Advantix Is Not Meant For Cats

Our pets are like fortune tellers in the eyes of humans. They are always updated on weather forecasts and whether it’s a good day or a bad one, they are very similar to adults and children who share the same feelings of particular moments. While pets take care of us, so how do we return such goodwill then? One is through keeping them safe and healthy from diseases and pests like fleas, ticks and worms.

The pharmaceutical company Bayer developed a line of revolutionary parasitic disease treatments solely for our dear pets. One of them is Advantix for Dogs, a topical medication applied particularly to the part of a dogs’ skin where it’s less possible for them to lick it off. Two powerful active constituents of this liquid solution are to be credited. Imidacloprid and Permethrin effectively kill the fleas and ticks that plague our dogs and further prevent the spread of pests by eradicating their larvae as well. These powerful ingredients not only repel sand flies and mosquitoes, but ruthlessly kill them even before they perch on the dogs’ skin. Imidacloprid is also a neonicotinoid, which serves as a neurotoxin to insects but should also be used carefully to prevent harm to pets as well.

As effective as Advantix is to dog parasites, many people believe that it would be just as effective on cats as well. While dogs respond positively to Permethrin, this effective ingredient of Advantix can become quite dangerous as a poison to cats.

Whether it’s intentionally applied to cats or in most cases, they happened to be exposed to the drug by merely being near a dog that just had an application of Advantix, felines may experience a torturing pain after contact with the drug. Direct or indirect exposure may cause an average of 32 hour tremors and 39 hour convulsions. Some cats may experience depression, hyperexcitability, vomiting, twitching, seizures, and lack a sense to eat. These may manifest in a matter of few hours to several days, which is why keeping a close eye on the cats is very important.

Permethrin toxicosis is curable but if left untreated, could end in death. Cat owners must bring their pets to veterinarians immediately after noticing any side effects. It’s possible to treat the animals prior to a vet visit simply by decontaminating the cats’ skin by rinsing it with lukewarm water and lathering with liquid soaps or shampoos. After drying the skin and fur thoroughly, it’s important to monitor the cat’s temperature to avoid hypothermia. Securing the cats in a clean and pest-free environment without any trace of Advantix will ensure no further harm is done.

The next time your pet, cat or dog requires pest control, always keep in mind the possible dangers that arise when directions are not followed exactly as stated. Only choose products that are specifically made for cats, or you may have to deal with much more than simple pests.