The right flea treatment for your dog can only be given by your veterinarian after taking into consideration many factors such as age, breed, size, overall health condition, and medical history of your dog. Higher concentrations can be safely used on dogs, but cats are more sensitive to these chemicals and cannot metabolize these drugs. Some dog owners report sudden changes in their dogs behavior after administering flea medication. In a presumptive diagnosis, a veterinarian has a good reason to believe that something is causing the problem but cannot prove it with a specific diagnostic test. Stay connected and sign up for our newsletter. If your dog experiences any of the rare side effects listed below, they should be treated as soon as possible by a veterinarian because the consequences can be fatal. If you have doubts, discuss with your veterinarian or let them do the first application so you can learn how to do it properly. Oral flea medicine for dogs is generally more expensive than other products, and they dont offer repellent activity, says Dr. Susan Jeffrey, an associate veterinarian at Odyssey Veterinary Care in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. These medications were the first oral flea and tick products, and while they are highly effective, they can also cause toxicity if given incorrectly or an overdose occurs. If you bathe your pet often and do not like a greasy product applied to the coat, a chewable tablet is for you and your pet., Be careful with cats in the home. She lives with her husband, daughter, three cats, one dog, and a pet dove. Moreover, do not mix different products for treating ticks and fleas. Featured Image: iStock.com/Andrey Maximenko. Some dogs are simply uncomfortable with the sensation of having something applied to their skin, but others may be experiencing allergic reactions or even intoxication. Active ingredients in organophosphate products include chlorpyrifos, crufomate, dichlorvos, diazinon, haloxon, naphthalophos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, and malathion. Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs $29 Pill type: Over the counter If your dog was already infested with fleas, this fast-acting treatment works to kill 90 percent of fleas within four hours of taking it. Join the fastest-growing email membership in pet care! The recommended minimum dose is 4.5 mg/lb (10.0 mg/kg) imidacloprid and 0.45 mg/lb (1.0 mg/kg) moxidectin, once a month, by topical administration. Toxicity in dogs from flea and tick medications can be severe and even fatal. Our Pick: Revolution Topical Solution for Puppies. Though one chew lasts for up to three months, it costs between $57 and $60. Pill type: PrescriptionThese pills are super easy to get your dog to take. It is important to follow label directions, as giving too much of the same drug will increase the risk of overdose. Steroids are known to cause liver issues, but usually only when given at high doses for long periods of time or if the liver was already compromised before starting the medication. It's important to note that many pets will go through a period of being "flea and tick free" before they see new fleas or ticks. Each fast-acting chew provides safe and effective protection, killing fleas and . Many of these products are safe and effective when properly used. One collar offers protection for 8 months and you dont need a prescription from your veterinarian. Your veterinarian purchases products directly through a reputable party to ensure these products are not counterfeit and will not cause an issue with your pet, says Pagan. We cannot forget these medicines exist to fight parasites and as such, they contain pesticides. Its best to keep flea and tick products out of reach of children and pets. Rarely, medications can trigger blood disorders such as low platelets (thrombocytopenia) or low red blood cells (anemia) in pets, which can cause spontaneous bleeding. This medication is available by prescription, so talk to your veterinarian about whether it is a good fit for your dog. 2. Toxicity to pets. This way, you can remove the medication from their skin and possibly slow down the intoxication. Common topical flea medications include: K9 Advantix II. And because it contains a heartworm preventative, your dog needs a negative heartworm test on file, As with any oral flea medication, the flea has to bite the dog in order to ingest the medicine, May not be a good option for dogs with food sensitivities or epilepsy, Provides flea and tick protection for 3 months, Works within hours after its been consumed, Requires a prescription from your veterinarian. For these medications, it is not recommended that the pet parent crush the medication, which can make it taste much worse. If your dog has recently used a flea medication, they may have overdosed. One of the most popular flea treatments is Frontline. A flare factor is a condition that causes dramatic worsening of itching or skin inflammation that was previously under control. Never use cheap or expired products and always check the amount you should be giving to avoid giving too much. Some topical flea medicines for dogs, like Frontline Plus, are available over the counter, while others, like Revolution, require a prescription. It is generally recommended that you immediately wash your pet with warm water and a mild detergent, such as Dawn dishwashing liquid. Pet medications often affect a pets brain, causing them to behave differently. They can be mild and resolve easily, or they can be severe, leading to immune system conditions such as lupus. Oral treatments are more effective than topical treatments. Manufactured in the United States by SynergyLabs, this shampoo combines five essential oils (peppermint, clove, cedarwood, cinnamon, and rosemary) to kill fleas and ticks and repel mosquitos for up to 4 weeks. Flea and tick treatments have all the same goal and that is keeping your dog and your house safe from parasite infestation, which can cause a great deal of harm not only to your pet but to your health and that of your family as well. You may not be aware of this possibility, but flea medicine can cause allergic reactions in dogs. The result is a buildup of acetylcholine in the body, causing overstimulation of the target. Mixing different chemicals can make your dog severely sick. Follow the veterinarians instructions when