Is It Safe To Use Cat Flea Medicine On A Dog
Cat flea medicine comes under a variety of names and methods of administration. Some are a pill you need to get your cat to swallow. Others are a liquid she needs to drink. Still others are a lotion or liquid that needs to be rubbed into their skin. This article discusses what kind of cat flea products can work for dogs.
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What Happens If You Put Dog Flea Treatment On Cats
Dog flea treatments have ingredients in them that are poisonous to cats. Your cats nervous system and vital organs will be affected. What happens if you use dog flea shampoo on your cat? Your cat will start having seizures, falling over, and acting completely strange, unable to walk. They will most likely be seriously injured or die.
Brewer’s Yeast Flea Combs
Some people feed their pets brewers yeast in the hopes that the smell will ward off fleas. But there is no science to support this. One green strategy that does work: the flea comb. Flea combs are completely nontoxic and offer a way to remove fleas from pets that cant take medication.
Check with your vet before giving your pet any type of herbal treatment.
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Be Careful While Bathing Your Kitty
Some cats don’t like sudden movements, and they need you to take things extra slow while they’re feeling vulnerable in a bath. Wash your cat gently and speak to him soothingly.
Don’t use a spray hose on your cat. Instead, dip your hand into the warm water and gently scoop the water onto your kitty. Scoop a little at a time until his fur is wet down to the skin. Take care not to get any water or soap in your cat’s eyes, ears, or nose.
With flea shampoo, you want a good lather. Continue to work the lather in over the whole cat for three to five minutes, being sure to avoid the area around the eyes. Make sure you read the directions carefully and don’t leave the shampoo on longer than directed.
If the bathroom doors are closed and there’s no place for him to hide, you can take your cat out of the tub and replace the old water during those few minutes. If you’re using small tubs, then top off the clean water with some warm water to keep it a comfy temperature. Watch him closely and make sure he doesn’t lick himself. Then rinse it all out and don’t leave any soap behind.
After the bath, blot his wet fur with a dry towel to get some of the excess water out. Then let him out into a small, draft-free, warm room where he can air dry.
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo
This kitten shampoo kills ticks, fleas, and other insects in a short time, and it also contains an insect growth regulator , which ensures that your kitten stays free from fleas and ticks for up to 6 months. Its ingredients include aloe lanolin and oatmeal, ensuring that your kittens fur stays smooth and silky + free from fleas. It is, however, recommended for kittens 12 weeks old or older since this shampoo may cause allergic reactions to the skins or furs of the kitten.
This kitten shampoo is placed at $14 and can be found at many different online retail stores.
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What Products Are Available To Treat My Cat
Although most topical insecticides kill adult fleas, many have limited effectiveness because they only work for a few hours after application. This is particularly true of flea shampoos and powders they kill fleas present on your cat at the time of application but have little lasting effect the following day the cat may again have fleas. Newer products with excellent residual activity are available from your veterinarian. Some products contain adulticide ingredients with residual activity, while others contain insect growth regulators that prevent the larval stages from maturing. For best results in a flea infestation, use flea control products that contain an IGR.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY – apply the product as instructed and repeat at the intervals stated. Ensure that the product is labelled for use in cats, as some dog products may be poisonous to cats.
Topical Flea Prevention Product As Recommended By Your Vet
There are several topical cat flea control products that work by affecting the nerve receptors of the flea. They are usually applied to the cat’s skin at the back of the neck and are collected in the skin, from which the product is slowly released. Most topicals are labeled for a once-monthly application. In order to truly get rid of a flea problem, you need to have your cat on flea prevention for 3-4 month minimum- but it is the opinion of most vet’s that year round prevention is important and warranted especially if your cat has had fleas once before. The concern for for disease and other problems fleas can cause on pet’s warrants year round prevention as well.
It’s very important to avoid using products labeled for dogs on cats. Dogs and cats have different physiologies and are very different in size. If possible, avoid flea dips, sprays, powders, or collars. If you choose to use such products, do your homework and be absolutely sure that the ingredients used are safe for cats.
An example of some flea topical products are below. Remember, always pick one recommended by your veterinarian and make sure your cat is within the right weight range and that it is NOT the dog version of these products. Follow the directions for your age/size of the cat.
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I Have Not Seen Any Fleas On My Cat Why Has My Veterinarian Advised Flea Control
One of the most common causes of feline allergic skin disease is flea allergy dermatitis. To eliminate this possibility, your veterinarian may advise rigorous flea control even though no fleas can be found. If the cat’s skin problem improves with flea control, it suggests that flea allergy is involved.
Fleas are easy to find if a cat is heavily infested. If fleas are present in smaller numbers, it can be harder to see them. Fleas move quickly! Try looking on the cat’s stomach, around the tail base, and around the neck.
