It’s that time of year again, you need to treat your pets for parasites. If you have both a dog and a cat, and they’re about the same weight, you might be tempted to use the same parasite treatment for both. After all, it may seem logical, same size, same dose, right? In this week’s article, we’ll take a closer look at why this can be a dangerous mistake.
Ticks and Fleas
Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can live on your pet’s skin and coat.
Not only do they cause discomfort and itching, but they can also transmit serious diseases such as ehrlichia. To prevent your pet from getting sick, your vet will recommend regular parasite treatment to protect your pets.
When choosing a parasite treatment, it’s important to consider more than just your pet’s weight or size. The type of parasite you’re targeting also matters, as different parasites respond to different active ingredients. Some active ingredients used in dog treatments, even in products for dogs of a similar size, can be extremely toxic, and even fatal, to cats.
Which active ingredient is toxic to my cat?
The active ingredient Permethrin, is often used in flea and tick treatment for dogs. Permethrin however, is extremely toxic to cats. The liver metabolism of dogs and cats is not the same, and while dogs can metabolize permethrin, cats cannot. Because of this, when a cat comes in contact with permethrin, it will have negative effects on their organ systems, leading to organ complications, and can even result in death.
What is Permethrin?
Permethrin is often used as an insecticide, not only in tick and flea treatments for dogs, but also in pesticides for the garden. Permethrin is a synthetic compound, which means it is made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product. The natural product that permethrin imitates is pyrethrin, which naturally occurs in chrysanthemum flowers. And while the synthetic version, permethrin, is extremely toxic to cats, when used correctly, pyrethrin can be safe for cats.
Permethrin is toxic to your cat when it is absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Even if your cat rubs against your dog who has been treated, this can lead to poisoning. The best way to protect your cat is to avoid using any products that contain any form of permethrin.
Symptoms
The following symptoms may occur when your cat is suffering from Permethrin poisoning.
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Excessive drooling
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Abnormal breathing
- Diarrhea
- Lack of coordination
Treatment
If your cat has come into contact with permethrin, or you suspect permethrin poisoning, you should have your cat seen by a veterinarian straight away. As there is no antidote, treatment will mainly consist of supportive care and managing the symptoms. If the permethrin was applied topically, the vet will bathe your cat to remove any remaining product. Seizures and tremors may need to be controlled with medication. Other supportive care may include intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, help regulate body temperature, and support blood pressure.
Conclusion
While treating your pets for parasites is an important part of keeping them healthy, it’s just as important to choose the right product for the right pet. What works for your dog could be dangerous, even deadly, for your cat. Always read the label carefully, avoid any products containing permethrin for cats, and when in doubt, speak to your vet. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your furry family safe.
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