In this post, we are going to provide solutions to the most frequently asked questions about antiparasitics. So, if you have any unresolved questions about antiparasitics for your dog or cat, you may find the answer in this article.
Now, we see the answers by groups of frequently asked questions.
About the times and durability of antiparasitics
How long does it take for a dewormer to kill the fleas or ticks on my dog?
Normally, the time it takes for a pipette to take effect is 48 hours. Therefore, the animal should not be bathed 48/72 hours before application or for 48 hours after, to ensure that the product is correctly absorbed by the skin. In the case of antiparasitic collars, these are effective 24/48 hours after putting them on. The collars are waterproof and there are no problems bathing the animal before or after.
It is advisable, in cases where your dog or cat is already infected, to take it to the vet for an examination. Likewise, you can bathe him with an antiparasitic shampoo and cut his hair if it is very long or woolly.
Since when does an antiparasitic start to be effective?
An antiparasitic agent begins to be effective 24/48 hours after its application. In the case of antiparasitic pipettes, they are effective after two full days from their application. Throughout these 48 hours, it is important not to bathe the animal so as not to reduce the effectiveness of the product. The antiparasitic collars take effect 24/48 hours after putting them on.
What is the exact duration of pipettes and collars on different parasites? Fleas, ticks, larvae, etc.
For the antiparasitic product to have a real effect on the different parasites that exist, such as ticks, fleas, or larvae, the application guideline for each product must be followed, since many external antiparasitic agents act against several parasites at the same time and do not for all they have the same duration. Generally, collars protect between 8 and 12 months and pipettes must be applied every 4 weeks, but you must always consult the application recommendations of each product.
Toxicity, allergies, and risks of antiparasitics
Are dewormers safe for children or can they be toxic?
Among the frequently asked questions about antiparasitics is whether they are toxic to children. And the answer is firm: children should not be in direct contact with the animal during the application of the pipette, to avoid any type of poisoning with the antiparasitic used. Do not let the child pet the animal until the product has been completely absorbed and prevent the child from petting the area where the pipette was placed for the next 24/48 hours.
Is there a problem if my pet licks the area where I have applied the pipette? What if another playing pet bites the collar?
If the animal licks the area where the antiparasitic has been applied, it could become poisoned. Therefore, it is very important to follow the product application instructions. If we suspect that the animal has been poisoned, we must go to the veterinarian immediately.
I have a dog and a cat. Can my dog’s antiparasitic cause any type of allergy in my cat if he is playing with him or brushes against him?
Antiparasitic pipettes for dogs can contain substances that are very toxic to cats, such as permethrins. Thus, it is important to try not to rub or lick them in the 48 hours after the dog has received the pipette until the active ingredients that can be toxic to cats are absorbed. In necklaces, these reactions are not described.
My dog has skin problems, can the antiparasitic give him a reaction?
Among the most frequently asked questions about antiparasitics is whether they can be applied to dogs with skin problems. Taking into account the importance of these products, in these cases it is best to consult with your trusted veterinarian to recommend alternatives for your pet.
I made a mistake and applied the dog’s pipette to my cat, is there any danger?
Taking into account that many of the substances in dog pipettes can be very toxic for cats, in these cases it is essential to prevent them from licking them, wash the area, and take them to the veterinarian to analyze if there has been any negative effect on the cat. animal.
Can I touch my dog or cat after I pipet it?
So that humans do not suffer any type of poisoning, they must wash their hands as soon as they apply the pipette. Furthermore, it is essential to try not to touch the animal in the area where the product has been applied for the next 24/48 hours to avoid any negative consequences.
Effectiveness of antiparasitic against parasites
Are all antiparasitics effective against heartworm?
Among the most frequently asked questions about antiparasitics for dogs and cats is their effectiveness on heartworms. In these cases, the treatment must be oral, topical, or injectable, complying with the corresponding times. In the first two, they would have to be applied monthly, and the injectable every six months.
