How to give flea drops to a cat

Content

• When to start using anti-tick drops for dogs
• Mechanism of action
• Tick ​​drops for dogs - TOP 15 best
• How to use anti-tick drops for dogs
• Restrictions when applying anti-tick drops to the withers
• Safety when using drops against ticks and fleas
• As recommendations

All pet owners in the spring are faced with the problem of choosing means to protect their pets from ticks. This is especially true for dog owners, because ticks carry very common and dangerous diseases, such as babesiosis (also known as piroplasmosis), borreliosis (the so-called Lyme disease, which can also affect people) and some others.

These diseases are much easier to prevent than to treat, so it is easier and cheaper to buy special acaricides at a pet store or veterinary pharmacy. Today, a huge number of drugs have been developed, varying in price and effectiveness, in the form of drops, collars, sprays and even tablets for systemic action against ticks. The validity period can vary from 1 week to 3 or more months.

Learn more about the habitats, external signs, developmental and behavioral characteristics of the tick, and how the infection process occurs.

In this material we will look at drops on the withers against ticks for dogs:

• when to start dripping drops;
• how these drugs work;
• composition, characteristic features and duration of protective action (briefly);
• restrictions and security issues, etc.

Prevention of fleas in cats at home - general rules

Ridding your pet of fleas at home is quite simple, and if you follow simple rules, the procedure will be safe.

To combat fleas, you can choose professional or folk remedies.

• When using professional remedies, you will win faster if the cat has just become infected - after the first use.
• When using folk remedies, the fight will last at least a month, and if fleas have already settled in the home... folk remedies are practically powerless.

When using industrial insecticides, it is important to observe safety and personal hygiene measures. In rare cases, cats have an allergic reaction even to the highest quality medications and it is almost impossible to predict it

In addition, when using insecticides there is a risk of overdose and poisoning

In rare cases, cats have an allergic reaction even to the highest quality medications and it is almost impossible to predict. In addition, when using insecticides there is a risk of overdose and poisoning.

How to rid a pregnant cat of fleas

Conditionally safe flea drops that are used to prevent infestations in a pregnant cat:

• Frontline.
• Advantage.
• Stronghold.

Conditionally safe flea shampoos:

• Lugovoy.
• Doctor Zoo.
• Biovax.

Conditionally safe bio-collars:

• Doctor Zoo.
• Beaphar Bio Band.

Prevention of fleas in a nursing cat

When a cat is feeding kittens, parasite prevention becomes an extremely dangerous undertaking. Poisons penetrate milk faster and easier. While the cat is in constant contact with the kittens, her fur, lymph and skin should be clean. The use of any preventive shampoos is extremely undesirable, since it is still impossible to completely wash the foam out of the wool.

You will not harm the kittens if you place wormwood or a mattress with fresh sawdust under the nest. Kittens can be combed, picking out fleas and even treated with herbal infusions. Selecting fleas by hand is more difficult, but doable. If there are a lot of parasites, there are no special alternatives - only drops.

Conditionally safe flea drops that are used to prevent infestations in a nursing cat are Advantage. The drug is not absorbed into the skin or lymph, is distributed over the skin, and protects the pet and the nest with kittens from fleas. Recently, Stronghold has also been used to treat nursing cats, but strictly as prescribed by a veterinarian.

What to do if your cat is poisoned?

There are only two reasons why a cat can be poisoned by prophylactic drugs: an overdose or individual intolerance to the components of the drug. In the first case, the instructions for action are more clear - you need to remove the poison from the body as quickly as possible.

If your cat is poisoned after using the drops, you should:

• Thoroughly wash the area where the drops are applied with shampoo.
• If the drops are oily, the fur should be wiped with paper napkins soaked in vinegar.
• There is no need to induce vomiting (it is useless), but adsorbents should be given.
• If the cat vomits, drink the rehydron solution.
• Take the cat to the veterinarian.

If your cat accidentally swallows shampoo or flea drops:

• In order to induce vomiting, a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide is poured in 1/3 teaspoon every 3-5 minutes. Vomiting occurs after 2–2 doses. Maximum dosage 1 teaspoon per 5 kg.
• Adsorbents: atoxyl, activated carbon, enterosgel.
• To rinse the intestines - an enema with enterosgel or clean water.
• To prevent dehydration during vomiting and diarrhea - rehydron solution.
• To preserve the integrity of the intestinal mucous membranes - smecta.