using the medicine, and never leave it unattended. Therefore, splitting the doses can lead to an ineffective dosage. Chat with a veterinary professional in the Wag! Please note that symptoms may take up to 12 hours to appear after the flea treatment has been applied, as it can take some time for the insecticides to make their way into the dog's system. Common side effects are increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and lethargy. A newer class of flea and tick prevention medications that have been linked to toxicity are isoxazolines. Consider giving your pet probiotics when they are on antibiotics, to prevent or relieve antibiotic-associated diarrhea, vomiting, and appetite issues. Always use quality products and follow the instructions carefully. Flea treatment and prevention comes in several different forms, including oral and topical medications. With quick treatment, dogs can fully recover from flea and tick medication poisoning/toxicity. These can range from mild to more severe reactions, depending on many factors. Your pet may be having a side effect from a prescribed pet medication, or it could be possible that they got more than the recommended dose. It only kills what is on them.. After the injection, you may notice a small lump where the medication was administered. OTC flea pills (like Capstar or Advantus) can only kill adult fleas, which means they can get rid of existing fleas but wont do anything to prevent them. In most cases of significant or severe side effects, your veterinarian will recommend that you stop the medication immediately and see if the symptoms ease. Treatment includes quick removal of the product by bathing your dog with a liquid dish soap like Dawn, Joy, or Palmolive to get the greasy substance off and rinsing the mouth with copious amounts of water. Too much flea medication on your dog can have harmful consequences. That is because flea medicines have various concentrations of different chemicals. If your dog develops neurological signs, kidney issues, seizures, and elevated body temperature, the prognosis is generally poor. Since most flea preventives have a tick preventative, I avoid this ingredient if there is a cat in the house that could be exposed., Make sure to reach the label closely. This medication is given in a tablet form to treat flea infestations. It also increases the time the pet will be uncomfortable and increases risk for secondary skin infections.. Great Pet Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Vomiting and diarrhea can be ongoing, and your dog may be unable to control their muscles. Clinical signs may include. A dog's reaction to pyrethrins or pyrethroids can range from mild to moderate allergies or hives to nausea, respiratory distress and tremors to vomiting and shock. These lumps often go away quickly as the medication is absorbed into your pets body. This is key if your dog has a history of seizures or is: Taking other drugs; Old; Sick; A puppy; Pregnant or nursing; Allergic to flea products; In these cases, the vet might suggest you use a special comb to pick up fleas, eggs, and ticks. Both oral and topical flea medications can kill existing fleas on your pet and prevent future infestations, and they both last from one to three months. Most flea control product toxicities are a result of not following label directions. If you put too little, the medication will not work or be as effective as intended by the manufacturers. Though, giving frontline too soon can cause your dog to have an adverse reaction to the treatment. If your dog has recently used a flea medication, they may have overdosed. Let our authors & experts know what you think. 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. My Dog Ate A Rabbit: What Should I Do Now? Why Is Your Dog Acting Weird After Flea Medicine? Typical indications of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, problem breathing, little students, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Flea bites not only cause itchiness and skin irritation, they can result in serious illness, says Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club, based in New York City. Pyrethrins are a class of drugs derived from the Chrysanthemum flower/plant, while pyrethroids are synthetic derivatives. Can dogs recover from flea and tick medicine poisoning? If you have more than one pet, separate them until the product has dried off to avoid them licking it off each other. Overdose symptoms are often self-limiting and subside over 24 to 72 hours. With some exceptions, oral medicine is typically available only with a prescription. Side Effects of Anxiety Medications in Dogs. Pill type: PrescriptionThese pills provide up to 12 weeks of protection from both fleas and ticks. I personally have prescribed this countless times. As with other heartworm medications, your dog will need to be tested for an existing heartworm infection before starting this product. This tickling is not a sign of toxicity, but should be reported to your veterinarian. In more severe cases, tremors can lead to seizures. Seresto is the most effective flea collar for dogs on the market, veterinarians say. Dogs are often exposed to high doses in flea and tick preventives, and then to lower concentrations when these products are used inside or outside the home in the form of insect sprays, foggers, and granules. So if you have young kids, or just dont want your dog to accidentally get flea medication all over the couch, flea pills might be a better option for you. Unfortunately, obsessive scratching may also be a symptom of allergies, so its up to you to draw a line between one and the other based on your personal knowledge of your dog and other possible symptoms. Excessive drooling, agitation and excitability are also common signs of flea medication poisoning. What You Should Know About Flea Product Toxicity in Dogs and Cats, What You Should Know About Lily Toxicity in Cats. Your pets health status and age. All Rights Reserved 2022. Ask your veterinarian if the medicine should be given with or without food, because that can make a big difference on how your pet tolerates the medication. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids typically come in varying concentrations. 1. Its FDA-approved to help prevent Lyme infections caused by Blacklegged ticks. 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