Description
This article is from the Pet Owner's Guide
to Common Small Animal Poisons, by Julie Dahlke, DVM, a
graduate of the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary
Medicine.
Drugs: Flea Products - X
Millions of dollars are spent every year on products designed to rid
our non-human companions (and our homes!) of these unwanted
pests. Fleas are highly irritating to dogs and cats and can sometimes
result in severe flea bite allergies for those animals who develop a
sensitivity to proteins in the flea's saliva. Most of the products on
the market to combat these insects (the most common of which is
Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea) create few problems when used as
directed. Unfortunately, some dog flea preparations can be toxic to
cats and almost all topical flea preparations (dips, sprays, etc.) can
be poisonous if not used in accordance with label instructions. If
label instructions are for once weekly use, and the product is used
daily or more often, poisoning can result. If premise sprays,
specifically not for use directly on pets, are used on or near pets,
poisoning may result. The message is clear -- use brand names you are
familiar with (ask your vet for recommendations if you're not familiar
with any specific products), and use according to label
instructions. STOP use if your animal shows any abnormal signs
(possibly poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive
salivation). Excessive drooling may be caused only by the taste of the
product, or may truly be of concern. Contact your veterinary
clinic. Consider bathing your pet in warm water with diluted liquid
dish detergent to remove flea products from the hair and skin oils,
thereby limiting your pet's exposure.
Every year hundreds of animals are poisoned by these products, some
fatally, by accidental misuse resulting from misreading, or failing to
read, the label instructions. Do not use products intended for dogs on
cats as these may contain compounds that are appropriate for dogs but
poisonous to cats. Do not use premise sprays intended for the house
and/or yard on or near pets and always carefully read instructions
prior to use. Call your veterinary clinic with any questions or if
your animal shows any clinical signs during or following flea
treatment.
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small animal, pet, poison, guide, plant, drugs, chocolate, cleaning products, fertilizer, flea, insecticides
