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If you are using flea or tick prevention products at home to protect your pets, there are a few important safety tips your veterinarian wants you to know. From reading labels carefully to applying the right amount of formula, there are many ways you can ensure your pet is healthy while keeping pests from harming them. Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia, located in Howard County, MD, carries the latest, most effective tick and flea prevention formulas, and they explain how you can use them safely at home. 

Veterinarian’s 5 Safety Tips for Using Flea & Tick Products

1. Discuss All Formula Options 

VeterinarianThere are many over-the-counter and prescription options available for flea and tick prevention, so it’s important to discuss each formula’s strengths and limitations with your veterinarian before administering them to your dog or cat. Some products are better for healthy, adult dogs, for example, while others work best for kittens or geriatric pets. 

2. Stay With the FDA & EPA

When choosing a flea or tick prevention product, only pick those accepted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some pesticides are not approved by the EPA for use in the United States, while veterinarians do not recommend choosing medicines that have not been approved by the FDA for safety.

3. Read Labels Carefully 

Before you give any medicine to your pet, including flea and tick prevention products, purchase the formula right for your dog or cat’s weight. Too much medicine for their body size can be harmful. Examine each package on the shelf carefully. If you believe you’ve given your pet too much medicine, visit the animal hospital immediately. 

4. Follow Label Directions 

Follow all instructions printed on the label and provided by your veterinarian carefully. Never give a product indicated for a dog to a cat, and vice versa. You should also administer the exact amount of medicine indicated on the label. Too much can harm your pet, while too little may be ineffective. 

5. Ask About Pregnant or Nursing Pets 

To protect their babies, pregnant or nursing pets may not be able to use their flea or tick medication. Call your pet clinic or schedule an appointment if you have any questions about treating pets before, during, or after pregnancy.

To discuss flea and tick prevention with a compassionate and qualified veterinarian, call Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia at (410) 995-6880. They’ve been a part of the community for three decades and treat each animal as their own. For a state-of-the-art virtual tour of their animal hospital, visit their website

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