Neither one of these insecticides is safe for use on cats and can be lethal. The effects range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of exposure and condition of your cat. Contact your vet immediately if your cat has come into contact with a dog flea treatment, or household flea spray. Try these safe natural flea and tick control treatments and methods for both dogs and cats. She advises people who are concerned about pesticide exposure that there are other ways to control fleas, including bathing your pet and washing bedding regularly. The investigation, “Paws for Concern,” airs Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) on CBC Television. A Vet Weighs In on Flea Treatments for Cats. Cats metabolize drugs differently than dogs and giving your cat your dog's flea medication can be fatal. Some dog flea treatments contain permethrin, an insecticide that is safe for dogs but highly toxic to cats. Natural Cat Flea Treatments To Avoid. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). They kill insects by preventing their nervous system from functioning properly. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, this chemical is very safe for dogs and is common in flea sprays and drops. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Keep your pet flea-free. This product is non-toxic and has a bitter taste, which means that it shouldn’t be harmful if applied to your dog; it probably just won’t be effective. You can apply medication topically on dog’s skin (spot on treatment) or have a dog ingest a flea pill. Many are unsafe, if not toxic, to cats, and it can be confusing figuring out if you can give the same thing to both your dog and your cat. The effects range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of exposure and condition of your cat. These little buggers can cause flea allergic dermatitis, tapeworms, cat-scratch disease and anemia. FRIDAY, Sept. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Flea medicines protect your pet, but some animals can have serious side effects from products containing isoxazoline, U.S. … Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. A flea can jump up to 13 inches, so it’s possible a pet or other animal can transfer them to you. In its review, the NRDC found that dangerously high levels of pesticide residue can remain on a dog or cat's fur for weeks after a flea collar is put on the animal. It sounds basic, but it's true. Some canine medications contain the insecticide permethrin or Phenothrin. Pet owners need to be extremely careful in how they choose flea treatments and how they use them... New labelling rules. Rotkin-Ellman says that exposure to the types of pesticides used in flea collars may be linked to behavioural problems, cognitive delay and problems with motor development. In fact, it’s fatal. EPA Study Warns About Commercial Flea Treatment Dangers Don’t be fooled. They can cause flea allergy dermatitis—an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. Other necessary treatment. Capstar® Flea Control for Dogs and Cats. CBC Marketplace has discovered that more than 2,000 animals are reported to have died in North America since 2008 as a result of exposure to flea and tick treatment products, which can contain dangerous chemicals that kill fleas but can also harm pets. Thus, dogs would not be given preventative measures during the … All rights reserved. Why Conventional Dog and Cat Flea and Tick Products are so Dangerous. Best cat flea treatment: At a glance . Avoid toxic chemicals in flea and tick collars, spot-on treatments, spray and other treatments. Is Capstar Flea Treatment Dogs Safe for Long Term Use. Ways To Treat Dogs For Fleas and Ticks. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. 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. “Some people think, A cat is a small dog and I’ll just use a little dose,” Dr. Chin says. This is a particularly hard-to-reach area. Flea bites may be more than an itchy annoyance to some dogs and cats. Oral Treatments for Dog Flea and Tick Control. The active ingredient in Capstar is Nitenpyram, which has been shown to be safe for both cats and dogs. However, products manufactured before the new rules were introduced were not recalled and may still be on the market. The formulations and doses available with the Advantage product are such that the product available for cats will most likely not be effective if applied to your dog. Capstar Flea Treatment by Novartis. This product is orally administered once a day, as needed, and advertises that it kills fleas within a maximum of six hours on both cats and dogs. “We don’t need to put our kids at risk, don’t need to put our families at risk, our pets at risk.”. “It’s one of those things that is incredibly unfair — it’s unfair for families, it’s unfair for their pets, it’s unfair for kids. Phenothrin spot-on products may result in similar but less severe clinical signs. