Can dogs take cat dewormer?

If there is one thing that dogs are good at, it’s getting into things they shouldn’t. Sometimes this leads to a trip to the vet or some intense cleaning on your part. Other times, you may need to give them medication to get rid of any unwanted guests like worms.

But what happens if you only have cat dewormer on hand? Can dogs take cat dewormer? We’ve done our research and are ready to provide you with all the information you need.

What is Cat Dewormer?

Cat dewormers come in different forms – pills, liquids or topical applications that target certain types of parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms etc. They work by paralyzing the worm so that they can be expelled from the pet through feces.

Unlike specific dog dewormers which only treat worms common in dogs (1) , cat products address issues unique for cats specifically suited for their smaller size and digestive systems.

The most common active ingredient in many feline deworming medications is praziquantel because it safely treats both tapewoms and rounds worms.(2) Be aware though, other animal species can react differently even more powerfully than expected based on dosage levels not suitable for them.

So…Can Dogs Take Cat Dewormer?

This question does not have an easy “yes” or “no” answer — rather it depends upon what type of medication/cat product and how robust your dog’s capabilities against off-label usage impact/risks (Yes! No gray area here!)

It’s recommended NOTto useoff-label doses determined safe by veterinarians. Because cats typically weigh less than dogs / other animals then veterinary-approved doses could be ineffectiveor dangerous if used across species lines (3)

Therefore,before administering any type of medication (especially when it’s no specifically for dogs) you should always ask your vet first, especially due to side effects and potential risks (4).

Even veterinarians occasionally differ in their opinions regarding off-label usage because of their unique experiences – such as what animals will react well or not. It ‘can’ be useful however to know some possible similarities that might exist between the two types of pets in case an emergency situation arises (5).

What Happens If Dogs Take Cat Dewormer?

The simple answer is: it depends on the dosage amount and potenital toxins if present.

In some cases, a small dose won’t have any ill-effects aside from being less effective than an animal-specific medication At high doses given too frequently these chemicals could become toxic leading to damage kidney function liver disease shock collapse vomiting bleeding lethargy .

Remember just like humans ,dogs have different biological functioning and sensitivity towards foreign compounds; things can vary greatly based upon body fat levels age sex breed health conditions feeding habits etc (6)

Final Thoughts

Though cats are playful animals who fight back against infection with aggression (‘Meow’!), never give in to peer pressure when it comes to using medicine meant for felines.

Using cat dewormers might work for popular/ mild infections within canines yet we strongly advise against this approach . A safe bet is consulting your veterinarian before taking any action at all!

We hope that today’s breakdown has assisted with making a more informed decision during trying times while acknowledging there are alternatives available either directly through a trusted pet store or via prescribed drugs from licensed professionals.

Keep Fido Healthy!

Sources / References:

1) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-worms-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention/
2) https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/dr-coates/2014/march/when-using-cat-dewormer-can-be-dangerous-for-your-dog-31561
3) https://wagwalking.com/condition/misuse-of-worming-medication-in-cats-and-dogs
4) http://www.wahf.ca/news/can-my-cat-or-dog-take-same-worming-tablet-type/
5) https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/off-label-drug-use-in-veterinary-medicine
6)https://www.capcvet.org/about-parasites/intestinal-parasites-total-fact-sheet/deviations-between-species

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