Flea and tick products are species specific. This means they are formulated for a particular animal species in mind. Cats and dogs being the most popular species of pets, we normally encounter flea products for cats and dogs. There are separate products for both. Mixing them is not permissible. Even the label warns not to use one product for another species. This is not only hazardous but in extreme cases, it may result in the death of the animal.
It is a warning call for owners who have cats and dogs as their pets. They have to take due care about not mixing up the products. Since dog flea treatments have different ingredients, which can be toxic for the cat and vice versa, the two cannot be replaced with each other in any case. Using on any pet other than the labeled species is strictly prohibited. When such cases happen accidentally then they are subjected to immediate veterinarian attention.
Many dog flea treatments contain insecticide with permethrin, cyphenothrin and other ingredients from the pyrethroid family. These are safe for the dogs but are toxic for felines. They lack the metabolism to detoxify these insecticides and thus face severe problems like muscle twitching, tremors etc. It is not even recommended for cats to groom the treated dog or lick her bedding as the toxicity still affects and gives extreme results.
What to do if one has accidentally interchanged and applied dog and cat flea treatments?
Well, if you realize that you have applied your dog’s flea medication on the pussy then bathe her at the earliest. Remember bathing should be done if you realize the mistake within 15-20 minutes of application. Bathe the pet properly by leathering for three four times. Use dishwasher soap to wash off the toxic substance. Do not use flea shampoo. Be careful not to use automatic dishwasher soap as it is highly concentrated form and may result in chemical burns on your cat’s skin. If few hours have passed since applying the wrong product then, rush to the vet. If you observe tremors and muscle twitching in your cat then there is no choice but to barge in the vet’s place.
What is the best way to prevent these accidents?
- Store both the pet’s flea medication at separate places.
- Do not allow the treated pets to groom each other for the next 24 hours. You must follow the time limit given on the label of the dog or cat flea treatment.
- Do not let the pet lick each other’s bedding as she may intake the toxic substance spread over the other pet’s bedding.
- Discuss with the vet about safer products like natural flea control treatments.
To conclude, once you become a pet parent, it is important to meet up with your vet and discuss the various aspects of pet parenting. It helps you to become clear about the dos and don’ts of pet parenting. It will also give hints about the nature of your pet, things that suit him and how to deal with the cropping problems. Be it flea treatment or any other thing, it is always advisable to ask a vet and then go forward. So, next time be alert while flea treating your pet and enjoy the wonders of pet parenting!
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