Flea ,Tick and Heartworm products...some can kill if used incorrectly!

It is 8 PM on a lovely summer evening and a neighbour knocks on the door with a sick kitty in their arms. They thought their kitty had had a seizure in the afternoon. She continues to twitch and walks like she is intoxicated. On initial inspection it is noticed that she has a "greasy" area on the back of her neck. We ask the neighbour if she has applied a flea or tick product to this area. The answer is yes ...in the morning just before the kitty had the seizure!! When asked what product she used she was uncertain, however she knew she had used it before on her dogs and they were all fine.

This kitty was suffering from permethrin toxicity.

Permethrin is in many flea and tick products and it is highly toxic to cats. Without medical intervention they can die.

Permethrin products are labelled for use in dogs not cats. However people all to frequently do not read product labels.

At WBVC we try to avoid permethrin based products. Tick products with permethrins are sold only to households that do not have cats. Clients are warned that permethrins can kill cats.



Below is information about many parasite prevention products. Not all are approved for use in Canada.

FLEA PRODUCT CHARTS:

Confused about flea protection? The best advice is to consult with your veterinarian! Table 1: Flea killing ingredient; Flea sterilizing or additional ingredients; For dogs or cats; Youngest age or size approved for use; Waterproof or water resistant Table 2: Approved for pregnancy or lactation (nursing); How long until maximum effect against  fleas is reached; Other parasites killed, controlled or repelled; How often applied or administered Table 3: Oral or Topical, Prescription drug, non-prescription drug or insecticide; LD50 (lethal dose to 50% of the population) Table 4: Year first available in U.S.; Manufacturer, Manufacturer’s website; Additional cautions TABLE 1 Flea Killing Ingredient Flea Sterilizing or Additional Ingredients For Dogs or Cats Youngest Age or Size Approved For Use Waterproof or Water Resistant? Comfortis, AcuGuard* Spinosad none Dog 14 weeks; at least 5 lbs Waterproof Trifexis Spinosad Milbemycin (for add’l parasites) Dogs 8 weeks; at least 5 lbs Waterproof Assurity Spinetoram none Cats 8 weeks Water Resistant Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* Dinotefuran & Permethrin Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer) Dog 7 weeks; at least 2.5 lbs Water Resistant Vectra for Cats, SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats* Dinotefuran Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer) Cats 8 weeks Water Resistant Revolution Selamectin none Dog or Cat 6 weeks puppies 8 weeks kittens Waterproof Advantage II Imidacloprid Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer) Dog or Cat 7 weeks puppies 8 weeks kittens Waterproof K9Advantix II Imidacloprid & Permethrin Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer) Dog 7 weeks Waterproof Advantage Multi also called Advocate Imidacloprid Moxidectin (for additional parasites) Dog or Cat 7 weeks puppies 9 weeks kittens Waterproof Frontline Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot (cats) Parastar (dogs) Fipronil none Dog or Cat 8 weeks Waterproof Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus Fipronil Methoprene (flea sterilizer) Dog or Cat 8 weeks Waterproof Program none Lufenuron(flea sterilizer) Dog or Cat 4 weeks Waterproof Sentinel none Lufenuron (flea sterilizer) & Milbemycin (for add’l parasites) Dog 4 weeks; at least 2 lbs Waterproof Capstar Nitenpyram none Dog or Cat 4 weeks; at least 2 lbs Waterproof TABLE 2 Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation (nursing) How Long Until Maximum Effect Against Fleas Is Reached? Other Parasites Killed, Controlled or Repelled How Often Applied or Administered? Comfortis, AcuGuard* Manufacturer recommends against use but not specifically labeled against 100% Fleas Dead in 4 Hours none Monthly Trifexis Manufacturer recommends against use but not specifically labeled against 100% Fleas Dead in 4 Hours Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, Heartworm Monthly Assurity Manufacturer recommends consulting with veterinarian first 98 - 100% Fleas Dead in 12 Hours none Monthly Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* No 96% of Fleas Dead in 6 Hours Kills Ticks; Repels Flies and Mosquitos Monthly Vectra for Cats, SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats* No 98% of Fleas Dead in 6 Hours none Monthly Revolution Yes 42 Hours to Zero Fleas Dogs: Ticks (but is slow kill and disease transmission can still occur), Ear mites, Sarcoptic mange mites & Heartworm Larvae Cats: Round worms, Ear mites, Hookworm &Heartworm Larvae Monthly Advantage II Manufacturer recommends consulting with veterinarian first 98% of Pre-Existing Fleas Dead in 12 Hours; Then New Fleas in 2 Hours none Monthly