Sometimes adult fleas cannot be found but flea dirt can be seen. Flea dirt is fecal matter from the flea that contains partially digested blood, and it is a good indicator of the presence of fleas. Flea dirt is seen as small black specks or coiled structures when placed on a damp, white tissue, the flea dirt dissolves, leaving a reddish brown stain. Flea dirt may be found in cat’s bedding even when fleas cannot be found on the cat.
“Cats are very efficient at removing debris from their coat’s using their tongues and may succeed in removing all evidence of flea infestation such as adult fleas and flea dirt.”
In cats that develop an allergy to fleas, one of the symptoms is excessive grooming. Cats are very efficient at removing debris from their coat’s using their tongues and may succeed in removing all evidence of flea infestation such as adult fleas and flea dirt.
What To Do If You Use A Dog Flea Treatment On Your Cat
Because the product can be harmful to your cat, there are a few steps that you should take if you apply the wrong flea treatment. The PPH said that if your pet shows any unusual symptoms such as drooling or agitation after application you should bathe the pet in warm water with a gentle dish soap. PetMD noted that most symptoms resolve between 24 to 72 hours. If any pet shows more serious symptoms after a flea treatment application, bring him or her to your veterinarian.
For your pet’s health and safety, avoid trying to save a few dollars by using expired medications or medications meant for animals of a different species or size. Also, keep an eye on cats after a dog is treated, as cats may lick or rub against the area you treated on the dog.
Always be sure to buy separate and appropriate products for all your different animals. For instance, if you get Hartz® flea drops for your dog, be sure to also get the cat specific Hartz® flea drops instead of trying to use the same product for both.
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Rochester Pet Owner Veterinarian Warn Others About Popular Shampoo For Cats
ROCHESTER, Minn. A Rochester woman is warning pet owners about the potential danger from a popular flea and tick shampoo after her cat died unexpectedly late last year.
Anne Wing, a groomer of 18 years and owner of Clip & Dip Grooming and Boarding in northwest Rochester, used the Adams Flea & Tick Cleansing Shampoo for Cats on her beloved cat, four-year-old Muffin, but said she died a few days later.
It didnt need to happen. She was healthy. There wasnt anything wrong with her until we used the shampoo, said Wing. She used Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo for Cats, which is sold at major retailers like Walmart and Petco, on Muffin after her dogs came into contact with fleas.
Wing figured it was safe since shed used it on her other cats in the past and didnt have a problem. But when she used it on Muffin, she witnessed a different outcome.
She just wasnt feeling good, but I thought she was stressed. She didnt eat that night or the next morning. As a couple days went on shed vomit a little bit of water after she drank and she still wasnt eating, added Wing.
She took Muffin to a veterinarian clinic three days after first seeing her exhibit odd behavior. Vet workers kept her overnight and gave her plenty of IV fluids. The vet sent Muffin home the next day but she still wasnt eating.
But Muffin never came home she died a short time later at the vets office.
How can cats get pyrethrins into their system?
Q Is There Any Reason I Cant Use Dog Shampoo On My Cat
A. From a medical perspective, cats are different from dogs, including the way they react to flea-control products. If you use a dog shampoo that contains ingredients for combating fleas, you may put your cat at risk. This is true even of natural ingredients meant to repel fleas, so ask your veterinarian to recommend a feline-friendly shampoo. In general, you should consult your vet before using any dog product on your cat.
Many readers may wonder why someone should bathe a cat at all, since most felines groom themselves. I can think of a couple of reasons it’s a good idea to get your cat used to water: You may sometimes need to wash off something your cat got into, which you don’t want him to ingest when he licks his coat. Weekly rinsing also reduces the sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes associated with allergies to cats. You don’t have to bother with soap for allergies, though: Just rinsing a cat weekly reduces the dander that triggers allergy attacks.
That said, you may have a difficult time convincing an adult cat to tolerate bathing. However, it’s easier with kittens if you proceed gently, with praise and treats, you’re more likely to end up with a cat who puts up with regular rinsing.
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Can You Use Dog Shampoo On Cats
The short answer is ‘not always’. If you check the label, most shampoo suppliers will say if the shampoo is also safe for use on cats and kittens. Some may be for dogs and cats only, others will specifically mention ‘puppies and kittens’ .
There are a few reasons you shouldn’t go ahead and use a dog shampoo on a cat, unless you know it’s safe for cats. One is an ingredient called permethrin. It’s common in dog shampoos that help treat pests like fleas, but for cats that ingredient is poisonous .
Another reason is how different a cat’s skin is to a dogs. A cat has almost paper thin, loose skin, and the pH of their skin is more acidic than dogs. Dogs average a pH of 7.5 – cats pH averages 6 – humans average 5.5. The difference between each move up and down the pH scale is huge in real terms .