Mechanism of action

After applying drops to the dog’s skin, the active components are quickly distributed over the surface of the body, retained in the lipid layer on the animal’s skin and fur. The active substance is distributed throughout the dog’s body, protecting the entire surface of the animal’s body, including the most vulnerable places (the inner surface of the ears, armpits, between the paw pads, abdomen, groin area). After application, the active substances are distributed over the surface of the body within 24 hours, are not absorbed into the bloodstream, accumulate in the epidermis, hair follicles, sebaceous glands and have a long-term contact effect.

Tick ​​drops for dogs also have a repellent effect on parasites and prevent the bite itself. The parasite gets on the dog's fur, but cannot gain a foothold. After such an interaction, the parasite falls from the animal and dies in the environment before it has time to bite the pet.

How to Apply Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs

Terms of use

Flea drops for cats are very simple to use, and absolutely all of them, regardless of the manufacturer, are sold together with instructions in which you can find the most complete information about both the composition and the rules of use.

Most flea drops for cats are applied specifically to the withers - the most inaccessible place where the animal is guaranteed not to reach and lick the drug. Others, as you can see from the review presented above, do not apply it dropwise, but in a thin strip along the line of the spine. However, in any case, when applying, you must ensure that the drops get not so much on the fur as on the skin. And as soon as the drug is absorbed into the integument, its work to destroy parasites will immediately begin.

Almost all anti-flea drops are produced and sold in convenient-to-use containers - as a rule, these are pipettes, the contents of which are designed for exactly one treatment. Such pipettes are made of soft polymer materials; they can have different volumes and different dosages of the active substance of the drug contained in them, which will always depend on the weight of the pet and its age.

The dosage for kittens and adult cats will always be different, and this is important to pay attention to.

Rules for safe use

1. Two days before treating the animal with flea drops and for a similar period of time after the procedure, the cat should not be bathed and it is advisable not to let it go outside so that it does not accidentally get wet in the rain or snow.
2. If the pet managed to somehow reach the treated area (for example, when the drug was applied to the spine line), then in such cases there is no need to worry too much. This is due to the fact that the applied volume of the product is insignificant and does not pose a particular danger to cats. In the worst case scenario, your pet will vomit or lose his appetite for a couple of days. This situation applies to completely healthy cats, but in weakened individuals the reaction to active toxins may be stronger.
3. A real threat to a cat's health can arise in situations where she licks her kittens treated with drops, especially if the offspring are numerous. If the insecticide is licked excessively, poisoning can have very serious consequences, which will require the mandatory intervention of specialists.
4. Sometimes allergic reactions are possible, and in completely healthy cats. They manifest themselves in the form of itching at the site of application of the drug, hair loss in the same area, and dermatitis may also develop. These situations are extremely rare, but to avoid trouble, you should first apply one drop of the product and wait a little - this way you will find out how your cat’s body reacts to the drug.
5. As for the development of an overdose, it usually occurs when instructions are not followed. In such cases, the pet becomes especially restless, possibly profuse salivation, increased breathing, slight trembling of the whole body, sudden vomiting and diarrhea. To eliminate these manifestations, it is often enough to simply bathe the cat.

If we talk about the toxicity of anti-flea drops for humans, then they do not pose any particular danger. However, it is advisable to wear gloves when handling them, and wash your hands thoroughly after use. Eating or drinking during treatment is not allowed. If the drops accidentally get on the mucous membranes, they should be washed off immediately. In rare cases, if it comes into contact with the skin, itching and redness may develop, as well as coughing, provoked by the vapors of the drug. When the latter appears, it is recommended to drink several glasses of water at once.

When choosing flea drops for your cat, remember that the main criterion should be the composition, and not the affordable cost. Only the safety and effectiveness of the drug can guarantee that your furry purr will be free from annoying parasites and possible health problems.

