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Entry 711Filed under Breeding

What to Do if Flea and Tick Treatment Causes Side Effects in Your Pet

Call a veterinarian promptly if your pet seems ill after flea or tick treatment. Learn which symptoms to watch for, what to do with collars and topical products, and how to report a reaction.
2-minute read By Animalso Team
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If your dog or cat seems ill after flea or tick treatment, call a veterinarian right away; use an emergency veterinary clinic for urgent symptoms. Keep the product packaging or label with you so the veterinarian can identify exactly what was used. Do not wait for symptoms to pass before seeking advice.

What should I do if my pet has a reaction?

  1. Call a veterinarian promptly. Tell them when the product was applied or given, the product name, how much was used, and what symptoms you see. Follow their directions rather than trying a home treatment first.
  2. Keep the package or label. The active ingredient, instructions, and product type help the veterinary team assess the exposure. If you cannot find the package, take a clear photo of the container or label if available.
  3. For a collar reaction, remove the collar immediately. Keep it and its packaging to show the veterinarian.
  4. For a topical product, call before washing it off. Depending on the product and the reaction, a veterinarian may recommend bathing with mild dish soap and plenty of water. This is not a universal instruction, and it is not a treatment for a swallowed medicine.

What side effects should I watch for?

FDA lists dizziness, wobbliness or loss of coordination, poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation among possible signs of a bad reaction to flea and tick products. Seizures and deaths have also been reported. These signs do not establish the cause, but illness after treatment warrants veterinary guidance.

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When is it an emergency?

Seek immediate veterinary care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, including a seizure or marked trouble standing or coordinating movement. Contact your local veterinarian or an emergency clinic. FDA also identifies the National Animal Poison Control Center as an immediate-care resource; its consultation carries a fee. Reporting a reaction later does not replace arranging care now.

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What if the product contains an isoxazoline?

Isoxazoline flea and tick products are considered safe and effective for dogs and cats overall by the FDA, but the agency notes an association with neurologic adverse reactions in some animals. Its fact sheet lists muscle tremors, ataxia (loss of coordination), and seizures; seizures can occur in animals with no previous seizure history. Discuss your pet’s medical history and product choice with a veterinarian, particularly if your pet has had neurologic problems.

#1 Best Overall
K9 Advantix II XL Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs Over 55 lbs. | 2-Mo Supply
  • K9 Advantix II Extra Large Dog 30-day treatment & prevention protects dogs over 55 lbs. from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies and lice
  • Kills fleas within 12 hours of application
  • Vet-recommended formula kills & repels on contact so fleas don’t have to bite your dog to die
  • Easy-to-apply topical treatment is fragrance-free and waterproof after 24 hours
  • No prescription needed

How do I identify and report the product?

Flea and tick products may be regulated as animal drugs by FDA or as pesticides by EPA. In general, oral or injected products are FDA-regulated and products applied to skin or fur are EPA-regulated, but exceptions exist, so check the package rather than relying on product form alone. An FDA-approved animal drug label shows a NADA or ANADA number; an EPA-regulated product shows an EPA registration number.

After your pet’s care is arranged, adverse events can be reported through the appropriate channel:

Rank #2
Sale
Amazon Basics Flea and Tick Topical Treatment and Prevention for Large Dogs (45-88 lbs), Fast Acting and Long Lasting, 3 Count, Packaging May Vary
  • SHIPMENT CONTAINS: One 3-dose pack of Amazon Basics Flea and Tick Treatment for Large Dogs (45-88 lbs)
  • FAST-ACTING FORMULA: Starts eliminating fleas and ticks within 24 hours of treatment
  • COMPLETE PROTECTION: Active ingredients Fipronil and (s)-methoprene prevent flea infestations by killing flea eggs, flea larvae, biting flies and chewing lice
  • LONG-LASTING COVERAGE: One application provides up to 30 days of protection against pests, including deer ticks that may transmit Lyme disease
  • WATERPROOF FORMULA: 24 hours after application your pet's treatment is protected against rain and water activities
  • FDA-approved animal drug: Contact the manufacturer or FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.
  • EPA-regulated pesticide: Contact the manufacturer, EPA, or the National Pesticide Information Center.

