Q: Is there a possibility of overdosing my dog on tick and flea treatments?
A: Even though most commercial tick and flea products are tested under a wide range of conditions and found to be safe at relative overdoses, severe overdose with potentially fatal consequences is not impossible.
There are currently various commercial products to choose from, each with a unique active ingredient, some unfortunately being more dangerous if overdosed than others.
Typical symptoms that can be seen in adverse reactions to tick and flea products containing pyrethrins or pyrethroids as their active ingredients include:
- excessive salivatio
- vomiting
- restless behaviou
- muscle tremors
- even fatal seizures
Do not hesitate to take your dog to the vet if he has been overdosed with tick and flea treatment, even if clinical signs are not yet present.
A common misconception is that tick and flea products for small dogs can be used on cats. This is incorrect, as cats are more sensitive to certain active ingredients contained in commercial tick and flea products for dogs, which can lead to tragic side effects.
Dr Johan Jordaan, veterinarian
