Or over-the-counter
small quantities on the skin, as too much in one place tends to just roll off onto the floor.
Bathing should not be done less than two days before application and not until two days after application.
Bedtime application is best. Apply the product, go to bed and have no pats or rubs which might remove the product before it has a chance to absorb. Usually rubbing it off will do people no harm, but you have now removed it from the animal’s skin.
Generally, application in the middle of the body at the top line of the back is best as it has to soak into the skin.
Finally, what products are available … look for the active ingredient on the package you are considering.
Pyrethrins are pesticides found naturally in some chrysanthemum flowers. Permethrins created to emulate the chemicals found in the chrysanthemum flower. Permethrin is highly toxic to cats, it affects their nervous system, first causing it to become over-sensitive (twitching/seizures) and then causing paralysis. If permethrin gets into the soil, it is broken down by microorganisms. Most commonly found in shampoos, sprays and powders.
Imidacloprid is very toxic to honeybees and other beneficial insects. It is derived from nicotine. Imidacloprid can last for months or years in the soil. The residues become more tightly bound to the soil with time. Imidacloprid is broken down rapidly by water and sunlight. Illegal to use in many countries including Fiji.
Isoxazolines are a synthetic chemical class that has broadspectrum insecticidal effects against a number of parasites such as fleas and ticks. Most available products, such as NexGard (afoxolaner), Bravecto (fluralaner), Simparica (sarolaner), and Credelio (lotilaner), are for oral administration, though some are available in topical form. These chemicals have been developed for at least 20 years but launched in the US in 2014. They were synthesised in a laboratory by experts in organic chemistry.
There are others, but these are the most common.
Things to keep in mind…
Keep your animals confined to greatly reduce the risk of exposure to cats and dogs carrying parasites.
Use shampoo for a very young kitten or puppy. Shampoo kills the parasites while it is on the animal but is rinsed off, leaving no residue to continue killing parasites, which are desirable prior to 12 weeks of age. When they get older and bigger, they can handle chemicals better than the very young. When they get older and bigger, they need products with residual effect.
Mostly these parasites are not fond of water as in baths with shampoo or vinegar or swimming in the sea, but some or many will find a way to survive. Rinses which have harsh chemicals might cause illness in the animal and while killing the animal will surely solve the parasite problem, it is unlikely to be desired. As one might expect, any chemical made for spraying in the environment should not be used on an animal.
Know the weight of your animal as most of these products are sold with a weight range – your pet needs to have a weight falling in this range or you might have trouble. Read the package always.
Treat all your animals – parasites rarely affect only one animal in a group.
Not every product works the same in any group of animals, or in any environment.
Don’t forget the environment your animals live in – most of these parasites have a part of their life cycle there, you might be able to eliminate them before putting something in or on your pet. And don’t forget to be kind to the environment – use only what is necessary, when necessary.
OTC or from the vet … know your products to find what works best for you and your animals, and know how to use them properly.
JO OLVER
■ is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with SPCA Fiji Islands. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the views of this
newspaper.