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If you have had a dog in the home with fleas, you will know the importance of preventive flea medication. Fleas not only infest the dog, but they can travel and getting rid of them is a major hassle. Flea medicine can come in various forms, but is most effective when used in a pipette and administered between the shoulders. This way the medication can work effective on the dog's skin and coat, without harming the dog. The dog cannot reach this area to lick and, therefore, should not be able to ingest the medicine. Formulae for flea medication varies, but we need to observe our dog after treatment in case of any side-effects. This AnimalWised article explores why my dog is acting weird after flea medicine. We look at the possibility of flea medication poisoning, what other factors may be at play and what we can do about it. Contents
Is flea medicine for dogs toxic?Flea and tick medication is designed to both prevent these parasites from attaching to the dog in the first place and to kill them if an infestation does occur. The active ingredients in the formulae for flea medication will depend on the type and brand, but they are all ectoparasiticides. This refers to the killing of external parasites such as fleas and ticks, something which will differ from treatment of internal parasites in dogs. The type of product used may also affect which type of ectoparasiticide is used. While pipettes of liquid flea and tick treatment are usually the most effective, we can find these types of pesticides in shampoos, dog collars and other canine hygiene products. They are lethal to insects, but not to dogs because canines are able to process the toxin much more quickly. The types of ectoparasiticides used in flea and tick medication for dogs include:
Whether or not the ectoparasiticide is toxic to your dog will depend on the type of product and how much is ingested. Some, such a pyrethroids, are generally stronger. However, a dog will not likely ingest it. For example, permethrin is often used in medicated flea shampoos for dogs, but the dog will be unlikely to want to eat it. Also, when being used, we should be controlling their behavior to prevent ingestion. The reason why a dog might be feeling weird after flea medicine is because it was improperly used. Below we look at how this might happen. Why dogs feel weird after flea medicineMost dogs won't feel weird after being given flea medication. It is generally very safe and recommended by veterinarians with very few exceptions. However, there are times when a mistake may be made or a problem experienced when administering the pipette:
We should, however, be clear on what is weird behavior for the dog. Our article on weird things dogs do will help you work out what is related to flea medicine and what is simply common strange canine behavior,
Flea medicine for dogs side effectsYour dog acting weird after flea medicine can manifest in different ways. They may become restless and start to walk around the home aimlessly. They may look like they are freaking out, but this is usually due to their confusion at other symptoms. What symptoms they will display due to poisoning from flea treatment will depend on the reason for the adverse reaction. For example, poisoning from ingestion may cause more gastrointestinal problems than an allergic reaction. There are, however, many shared symptoms, regardless of how the intoxication occurs. After receiving flea medication, in addition to acting weird, your dog may have:
These symptoms will appear usually a few hours after the flea medicine has been administered. We will need to be around and spend time with the dog during this period just in case an adverse reaction occurs.
Treating flea medicine toxicity in dogsIf you think your dog's weird behavior is due to toxicity from their flea treatment, you will need to take them to the veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the dog, create an accurate diagnosis and begin the appropriate treatment. However, there are some things you can do in the meantime to help the dog's recovery:
If you act quickly and properly, your dog should recover. Death from flea treatment toxicity is relatively rare, but poisoning can be common. Do everything you can to protect your dog by administering deworming products properly and follow the advice of your veterinarian. To know more about preventive care for your dog, take a look at our articles on how long after flea treatment can you bathe a dog or whether you should bathe your dog after vaccination. This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. If you want to read similar articles to My Dog Is Acting Weird After Flea Medicine, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category. What are the side effects of flea and tick medication for dogs?If your dog or cat is having a reaction to a flea and tick product, it may show some of the following symptoms:. Skin effects. Irritation. Redness.. Stomach or intestinal problems. Vomiting. Diarrhea.. Nervous system effects. Trembling. Depressed appearance. Seizures.. How long does flea medicine toxicity last in dogs?How long does flea and tick medicine poisoning last? Symptoms may continue for several days after the use of a product, but most clinical signs will resolve in one to three days.
Can dogs have side effects from flea treatment?Signs of Flea Control Product Toxicity in Cats and Dogs
Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling.
Can flea and tick medicine make my dog sick?However, toxicity from the improper or careless use of these products is a valid concern. Flea and tick medicines contain insecticides (also called ectoparasiticides) that can be toxic if not applied correctly, if applied in larger doses than are safe, or if they are accidentally ingested.
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