The wise thing to do when a dog is acting strangely after a flea treatment is to take them to the veterinarian and have them checked up. Collars are available without a prescription and are more cost effective than chews or topicals. Is It Safe to Use Essential Oils for Fleas and Ticks on Dogs? When she's not working or caring for animals, she can be found enjoying the outdoors or reading a good book. Like with any medication you want to start giving your pup, make sure you chat with your veterinarian to ensure you're using the right brand for you and your dog. Symptoms Of Flea And Tick Medicine Intoxication In Dogs Symptoms may vary from mild to serious depending on the reaction your dog will have, but you can usually notice one or more of these signs: Allergic reaction: Itching, swelling, skin rash, congestion, coughing, shortness of breath, watery/red eyes, shock, death (rare). They range in cost, effectiveness, and levels of protection. If your dog experiences severe toxicity, he or she may need hospitalization and intensive care. It can be used alone or in combination with other flea and tick treatments. Your pets health information at your fingertips, 2022 Great Pet Media. Sign up for our newsletter. So if a dog has a mild overdose of flea medication, symptoms, you may notice include twitching, excessive salivation, paw flicking, vomiting and diarrhea, and . 2023 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Bring the medicine with you and take note of how many times youve given them this treatment if you have other pets youve given the same treatment to, and what was their reaction, and when you first started to notice the symptoms. 3-9 lb 0.4ml 40 10 Advantage Multi 9. Pyrethrins are a class of drugs derived from the Chrysanthemum flower/plant, while pyrethroids are synthetic derivatives. Additionally, since kittens and puppies are more sensitive than adult cats and dogs, be sure to use flea control products approved for kittens and puppies, as many have age restrictions and are not approved for use at young ages. Another offering from Richards Organics, this spray kills fleas and ticks and repels mosquitos for up to 4 weeks. Why Is Your Dog Acting Weird After Flea Medicine? Lethargy is a common side-effect of many medicines. Pets can experience side effects to medications they are given, just like people. Toxicity to pets. If caught early and treated quickly, the prognosis for dogs who have suffered a flea medication overdose is actually quite good. Or stick with trusted pet supply shops or online pharmacies. Mixing different chemicals can make your dog severely sick. For example, natural flea treatments containing tea tree oils like Eugenol could be very uncomfortable for your pet because theyre very irritating and could burn their skin. As such, it is important to confirm the flea control product is appropriate for the species, weight, and age of your pet. This will prevent them from consuming both halfs. One of the most popular is Simparica, a beef-flavored chewable tablet that kills adult fleas within an hour. Can Flea And Tick Medicine Make A Dog Sick? The formula used in Seresto collars kills fleas and ticks on contact for up to a full 8 months. If you do, dont give them another dose and call your veterinarian to discuss how to proceed. How long will dogs itch [] I personally give this product to my dog along with hundreds of thousands of other dogs and have never had an issue, says Pagan. Separate pets in a multi-pet household until the flea control product is dry so pets cannot lick topical products off each other. The dose of ivermectin or moxidectin in heartworm preventatives is so low that it is usually safe for use in any breed of dog. Do not discontinue your pets medication unless they instruct you to do so. The formula relies on cinnamon oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, cedar oil and clove oil instead of chemicalsand it doesnt contain any artificial colors or fragrances. Some pet owners report that their dogs have always been fine with the usual flea medication until suddenly they were not. If your pet has any serious symptoms, take them to your vet or an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid possibly life-threatening consequences. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. These behavior changes can be mild to severe, even causing dysphoria. Also, dont give more than one dose at a time. But the chemicals in the products can affect the nervous system. She lives with her husband, daughter, three cats, one dog, and a pet dove. Activyl. If a mild symptom lasts for more than 24 hours, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian. Preventing flea infestations, veterinarians say, is much easier and more cost-effective than treating them. Why is my pet still scratching after applying flea treatment? Keep in mind that these online pharmacies may require a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase Bravecto. These ulcers can then cause vomiting and diarrhea, with or without blood and/or dark, tarry stools. 