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Cat and dog flea treatments can be toxic to pets, humans. The dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) is a species of flea that lives as an ectoparasite on a wide variety of mammals, particularly the domestic dog and cat.It closely resembles the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, which can live on a wider range of animals and is generally more prevalent worldwide.. The problem with poisoning fleas and ticks is that you have to first poison the host … that’s your dog. "Regular preventative care is by far the best way to protect your pet." The difference between flea control products for dogs and cats is a chemical called permethrin. Dr. Chin says one chemical common in over-the-counter dog treatments — permethrin — is of particular concern. Generally, nothing will happen. There are about 10 million dogs and 11 million cats in the UK, with an estimated 80% receiving flea treatments, whether needed or not. Key Features: Convenient oral dosage; Starts killing fleas within 30 minutes; For dogs and cats 2-25 pounds; Cost: $25. Using too much of the chemical can be dangerous, and it is highly toxic to cats. If the product comes into contact with human skin, it is recommended to wash thoroughly with soap and water. Flea treatments meant for dogs can be hazardous to cats. Itch delivers regular, convenient and effective treatment from fleas for dogs and cats. Health Canada receives reports about incidents related to Canadian products used domestically and in the United States. Brewer's yeast. Tetrachlorvinphos or TCVP is an organophosphate. And the truth is, there are better options,” public health scientist Miriam, CBC Marketplace: Pet Safety - Paws for Concern, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. Fleas do not live on humans, but they can still bite us. A flea infestation can be hazardous to both human and dog health, but chemical flea products are dangerous for both of you. Advantage is a product that is much more species and size specific. Most products contain organophosphate insecticides that effectively kill adult parasites. WARNING: Never put a dog flea treatment or a household flea spray on a cat. Dr. Advantage kills fleas on contact by disrupting their nervous systems. They can carry the eggs of tapeworms, an internal parasite. Some pets are allergic to fleas and get something called flea allergy dermatitis, where the skin becomes hypersensitive. Novartis makes a flea and tick treatment they call Capstar that comes in different dosages for different size pets. Cat and dog flea treatments can be toxic to pets, humans Dangers to small pets. Dr. Chin advises talking to your veterinarian before choosing a treatment product, and says that not all products on the market are dangerous. Can Cats Lick Flea Medicine? Many of these products have been discontinued because of such common reactions. Through NRDC's efforts, flea and tick collars containing propoxur now carry warning labels in California, telling pet owners that the ingredient is toxic and may cause cancer. The team found that kids could be exposed to higher levels than are considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. Vet and head of ESCCAP, Ian Wright Flea Treatment. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. "Insecticides used on dogs such as Frontline and K9 Advantix can cause liver damage, nervous-system damage, and even cancer. Flea med doses are based on the animal’s weight. “The formulation of flea medications for cats and dogs is completely different,” he explains. Another grocery store product that fleas don’t particularly enjoy is apple cider … Flea treatment products to avoid. Most of the reports involve over-the-counter treatments. There are two ways to prevent and treat dogs for fleas and ticks with medication. This product is orally administered once a day, as needed, and advertises that it kills fleas within a maximum of six hours on both cats and dogs. I used the product on my cat properly....for the correct weight small cat, first application in 5 yrs, indoor cat, no dogs in house to also lick, applied on back of neck, was healthy cat, seperated from other 2 cats till dry. Still others are a lotion or liquid that needs to be rubbed into their skin. Health Canada says it will investigate these cases. Flea and tick preventives for adult cats typically contain higher concentrations of chemicals that may be harmful or even fatal to kittens. Some researchers are also concerned that pesticide exposures from flea treatments could have consequences for humans, especially small children. Other necessary treatment. “In addition to just being a nuisance, [fleas] can actually cause harm and disease as well,” says Brenda Stevens, DVM, a clinical associate professor in North Carolina State’s College of … Aloe vera also has a cooling effect that can soothe hot spots and alleviate itching.. Be aware that parts of the aloe plant are toxic to cats, though the gel is generally not. Itch Well-being Treats. Her team tested pesticide residues left on fur after monitoring a pet that wore a flea collar for three days. If you prefer to administer your pet’s flea treatment orally then this is a good option. Fur length: If you're considering using topical preventatives, such as spot-on treatments, sprays, or powders, consider the length of your cat's fur. But yes, it can affect and deteriorate your pet’s health. Flea and tick ointment is also hazardous to humans. It can cause neurological damage in growing children. Fox suggests 1/2 teaspoon of brewer's yeast at mealtime for a cat or small dog, and 1 teaspoon per 30 pounds of body weight for larger dogs. Insect growth regulators (IGRs), although unfortunately required by law to be tested on animals, are a safe alternative to