The advice comes from a Redding veterinarian in response to a flood of calls by pet owners with questions about how to best treat their pets for fleas and ticks without making them sick or putting their lives at risk.
The Environmental Protection Agency received 44,263 reports of flea and tick treatments causing harmful reactions to pets in 2008 nationwide, 600 of which died, according to The Associated Press.
While Miguel Cruz, a veterinarian at Westside Pet Hospital in Redding, said he hasn't treated any dogs or cats sick from flea or tick treatment, many pet owners have questions about how to keep their animal safe.
The pet's weight is key in deciding what kind of treatment to use on dogs or cats, he said. He said people too often react to a swarm of fleas or cluster of ticks by applying more medicine than is needed.
"They think because it has more fleas, they should give it more," he said.
His advice: stick to the treatment and dosage set for the size of the dog or cat. And actually put the animal on a scale to ensure the weight is accurate.
The EPA is in the process of making flea and tick products safer by testing the products and recommending label changes.
If pet owners have questions about what treatments to use, how much to use and when to use them, Cruz said they should meet with a veterinarian.
When choosing a treatment, he said, pet owners also should factor in their animal's health and age. Pregnant or lactating dogs and cats should be kept off the treatments, he added.
Once a treatment is under way, Cruz said pet owners should check their dogs and cats for signs of problems, particularly skin irritation.
"If (the animal has) any reaction or rashes, stop the use of the product or use a different product," he said.