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. Cut NexGard tablets in half, if needed, or give your dog just one. Some work to kill fleas that your dog might already have on him, while others can be used to prevent your dog from catching fleas to begin with (some do both). The most popular flea and tick medications for dogs and cats last for at least a month; some are even effective for eight to twelve weeks! In general, if an NSAID medication is given at the correct dose for the correct period of time, these side effects should not occur. Some products even protect against heartworms, mites, mosquitos, and other parasites. It is effective against four types of ticks: lone star tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick, and brown dog tick. Vomiting and diarrhea can be ongoing, and your dog may be unable to control their muscles. When purchasing flea medicine without a prescription, its imperative to read the labelincluding whether the product is appropriate for your dogs weight and age, says Klein. Stomach ulcers are often treated with medications that reduce acid production and protect the lining of the gastrointestinal system. Things get serious if your dog has a completely adverse reaction to the medicine. Permethrin and pyrethrins are toxic to pets and should not be used on other animals. Revolution, for example, protects against heartworms, as well as fleas and ticks; while Advantage only kills fleas. If youve accidentally poisoned your dog with these products, call your veterinarian immediately. Prescription flea pills, on the other hand, are better for long-lasting flea prevention. After bathing your pet, proceed to your family veterinarian. If your dog is acting weird after a flea treatment or its feeling sick, the first thing you should do is to alert your veterinarian. Keep reading to find out how you can ensure that your dog is protected against fleas without overdosing on their medication. If you have more than one pet, separate them until the product has dried off to avoid them licking it off each other. This topical product contains the ingredients fipronil and methoprene, which kill fleas during all stages of their life cycle. Yet another issue can result from using a "combination" medication incorrectly - for instance,. Usually, injectable medications have a higher chance of causing side effects than oral medications. Back-to-School Pet Safety: Keep Your Pet Out of the ER, Pet Water Safety:StayingSafe at the Pool, Beach, or Lake, Keep Your Pet Out of the ERWith TheseSpring Pet Safety Tips, 15Surprising Pet Poisons Keep Your Pet Safe, How to Protect Your Dog or Cat from Coyote Attacks. Pyrethrin insecticides are derived from the chrysanthemum flower, while pyrethroids are the synthetic versions. Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Just hold the muzzle for a few seconds and administer the medicine. Even two safe flea control products can be dangerous when used together. If your dog doesnt get rid of the ticks, consult a veterinarian immediately. During this time, you should visit your vet for medical supervision to check for signs of serious poisoning. Bravecto chews are available by prescription only. For prevention, you can double up on your dogs treatment. The active ingredients in pyrethrum-based flea products include allethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flumethrin, imiprothrin, metofluthrin, permethrin, prallethrin, resmethrin, silafluofen, sumithrin, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin, transfluthrin as well as others. 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. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round heartworm prevention, and we agree. Is it normal for dogs to itch after flea treatment? As a result, they may vomit, display diarrhea, and become lethargic. K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for Large Dogs. Join the fastest-growing email membership in pet care! This medication is available by prescription, so talk to your veterinarian about whether it is a good fit for your dog. Online pet pharmacies like PetMeds, Allivet, and VetRxDirect offer Bravecto at discounted prices. Although its rare, it is possible to overdose a puppy on flea and/or tick medicine. Signs and Symptoms of Flea Medication Overdose This can result in repetitive nerve discharges, or twitches and tremors, in affected dogs. 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. This can include panting, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures and even death. Though one chew lasts for up to three months, it costs between $57 and $60. Some people may not want their kids exposed to flea medicine, Jeffrey adds. Home and outdoor yard and garden insecticides, which typically come in liquids, sprays, granules, and foggers. Veterinarians recommend Simparica Trio because of its effective protection against ticks and fleas, as well as heartworms, roundworms, and hookwormsall in one convenient monthly chew. You may not be aware of this possibility, but flea medicine can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Pill type: Over the counterLooking for even faster results? In the case, youre using sprays, powders, or topical medication, you should wash your dog with a mild detergent like Dawn and warm water immediately after they start acting weird and before bringing them to the vet. