It is essential for pet owners to protect their dogs from fleas and ticks all year round, especially during spring and summer when these parasites are most active. Administering topical flea and tick medicine may be necessary to prevent your dog from becoming infested. To ensure your dog’s safety, it is essential to use flea medicines as directed and keep them out of your pup’s reach.
Can Flea and Tick Medicine Be Dangerous to Dogs?
Flea and tick medicines are generally safe for dogs when used correctly. In rare cases when severe effects do happen, it is usually caused by misuse. For instance, cat and dog flea medicines are different, so using the wrong product on your dog can lead to adverse reactions. Additionally, when the medication is working to kill parasites, your pup may feel slight discomfort, like itching or tingling at the application site. Many dog owners may mistake this as an allergic reaction to the drug, but this is usually temporary and will go away on its own. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep flea products away from your pet to avoid accidental ingestion, which can cause severe reactions.
Potential Side Effects of Flea Medicines
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Depression
- Paraesthesia
- Skin irritation
- Pale skin
Treatment for Ingestion
If your dog has ingested flea medicine, your vet may need to perform gastric lavage or induce vomiting. Additionally, activated charcoal may be administered to minimize other intestinal and nervous effects. There are a few things to keep in mind before applying flea and tick medication to your dog. Refer to your dog’s size when selecting a flea medicine, as the required dosage will differ depending on the size of the dog. Additionally, make sure to only use products specifically intended for dogs. Furthermore, if your dog is pregnant, nursing, sick, or elderly, it is highly recommended to consult with a veterinarian before administering any flea medication.
If you notice any signs of an adverse reaction in your dog after using flea medication, contact Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 for further advice and treatment recommendations.
