If youre uncomfortable with current flea treatment products or if your dog is not reacting well to them, you should always talk with a professional first. This can cause twitches and tremors, as well as repeated nerve discharges. Some common flea and tick medications contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids. It kills fleas and ticks without having to expose your dog to flea bites. However, Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase. 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. 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. This could easily happen if you and another family member both gave the medication without knowing, or if you forget that you already gave it and then give them another dose. 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. The most important thing to make sure of with a preventive is that dogs are getting the correct dose for their body weight. Pets can chill easily so dry thoroughly after bathing and keep your pet warm. Information about exactly how long a particular product works against different types of parasites is readily available on the medication . Yes, this can happen if you use the medicine too soon. Fleas are pesky parasites that can not only cause itching and scratching but also a few other, more serious health problems for your pet. Pets poisoned by organophosphate flea products require early intervention, which almost always requires IV fluids, supportive care, and hospitalization. If youre wondering whether your flea medicine makes your dog sick, know that flea treatments, like all other medicines, need to go through a long series of tests before they reach the market. In cats, signs of poisoning include profuse drooling, vomiting . Because its active ingredient (nitenpyram) works for only 24 hours, it is not effective as a preventive medication.. Therefore, it is imperative to monitor your dog during this time. If youre not sure what to do, try calling a veterinarian or emergency room. Isoxazoline-containing preventives include: On rare occasions, bifenthrin (frequently used in liquids and granular fire ant products.) Other medications known to cause hypersalivation include methimazole, flea and tick medications, and gabapentin. Once a flea collar is fitted properly around the dogs neck, it slowly distributes ingredients that kill fleas (and ticks, in some cases). If they do, they could develop poisoning symptoms and in rare cases, they could die. Your dog may also have diarrhea or vomiting. Bravecto chews are available by prescription only. Because NexGard comes in a variety of sizes, it may be difficult to determine the correct dosage for your dog. Often this is because the medicine has a bitter or unpleasant taste. Blood pressure medications and flea and tick medications can cause collapse in pets. However, if the dog has a severe infestation, retreatment within a month may be necessary. Consider using a veterinarian-prescribed flea control product for safer, more effective treatment. Adverse reactions such as excessive drooling, paw flicking/scratching, and ear twitching are often mild and can go away on their own. Some pet medications can cause symptoms such as seizures, tremors, and loss of coordination. Pet medications often affect a pets brain, causing them to behave differently. Simparica Trioavailable with a veterinarians prescriptionfor example, also helps protect against heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms, as well fleas and ticks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As winter descends upon New England in full force, more and more dog owners ask us if we recommend continuing heartworm prevention through the winter months. However, at high doses, these medications have serious and potentially fatal side effects, including dilated pupils, unsteadiness, mental dullness, drooling, vomiting, blindness, tremors, seizures, coma, and death. 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. If your dog doesnt get rid of the ticks, consult a veterinarian immediately. As you look at the product label, you will see the main ingredient listed as a pyrethrum, pyrethroid, or permethrin. If you buy a product from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. This makes it a convenient option for busy pet parents who might forget to administer a dose every month. 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. If you notice any of the following symptoms, its imperative to seek veterinary care immediately. Why is my pet still scratching after applying flea treatment? The longer an infestation goes without treatment, the more environmental contamination will occur which can make resolving the infestation more difficult, says Dr. Ashley Barnes, medical director at Louisville Family Animal Hospital in Louisville, Colorado. The reason why your dog is suddenly acting weird could be psychological or physical. While this effect is minor and usually temporary, you should brush your dog to remove any remaining fleas. Tickling may occur as fleas die off. Your veterinarian will administer presumptive treatment and monitor your dogs blood sugar levels and kidney function. That is because flea medicines have various concentrations of different chemicals. 