Do all collars and pipettes cover Leishmania?
No, not all collars and pipettes cover Leishmania. Therefore, before purchasing one product or another, it is essential to find out about its effectiveness. Normally, experts recommend that these types of elements be as efficient as possible.
My dog has Leishmania, do I have to protect him against this disease again or is he covered once it has passed?
Leishmania is an incurable disease. In this way, the animal will always have to be treated for this problem so that the symptoms are minimal. This disease is a mandatory parasitic disease, since it is a zoonosis, that is, it can affect people.
Appropriate age and weight to apply the antiparasitic
From what age can I apply an antiparasitic to my pet?
After 45 days, your veterinarian will begin with the puppy’s vaccination plan, to do this, he will tell you how to properly deworm it internally and externally. Special attention must be paid to external antiparasitics, since depending on their composition, you can apply them from a certain age.
I have a toy dog, is there a minimum weight to be able to use an antiparasitic?
No, but we must keep in mind that not all products are suitable for a small dog, such as those that weigh less than two kilos. Therefore, the veterinarian will advise which brands are most suitable for each size and weight.
If my dog weighs 20.5 kg or 21 kg, which pipette should I apply to him? Is the one compatible up to 20 kg or the one in the next weight range?
Normally, pipettes for 20-kilo dogs usually cover a weight greater than that stated by the manufacturer. However, it may occur with some brands that do not meet the desired effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to contact an expert in the field in case of doubt.
If I have two dogs of different weights, can I use the same pipettes for the small one as for the large one and vice versa?
No, you always have to buy a pipette according to each weight of the animal. If a higher dose is used than the corresponding one, the animal may become poisoned. Now, in the opposite case, the usual thing is that the product does not act with adequate effectiveness.
Antiparasitics and water
Can you bathe after immediately applying the pipette or after putting on the antiparasitic collar?
No, for the pipette to have the proper effect, the animal should not be bathed 48/72 hours before its application or 48 hours after, to guarantee that the product is correctly absorbed by the skin.
The antiparasitic collars are waterproof, there is no problem bathing them after putting them on.
Does it lose effectiveness if my dog goes into the sea or pool during the product’s shelf life?
Only if the dog does it during the first 48 hours after applying the antiparasitic pipette. Afterward, he will be able to act freely, being able to bathe in the pool or the sea if that is what he wants.
Other frequently asked questions
Can I use the collar and pipette at the same time?
This will depend on the prevalence of parasites in your area and the time of year. Yes, both products can be combined and offer more complete protection, but ideally, you should consult with your veterinarian to confirm which is the best option.
I have my pregnant dog, can I apply external antiparasitics to her?
Not only can it be done, but it is also important so that, if it becomes infected by a parasite, this infection is not transmitted to the embryos.
What drugs do Border Collies not tolerate?
There are a variety of medications that can cause adverse reactions in Border Collies, including the most common medications. Ivermectin, moxidectin, selamectin, milbemycin, and moxidectin, among others, are compounds that can seriously harm this breed. Therefore, the veterinarian will look for the best alternative in each treatment and specific case.
It is important to know that a genetic test can detect whether the animal has the MDR1 gene mutation, which causes intolerance to certain drugs.
What is the difference between conventional brands versus products named as natural? Do they cover and protect the same?
An antiparasitic collar is a medication that does not need a veterinary prescription. It is still a medication so it contains active ingredients that have been scientifically proven effective in repelling and eliminating fleas and ticks, as well as reducing the risk of canine Leishmaniasis.
Natural necklaces, based on citronella, for example, are not medicines. So its effectiveness is much more limited. They can, in some cases, help prevent mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks from getting close to our pets, or to a lesser extent.
In any case, if what we want is to keep our pets protected in the best way and keep them away from these parasites and the diseases that they can transmit to them, an antiparasitic collar that is a medication such as, for example, Seresto, guarantees greater chances. of success.
