Flea and tick products protect pets from bites, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that side effects can happen [1]. This page explains what to do if your dog or cat reacts to one, and how to report it.
If your pet has a bad reaction to a flea or tick product, call your vet right away.
Which products this covers
Flea and tick products come in many forms: pills and chews, collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders and spot-on liquids [1]. A spot-on is a liquid squeezed onto the skin, for example between the shoulder blades or along the back [1].
Many of these products go on the skin or fur. The FDA counts shampoos, collars, dusts or powders, sprays and spot-ons among the products applied to a pet’s skin or fur [2].
When a reaction can happen
A reaction can start straight away or some time after the product goes on [1]. The FDA advises watching your pet after you apply a product, especially the first time you use it on your pet [1].
What to do right away
- Collar: if your pet reacts to a flea and tick collar, take the collar off at once [1].
- Any product: if your pet reacts to any flea or tick product, including a spot-on, shampoo, dip or collar, call your vet right away [1].
- Rinsing: depending on the product, your vet may suggest bathing your pet straight away, if it is safe to do so, with mild dish soap and plenty of water to rinse [1]. Ask your vet before you bathe your pet.
- Emergency: if your pet needs care right now, call your vet, a local animal emergency clinic or the National Animal Poison Control Center, which charges a fee [2].
Signs of illness to watch for
Call your vet if your pet seems unwell after a product is used [1]. The FDA lists these signs [1]:
- dizziness or wobbliness;
- poor coordination;
- poor appetite;
- depression (low mood or dullness);
- vomiting or diarrhea;
- heavy drooling.
The FDA adds: “Some animals have had seizures and/or died” [1].
At home, as directed by a vet
- stop using the product and do not apply another dose unless your vet says so;
- bathe or rinse your pet only if your vet recommends it;
- go back for any recheck your vet books.
Keep the packaging
Keep the packaging in case you need to report a problem [1]. It has the maker’s contact details and details such as the lot number [2].
The packaging also shows which agency oversees the product. Products overseen by the FDA carry the letters NADA or ANADA with a number, and products overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carry an EPA registration number [2].
How to report a reaction
You can report side effects to the FDA, the EPA and the product’s maker [2].
- Products with a NADA or ANADA number: contact the maker (its details are on the label) or report to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine [2]. The FDA’s reporting page is www.fda.gov/reportanimalae [2].
- Products with an EPA registration number: contact the maker, the EPA, or the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378 [2].
Reports help the agencies learn about problems with a product.
FAQ
Can a reaction start later, not straight away?
Yes. The FDA says “Side effects might occur immediately or could happen sometime later” [1].
Should I wash the product off?
Ask your vet first. Depending on the product, your vet may suggest a bath with mild dish soap and plenty of water [1].
Who do I report a reaction to?
It depends on the number on the packaging. For products with a NADA or ANADA number, contact the maker or the FDA. For products with an EPA registration number, contact the maker, the EPA or the National Pesticide Information Center [2].
What if my pet is very itchy from fleas?
Fleas themselves can cause skin problems. See our guides to flea allergy dermatitis and ticks on dogs and cats.
The bottom line
If your dog or cat reacts to a flea or tick product, stop using it, take off a collar at once and call your vet right away. Rinse your pet only if your vet says so. Keep the packaging and report the problem to the FDA, the EPA or the maker.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your pet seems unwell after a flea or tick product, call your vet.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Safe Use of Flea and Tick Products in Pets. Consumer Updates. Content current as of 06/22/2021. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safe-use-flea-and-tick-products-pets
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. How to Report Problems with Flea and Tick Products. Consumer Updates. Content current as of 06/17/2021. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-report-problems-flea-and-tick-products