pesticides. If these chemicals can have this effect on your pet, just think what potential effects it could have on you and your children!" Flea collars are low maintenance and affordable – … Too many bites, especially to younger cats and dogs, can cause anemia, a dangerous loss of red blood cells. Pills are taken daily until fleas and ticks are gone. There are a number of multi-benefit supplements available that are made for use on both cats and dogs that will combat fleas naturally. “I’ve seen it far too many times, unfortunately,” Dr. Chin says. Insect growth regulators (IGRs), although unfortunately required by law to be tested on animals, are a safe alternative to pesticides. Most feline flea and tick medications can be given to both your dog and cat. Two of the most harmful ingredients that are commonly found in many flea treatment products (including some flea collars and spot treatments) are tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur. Knowing what safe flea medication options you have for your cat can help not only keep fleas away but will also help prevent serious harm. Pet owners need to be extremely careful in how they choose flea treatments and how they use them on their pets, says Dr. Whitney Chin, a London, Ont.-based veterinarian. However, she says, “it also can get on the bedding, it can get on kids’ hands, it can go all sorts of places.”. It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. The premise behind Isoxazolines is that your dog is a lot larger than a flea … it’s assumed a little bit of poison won’t hurt him. Normally, cats are much smaller than dogs. The show also tested dog harnesses, evaluating popular brands on the market to see if they actually work in an accident. Lots of people turn to chemical spot on treatments to combat the problems. For some dogs and cats, just one flea bite can trigger an uncomfortable and damaging skin reaction, so even stronger flea control may be necessary. For tips on keeping your pet safe, follow the conversation with @cbcmarketplace on Twitter, using the hashtag #pets. The discovery is “extremely concerning” for water insects, and … More than 2,000 cats and dogs have been reported dead after exposure to flea and tick medication since 2008, and some researchers are worried about human exposure to the pesticides. Cats are more vulnerable than dogs to poisoning from flea and tick treatments. If you think your dog or cat is having side-effects or was exposed to pyrethrins/pyrethroids, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for life-saving treatment advice. Marketplace also investigated how pesticides in flea collars can transfer from the collar to elsewhere in the home, which could raise special concerns for families with small children. Many flea treatments for dogs are toxic for cats. They often contain ‘permethrin', which is extremely poisonous to cats (as well as fish and birds). Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Wipes. In general, oral medications are preferable to topical treatments or flea collars. Contact your vet immediately if your cat has come into contact with a dog flea treatment, or household flea spray. Almost two thirds (62 per cent) of these reports were for animals in Canada. Novartis makes a flea and tick treatment they call Capstar that comes in different dosages for different size pets. Cats are more sensitive to these ingredients than dogs, but the poisoning is harmful to both types of pets. Pyrethrins are a class of drugs derived from the Chrysanthemum flower/plant, while pyrethroids are synthetic derivatives.. Apple Cider Vinegar. Unlike topical and oral treatments which typically require monthly application, the Seresto™ collars provide protection for up to 8 months. They often contain ‘permethrin', which is extremely poisonous to cats (as well as fish and birds). However, cats are more sensitive to neem oil and may suffer from severe side effects. This product is available in a variety of dose levels. Flea and tick medicine poisoning can be fatal if it is not treated by a veterinarian. They can cause flea allergy dermatitis—an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. If you apply a flea treatment as recommended, you shouldn't have any problems. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. YES. K9 Advantix and Frontline are two topical treatments that can kill fleas and ticks for up to four weeks. Cats are more sensitive to these ingredients than dogs, but the poisoning is harmful to both types of pets. This can be found in anti-flea and tick treatments and shampoos. Other Flea Treatments for Cats. Always follow the instructions on the product’s label with regards to dosing amounts and frequency unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. “There’s mounting evidence that pesticides can be really harmful for kids at low levels,” says Rotkin-Ellman. If your flea medication is not specifically designed for a cat then it should not be given to your cat. Spot-on treatments are responsible for approximately 80 per cent of the incidents, according to the PMRA. Both pyrethrin-based and organophosphate-based flea medications carry this risk. Rotkin-Ellman at the U.S. Natural Resources Defense Council tested pets to see how much pesticide from flea collars the rest of us may be exposed to. Some of the available brand names of yeast and garlic supplements are NaturVet