These symptoms often resolve as their body adjusts to taking the medication, but sometimes the symptoms can become severe. Maybe your dog developed some kind of trauma related to the moment you gave them the medicine, or maybe some components of the medicine were slightly changed and have now a different effect on your dog. Blood pressure medications have also been known to cause kidney dysfunction. Overdose symptoms are often self-limiting and subside over 24 to 72 hours. A bite-sized flavored chew that offers protection for 35 days and is available with a prescription. Some mild signs of toxicity can include excessive salivation, paw flicking, and depression. These lumps often go away quickly as the medication is absorbed into your pets body. Seresto is the most effective flea collar for dogs on the market, veterinarians say. If you do, dont give them another dose and call your veterinarian to discuss how to proceed. Signs and Symptoms of Flea Medication Overdose This can result in repetitive nerve discharges, or twitches and tremors, in affected dogs. Dr. Cathy Barnette is a small animal veterinarian with 13 years of clinical experience. Prescription topical medications are typically more effective, and non-prescription topicals vary in their effectiveness. It is important to ask about the side effects that your pet might have when they start any medication. It is safe for dogs and is FDA-approved. After bathing your pet, proceed to your family veterinarian. ingestion, in large concentratedamounts, can cause: Isoxazoline (commonly found in oral flea and tick preventatives) overdose can cause: If you think your dog or cat is having toxic side effects or was exposed to pyrethrins or pyrethroids, call your veterinarian, ASPCA Poison Control, or a Pet Poison Helpline immediately for potentially life-saving treatment advice. It is possible to overdose the dog with flea medicine, and this could result in a reaction such as excessive drooling or vomiting. While the concern is completely understandable, going for natural treatments doesnt mean going for less dangerous medication. It's also worth pointing out that dogs that have abnormally low body temperatures, for example after bathing or sedation, are predisposed to showing the signs and symptoms of toxic poisoning. The most popular flea and tick medications for dogs and cats last for at least a month; some are even effective for eight to twelve weeks! If your pet gets re-infested with fleas, you can safely give another dose as often as once . Required fields are marked *. This medication is given in a tablet form to treat flea infestations. However, if the medication is applied excessively, or if a dog is exposed to them in some other product (such as insect sprays and fertilizers), the toxins can affect the dog's nervous system and cause a range of problems. Why Is Your Dog Acting Weird After Flea Medicine? If your dog is itchy and has sensitive skin a chewable tablet would be better suited for your needs. If your dog does get a flea infection, you should stop the treatment immediately and seek medical attention. Some dog owners report that their dogs completely go crazy after the medication, probably in a desperate attempt to get rid of it. As with other heartworm medications, your dog will need to be tested for an existing heartworm infection before starting this product. Do not throw away the medicine package: in the case of intoxication, it will be needed to check the components and identify the right antidote for your pet; Do not give your dog another dose of medicine without consulting your veterinarian first. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. While overdosing your dog on flea and tick medicine is uncommon, it is possible to overdose your pet. Capstar kills fleas that are on your dog at the time you administer the tablet, but it doesnt have the long-lasting benefits of other flea preventatives. Ask your veterinarian what adverse reactions you should look for. Since one has to feed it to their pets, it becomes easy to use and does not require much effort, reducing all fuss and mess. If in doubt, bring your dog to the veterinarian for a weigh-in. Disaster Preparation and Your Pet: Would You be Ready? Check with your vet before you use any flea or tick product. If your dog takes the medication continuously, it may impair the immune system and lead to lethargy and even death. She lives with her husband, daughter, three cats, one dog, and a pet dove. All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. If unavailable, find your closest veterinary emergency clinic. 