Can You Use Cat Flea and Tick Products on Dogs?
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We all know the importance of protecting your dogs and cats from fleas and ticks. But it’s equally important to use the correct flea and tick prevention product on your cat and dog.
Flea and tick prevention products are specially formulated for either a dog or cat and should never be used interchangeably.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Cat Flea and Tick Products on Dogs
Pet Size Difference
Cats typically weigh less than most dogs, and size really does matter when it comes to appropriate flea and tick products. The amount of medication used to protect cats may not be enough to protect a typical dog.
Most products are also dosed according to weight, not just species, so be sure to read labels carefully to select the product that it based on your pet’s current weight.
You should have your cat weighed annually to ensure you are using the right dosage of flea and tick medication each month.
Difference in Medication Strength
The strength, or dose of medication used in cat flea and tick products is very different from what is used for dogs. Some brands of flea and tick products have options for both cats and dogs, however, the different versions are not interchangeable.
For example, Advantage II and Revolution offer both dog and cat flea preventatives and these formulations are not interchangeable between species.
Different Ingredients in Medication
The ingredients in cat flea and tick products can vary significantly from those used in products designed for dogs. While these ingredients are very safe and effective for cats, they are unlikely to provide adequate protection against fleas and ticks if used on dogs. Some ingredients that are safe and effective for dogs are toxic to cats, including pyrethrins and permethrins.
Lifestyle of Dogs
Most dogs spend significantly more time outdoors than cats and may travel to areas that are more heavily infested with fleas and ticks than a cat’s home environment. Some dogs may swim or play in water and would need a waterproof topical flea and tick product. Products such as Bravecto Topical is waterproof even after three days post application.
Flea and tick products may not be formulated to have a higher level of medicine in a waterproof product for dogs. Flea and tick products for cats have typically less volume, different strengths, and contain different types of medication making them unsuitable for protecting dogs against fleas and ticks.
This potential higher level of exposure is just one more reason why the smaller volume, different strength, and different types of medication in cat products make them inappropriate for protecting dogs against fleas and ticks.
Flea and Tick Medication Products for Dogs
There are many brands and types of flea and tick products designed for dogs, including topical (applied to the skin), oral, and collar options. Work with your veterinarian to select the best product for your dog based on its lifestyle and health needs.
Some of the most common flea and tick medications for dogs include Bravecto, Simparica, Nexgard, Comfortis, and Seresto.
It’s equally important to never use dog flea and tick dog products on your cat. This is extremely dangerous because dog products may be much stronger and may contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. If you have questions about which product to choose for your cat or dog, ask your veterinarian for guidance.
Can You Use Cat Flea and Tick Products on Dogs FAQs
I accidentally put cat flea medication on my dog, what should I do?
If you accidentally give your dog a flea and tick medication for cats, contact your veterinarian. Depending if the medication was ingested or applied to the skin will determine immediate next steps.
In most cases, cat flea medications are lower dose and not likely to cause toxicity in a dog, but it is possible especially in dogs with any underlying medical conditions. Seeking veterinary attention is always best when you are unsure if something is safe for your pet.
