Be Sure To Read Those Labels
‘Tis the season! Although ticks and fleas can plague us any time of year, simply because a stretch of warm weather can bring them out of the woodwork (or at least the woods), it’s springtime when we start to see the real problems. It’s not that they don’t survive the cold weather. It’s primarily because, as the earth reaches a place in her orbit where the sun warms her face, we humans … and our pets … spend more time in the bugs’ territory.
As responsible pet parents, we want to protect our furry friends, and ourselves, from the diseases carried by these pests. Ticks are a special soapbox of mine (as anyone who has read my “Lyme Disease Awareness Month” posts on Facebook and BlueSky knows). We don’t really have a huge flea problem (I should know better than to put things like that in writing) at our house. The ticks, however, are my primary nemesis.
For quite a few years, I have used Wondercide products on my dogs, my home, and myself. They are safe for everyone (though I don’t spray them near the birds, just in case). Until last fall, they seemed to work very well. As the summer drew to a close and the weather started to get cooler, I started to find ticks crawling on Kira despite the herbal products. They weren’t attached and feeding, just hitchhiking a ride into the house, but still.
This year, therefore, I investigated other options. In doing so, I ran into a number of labels that included images like this:
Many products made for dogs included a dire warning that goes something like: Toxic to cats. May be fatal. Do not allow contact between the dog and the cat for at least 24 hours after application.
I finally said, “Nevermind,” in my best Roseanne Roseannadanna voice, and went back to Wondercide. After some friendly question-and-answer chats with Wondercide customer service, I’ve added their monthly spot-on drops to the routine, and am rubbing the spray into Kira’s coat every other day.
I’ve found several ticks this year, but not on the dog. My husband and I have each been bitten, and there were a couple on our clothing. Another was walking across the kitchen floor like it owned the place. All have been unceremoniously dispatched, and the two attached ticks were found very quickly and no symptoms resulted. ::knock wood::
Many tick and flea products for dogs contain permethrin and other pyrethroids. These are synthetic versions of pyrethrin, which is a substance derived from chrysanthemums. Pyrethrin, when used properly, can be safe for cats. Pyrethroids, however, are much stronger and have a different chemical makeup. Cats do not have the ability to process permethrin-type products. The toxins can quickly build up in the cat’s system, leading to severe illness and even death.
There are other ingredients common to dog products that can harm cats, as well. It’s important to never use a preventative labeled “for dogs” on cats, unless your veterinarian has recommended something that is proven to be safe for both species. Not only is it dangerous to use most dog products on a cat, many of these pesticides can cause severe harm if the cat is in contact with the dog after the topical is applied.
In our house, Kira and Magic are best friends. They play together, sleep together, groom each other. They even go potty at the same time. Keep them apart for 24 hours? Not going to happen. Plus, the risk is too high to even consider.
If you must use a flea or tick preventative on your cat, be sure it’s clearly labeled as a feline product. Even then, cats being what they are, observe the animal for signs of toxicity, and get him to the vet if you suspect a problem.
These symptoms can include:
- Panting
- Drooling or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Skin irritation
- Ear flicking/twitching
- Facial twitching
- Twitching or muscle tremors
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Hyperthermia
Ticks and fleas are not only a bother, they can carry diseases which may change a person’s, or a pet’s, life forever. It’s important to protect ourselves and our animals from harm.
It’s also important to be sure we’re not causing harm by trying to prevent it.
Read those labels, talk to your veterinarian. Make the best choices for the whole family.
Enjoy a safe summer!
Gazehound's 