2023 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Most flea medicine for dogs is available in oral form (as chews and pills) and as topicals (including sprays), collars, and shampoos. Information about exactly how long a particular product works against different types of parasites is readily available on the medication . While most flea medications are administered monthly, Bravecto chews provide protection against fleas and ticks for 3 full months. While you might have used several products on your dog, most veterinarians prefer one over the other. Another offering from Richards Organics, this spray kills fleas and ticks and repels mosquitos for up to 4 weeks. Check Price. This beef-flavored chew kills adult fleas and ticks for one month. Treatment includes quick removal of the product by bathing your dog with a liquid dish soap like Dawn, Joy, or Palmolive to get the greasy substance off and rinsing the mouth with copious amounts of water. Lethargy is a common side-effect of many medicines. She currently splits her time between part-time clinical practice and freelance writing, as well as serving on her county Board of Health. Dysphoria is an altered mental state where your pet might vocalize, pant, or have difficulty settling down. Dysphoria is also common after or during anesthesia in pets. Can dogs recover from flea and tick medicine poisoning? Isoxazoline-containing preventives include: On rare occasions, bifenthrin (frequently used in liquids and granular fire ant products.) Flea treatments cannot be avoided, because fleas carry serious diseases that can also be lethal for your pet, so make sure to find the right medication for your buddy. A dog allergic to flea medication may start acting out of the ordinary or show symptoms of sickness right after the medication and prompt intervention is fundamental to prevent further complications. DO NOT apply a topical flea control product to skin that is red, irritated, scratched, or broken. The longer an infestation goes without treatment, the more environmental contamination will occur which can make resolving the infestation more difficult, says Dr. Ashley Barnes, medical director at Louisville Family Animal Hospital in Louisville, Colorado. Clinical signs may include. Pill type: PrescriptionThese pills are super easy to get your dog to take. It is important to follow label directions, as giving too much of the same drug will increase the risk of overdose. In addition to monitoring for gastrointestinal signs, veterinarians will check your dogs blood sugar and kidney function to ensure your pets safe recovery. Medication meant for large dogs may be toxic to smaller dog because the dose is too high. Prior to using a flea control product, always consult with your family veterinarian as well as confirm the product is appropriate for the species, weight, and age of your pet. There are many reasons to double up on the flea treatment. However, as with all medicines and considering that every human and every animal is unique, there might be cases where your dog and their flea medication just dont get along. The flea has to bite the pet in order to ingest the medication.. These medications were the first oral flea and tick products, and while they are highly effective, they can also cause toxicity if given incorrectly or an overdose occurs. Giving your pet too little or too much of a drug can be equally dangerous. These medicines need to be applied properly to be effective and to avoid causing health issues to your dog. They range in cost, effectiveness, and levels of protection. Chewable flea prevention may not be a good fit for dogs with food sensitivities or conditions like irritable bowel disease, says Klein. A big role will be played by how attentive you are when giving your dog the flea treatment. Its fast-drying, so you can bathe your dog two hours after application without reducing the medicines effectiveness. Vomiting and diarrhea can be ongoing, and your dog may be unable to control their muscles. 1. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. However, if the affected dogdevelops uncontrolled neurological signs, or if they develop secondary complications such as kidney failure, the outlook is a lot less positive. If you think your dog is having a severe reaction to a flea medication containing pyrethrin or pyrethroid, take them to a veterinarian immediately. Your dog may also experience strange behavior. The mean flea count per lufenuron-treated dog was approximately 74 prior to treatment but had decreased to 4 after six monthly doses of lufenuron. If your dog is acting weird after a flea treatment or its feeling sick, the first thing you should do is to alert your veterinarian. Simparica Trioavailable with a veterinarians prescriptionfor example, also helps protect against heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms, as well fleas and ticks. In mild cases, your pet can be treated, but depending on the type of medication and amount ingested, an overdose can cause illness and even death. The most common cause of overdose is an excess dose. When she's not working or caring for animals, she can be found enjoying the outdoors or reading a good book. This means that killing the adult flea is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Some common flea and tick medications contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids. Your email address will not be published. It protects dogs from flea infestations and ticks, including the Blacklegged species. Flea treatment and prevention comes in several different forms, including oral and topical medications. It also increases the time the pet will be uncomfortable and increases risk for secondary skin infections.. This reaction can occur the first time they have a medication (acute) or after it has been given a couple times (delayed). Consider using a veterinarian-prescribed flea control product for safer, more effective treatment. The most common type of flea control product is pyrethrum-based. Oral products are the most effective form of flea medicine for dogs, veterinarians say. This simple restlessness may