This is another reason why its important to monitor any reactions to a medication and talk to your vet if you are concerned or notice any serious symptoms. 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. Chat with a veterinary professional in the Wag! Dogs that have severe reactions need immediate emergency care, requiring hospitalization, fluid support,and temperature control. If they do, they could develop poisoning symptoms and in rare cases, they could die. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible to give your pet the best chance of a safe and speedy recovery. app 24/7. Never apply a product if your dogs skin is irritated, wounded, or damaged, and never use more than one product at a time. This is a flea pill that combats way more than just fleas. However, other times its an unintended side effect, like restlessness and hyperactivity. Is Your Pet in Pain? If your dog develops any of these symptoms, seek immediate help from a veterinarian or flea and tick medicine manufacturer. Lumps and bumps on the skin are most often caused by injectable medications. The fleas and ticks ingest the chemicals, which cause them to become paralyzed. Side Effects of Anxiety Medications in Dogs, Unexpected Side Effects of Chemotherapy Treatment, 5 Negative Side Effects of Declawing Cats, The Cancer Side Effect No One Wants to Talk About, Vaccine Reactions in Dogs: Side Effects and What You Should Know, Lyme Disease: The Tragic Effects on Our Pets and Us. All Rights Reserved 2022. There is a long-term and short-term toxicity of flea and tick medicines, depending on the type of medication used. The most common type of flea control product is pyrethrum-based. Fleas can transmit infectious diseases. Other oral flea preventatives remain in your dogs system for one to three months, offering continued protection. 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. Side Effects of Anxiety Medications in Dogs. In their original form, these arent things you would want anywhere near your dog. Consult your veterinarian for advice on how much flea and tick medication your pet needs. 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. Read label directions carefully to ensure the flea control product is appropriate for your pets species, age, and weight. It's also worth pointing out that dogs that have abnormally low body temperatures, for example after bathing or sedation, are predisposed to showing the signs and symptoms of toxic poisoning. In mild cases, your pet can be treated, but depending on the type of medication and amount ingested, an overdose can cause illness and even death. 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. Some pet medications can cause symptoms such as seizures, tremors, and loss of coordination. Signs of flea control product toxicity can occur from one to 12 hours after application and may vary depending on the type of flea control product poisoning. They start killing fleas within hours and prevent them after the fact. Vomiting and diarrhea can be ongoing, and your dog may be unable to control their muscles. When it comes to flea pills, some medications are obtained over the counter (OTC), while others require a prescription from your vet. Many dogs are allergic to flea bites, which can cause intense. Read on to learn about the warning signs and how to avoid overdosing your dog. Ingestion or allergy poisoning will produce more symptoms. Consider using a veterinarian-prescribed flea control product for safer, more effective treatment. Antibiotics have often been implicated in causing low platelet disorders, which in turn can cause hemorrhaging or bruising, and this is potentially fatal if not treated quickly and aggressively. Sign up and make sure you are always on top of the most important info for you and your pets. Providing one tablet would kill 90% of bugs, making it one of the best flea and tick meds for kittens. However, pyrethrin and pyrethroid are also present in varying concentrations in a range of other products. I personally give this product to my dog along with hundreds of thousands of other dogs and have never had an issue, says Pagan. 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. Giving your pet too little or too much of a drug can be equally dangerous. With some exceptions, oral medicine is typically available only with a prescription. Also, dont give more than one dose at a time. 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. While it is very important for your dog to be on flea and tick prevention to help minimize the risk of the many diseases these insects carry, there are strict guidelines to prevent toxicity when administering these medications. 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. For these medications, it is not recommended that the pet parent crush the medication, which can make it taste much worse. Your pets health information at your fingertips, 2022 Great Pet Media. Theyre a good option if your dog doesnt do well with collars, or you dont want your children or other pets exposed to topical flea medicine ingredients. Treatment is based on the severity of the reaction, and can be life-saving if caught early enough. After a complete physical examination, your veterinarian will make a presumptive diagnosis if there is a known or possible history of exposure to a product containing a pyrethrin or pyrethroid, or ingestion of flea/tick medicine. Multiply 0.045 times your dog's weight for dose. If you put too little, the medication will not work or be as effective as intended by the manufacturers. Oral, injectable, and topical pet medications can all cause skin irritation. Giving your puppy too much at once will also increase the risk of poisoning. If in doubt, bring your dog to the veterinarian for a weigh-in. If your dog has recently used a flea