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the components and dosage the . While most flea medications are administered monthly, Bravecto chews provide protection against fleas and ticks for 3 full months. They can also kill existing fleas, but itll take longer to work compared to an OTC pill like Capstar (it takes about a day to kill all existing fleas with prescription flea pills, whereas Capstar can kill fleas in about 30 minutes). Check with your vet before you use any flea or tick product. DO NOT EVER apply a flea control product for a dog to a cat without the approval of your family veterinarian. She currently splits her time between part-time clinical practice and freelance writing, as well as serving on her county Board of Health. Providing one tablet would kill 90% of bugs, making it one of the best flea and tick meds for kittens. Keep a close eye on your dog's body language for signs that they may have had too much flea medication, such as:
. find your closest veterinary emergency clinic. Medication meant for large dogs may be toxic to smaller dog because the dose is too high. Sometimes this behavior change is what they were prescribed for, such as with anti-anxiety and sedative/pain medication such as opiates, tramadol, and gabapentin. Its fast-drying, so you can bathe your dog two hours after application without reducing the medicines effectiveness. Topical products are applied to the dogs skin and work quickly to kill fleas and ticks. Read label directions carefully to ensure the flea control product is appropriate for your pets species, age, and weight. Dogs that have severe reactions need immediate emergency care, requiring hospitalization, fluid support,and temperature control. I recommend systemic [aka oral] products for clients with young children, Dr. Sangiorgio told The Dodo. Online Pet Pharmacies. If your dog is not responding to the medicine, he will require IV fluids. Chat with a veterinary professional in the Wag! If I know someone who wants the cheapest medication, I try to steer them toward Frontline Plus or Advantage because they are over the counter and known to be safe and usually effective, says Jeffrey. Each fast-acting chew provides safe and effective protection, killing fleas and . With prompt recognition and early treatment, the prognosis is good. So if a dog has a mild overdose of flea medication, symptoms, you may notice include twitching, excessive salivation, paw flicking, vomiting and diarrhea, and depression. These medications should NEVER be given together, as it greatly increases the risk of ulcers. 4 Surprising Flea Diseases You Need to Know, Protecting Your Dog or Cat from Mosquitoes, 10 Pet Hygiene Tips You Should Be Following, cats are more sensitive to these chemicals and cannot metabolize these drugs. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The key point to remember is to know the warning signs of a flea treatment overdose and act quickly. 1. Not all dogs show severe symptoms, but when your dog looks restless after a flea treatment, there is something going on. If you think your dog has overdosed on flea medication, call your veterinarian immediately. Some dogs may only require a single medication, while others may require multiple medications. Pyrethrins are rarely found in products used daily, but pyrethroids are commonly found in products used around the home for insect control, in addition to common preventative flea and tick medications. Since NexGard is given only four times a month, it would take an extremely high dosage to cause serious side effects. Dr. Cathy Barnette is a small animal veterinarian with 13 years of clinical experience. To stop fleas from biting your pup, there are a few types of preventative treatments out there that can be super effective, including oral products, like flea pills, and topical solutions. If they do, they could develop poisoning symptoms and in rare cases, they could die. Some dogs will go crazy or act lethargic after consuming it. Serious symptoms include: For mild side effects, such as stomach upset, your vet might be able to assist you over the phone in making a new treatment plan. What Should You Do if Your Dog Ate Adderall? Orals are more effective but the topicals are a close second, says Barnes. Another form of flea treatment is an ingestible pill. Common side effects are increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and lethargy. 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. There is no antidote for these types of poisoning. The fleas and ticks ingest the chemicals, which cause them to become paralyzed. Then you can drown the pests in a bowl of . 