SELECTING FLEA AND TICK PRODUCTS

Dr. Van Horn – Selecting Flea and Tick Products

Sergeant’s wants pet owners to take special care and consideration when selecting appropriate flea and tick products for their pets. Below is information on how to carefully select the type of flea and tick control products that are right for your pet.

1. Determine if your pet is healthy. Is your pet weak, feeble, pregnant, nursing, aged, using medication or have other health issues? If so, contact Sergeant’s 24-hour hotline (800-224-7387) or your veterinarian before application.
   
2. Avoid double-dosing. Sergeant’s Gold Flea and Tick squeeze-on products are designed to work alone and NOT in combination with other flea and tick control products. Determine when you last treated your pet with a flea and tick product – this includes flea and tick squeeze-ons, shampoos, powders, sprays and collars – and only reapply as directed on the product label. All products will vary. Check the product packaging or call Sergeant’s or your veterinarian to ensure the recommended time has passed since the last application before applying the new product.
3. Purchase a product that is formulated for the species of your animal (i.e. – dog product for a dog). Never apply a dog product to a cat; this can be toxic to cats!
4. Determine the weight of your pet. It is very important to make sure your dog meets the minimum weight requirements stated on the product package.
5. Be aware of age requirements. Be sure that your pet meets the age requirements that are stated on the product package.
6. Do not “self-dose.” If you have a 20 pound dog, do not use half the dose intended for a 40 pound dog.
7. Separate multiple pets. Always be sure to separate multiple pets after treatment for 24 hours to reduce the risk of ingestion and product transfer from other pets.