K9Advantix II No 98% of Fleas Dead in 12 Hours Kills Ticks; Repels Flies and Mosquitos Monthly Advantage Multi also called Advocate No 98% of Fleas Dead in 12 Hours Dogs: Whipworms, Hookworms, Roundworms & Heartworm Cats: Roundworms,Ear mites, Hookworms & Heartworm Monthly Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor EasySpot (cats) Parastar (dogs) Topspot Yes; Spray No 24 Hrs to Translocate, then 4-18 Hours to Kill Fleas Kills Ticks & Lice Monthly Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus Yes 24 Hrs to Translocate, then 4-18 Hrs to Kill Fleas and 24-48 Hours to Kill Ticks Kills Ticks & Lice Monthly Program Yes Peak activity at 6 Hours none Monthly for oral; Every 6 Months for Injectable Sentinel Individual ingredients Yes, but combination not approved Peak activity at 6 Hours Hookworms,Roundworms,Whipworms &Heartworm Monthly Capstar Yes Maximum Effect in 4 Hours none As Needed or Daily (no lasting activity) TABLE 3 Oral or Topical? Prescription Drug, Non-Prescription Drug or Insectcide Lethal Dose to 50% of the Population (the higher the number, the safer the product) [What is LD50?] Comfortis, AcuGuard* Oral (Chewable) Prescription Drug >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2.000 mg/kg in rabbits (translates to over 30 times recommended dose) Trifexis Oral (Chewable) Prescription Drug Spinosad: >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2.000 mg/kg in rabbits Milbemycin LD50 information unavailable Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose Assurity Topical Insecticide Dermal and Oral LD50 in rats > 5,000 mg/kg Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* Topical Insecticide >2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran, >4,000 mg/kg in rats for topical Permethrin Vectra for Cats, SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats* Topical Insecticide >2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran Revolution Applied Topically, but rapidly absorbed through skin Prescription Drug >1,600 mg/kg in rats Advantage II Topical Insecticide Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats K9Advantix II Topical Insecticide Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats >4,000 mg/kg in rats for Permethrin Advantage Multialso called Advocate Topical Prescription Drug Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats >2,000 mg/kg in rabbits for Moxidectin Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor EasySpot (cats) Parastar (dogs) Topical Topspot or Spray Insecticide Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus Topical Insecticide Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats Methoprene Orally: >34,600 in rats (virtually non-toxic) Program Oral; or Injectable for Cats only Over the Counter Drug Orally: > 2,000 mg/kg in rats Sentinel Oral Prescription Drug Lufenuron Orally: > 2,000 mg/kg in rats Milbemycin LD50 information unavailable Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose Capstar Oral Over the Counter Drug Orally: 1,575 mg/kg in rats TABLE 4 Year First Made Available in U.S. Manufacturer Manufacturer Website Additional Cautions Comfortis, AcuGuard* 2007 Elanco www.comfortis4dogs.com (AcuGuard is a private label*) Should not be used in dogs with known seizure disorders Trifexis 2011 Elanco www.trifexis.com Puppies less than 14 weeks of age may experience a higher rate of vomiting Assurity 2011 Elanco www.assurity4cats.com none Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* 2007 Summit www.summitvetpharm.com (SimpleGuard 3 and FirstShield Trio are private labels*) none Vectra for Cats, SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats* 2008 Summit www.summitvetpharm.com (SimpleGuard for Cats and FirstShield for Cats are private labels*) none Revolution 2000 Pfizer www.revolutionpet.com Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use Advantage II 1996 Bayer http://advantage.petparents.com none K9Advantix II 2003 Bayer http://k9advantix.petparents.com Do not use in cats (cats are sensitive to Permethrin) Advantage Multialso called Advocate 2007 Bayer http://advantagemulti.petparents.com Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor EasySpot (cats) Parastar (dogs) 1996 (Frontline) 2011 (all others) Merial Sentry FidoPharm www.frontline.com www.sentrypetcare.com www.petarmor.com www.easyspotpet.com www.parastarpet.com none Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus 2000 Merial Sentry FidoPharm www.frontline.com www.sentrypetcare.com www.petarmor.com none Program 1994 Novartis www.program.novartis.us Give with food Sentinel 1997 Novartis www.sentinel.novartis.us Give with food; Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use Capstar 2000 Novartis www.capstar.novartis.us none As of spring 2011, Pfzir has discontinued the manufacture of Promeris (active ingredients: mitraz and metaflumizone) * VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospitals market some