Tick ​​drops for dogs - TOP 15 best

In 2021 The following drops – preparations – are registered and used in Russia:

1. "Frontline" (2 drugs - "Frontline Combo" and "Frontline Spot On" ), France
2. Bravecto Spot On , USA
3. "Dana-Ultra" , Russia
4. Advantix , Germany
5. "Lawyer" , Germany
6. Hartz Ultra Guard , USA
7. "Inspector" , Germany
8. Biospotix Spot On , Germany
9. "Prac-tik" / "Prac-tik" , Germany
10. Rolf Club 3D , Germany
11. "Insectal" , Germany
12. "BEAPHAR - IMMO Shield Line-on" , Netherlands
13. BEAPHAR - VETO pure , Netherlands
14. " Bars " (2 drugs "Bars" and " Bars Forte" ), Russia
15. Dironet Spot-on , Russia
16. "Deltsit" , Russia.

How to Apply Insectoacaricidal Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs

Imported means of production

Advocate

Veterinary drug used for the treatment and prevention of nematodosis, demodicosis, entomosis and sarcoptoidosis, intended for external use. The product is characterized by a very wide range of effects against parasites - it allows you to effectively fight fleas, ticks, lice, lice, and even helps cope with worms and intestinal nematodes living inside the animal. The drug belongs to the group of moderately hazardous substances. If the dosage is observed, dogs and cats tolerate its effects well. These are products of the German company Bayer, which has been producing medicines for people and animals for many years. The solution is packaged in pipettes, the volume of which can vary from 0.4 to 4 ml. The main active ingredients here are moxidexin and imidacloprid; additional components are also present - propylene carbonate, benzyl alcohol and butylated hydroxytoluene. After application to the skin, the drug actively spreads throughout the animal’s body within a couple of hours without being absorbed.

The product is securely attached to the wool, which ensures a long exposure time. Moxidectin is absorbed into the skin, penetrating into tissues and the circulatory system. Its highest concentration in the animal’s body is reached on days 5-6 and is completely eliminated within a month. If you need to rid your pet of parasites living in the fur, then a single treatment will be enough; when you have to fight internal parasites, you will have to re-apply the drug - this is done after about 3-4 weeks. If the product is used for preventive purposes, the animal must be treated after bathing without shampoo.

More: Top 10 best dog repellers, how to choose a repeller

Advantages:

• Very effective;
• Has water-resistant characteristics;
• Extended spectrum of action.

Flaws:

• Not all animals tolerate it well;
• High price.

Advocate

Frontline Combo

Very effective drops, which are easy to use, can quickly get rid of blood-sucking insects. This product is produced by the French company Merial, which is known throughout the world for its discoveries in the field of veterinary medicine. The drug has unique properties; it penetrates under the chitinous cover of insects, acts at the cellular level, which initially leads to paralysis of the nervous system of fleas, and subsequently causes their death. In some cases, the larvae and eggs of bloodsuckers remain intact, which is why the animal's fur will need to be re-treated, which is carried out after eight weeks. It is not recommended to apply to the skin of a pet if its age does not exceed 2 months. The drops penetrate deep into the epidermis, making it possible to provide complete protection. The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the animal. After the treatment has been carried out, you should limit the pet’s contact with children, minimize exposure to the open air, and you should also not bathe it.

The drug also has a calming effect - it helps get rid of itching after bites, prevents flea dermatitis, and prevents infection of the apartment. The product copes with all types of ticks. It must be kept on the animal’s skin for about two days, after which the dog or cat is allowed to be bathed. Fipronil is used as the main active agent. The animal will be completely protected from fleas for the next three months.

Advantages:

• Widely used drug;
• Actively fights fleas and ticks, as well as the consequences of their bites;
• Long lasting.

Flaws:

• Cannot be used if the animal is under at least two months old.

Frontline Combo

Stronghold Pfizer

American-made products are based on selamectin, a chemical compound that not only kills adult fleas and ticks, but also blocks the incubation of their eggs. It is also suitable for combating ear and scabies mites, helps cope with heartworm, which can affect a pet’s heart, and can be used when treating an animal for roundworms and hookworms. The product dries very quickly, has no foreign odor, and is highly moisture resistant. Safe for pets if they are over 6 weeks old. Tests of its action were carried out even on the most sensitive breeds of dogs and cats - no allergic reaction was detected, although cases of individual intolerance to the drug were encountered.

