What Are Sentry Topical Products for Fleas and Ticks?
Sentry has several products that you can apply to your cat or dog’s skin to prevent and control fleas and ticks. The most common are Sentry Fiproguard and Sentry Fiproguard Plus. The right product depends on if you have a dog or cat and how much they weigh.
All of these have fipronil, which is an antiparasitic agent that kills adult fleas and ticks. The Fiproguard Plus products also have methoprene, which prevents flea eggs and young fleas from maturing and reproducing.
Sentry’s PurrScriptions line has natural ingredients that control fleas and ticks in cats. The PurrScriptions flea and tick collar has geraniol, cinnamon leaf oil, lemongrass oil, and clove oil, while the PurrScriptions liquid for indoor cats has peppermint oil, clove oil, and lemongrass oil. All of these have shown some effectiveness at killing or repelling fleas and ticks.
Sentry topical products are usually well-tolerated in animals, so there’s little risk of overdose, side effects, or drug interactions.
Sentry topical products are available without a prescription.
How Are Sentry Topical Products for Fleas and Ticks Used?
Sentry Fiproguard, Sentry Fiproguard Plus, Sentry PurrScriptions Plus, and Sentry PurrScriptions for indoor cats are liquids that you apply to your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades once every month to protect them from fleas and ticks. You should wear gloves when you apply the Sentry products to your pet, and don’t bathe your pet for at least 48 hours afterward.
Your cat can wear the Sentry PurrScriptions flea and tick collar for three months.
Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Tell them about any other medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you’re giving your dog. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.
What Are the Benefits of Sentry Topical Products for Fleas and Ticks?
There are several benefits, including:
- The ingredients in Sentry topical products are approved by the FDA and are well-tolerated by cats and dogs.
- There’s very little chance your cat or dog will have side effects.
- Most of the products start working right away and last for a month.
- They can be used on breeding, pregnant, and nursing pets.
- All-natural products are available for cats.
What Follow-Up Is Required?
You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet to make sure fleas and ticks are dead or dying, as well as for side effects of the medicine. Your pet doesn’t need bloodwork or lab work before they start Sentry products. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions.
Do Sentry Topical Products Have Warnings or Side Effects?
Don’t use any Sentry topical products on animals that are allergic to its ingredients, or on rabbits or other small mammals.
Side effects are rare with Sentry topical products, but your pet might have some irritation or redness where you apply the liquid. This should go away in a few days. Talk to your veterinarian if it doesn’t get better, if it gets worse, or if it spreads, because it could be an allergic reaction.
Your pet shouldn’t lick the site where you apply the liquid, especially cats that clean themselves and each other. If your pet swallows some, they may have excessive drooling or foaming from their mouth. If you see this, feed them and watch them closely. If they start acting strangely, call your veterinarian right away.
If you think your pet is having a serious side effect, call your veterinary clinic right away. If it is outside of regular office hours, contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Note that fees may apply for emergency consultation.
You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Do Sentry Topical Products Interact With Other Medicines (Drug Interactions)?
There is a low risk of Sentry topical products interacting with other medicines in dogs and cats, but using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase their risk of serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your cat takes.
Are There Safety Concerns for Pet Owners?
Keep Sentry topical products out of the reach of children. Avoid getting the product on your skin, clothes, or eyes, and wash your hands after handling it.
What if My Pet Takes Too Much, Overdoses, or Misses a Dose?
Most pets handle Sentry topical products well, and there’s little risk they’ll overdose if you’re using the right product for your pet and for their weight. If you think your pet is having a bad reaction, or they got more medicine than they should have, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic right away.
If you realize that you missed a dose of your pet’s medication, give the dose when you remember. Then restart the due date for the next dose from that date.
How Do I Store Sentry Topical Products?
Store Sentry topical products in their original packaging at room temperature, protected from moisture and light. Don’t open them until you’re ready to use them, and don’t refrigerate them.