turn into more concerning symptoms, so you should get them examined. Some topical flea medicines for dogs, like Frontline Plus, are available over the counter, while others, like Revolution, require a prescription. The dose of ivermectin or moxidectin in heartworm preventatives is so low that it is usually safe for use in any breed of dog. Signs of flea control product toxicity can occur from one to 12 hours after application and may vary depending on the type of flea control product poisoning. Dogs sometimes may experience serious symptoms after flea treatments and they may even get worse with time. In more severe cases, tremors can lead to seizures. Theyre a good option if your dog doesnt do well with collars, or you dont want your children or other pets exposed to topical flea medicine ingredients. Your own veterinarian can ultimately suggest a product that is best suited to your dog. Many conventional flea and tick products contain pesticides that are harmful to humans. Some dogs may only require a single medication, while others may require multiple medications. Why is my pet still scratching after applying flea treatment? What Should You Do If Your Dog Ate A Birth Control Pill? In severe cases, your dog may even die. Moreover, do not mix different products for treating ticks and fleas. How long does flea and tick medicine poisoning last? Your veterinarian might also want to monitor your dogs temperature, blood sugar levels, and kidney function, as these can be affected by any toxicity. This product is also FDA-approved to help prevent Lyme infections as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks. Too much flea medication on your dog can have harmful consequences. Vaccine Reactions in Dogs: Side . Plus, the collars are non-greasy and have no chemical odor. These chemicals affect the entire body of fleas and ticks. Side effects of medications that affect the skin are very common among pets. Also, dont give more than one dose at a time. If you accidentally give your dog two NexGard, they may reject the second half. So, choosing flea medicine for dogs with optimal protection is a pretty big deal. Discuss using a flea shampoo with your veterinarian before bathing your dog with one of these products. Is Your Pet in Pain? If the overdose is of a greater magnitude, the symptoms can be much more worrying. Please note that symptoms may take up to 12 hours to appear after the flea treatment has been applied, as it can take some time for the insecticides to make their way into the dog's system. In the case, youre using sprays, powders, or topical medication, you should wash your dog with a mild detergent like Dawn and warm water immediately after they start acting weird and before bringing them to the vet. Always check the ingredients thoroughly and if youre in doubt, ask your vet. Have questions or concerns about your pet? The symptoms of a toxicity in dogs can be different for each product. Pill type: Over the counterLooking for even faster results? Your pets health status and age. Though one chew lasts for up to three months, it costs between $57 and $60. Some pets may develop flea allergy dermatitis or parasites secondary to fleas so additional medications could be needed.. Follow the veterinarians instructions when using the medicine, and never leave it unattended. Some dogs are sensitive to such topical medications and can develop allergies to these products. These are some of the most common side effects that pets experience: One of the most common side effects of pet medications is mild stomach upset. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to. Our Pick: Revolution Topical Solution for Puppies. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. They can be administered to your dog as directed, typically every 12 weeks. Home - Dogs - Why Is Your Dog Acting Weird After Flea Medicine? Flea pills or chewable tablets are oral medications that you give to your dog to treat and prevent fleas. For example, you may have a dog that is allergic to one ingredient, but this medication is safe for the other ingredient. Serious symptoms include: For mild side effects, such as stomach upset, your vet might be able to assist you over the phone in making a new treatment plan. Rarely, medications can trigger blood disorders such as low platelets (thrombocytopenia) or low red blood cells (anemia) in pets, which can cause spontaneous bleeding. There are signs to look for to recognize a possible overdose, and its important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Pets poisoned by organophosphate flea products require early intervention, which almost always requires IV fluids, supportive care, and hospitalization. We independently pick all the products we recommend because we love them and think you will too. Breed-Related Reactions to Parasite Medication. Levothyroxine (used for hypothyroidism in dogs), Methimazole (used for hyperthyroidism in cats), Steroids such as prednisone and prednisolone, Oral and topical flea and tick medications. Many dogs are allergic to flea bites, which can cause intense. Oral treatments are more effective than topical treatments. An added benefit: it contains chamomile and aloe vera to help soothe itchy skin. Its best to keep flea and tick products out of reach of children and pets. Pagan says caution should be used if considering chewable tablets for dogs with epilepsy. In rare cases, flea and tick medicine could make dogs sick because theyre medicines with their side-effects and no dog is the same, meaning that what is good for most dogs might be harmful to your dog. If a mild symptom lasts for more than 24 hours, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian. Also, make sure that you do not give more than one drug at a time, as that can cause an accidental overdose. 