The drug has an inhibitory effect on chlorine channel receptors. As a result, the normal transmission of nerve impulses in the synapses of the muscle tissue of the parasites is disrupted. Selamectin is absolutely safe for animals - after application, it is almost instantly absorbed into the skin and enters the circulatory system, without causing any harmful effects on the pet’s body. The maximum concentration is achieved one day after treating the cat and three days if the drug was applied to the dog's fur. The therapeutic concentration of the substance is maintained for a whole month. This product is also absolutely safe for people, so immediately after the drug is absorbed, the animal can be petted, picked up, bathed and played with.

Advantages:

• Absorbed into the blood very quickly;
• An expanded list of parasites that this drug can fight;
• The required concentration is quickly achieved.

Flaws:

• Not a very convenient form of release.

Stronghold Pfizer

Bravecto Spot On

It begins to act very quickly - after treating the skin, the product begins to rid the animal of fleas in just 4 hours, and after another 4 hours, about 98% of the insects living in the pet’s fur die. After about a day, the pet has a death rate of fleas and ticks that is close to 100%. This drug is a fairly effective solution in the fight against flea dermatitis. During the development of the drug, studies were carried out on all varieties of ixodid ticks, both on adults and on eggs and larvae. Ticks will die regardless of which part of the animal’s body they are attached to. This drug was developed specifically for cats and dogs, and its degree of toxicity is so low that it is allowed to be used if the animal is pregnant or nursing offspring. Adaptability in fleas to this drug is not observed.

The principle of action is as follows: the active substance penetrates under the chitinous cover of the animal, blocks the work of nerve impulses and the digestive system. The insects stop feeding, so literally immediately after application the animal’s level of discomfort decreases - it begins to itch less and hardly licks itself. The key ingredient here is fluralaner, which is a mammal-safe insecticide. It penetrates into the circulatory system, maximum concentration is achieved just a day after use.

Advantages:

• Easy to use;
• Begins to act almost immediately after application;
• Suitable for lactating and pregnant individuals;
• Actively fights fleas and ticks;
• Safe for animals and people.

Flaws:

• It's very expensive.

Bravecto Spot On

UltraGuard Plus Drops

The leader in this section of our review of the best drops for fleas and ticks is the product developed by a well-known American company that specializes in the production of various veterinary drugs. The composition can be used if the animal is at least 12 weeks old. It will have to be applied to dry and intact skin; it is advisable to cover the area from the withers to the root of the tail. Due to the fact that the animal can reach out and lick the product off, it is advisable to put a muzzle or a special collar on it. The composition should not be applied to the skin of sick or convalescent animals. If your pet is bearing or feeding offspring, you should definitely consult a veterinarian before use. If all these points are observed, there are no contraindications or side effects, however, there are cases of individual intolerance.

More: Top 10 best winter boots, choosing winter shoes for hunting and fishing

The drops are absorbed quite quickly - it takes about two hours, after which the body of the dog or cat becomes completely invulnerable to parasites. As soon as a tick or flea tries to bite a pet, the insect immediately dies. In addition, the drug has a preventive effect, preventing pests from re-entering the wool over the next 30 days, after which the skin will need to be re-treated.

Advantages:

• One package is enough for three treatments, that is, for most of the summer season;
• Protects against ticks, mosquitoes and fleas;
• Penetrates deep into the skin and begins to act almost immediately after application to the animal.

Flaws:

• The need to use a muzzle or collar to prevent the pet from licking it off.

UltraGuard Plus Drops

How to use anti-tick drops for dogs

1.If desired, you can wash your dog 2-3 days before using the drops. Cosmetics partially wash out the lipid layer, which is necessary for distributing droplets over the surface of the dog’s skin and coat. Therefore, if you washed your animal with shampoo, it is better to wait 2-3 days and treat the dog with drops.

2. The drug is applied to places inaccessible to licking by animals: on the skin at several points in the back, between the shoulder blades or in the neck at the base of the skull in doses specified in the instructions for each specific drug.

* A wet-oil stain may appear on the fur within 24 hours after application.

** At the site of application of the drug, hair may stick together, itching and slight redness may occur, sometimes hair loss, and if ingested, increased salivation.