medication, they may have overdosed. If youd rather purchase your flea medicine independently, start by asking your veterinarian for recommendations of trusted retailers. How long will dogs itch [] What Does It Mean If Your Dog Is Stretching A Lot? They also vary in their levels of protection. Too much flea medicine can hurt your dog. You always want to ensure you are purchasing any OTC products through a reputable party as there are many counterfeit products out on the market, says Pagan. Trifexis is a beef-flavored tablet that not only protects dogs from fleas but also heartworm disease and three kinds of intestinal parasites: hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. NexGard Chews for Dogs, 60.1-121 lbs. One of the most popular is Simparica, a beef-flavored chewable tablet that kills adult fleas within an hour. You may not be aware of this possibility, but flea medicine can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Though, giving frontline too soon can cause your dog to have an adverse reaction to the treatment. Different dogs will require different medications to prevent heartworm and flea infestation. In severe cases, your dog may even die. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your pets chances will be for recovery. Topically applied medications (e.g., flea and tick spot-on products) will sometimes irritate the skin and cause hair loss, redness, flaking and/or itching. Always check the ingredients thoroughly and if youre in doubt, ask your vet. FDA-approved to prevent Lyme infections from Blacklegged ticks, Offers formulations specifically for large dogs, including those weighing between 60 and 121 pounds, Comes in a tasty beef-flavored chew that can be taken without food, The flea has to bite the dog in order for the medicine to be effective, Kills adult fleas, prevents infestations, and kills ticks that carry Lyme disease, Comes in formulations for small dogs, including those weighing between 2.8 and 5.5 pounds, Multi-use product that kills adult fleas, prevents infestations, prevents heartworm disease, and treats ear mites, Requires a prescription and heartworm test on file, One collar is effective for up to 8 months, Repels and kill fleas and ticks on contact without fleas having to bite your dog, The collar has a quick-release feature and safety reflectors, Flea collars may not be as effective in large dogs, Doesnt contain harmful chemicals or harsh detergents, Offers protection against fleas, ticks, and mosquitos, Veterinarians say shampoos dont offer the same level of protection as oral medications, topicals, and collars, Contains chamomile and aloe vera extracts to help soothe skin, Veterinarians say natural products arent as effective as mainstream flea medicine for dogs, Sensitive noses might find the scent a bit overpowering, Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the, Dr. Susan Jeffrey, associate veterinarian at, Dr. Catherine Barnette, veterinary reviewer and. It is very safe and effective, says Pagan. Moreover, do not mix different products for treating ticks and fleas. Your email address will not be published. Its always best to discuss the risks of a drug with your veterinarian and decide if the potential benefits outweigh the potential side effects. It also kills sarcoptic mange and chewing lice. Some pet owners report that their dogs have always been fine with the usual flea medication until suddenly they were not. Some medications that commonly cause stomach upset are: Antibiotics. As a result, they may vomit, display diarrhea, and become lethargic. You can expect to find Bravecto for dogs priced between $57.94 and $75.11 per dose. Can Flea And Tick Medicine Make A Dog Sick? Some dog owners report that their dogs completely go crazy after the medication, probably in a desperate attempt to get rid of it. Related Articles. Its a small, liver-flavored chewable tablet available by prescription. Over-the-counter flea medicines may be less expensive and available without a prescription, but effectiveness can vary. While they're typically safe if administered according to instructions, if your pet overdoses on medication or has an adverse reaction, they can suffer difficult breathing, seizures, and potentially life-threatening consequences. If your dog is itchy and has sensitive skin a chewable tablet would be better suited for your needs. Supportive care might consist of repeat bathing, IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, muscle relaxation, and seizure medication. Why Is Your Dog Acting Weird After Flea Medicine? Can you put [] If youre not sure what to do, try calling a veterinarian or emergency room. If your dog develops neurological signs, kidney issues, seizures, and elevated body temperature, the prognosis is generally poor. I use Bravecto, an oral, for my dog, Dr. Sangiorgio said. This can include panting, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures and even death. An overdose of dog flea treatment can cause a number of symptoms such as: Muscle twitches, and the dog won't be able to control his muscles Lack of coordination Confusion Excessive drooling Moving in circles Collapse These symptoms are caused by the presence of the insecticide, which penetrates the skin and may affect the central nervous system. If you notice any of the following symptoms, its imperative to seek veterinary care immediately. Topical products are applied to the dogs skin and work quickly to kill fleas and ticks. Pill type: Over the counterIf your dog was already infested with fleas, this fast-acting treatment works to kill 90 percent of fleas within four hours of taking it. It's fairly typical after you've applied Itch Flea for there to be a period of hyperactivity amongst the fleas as the product takes effect, and this can cause an increase in itching.