products under their own hospital private label This chart compares many flea control products to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. These products are available at licensed veterinary hospitals. Over the counter products are not included in these charts. As there are 14 different products compared in 16 different categories, the information is divided between  4 separate tables. TICK PRODUCT CHARTS: American Dog Tick, Vector of: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Brown Dog Tick, Vector of: Ehrlichiosis Lone Star Tick (note the "star" on the belly), Vector of: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Deer Tick or Black-legged tick, Vector of: Lyme Disease, and Anaplasmosis  Confused about tick protection? The best advice is to consult your veterinarian! This chart compares the currently available tick control products to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. These are products made by reputable major pharmaceutical companies and most are available only through licensed veterinarians. Because there are 13 different products compared in 14 different categories, we have split up the information into 3 separate tables Table 1: Tick killing ingredient;  Format (topical, collar or spray); For dogs or cats; Approved against which ticks Youngest age or size approved for use; How long one application lasts Table 2: Waterproof or water resistant; Approved for pregnancy or lactation (nursing); How long until maximum effect against ticks is reached; Other parasites killed, controlled or repelled; Other active ingredients Table 3: Prescription drug or insecticide; LD50 (lethal dose to 50% of the population); Manufacturer and product website; Additional cautions TABLE 1 Tick Killing Ingredient Format For dogs or cats? Approved against which ticks Youngest Age Approved How long One Application Lasts K9Advantix Permethrin Topical Dogs only all shown above 7 weeks 1 month Revolution Selamectin Topical Feline product available but not labeled against ticks American Dog Tick only 6 weeks 1 month Scalibor Collar Deltamethrin Collar Dogs only Brown Dog Tick, American Dog Tick, and Deer Ticks 12 weeks 6 months Preventic Collar Amitraz Collar Dogs only all shown above 12 weeks up to 90 days Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot (cats), Parastar (dogs) Fipronil Topical or spray Dogs and Cats all shown above 8 weeks 1 month Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* Permethrin Topical Dogs only (feline product does not include a tick ingredient) all shown above 7 weeks and 2.5 lbs 1 month Certifect Fipronil and Amitraz Topical Dogs only all shown above 8 weeks and 5 lbs 1 month TABLE 2 Waterproof or water resistant? Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation? Time to Reach Maximum Effect Other parasites controlled or repelled: Other active ingredients: K9Advantix water resistant No 98% dead within 48 hours fleas, flies, mosquitoes imidocloprid Revolution water proof Yes 48 hours ear mites, fleas, sarcoptic mange mites, heartworm none Scalibor Collar water resistant (remove collar for bathing) Not specifically labeled against, veterinary consultation recommended 2 - 3 weeks fleas killed, flies and mosquitoes repelled none Preventic Collar water resistant (remove collar for bathing) Not specifically labeled against, veterinary consultation recommended 100% dead in less than 24 hours none none Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot(cats), Parastar(dogs) water proof Yes for topspot, no for spray 24 - 48 hours fleas methoprene in Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus and PetArmor Plus Vectra 3DSimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* water resistant No 98% dead within 48 hours fleas, flies, mosquitoes dinotefuran, pyriproxifen (former kills fleas, latter sterilizes them until former product kills them) Certifect water resistant Yes 18 hours fleas methoprene TABLE 3 Prescription Drug or Insecticide? Toxicity/LD 50 (what is LD 50?) Manufacturer & product web site Additional Cautions K9Advantix insecticide Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats >4,000 mg/kg in rats for Permethrin Bayer Permethrin is toxic to cats, use feline product only for cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling. Revolution prescription drug >1,600 mg/kg in rats Pfizer Dog should test negative for heartworm before using Scalibor Collar insecticide oral LD 50 for dogs is 300 mg/kg, the dermal LD 50 in the rat is greater than 2,940 mg/kg Merck Deltamethrin is toxic to cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling. Preventic Collar insecticide > 2,000 mg/kg in rats for Amitraz Virbac Amitraz is associated with an assortment of drug interactions, check with your vet. Also, collar is toxic if swallowed. Frontline, Fiproguard,PetArmor, EasySpot(cats), Parastar (dogs) insecticide Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats Methoprene Orally: >34,600 in rats (virtually non-toxic) MerialSentry FidopharmNovartisNovartis none Vectra 3DSimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* insecticide >2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran, >4,000 mg/kg in rats for topical Permethrin Summit Permethrin is toxic to cats, use feline product only for cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling. Certifect insecticide > 2,000 mg/kg in rats for Amitraz Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats Merial Amitraz is associated with an assortment of drug interactions As of spring 2011, Pfizer has discontinued the manufacture of Promeris (active ingredients: amitraz and metaflumizone) * VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospitals market some products under their own hospital private label HEARTWORM PREVENTION CHARTS: Confused about Heartworm prevention options? The best advice is to consult your veterinarian! These two charts compare current heartworm preventive products side by side to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. For Dogs or Cats Heartworm Preventing Ingredient Other Ingredients for Control of Other Parasites Other Parasites Controlled Mode of Application Youngest Age to Start Using Heartgard for Dogs Dogs Ivermectin None None oral 6 weeks Heartgard Plus Iverhart Plus Iverhart Max Triheart Plus Pet Trust Plus Dogs Ivermectin Pyrantel pamoate Iverhart Max also has Praziquantal Hookworms, Roundworms Iverhart Max also covers Tapeworms oral 6 weeks Heartgard for Cats Cats Ivermectin None Hookworms oral 6 weeks Interceptor Dogs and Cats Milbemycin Oxime None Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms oral 4 weeks for puppies 6 weeks for kittens Sentinel Sentinel Spectrum Dogs Milbemycin Oxime Lufenuron Sentinel Spectrum also has Praziquantal Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, sterilizes Fleas Sentinel Spectrum also covers Tapeworms oral 4 weeks Revolution Dogs and Cats Selamectin None For Dogs: Fleas, Ticks, Ear mites, Sarcoptic mange mites For Cats:  Fleas, Ear mites, Hookworms, Roundworms. topical 6 weeks for puppies 8 weeks for kittens Advantage Multi Dogs and Cats Moxidectin Imidocloprid For Dogs: Fleas, Ear mites, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms For Cats: Fleas, Ear mites, Roundworms, Hookworms topical 7 weeks for puppies 9 weeks for kittens Proheart6 Dogs Moxidectin None Hookworms injectable 6 months (and no older than 7 years) Trifexis Dogs Milbemycin Oxime Spinosad Fleas, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms oral 8 weeks How Often Used Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation? Water-proof? Safe to Give to Heartworm Positive Animal? Manufacturer Website LD50 Heartgard for Dogs monthly yes yes yes Heartgard 10 mg/kg in rats orally according to MSDS sheet for Parade Equine Gel Heartgard Plus Iverhart Plus Triheart Plus Pet Trust Plus monthly yes yes yes Heartgard Plus Iverhart Plus Triheart Plus PetTrustPlus 10 mg/kg in rats orally for ivermectin; >690 mg/kg in dogs orally for Pyrantel Pamoate according to The Elephant Formulary by Mikota and Plumb Heartgard for Cats monthly yes yes yes Heartgard 10 mg/kg in rats orally Interceptor monthly yes yes In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no Interceptor LD50 information unavailable Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose Sentinel Sentinel Spectrum monthly yes yes In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no Sentinel LD50 information unavailable Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose Revolution monthly yes yes yes Revolution >1600 mg/kg in the rat orally Advantage Multi monthly no no yes Advantage Multi Moxidectin: 106 mg/kg orally; Imidocloprid: 450 mg/kg in the rat orally Proheart6 every 6 months yes yes No, in fact owner must agree to pre-treatment labwork including heartworm testing Proheart6 263 mg/kg in the rat when given by injection (the dose used therapeutically is 0.17mg/kg) Trifexis monthly Manufactuer cautions use, says to discuss with your veterinarian yes In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no Trifexis Milbemycin Oxime: LD50 information unavailable  Spinosad: >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2,000 mg/kg in rabbits (translates to over 30 times recommended dose) Novartis products are temporarily unavailable from the manufacturer. At this time WBVC most frequently dispenses Revolution as a broad spectrum parasite control product. It covers adult and immature fleas, lice, most mites and over time ticks plus heartworm, roundworms, whipworm and hookworm. For more rapid tick control Preventick collars or K9Advantix are alternative options. Advantage and Program (with or without Capstar) are suitable options for flea control. The information in these charts is subject to change. For all parasite control choices we advise you consult with your veterinarian. 6/2011