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. This simple restlessness may turn into more concerning symptoms, so you should get them examined. Home - Dogs - Why Is Your Dog Acting Weird After Flea Medicine? In extreme cases of poisoning where the symptoms are severe, your vet will make a presumptive diagnosis and begin treatment immediately. I personally have prescribed this countless times. Oral Flea Medicine for Dogs Oral flea medicine for dogs comes as flavored chews that your dog enjoys every one to three months. If the dog is vomiting and shows symptoms of sickness after digesting the tablet, bring them in for an examination. 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. Substances that are toxic to insects such as fleas and ticks can also be harmful when exposed to pets in large quantities. Can you put too much flea medicine on a dog? In many cases, flea bites can cause severe allergic reactions in both pets and people due to reactions to their saliva.. Some mild signs of toxicity can include excessive salivation, paw flicking, and depression. These preventions are safe to use if the appropriate dose is administered. Rarely, medications can trigger blood disorders such as low platelets (thrombocytopenia) or low red blood cells (anemia) in pets, which can cause spontaneous bleeding. 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 your dog is itchy and has sensitive skin a chewable tablet would be better suited for your needs. If your pet gets re-infested with fleas, you can safely give another dose as often as once . Sign up for our newsletter. 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 . Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders, Monthly, beef-flavored tablet given orally, Kills fleas on dogs and prevents infestations, prevents heartworm disease, and treats and controls hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infections, Available in a variety of strengths, according to a dogs weight, Your dog will need to be tested for an existing heartworm infection before starting this medication, Administer with food for maximum effectiveness, Dogs must weigh 5 pounds or more to use this medication, Potential side effects may include vomiting, decreased activity, itching, decreased appetite, and diarrhea, If vomiting occurs within one hour of administration, you will need to redose, Use with caution in dogs with pre-existing epilepsy, Multi-spectrum product that protects against fleas, ticks, heartworms, ear mites, and mange, Good option for dogs who wont eat chews or tolerate collars, Non-greasy, quick-drying formula. What Should You Do If Your Dog Ate A Birth Control Pill? Flea treatment and prevention comes in several different forms, including oral and topical medications. Flea and tick preventatives most commonly come in two forms: Oral: Chewable tablet that your dog ingests Topical: Liquid that is spread between the should blades or down the back of your dog Topical flea and tick preventatives are a great option for pets that are picky eaters or have sensitive stomachs. Therefore, splitting the doses can lead to an ineffective dosage. When she's not working or caring for animals, she can be found enjoying the outdoors or reading a good book. Symptoms may continue for several days after the use of a product, but most clinical signs will resolve in one to three days. It is important to ask about the side effects that your pet might have when they start any medication. Online pet pharmacies like PetMeds, Allivet, and VetRxDirect offer Bravecto at discounted prices. Separate pets in a multi-pet household until the flea control product is dry so pets cannot lick topical products off each other. Most flea medicine for dogs is available in oral form (as chews and pills) and as topicals (including sprays), collars, and shampoos. What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Sick After The Flea Treatment? Dysphoria is also common after or during anesthesia in pets. Signs and Symptoms of Flea Medication Overdose This can result in repetitive nerve discharges, or twitches and tremors, in affected dogs. Check with your vet before you use any flea or tick product. These can range from mild to more severe reactions, depending on many factors. Once your pet has been stabilized, they can be washed with a liquid hand-washing detergent to remove the medication from their skin and fur. Preventing flea infestations, veterinarians say, is much easier and more cost-effective than treating them. 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. A plus is that many topicals have a repellent component in addition to ingredients that kill the fleas, says Jeffrey. Details. After bathing your pet, proceed to your family veterinarian. It protects against fleas (and prevents infestations), the American dog tick, heartworms, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange. Richards Organic Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs, Richards Organic Flea and Tick Dog Spray, Multi-purpose chew that kills fleas and prevents infestations, kills five types of ticks (including the Lyme-carrying Blacklegged tick), treats and controls roundworms and hookworms, and helps prevent heartworm disease, Liver-flavored chew that can be taken with or without food, The cost for a six-month supply (six tablets) is on average, between $140 to $170 dollars, depending on the size of your dog, You can only get Simparica chewables with a prescription from your veterinarian. 