Small changes to a cat’s pH can make a big difference, plus cats groom at an entirely different level to dogs. An incorrect skin pH can lead to cats getting itchy and irritated, dry flaky skin, or overly oily greasy skin. The wrong pH can also make cats more likely to get infected with fleas and other parasites. Washing cats should be a last resort to help them maintain the correct skin pH naturally.
Before you use ‘dog’ shampoo on your cat, check the label or ask the supplier. It should mention ‘safe for dogs and cats’ or ‘puppies and kittens’ not just dogs or puppies. Even if it says ‘pets’ it’s safer not to assume that includes cats. It should specifically mentions cats or kittens.
What Happens If Humans Use Dog Shampoo
Even if you know that you shouldnt use dog shampoo, sometimes it smells good, and you dont realize youre out of shampoo before you jump in the shower.
If thats the situation, put your hair in a bun and wash it another day. Using dog shampoo, even if its just once, can cause many more problems than its worth.
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Is Lavender Safe For Cats
No, lavender is not safe for cats. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , lavender is toxic to cats and dogs. Signs of lavender poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and a lack of appetite. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from lavender poisoning, consult your local veterinarian.
Shampoo That Will Suit Both Pets And Humans
Not everyone knows but in fact, a product exists that can be successfully and safely applied to both dogs and their owners! This is an oatmeal shampoo.
We usually consume oats as food, but this grain has superb anti-itching powers, besides, it helps to cure skin diseases. However, we must admit that only the natural shampoo will work for both you and your fluffy friend since it has no harsh chemicals that may damage your tresses or scalp.
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Assuring All Dogs And Cats In The House Are On Flea Prevention
If you have multiple dogs or cats in your home, it is important that they are all on prevention. If you have noted fleas on one cat or dog in your home, it is likely that all of the cat’s and dog’s in your home have fleas. In order to truly get rid of fleas, each cat and dog needs to be on a reliable vet recommended flea prevention consistently and for consecutive months. Assuming that just one of your pet’s has it, and the other do not because you do not see them will lead to the non treated cat’s and dog’s continuously getting bit by fleas. Due to lifecycle and longevity of fleas, you will never be able to get rid of your flea problem in your home if you leave one of your cat’s and dog’s unprotected or decide to just treat them for one or two months.
I Dont Get What The Big Deal Is Are There Any Other Side Effects Of Using Dog Shampoo
Well, actually it doesnt stop at skin and fur.
Some ingredients are actually toxic to your kitty and since cats are different than dogs in the way that they clean themselves, they are at a higher risk of ingesting the shampoo. If cats are not thoroughly rinsed after they are washed with a toxic shampoo, they may end up getting it in their mouths when they clean themselves. Toxic ingredients found in dog shampoos have been known to cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Dependant on how much of the shampoo the cat has ingested these three symptoms can be detrimental or fatal as all three lead to dehydration. If your cat shows any of these symptoms after a bath makes sure to take them to the vet immediately. Again, depending on how severe, your vet may recommend IV Fluids as well as a flush of their system.
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Despite Treating My Cat For Fleas She Still Has Them Is There A \super Flea\
There is no evidence of fleas developing resistance to insecticides, especially once-a-month topical flea preventives that contain a sterilizing agent or IGR in addition to the adulticide. Apparent failure of treatment almost always results from improper application of the preventive, inadequate treatment of the home, or exposure to other infested pets or environments. Consider treating storage sheds, cars, and any outdoor sleeping spots. Bear in mind that your cat may be going into other people’s houses. Most of these problems can be overcome by using an effective product with residual activity on the cat in addition to treating your home.
Can You Use Dog Shampoo On Cats What Happens If
5 mins readWhy Is It Important to Use Cat-Specific Shampoo?Can I use a flea treatment after using a flea shampoo shes an older cat It depends on the type of flea product you have used, owners mistakenly put certain DOG flea products on their cat, 2, If your flea medication is not specifically designed for a cat then it should not be given to your cat, even death, Some combination flea and tick medications such as K9 Advantix or Certifect are in fact toxic to cats and should never be used, The use of dog flea products on cats, Then you can drown the pests in a bowl of hot, Cats are extremely sensitive to chemicals, you can use a flea comb for cats to spot out and remove fleas from their body, Read the instructions on the shampoo and see what it says about when you can reapply, The dangerous ingredient in these products is permethrin , Never double up on products Can you use Dog Flea Shampoo on Cats?7 mins readWhy Cant You Use Dog Flea Shampoo on Cats? Ingredients such pyrethrins that are found in flea killing shampoo for dogs can seriously harm or even kill your cat, Dont use dog products on a cat, these feline emergencies happen more frequently to folks who dont see a vet regularly and buy their products at a pet store orFrontline for dogs or frontline plus is a flea preventive medication thats available for both canines and felines
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