True or false: Flea and worm products explained

Can you give your cat and dog the same treatments?

False. Some dog flea and tick products can be toxic to cats, especially if they have a product called pyrethrin, which is in higher levels in dog products. Products labelled “for dogs only” should never be used on cats.

Are 2 in 1 (flea and worming) treatments less effective, then a treatment with a single focus?

False. Two in one treatments are just as effective as single treatments, they just have multiple active ingredients in them and have been developed to be as easy to administer as possible. It’s important that whatever treatment you give to your pet, that you give it regularly and don’t let them lapse. If you observe parasites on your dog that your current medication does not treat, don’t delay in seeing your vet.

Can’t you just remove ticks and fleas when you see then, why do you need a treatment?

False. There are lots of immature stages of fleas all around us and unfortunately what you see on your pet only comprises of about 5% of the whole population. This is why it is important to use flea preventative products on your pet regularly. As for ticks, they can be fatal and it is very important to consult with your vet rather than just removing them. For continuous help with outbreaks, it is best to take a regular treatment and complete daily check, particularly in tick season which is approximately spring to Autumn and may be all year round in tropical areas.

Is a tablet the best treatment for fleas or something topical (pipette)?

Both. Both tablet and topical formulations are effective products for flea control. It is more important that the product is used for all the animals in the house at a regular interval as fleas are present all year around. 

If I use flea products all year round, will I stop getting fleas on my pet? 

False. Around 95% of immature stages of fleas are found in the environment and unfortunately during warmer season, a lot of these will hatch out into adult fleas. These fleas may be present in soft furnishing or carpet. Whether you see fleas on your pet will depend on how many are present in their environment. To stop these fleas it best to use a flea bomb in your house. By having a flea product on your pet, it will ensure that the adult fleas that jump onto your pet will be killed. 

Flea products only needs to be applied when you see them on your pet. 

False. Fleas are active all year around and if you have an untreated pet, they will feed on an ongoing supply of immature fleas for your environment. For this reason, it is very important to treat your pet all year around. It can take much longer to remove all the fleas in the environment if you only treat them when you see them on your pet.

Is there something wrong with the treatment if my pet won’t eat it? 

False. Sometimes our pets need a little help and it may be best to disguise the treatment in their favourite food or treat.

Does it wash off? 

True. It is possible for some treatments to wash off. Once applied it needs to dry and be absorbed into your pet’s skin before being exposed to water. It’s best to use a water fast product, like PURINA’s Flea and Tick products and follow the instructions and carefully monitor your pet. If applied to a wet dog or a dog that was not completely dry, it will not be as effective.

Does that mean I can’t wash my dog? 

True. It’s best to wait 24hrs immediately after applying a treatment to their skin for it to have completely dried, unless using a water fast product. It’s not recommended to bathe, shampoo or let your dog go swimming before this time.

Is it true that I should repeat the dose if my pet moved and I can’t be sure they got the full dose? 

True. It’s best to always follow the instructions and carefully monitor your pet. It’s not recommended to repeat the dosage.

Is it possible to stretch a dose and not give it as frequently as directed? 

False. Fleas can be dormant for long periods of time. It’s best to continuously give treatments and have all year cover, rather than let a product applications lapse.

Will the treatment stop being effect if I forget to give it to my pet? 

True. The treatment will slowly become ineffective on your pet and allow them to be exposed to either fleas or worms.

I’ve heard that the flea and worming products you buy in a supermarket aren’t genuine or approved? 

False. All Purina TOTAL CARE flea and worming products are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) who is the regulatory board for pet Health and Hygiene products in Australia.