Why can’t you use dog flea treatment on cats? Essential Tips

5 Sneaky Health Issues Senior Cat Owners Need to Know

Did you know your cat is technically considered a “senior” as soon as she hits 11 years old? Cats age really quickly as kittens – their first 2 years are equal to our first 25! – but once they hit adulthood they age at around four-times as fast as humans.

Are you considering bringing a trusty steed into your life? Before doing so, it’s essential to understand the prospective lifespan of your horse so you can ensure you take good care of your equine companion.

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Horses can safely eat a wide variety of household foods which can make great supplements to a traditional diet. However, there are several common foods that are toxic to our equine friends.

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.

The difference between flea control products for dogs and cats is a chemical called permethrin. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, this chemical is very safe for dogs and is common in flea sprays and drops. Cats, though, are especially sensitive to it and many of its variants. The chemical is derived from chrysanthemum plant and appears commonly in a synthetic form. Cat are unable to properly process it, and because of this it can make them sick. The natural version, called pyrethrins, is used instead in products meant for cats. Both versions of the chemical are safe for dogs, but owners should still buy a separate product for each pet to assure theyre giving the proper dosage.

For your pets 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. Hartz UltraGuard ProMAX Flea & Tick Collar – Gray

But even if you only use a small dose of a flea treatment not meant for cats, you may be putting your pet at risk. Its important to buy different products to treat animals of different sizes and species, even if they all have fleas at the same time. If youre unsure which products are safe for your animals, call a vet for a consultation.

Can You Put Dog Flea Treatment on Cats?