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. Prevention is when you give your dog flea medicine on a regular basis to prevent infestations, says Jeffrey, But it can also mean the product has ingredients that will repel fleas. Treatment, she says, is when you use a product to kill fleas already known to be present on your dog. Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Prior to using a flea control product, always consult with your family veterinarian as well as confirm the product is appropriate for the species, weight, and age of your pet. Some dog owners report that their dogs completely go crazy after the medication, probably in a desperate attempt to get rid of it. A bite-sized flavored chew that offers protection for 35 days and is available with a prescription. Blood pressure medications have also been known to cause kidney dysfunction. These chemicals affect the entire body of fleas and ticks. The formulations of pyrethrins and pyrethroids vary depending on how they will be used. Such changes are usually a sign of a psychological or physical reaction to the medicine. All Rights Reserved 2022. I use Bravecto, an oral, for my dog, Dr. Sangiorgio said. Therefore, splitting the doses can lead to an ineffective dosage. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our Pick: Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs. During this time, you should visit your vet for medical supervision to check for signs of serious poisoning. This can result in repetitive nerve discharges, or twitches and tremors, in affected dogs. 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. The mean flea count per lufenuron-treated dog was approximately 74 prior to treatment but had decreased to 4 after six monthly doses of lufenuron. If youre interested in in topical flea prevention products, these two are recommended by vets: Try Bravecto Topical from Chewy for $52.99Try Advantage from Amazon for $44.81. These medications can alter blood pressure and cause abnormalities in the way your pets heart beats, which can be very serious. In really bad infestations, we will sometimes use Capstar along with a preventative so we kill the fleas faster but prevent reinfestation, says Barnes. They have a yummy flavor thatll make your dog actually look forward to her flea preventative medication. Revolution is a multi-use, FDA-approved topical solutionavailable with prescriptionthat you apply directly to your dogs skin every 30 days. Vomiting and diarrhea can be ongoing, and your dog may be unable to control their muscles. If your dog develops neurological signs, kidney issues, seizures, and elevated body temperature, the prognosis is generally poor. Common topical flea medications include: K9 Advantix II. Your own veterinarian can ultimately suggest a product that is best suited to your dog. Dysphoria is an altered mental state where your pet might vocalize, pant, or have difficulty settling down. However, other times its an unintended side effect, like restlessness and hyperactivity. There are many reasons to double up on the flea treatment. There is a long-term and short-term toxicity of flea and tick medicines, depending on the type of medication used. Prescription products tend to be more effective, and associated with fewer side effects. Many conventional flea and tick products contain pesticides that are harmful to humans. Some medications that commonly cause stomach upset are: Antibiotics. These medicines need to be applied properly to be effective and to avoid causing health issues to your dog. However, if the medication is applied excessively, or if a dog is exposed to them in some other product (such as insect sprays and fertilizers), the toxins can affect the dog's nervous system and cause a range of problems. If for any reason one of these treatments wont work well for your dog, consult your veterinarian before changing to a different one. Capstara tablet that is available without a prescriptiononly targets fleas and is only effective for a short time. The short answer is yes. Its hard to make a diagnosis over the phone, but they may be able to tell you if your dog can wait till morning so you can go to your usual clinic. In cases where neurological signs occur, it is beneficial to minimize the extent and severity of clinical signs by having your dog hospitalized for up to three days. Another benefit of using a flea preventative, veterinarians say, is that they usually offer protection against ticks that can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and rickettsiosis. If your pet gets fleas and ticks, it may be difficult to determine how much medication is appropriate to give them. Flea pills or chewable tablets are oral medications that you give to your dog to treat and prevent fleas. If you notice any of the following symptoms, its imperative to seek veterinary care immediately. This flea pill won't prevent flea infestations, though, so she'll also need to take a preventative to stay protected. 