If your pup loves to play outside, then you’ve most likely treated them with flea and tick medicine. Fleas and ticks are most active during the spring and summer, typically the time when your dog will spend the most time outside. Flea medications are an effective way to keep your dog safe from these parasites, but is there such a thing as too much flea medicine? If you’re overtreating your dog, they can experience adverse effects.
Misuse of Flea Medicine
If you are using flea medicine correctly, your pet should have no issues. When severe effects from flea medications occur, it’s often due to incorrect treatment. If the medication is applied excessively or if your pup ingests it, the toxins can affect their nervous system and cause a range of problems. Other examples of misuse include applying cat flea medicine on your dog, which results in adverse reactions. A common occurrence is that many owners mistake the medication working as having a negative reaction to the treatment. Your dog may experience slight discomfort or itching at the application site, but this will go away on its own and it’s not a cause for concern. After every use, properly secure the product away so your dog cannot ingest the medication.
Potential Side Effects of Flea Medications
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Depression
- Paranesthesia
- Skin irritation
- Pale skin
How To Respond If Your Dog Is Having a Reaction
Contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 if you suspect that your dog is having a bad reaction to flea medication. Take your dog to the veterinary clinic so they can be evaluated and receive treatment. If your pup ingested flea medication, supportive care may be necessary. Activated charcoal may be administered to bind the toxins. There is key information to know before attempting to apply flea and tick medication to your pup. First, be aware of your dog’s size so they can receive the appropriate dose. Next, only use products that are specifically designed for dogs. Lastly, if your dog is pregnant, nursing, sick, or old, talk to your veterinarian before applying flea medicine to your dog.
If you have further questions or concerns about anything to do with flea medications for pets, contact Pet Poison Helpline right away!
