may return after using a flea-control product on an animal for a few days, the majority of mild to severe clinical symptoms go away within three days.
Symptoms of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Dogs
- When their skin feels tingly, dogs will scratch themselves excessively.
- Scratching, intense itchiness
- Agitation or restlessness
- attempting to bite the back or rolling around on it
- Vocalization, crying, whimpering
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Gagging or hacking
- Agitation
Occasionally, the chemical bifenthrin (commonly found in liquid and granular fire ant products) ) ingestion, in large concentrated amounts, can cause:
- Tremors
- Twitching
- Shaking
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Death
- Muscle tremors
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Seizures
If you think your dog or cat is having toxic side effects or was exposed to pyrethrins or pyrethroids, call your veterinarian, ASPCA Poison Control, or a Pet Poison Helpline immediately for potentially life-saving treatment advice. Depending on the severity of clinical signs, seek emergency vet care immediately.
Signs of Flea Control Product Toxicity in Cats and Dogs
Depending on the type of flea control product poisoning, symptoms of toxicity can appear one to twelve hours after application.
Muscle tremors and excessive salivation are the most typical symptoms of pyrethrum-based flea product toxicity. Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over are typical symptoms of organophosphate toxicity from flea products. Depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to, organophosphate toxicity can be quickly fatal.
FAQ
Can flea tablets make dogs sick?
When used as directed, such products are safe and effective. But if the wrong or excessive amount of a flea product is used, or if the product is consumed after application, dogs and cats can quickly become ill. If the dog or cat licks the treated area, ingestion will happen.
Why do dogs act weird after flea medicine?
Because the fleas are being killed, the dog is no longer getting bitten by them, which is the most frequent explanation. This might make the dog itch and feel uneasy, which might make him restless. Additionally, some flea treatments’ chemicals can irritate dogs, causing discomfort and restlessness.
How long does flea medicine toxicity last in dogs?
Symptoms may persist for a number of days following the use of a product, but the majority of clinical signs will disappear in one to three days.
How safe are flea pills for dogs?
Many prescription oral flea and tick medications are thought to be quite safe for dogs. These preventatives come in pill and chew forms. Your veterinarian can assist you in locating the appropriate one based on the age of your dog.