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 labeled “for dogs only” should never be used on cats.
Are 2 in 1 (flea and worming) treatments less effective than a treatment with a single focus?
False. Two-in-one treatments are just as effective as single treatments; they have multiple active ingredients and have been developed to be as easy to administer as possible. It’s important that whatever treatment you give to your pet, 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 them, 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 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 checks, 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 round.
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 the warmer seasons, many of these will hatch out into adult fleas. These fleas may be present in soft furnishings or carpets. Whether you see fleas on your pet will depend on how many are present in their environment. To stop these fleas, it is 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 need to be applied when you see them on your pet.
False. Fleas are active all year round, and if you have an untreated pet, they will feed on an ongoing supply of immature fleas in your environment. For this reason, it is very important to treat your pet all year round. 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 favorite 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-resistant 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 24 hours immediately after applying a treatment to their skin for it to have completely dried, unless using a water-resistant 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 year-round coverage, rather than let a product application lapse.
Will the treatment stop being effective 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), which is the regulatory board for pet health and hygiene products in Australia.
