Flea Product Toxicities

October 29, 2008

Fleas can be a hassle to us but even more so to our furry friends. Not only can fleas cause skin allergies which may lead to secondary infections, they can pass along parasites to your pet, including tapeworms. Flea Fact: fleas in the New Mexico area can still carry the Black Plague! While we encourage all pet owners to have their animals on a flea prevention schedule, we must also caution you when it comes to choosing the right product.

Some products contain pyrethrin, which is a chemical derived from chrysanthemums. Other products may contain permethrin, a synthetic insecticide. Both of these ingredients can cause a reaction in your animal, permethrin more so than pyrethrin. Cats are especially sensitive, but dogs can react as well.

Signs:

Drooling
Lethargy
Muscle tremors
Vomiting
Seizures, which in cats can lead to death

What to do:

Wash the animal in a lukewarm, not hot, bath with mild dish soap. Hot water can allow the chemical to better penetrate the skin.
Contact a veterinarian.

Prevention:

Only use flea products recommended by a veterinarian.
Be sure to use the proper dose for the weight of you animal.
Do not give cats any flea product that says "For Use in Dogs Only". A cat's metabolism is much different than a dog's is.