Is Flea & Tick Lotion Toxic to Animals?

All flea- and tick-control products are not the same. Whether a product can cause a toxic reaction in a particular pets depends on the ingredients, application and the individual animal's sensitivity. Read the label carefully before you apply the lotion, and use only the recommended amount. Weigh your animal to make sure you don't overdose him. After application, watch your pet carefully for any signs of an adverse reaction.

  1. Chemical Toxicity

    • Don't make the mistake of thinking that natural ingredients guarantees safe substances. Pyrethrins, derived from chrysanthemums and similar plant species, are common ingredients in flea- and tick-control products. If you see the word "pyrethroid" listed in the ingredients, that means it's a synthetic pesticide. Certain pyrethyroids are considered carcinogenic. Other so-called natural products touted as being nontoxic in the product's literature might be legitimately safe, but not especially effective at keeping pests off your pet.

    Feline Sensitivity

    • If you share your home with canines and felines, you'll need to treat both species to prevent flea and tick problems. However, a product that's effective and relatively safe for Fido could end up killing Fluffy. Pyrethroid products aren't recommended for cats, because of feline sensitivity. While all pyrethroids pose a danger, those applied in the form of lotions or any material a cat can lick off are especially toxic. Sometimes you don't even have to treat the cat to cause a problem -- some canine flea and tick preventives warn that dogs shouldn't be exposed to cats for a few hours after application for the feline's safety.

    Bad Reactions

    • Some animals are allergic to the ingredients in the flea and tick preventive. They might break out in hives or start itching like crazy. Some allergic reactions cause breathing difficulties, or a pet can go into shock or die. Such responses can occur even if you've previously given your pet this type of preventive. If your pet has a mild reaction to a topical product, thorough bathing might provide relief. A more serious allergic reaction requires a trip to the vet.

    Poisoning Symptoms

    • Pets suffering from flea and tick medication toxicity experience various symptoms, many neurological in nature. Common signs of this type of poisoning include muscle tremors, seizures, incoordination, heavy salivation, appetite loss, and vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, get him to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

    Things to Consider

    • Read the label carefully or ask your vet if you can apply flea and tick lotions to elderly, sick or pregnant animals. Many products aren't recommended for use on young kittens and puppies.