Top Tips for Safe Flea Prevention

Top Tips for Safe Flea Prevention Always read ALL label information before applying medications to your pet and answer these questions:

Is my pet the right age for this product? Many flea medications are not labeled for use in puppies or kittens under 6 months of age.

Do I have the right species of pet for this medication? There can be potentially fatal reactions with some dog flea medications when applied to cats or rabbits.

Am I about to apply this in the right way? Is this something that you apply to the skin or give by mouth?

Is there a health reason that my pet should not have this medication? Always consult with your veterinarian if your pet has any health conditions or is pregnant or nursing.

If you have a cat, talk to your vet to make sure medications you use for your dog are safe around your cat.

Never use multiple flea medications on your pet, unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. (Fleas can be a very frustrating problem, and it can be tempting to say that the medication is not working after a day or so and try another product.) While some flea medications work in different ways and can be used together, many are in the same class of medications, and can build up to toxic levels when used together.

Make sure your veterinarian is your primary source for information about flea medications, not the Internet. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and garlic (Allium sativum) are commonly recommended online to treat or prevent fleas—but these can cause serious and potentially life-threatening issues. If you want to use alternative flea control or prevention, speak with your vet first to see what they recommend and how to use it most effectively.

Always double-check everything before you apply flea medications to your pet. Many homes have multiple pets and therefore several different flea medications.

If you accidentally get a topical medication in your pet’s eye, first rinse the eye with a sterile eye irrigation solution or room-temperature tap water. Next, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for additional steps to take and signs to monitor for.

If your pet licks some of the medication off his or her body, give them a small amount of their food to help relieve the bad taste. Blot the area with a paper towel. Next, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for additional steps to take and what to watch for.

If you mistakenly apply a dog flea medication to a cat and the cat starts to have shaking, convulsions or seizures, take them immediately to a veterinary hospital. These signs may take up to 48 hours to occur. If you realize that you have put a dog flea medication on your cat and they aren’t showing any signs yet, contact a local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

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