Include the product name and label details, when and how it was used, and the symptoms and timing. Reporting helps identify product problems, but it is not a substitute for veterinary treatment.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
K9 Advantix II XL Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs Over 55 lbs. | 2-Mo Supply
K9 Advantix II XL Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs Over 55 lbs. | 2-Mo Supply
Kills fleas within 12 hours of application; Easy-to-apply topical treatment is fragrance-free and waterproof after 24 hours
$35.62
SaleBestseller No. 2
Amazon Basics Flea and Tick Topical Treatment and Prevention for Large Dogs (45-88 lbs), Fast Acting and Long Lasting, 3 Count, Packaging May Vary
Amazon Basics Flea and Tick Topical Treatment and Prevention for Large Dogs (45-88 lbs), Fast Acting and Long Lasting, 3 Count, Packaging May Vary
FAST-ACTING FORMULA: Starts eliminating fleas and ticks within 24 hours of treatment; Keep out of reach of children
$13.20
Best Value
PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Topical Dogs 45-88 lbs, 3-Month
  • Effective, Waterproof Flea Treatment for Dogs: PetArmor Plus is a waterproof flea and tick treatment for dogs that kills fleas, eggs, larvae, ticks, and chewing lice up to 30 days after application
  • Trusted, Vet Quality* Formula: This large dog flea and tick treatment contains fipronil and (S)-methoprene, the same active ingredients as FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs; PetArmor Plus for Dogs has a powerful formula that starts to kill fleas in 24 hours
  • Break the Flea Cycle: Unlike other dog flea and tick prevention that may temporarily suppress flea activity, PETARMOR Plus Dog Flea Treatment works by effectively breaking the flea life cycle! Kill flea eggs and larvae to prevent re-infestation
  • Fast Acting Long-Lasting Dog Flea & Tick Control: One application of PetArmor Plus lasts up to 30 days providing nose to tail protection. A 3-dose package lasts three months
  • Easy-to-use, Long-Lasting: PetArmor Plus tick and flea prevention for dogs comes with three (3) waterproof topical applications that provide your pet flea protection and control for three (3) months
Rank #4
PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Topical Dogs 5-22 lbs, 3-Month
  • Effective, Waterproof Flea Treatment for Dogs: PetArmor Plus small dog flea treatment is a waterproof, flea & tick topical prevention for dogs that kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice for up to 30 days after application
  • Trusted, Vet Quality* Formula: Containing fipronil and (S)-methoprene, the same active ingredients as FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs. PetArmor Plus for Dogs has a powerful formula that starts to kill fleas within 24 hours
  • Break the Flea Cycle: Unlike other flea and tick treatments that may temporarily suppress activity, PETARMOR Plus dog flea & tick control works by effectively breaking the life cycle! Kill eggs and larvae to prevent reinfestation
  • Fast Acting Long-Lasting Dog Flea & Tick Control: One application of PetArmor Plus lasts up to 30 days providing nose to tail protection. A 3-dose package lasts three months
  • Easy-to-use, Long-Lasting: PetArmor Plus flea control for dogs comes with three (3) waterproof topical applications that provide your pet flea protection and control for three (3) months
Rank #3
PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Topical Dogs 45-88 lbs, 6-Month
  • Effective, Waterproof Flea Treatment for Dogs: PetArmor Plus is a waterproof flea and tick treatment for dogs that kills fleas, eggs, larvae, ticks, and chewing lice up to 30 days after application
  • Trusted, Vet Quality* Formula: This large dog flea and tick treatment contains fipronil and (S)-methoprene, the same active ingredients as FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs; PetArmor Plus for Dogs has a powerful formula that starts to kill fleas in 24 hours
  • Break the Flea Cycle: Unlike other dog flea and tick prevention that may temporarily suppress flea activity, PETARMOR Plus Dog Flea Treatment works by effectively breaking the flea life cycle! Kill flea eggs and larvae to prevent re-infestation
  • Fast Acting Long-Lasting Dog Flea & Tick Control: One application of PetArmor Plus lasts up to 30 days providing nose to tail protection. A 6-dose package lasts six months
  • Easy-to-use, Long-Lasting: PetArmor Plus tick and flea prevention for dogs comes with six (6) waterproof topical applications that provide your pet flea protection and control for six (6) months

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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