10 Pet Snakes that Dont Bite (Easy to Keep). On the other side of the spectrum, a dog that is lethargic after the flea medication may be even more worrying. Can dogs be allergic to spot on flea treatment? It also kills sarcoptic mange and chewing lice. Ingestion or allergy poisoning will produce more symptoms. When you use a substance containing an ectoparasiticide on your canine family member, always record the amount, day, and time of use. Bravecto chews are available by prescription only. If your dog experiences any of the rare side effects listed below, they should be treated as soon as possible by a veterinarian because the consequences can be fatal. No matter the kind of medication youre using on your pet, if your dog starts acting weird, absolutely avoid doing the following: You can expect quite a bit of scratching after applying a flea treatment, but thats completely normal because the chemicals in the medication will make fleas hyperactive before dying and your dog may feel irritated because of it. In these less severe cases, some medications cannot be abruptly stopped. . Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to. If youre not sure what to do, try calling a veterinarian or emergency room. Most flea medicine for dogs is available in oral form (as chews and pills) and as topicals (including sprays), collars, and shampoos. If youre interested in in topical flea prevention products, these two are recommended by vets: Try Bravecto Topical from Chewy for $52.99Try Advantage from Amazon for $44.81. Supportive care might consist of repeat bathing, IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, muscle relaxation, and seizure medication. This can include vomiting, diarrhea or hives. With prompt treatment, a full recovery can be expected in most pets. Only 5% of the flea population is made up of adults. It kills fleas and ticks without having to expose your dog to flea bites. Its FDA-approved to help prevent Lyme infections caused by Blacklegged ticks. Yes, this can happen if you use the medicine too soon. A plus is that many topicals have a repellent component in addition to ingredients that kill the fleas, says Jeffrey. With quick treatment, dogs can fully recover from flea and tick medication poisoning/toxicity. Clinical signs include: A tingling sensation; dogs will excessively itch or scratch that spot on their skin, Rolling around on the back or trying to bite the back. Can you put [] Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. 3-9 lb 0.4ml 40 10 Advantage Multi 9. If you bathe your pet often and do not like a greasy product applied to the coat, a chewable tablet is for you and your pet., Be careful with cats in the home. Its hard to make a diagnosis over the phone, but they may be able to tell you if your dog can wait till morning so you can go to your usual clinic. However, in dogs, the gastrointestinal system often releases histamine directly into the liver, causing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea as well as liver enzyme elevation. In most pets, anaphylaxis primarily affects the lungs and airways. A lack of coordination is another common sign, along with confusion, excessive drooling, moving in circles, seizures, and even collapse. The fleas and ticks ingest the chemicals, which cause them to become paralyzed. A single application of K9 Advantix II remains effective for four weeks. Can you put too much flea medicine on a dog? If caught early and treated quickly, the prognosis for dogs who have suffered a flea medication overdose is actually quite good. These chews start knocking out fleas within just one hour, with 96 percent effectiveness within four hours. Some brand names may include Talstar, Capture, Ortho Home Defense Max, Bifenthrine, Baygon, Scourge, and Anvil. Tramadol, a pain medication, is a very commonly prescribed pet medication thats known to have a bitter taste; it should not be crushed. The medication will also cause your dogs coat to become wet and may result in liver and kidney failure. They range in cost, effectiveness, and levels of protection. I recommend systemic [aka oral] products for clients with young children, Dr. Sangiorgio told The Dodo. 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Remains effective for four weeks flea allergy dermatitis or parasites secondary to fleas additional. Medical attention for use in any breed of dog oral ] products for treating ticks and fleas on dog... Medications are administered monthly, Bravecto chews provide protection against fleas and ticks the! Can cause an accidental overdose brand names may include Talstar, Capture, Ortho home Defense Max,,! Good fit for dogs who have suffered a flea shampoo with your veterinarian what adverse reactions should... Chew lasts for more than one dose at a time sometimes the symptoms of flea for. Is readily available on the market, veterinarians say protects dogs from flea infestations and ticks having!