3. For the first 2-3 days after treatment, it is recommended not to bathe the dog and not allow it into natural bodies of water.

4. Do not forget to treat the dog monthly during the entire period of parasite activity. Before walking, for additional preventive protection, it is recommended to use an insectoacaricidal spray against ticks.

Restrictions when applying anti-tick drops to the withers

1. The drugs are contraindicated for use in case of increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug (consult a veterinarian)
2. If it is necessary to use the drug for Collie, Bobtail and Sheltie puppies, due to the increased sensitivity of dogs of these breeds to drugs, treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian.
3. It is prohibited for use by patients with infectious diseases, weakened animals and puppies younger than N weeks of age (see drug) and/or weighing less than 1-2 kg.
4. It is not recommended to take the drugs together with other insectoacaricidal agents.

Safety when using drops against ticks and fleas

All drugs considered are certified and registered in the Russian Federation. According to the degree of impact on the body, they are classified as moderately dangerous substances (hazard class 3 or 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76), in recommended doses they do not have skin-irritating and resorptive-toxic, embryotoxic and teratogenic effects. If it gets into the gala, mild irritation is possible. The drugs are toxic to rabbits, bees, fish and other aquatic organisms.

In case of overdose, excessive salivation, muscle tremors, and vomiting are possible. In this case, the drug is washed off with water and detergent, and the animal is prescribed antihistamines and symptomatic therapy.

As recommendations

• The animal should not be petted for 24 hours and should not be allowed near small children.
• Do not wash or bathe the animal for 3 days before and after treatment, and do not apply the drug to wet or damaged skin.
• In order to prevent re-infestation with fleas, the animals' bedding is replaced or the floors of the premises are treated with any insecticidal agent.
• Repeated treatments are carried out according to indications, but not more than once every 3-4 weeks.
• It is advisable to treat all animals living together.
• Clearly calculate the dosage based not only on the weight of the animal, but also on the age and state of health.
• If you have any doubts regarding use, you should consult a veterinarian. doctor.
• Pay special attention to treatments in the warm season.

When choosing protection for your pet, you must take into account that ticks, typical for Russia, are often resistant to antiparasitic drugs developed and produced in Europe. In addition, European drugs are developed with an eye on the composition of parasites living in Europe, without taking into account the characteristics of the Russian parasitic flora. Owners of pets living in Russia are recommended to use modern domestically produced parasite remedies for their pets - for example, products from the Dana Ultra line: anti-parasitic collars, drops on the withers and sprays for treating fur from the leading Russian manufacturer Apicenna.

Video about the mechanism of action of drops against pests using the example of the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin from the company Bauer, Germany (not an advertisement)

Alternative to drops - ointment, collar, injections

In addition to drops, you can find alternative flea remedies for cats in specialized stores:

Collars. They are a strip of plastic or rubber, equipped with a buckle and impregnated with insecticides (usually diazinon or permethrin) and (or) essential oils that repel parasites. Provide long-term protection against bloodsuckers – for 2–6 months. There are also e-collars that create ultrasonic waves. According to manufacturers, fleas are afraid of them because they negatively affect their nervous system, but the effectiveness of such collars remains in question.

Shampoos. They may contain both chemical (phenothrin, decamethrin) and natural components (celandine, plantain, coltsfoot). They are selected individually, taking into account the age, health status of the cat, and coat characteristics. In addition to insecticides and repellents, they contain nutrients and moisturizing substances, herbal decoctions that care for the coat.

Sprays. The product is selected taking into account the age and size of the pet. They are used as follows: applied to the animal’s fur from a distance of 30 cm, while outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and left for 30–60 minutes.

It is important not to let your cat lick itself. After the allotted time has passed, the cat is washed

Insect death occurs after the first application.

Injections. Injectable flea medications contain substances that poison adult fleas and render their offspring unviable. This method of fighting fleas is the most effective, because the components immediately enter the bloodstream. Since they are toxic, injections are used only if other methods have failed. They are only given to healthy animals. Administration of drugs at home is not recommended.

Flea bites often cause irritation, itching and inflammation. You can alleviate the animal's condition with the help of ointments or creams that have anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antihistamine, and antipruritic effects. They can also be found in specialty stores.