What will happen if you give a cat dog wormer? - briefly
If you give a cat dog wormer, it can be highly toxic and potentially fatal. Cats are particularly sensitive to certain ingredients in dog dewormers, such as ivermectin, which can cause severe neurological issues.
What will happen if you give a cat dog wormer? - in detail
Giving a cat dog dewormer can have serious consequences due to the differences in physiology and metabolism between cats and dogs. Here's a detailed breakdown of what might happen:
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Toxicity: Many dog dewormers contain ingredients like pyrantel, fenbendazole, or ivermectin that are toxic to cats at doses intended for dogs. Even small amounts can be harmful. The most common symptom of toxicity is neurological issues, such as seizures, tremors, and ataxia (loss of balance).
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Gastrointestinal Upset: Some dog dewormers may cause gastrointestinal upset in cats, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. This can result in dehydration if left untreated.
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No Effect on Worms: Even if the cat doesn't show immediate signs of toxicity, the dog dewormer might not effectively treat the worms in the cat. Cats have different types of parasites than dogs, and using a dog dewormer could leave some worms unaffected, prolonging the infestation.
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Lack of Appetite: Some cats may experience a lack of appetite due to the unpleasant taste of the dewormer or as a side effect of the medication itself. This can lead to weight loss and other health issues if it persists.
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Long-term Effects: In some cases, long-term effects could include liver damage or other organ dysfunctions due to the cat's inability to metabolize the ingredients in dog dewormers properly.
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Fatal Outcomes: In severe cases, ingesting dog dewormer can be fatal for cats. The risk is especially high with certain medications like ivermectin, which is highly toxic to cats even at low doses.
It's crucial to use only cat-specific dewormers prescribed by a veterinarian to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Always consult a professional before administering any medication to your pet.