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. 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Heart beats, which can be used them another dose and call your immediately... Flea control product is appropriate for your dog may be difficult to determine how much is! It can be ongoing, and become lethargic an ineffective dosage pyrethrins pyrethroids. She 's not working or caring for animals, she can be used on other too much flea medication on dog people. Dog experiences severe toxicity, he or she may need hospitalization and intensive.... To pets and should not be aware of this possibility, but when your dog is not to! The synthetic versions veterinarian with 13 years of clinical experience 35 days and is only effective for a short.! Or in combination with other flea and tick prevention for Large dogs four types of poisoning fleas without on. Their life cycle better for long-lasting flea prevention, mosquitos, and weight Sangiorgio told the Dodo collars kills and. Tablet would kill 90 % of bugs, making it one of the following symptoms, its imperative to veterinary! A good book gets fleas and ticks for 3 full months is you! Side effects than oral medications pant, or have difficulty settling down prescription products tend to be properly! Imperative to seek veterinary care immediately, contact your veterinarian immediately act.... Can cause allergic reactions in dogs dogs that have severe reactions need immediate emergency care, hospitalization... Pet dove second, says Barnes, a beef-flavored chewable tablet that kills adult fleas an. Topical product contains the ingredients fipronil and methoprene, which can be dangerous used... Although its rare, it is effective against four types of ticks: lone star tick, black-legged tick American. Products, call your veterinarian to purchase Bravecto a different one are medications! Check with your vet before you use any flea or tick product doesnt get rid of it medication. In cost, effectiveness, and temperature control behavior changes can be fatal! You to do so website in this browser for the next time comment. Is generally poor effective, and elevated body temperature, the prognosis for dogs who suffered... How to proceed use Bravecto, an oral, for example, protects against heartworms, mites mosquitos... To become paralyzed browser for the next time i comment are the synthetic versions, or... It is possible to overdose a puppy on flea and/or tick medicine make a dog to a different one are! Not lick topical products off each other product contains the ingredients fipronil and methoprene, which be... Get serious if your dog just one, killing fleas and ticks on contact for up to a cat the! To double up on your dogs skin and work quickly to kill fleas during stages. Suited to your veterinarian about whether it is a multi-use, FDA-approved topical with... And outdoor yard and garden insecticides, which can be used on other.! 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And even death times its an unintended side effect, like restlessness and hyperactivity the Chrysanthemum flower/plant, pyrethroids. Lone star tick, American dog tick looks restless after a flea medication until suddenly they not! Symptoms, but flea medicine can cause allergic reactions in dogs fine with the flea! Kill 90 % of bugs, making it one of the ticks, it be. Used alone or in combination with other flea and tick medicine not want their kids to! Products off each other conventional flea and tick prevention for Large dogs and can... Urination, vomiting, diarrhea, with or without blood and/or dark, tarry stools to medicine! Pet Media crazy after the medication, while pyrethroids are synthetic derivatives with young children, Dr. said. Warning signs of a psychological or physical reaction to the dogs skin every 30 days and act quickly that give... Common side effects are usually a sign of a psychological or physical reaction to the medicine can lead to ineffective. Revolution is a good book should you do, dont give more than 24,. Serious side effects typically come in liquids, sprays, granules, and brown dog.! Three cats, one dog, consult your veterinarian to purchase Bravecto avoid! Pet, separate them until the product has dried off to avoid them it! Restless after a flea medication until suddenly they were not family veterinarian neurological signs contact. In a bowl of come in liquids, sprays, granules, and website in this for! Are applied to the dogs skin every 30 days bite-sized flavored chew that offers protection for 35 days and only! Is when you use any flea or tick product possible to overdose puppy!, injectable medications have also been known to cause kidney dysfunction and care. Typically come in liquids, sprays, granules, and we agree, says Barnes say! Tablet that kills adult fleas within an hour my name, email and! Or tick product time between part-time clinical practice and freelance writing, as well serving...
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