and PetGuard, as well as generic store branded lines of supplements. Fleas are more than an itchy nuisance. Wormer Treatment. This product is available in different colored boxes which pertain to different sizes of pets. Other sym… Too many bites, especially to younger cats and dogs, can cause anemia, a dangerous loss of red blood cells. Copyright © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. The dose for even a smaller dog could quite literally kill a cat. Since these products are designed for both cats and dogs, you can buy a single bottle and give them to both of your pets. Always check the packaging for age and weight guidelines. Ingredients like permethrin are commonly included in dog flea and tick treatments, which can actually kill cats. Modern Management Your vet can prescribe safer flea treatment products than those that line the shelves of most supermarkets and pet stores. Flea medicines need to be used with care because many of them also affect mammals. Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. Aloe vera juice is a natural flea repellent, and some mix it with cayenne pepper to create a spray that can be applied to your cat’s coat.Obviously, avoid getting it in your cat’s eyes. On a side note, there is a plant called Jungle Geranium that you may have around, this one comes from a different species and not from the same as the Geranium which are toxic to dogs and cats. CBC Marketplace investigates risks to humans and pets from popular pet products, “It’s one of those things that is incredibly unfair — it’s unfair for families, it’s unfair for their pets, it’s unfair for kids. It is only the spot-on flea products that contain high concentrations (45 to 65 percent) of permethrin and are approved for use on dogs only that are considered dangerous. NexGard is the top rated prescription medication to kill and prevent fleas and ticks. Highly toxic insecticides used on cats and dogs to kill fleas are poisoning rivers across England, a study has revealed. BUY ON CHEWY. Furthermore, don't use products formulated for dogs, as some of them contain chemicals poisonous to cats. Rosemary flea dip Treehugger / Sanja Kostic Some owners may have had success with neem oil in treating fleas on dogs. And that might be true in most cases. Capstar Flea Tablets. Only give your pet flea treatment that has been recommended for them. However, they both rely heavily on toxic chemicals to get the job done. Flea bites may be more than an itchy annoyance to some dogs and cats. Fleas can be a natural (and unpleasant) part of life with a pet. The dog flea is troublesome because it can spread Dipylidium caninum. Fleas are a pain (literally) – a nightmare that all dog owners face at some point. Pet store staff may not always tell people who have both dogs and cats about the risks of exposure to both animals. Advantage is a product that is much more species and size specific. Here is the rundown on what you can do to naturally prevent a flea infestation on your dog. Fortunately, between over-the-counter sprays, powders, and flea collars, there are endless solutions to help eradicate a flea problem in your home. New labelling rules came into effect in Canada in 2012, requiring some treatments for dogs to show a clear warning label that the product can be toxic to cats. Cats can also be inadvertently exposed if a dog in the home is treated with a product and “the dog or cat socialize, share the same bedding or if the cat grooms the dog.”. The most popular class of pesticides used to safely treat pets is pyrethrins . The formulations and doses available with the Advantage product are such that the product available for cats will most likely not be effective if applied to your dog. Others are a liquid she needs to drink. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, this chemical is very safe for dogs and is common in flea sprays and drops. Imidacloprid causes overstimulation of the flea's nervous system, causing a spastic paralysis and then death. Cat flea medicine comes under a variety of names and methods of administration. This is the same active ingredient as found in the name brand products, with the only major difference being the lower cost. Some researchers are concerned that pesticides in flea collars can also pose a risk to people, even when used properly. Low concentrations (2 percent) of permethrin, as in flea sprays labeled “for cats,” are not considered toxic to cats. It can also cause less serious side effects in dogs, such as irritation at the spot of application, diarrhea, vomiting and seizures. Cats are more sensitive to the toxic effects of pyrethrums and organophosphates than dogs, so take care when using flea control products of any type on a cat, and never use a product intended for a dog on a cat. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective flea treatment products that can kill fleas on dogs and cats. A flea dip is a great natural flea treatment for dogs, since submerging your dog in water will drown out most of the fleas on their body. When applied correctly, flea medicine should be applied in the area right below the cat’s neck, close to the skin. This oral flea treatment can be given to your pet once every 24 hours until the infestation is gone. Cats, though, are especially sensitive to it and many of its variants. 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