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. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible to give your pet the best chance of a safe and speedy recovery. When you use a substance containing an ectoparasiticide on your canine family member, always record the amount, day, and time of use. Though veterinarians will recommend specific over the counter flea products if cost is a factor, they say prescription flea medicine for dogs is better regulated. Capstar kills fleas that are on your dog at the time you administer the tablet, but it doesnt have the long-lasting benefits of other flea preventatives. A genetic test is available to identify at-risk dogs. Since NexGard is given only four times a month, it would take an extremely high dosage to cause serious side effects. It protects dogs from flea infestations and ticks, including the Blacklegged species. 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. For example, you may find them in yard and garden insecticides for use around the home, as well as in some fertilizers. However, they should still be checked out by your vet immediately, as he or she will be able to monitor your dog for signs of a more serious reaction and advise on the best way to remove the insecticide and help your dog recover. Its best to keep flea and tick products out of reach of children and pets. Anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reaction, is the most frightening medication side effect that pets can have. Seresto collars provide coverage across your dog's entire body. The result is a buildup of acetylcholine in the body, causing overstimulation of the target. The Merck Veterinary Manua l lists the following chemical compounds in flea pills that are most effective against fleas: Afoxolaner (Brand name NexGard) Fluralaner . 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. Methimazole in cats has also been associated, rarely, with blood disorder development. Vomiting and diarrhea can be ongoing, and your dog may be unable to control their muscles. Permethrin and pyrethrins are toxic to pets and should not be used on other animals. It is safe for dogs and is FDA-approved. 1. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. Her primary medical interests are preventive medicine and client education. Related Articles. It's easy to apply as long as you follow instructions carefully. 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. This can include panting, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures and even death. What You Should Not Do If Your Dog Is Sick After The Flea Treatment, Symptoms Of Flea And Tick Medicine Intoxication In Dogs, How To Choose The Right Flea Treatment For Your Dog, Types Of Flea And Tick Treatments For Dogs, How To Apply The Flea And Tick Medicine Properly. In their original form, these arent things you would want anywhere near your dog. Consider giving your pet probiotics when they are on antibiotics, to prevent or relieve antibiotic-associated diarrhea, vomiting, and appetite issues. You surely looked treatments up online to get an idea of whats on the market and what seems to work for other pet parents. Discuss using a flea shampoo with your veterinarian before bathing your dog with one of these products. It kills American dog ticks, deer ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star. This flea pill won't prevent flea infestations, though, so she'll also need to take a preventative to stay protected. If for any reason one of these treatments wont work well for your dog, consult your veterinarian before changing to a different one. This medication is given in a tablet form to treat flea infestations. Some dogs may require a combination of medications, while others may only require one specific medication. 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. You can expect to find Bravecto for dogs priced between $57.94 and $75.11 per dose. Additionally, Some of the topicals also have tick preventives that can be toxic to cats who could potentially come into contact with the medication.. The fleas and ticks ingest the chemicals, which cause them to become paralyzed. 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. Depending on the severity of clinical signs, seek emergency vet care immediately. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids typically come in varying concentrations. If this happens, contact your vet immediately. Some dog owners report sudden changes in their dogs behavior after administering flea medication. This topical product contains the ingredients fipronil and methoprene, which kill fleas during all stages of their life cycle. A newer class of flea and tick prevention medications that have been linked to toxicity are isoxazolines. You can bathe your dog two hours after application without it affecting the ingredients, Requires a prescription from your veterinarian, as well as a negative heartworm test, May not be a good option if youre concerned about children or pets being exposed to flea medicine ingredients, Kills fleas before they can lay eggs. This can result in repetitive nerve discharges, or twitches and tremors, in affected dogs. 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