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My cat got expired Hartz dog flea medicine. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11.5 lbs

I accidentally gave both of my cats both weighing over 10 pounds Hartz Ultraguard pro half a tube meant for dogs weighing 61-150 pounds. The expiration date was March 2012. I can't find information on the shelf life. I was able to give one cat a dawn dish soap bath but I'm not able to get my other cat. Neither cat is showing symptoms of intoxication and has been over an hour. What should I do? Is there a way someone knows the shelf life and whether the drug is still active?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Celestin, DVM

Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident

Published on July 7th, 2017

Great job with the bath! If they are not showing any signs of illness (behavior changes, vomiting, diarrhea, etc) they are probably ok, especially the one that got the bath. Ideally if you can get the other cat and either bathe him or at the very least wipe him down with a wet washcloth. I would continue to monitor them for any signs and definitely if you notice any changes with them they should be seen by a vet immediately. Also, i think after 5 years the efficacy is greatly reduced, but the best place to get that information is by calling the Animal Poison Control Hotline.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center may have that information. You can call (888) 426-4435. There will be a fee for this call.
    You can try using food or treats to get the other cat. It is important to remove as much of the topical as possible to reduce risk of toxicity.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My cat got Hartz flea treatment. Is it safe or should I wash it off?
I would not use it on my own cats. It is a harsh product on cats and I have seen a few clients have an intense reaction to it involving seizures and muscle spasms. I would instead use something like the Seresto collar. Best wishes.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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My cat had Hartz flea treatment for an hour. Is it dangerous?
Hello & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Cats will often exhibit signs of toxicity within 30 minutes to an hour, so by you washing the flea treatment off so quickly & Cheeto has not shown any symptoms so far, he should be fine. Good job.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat took very expired deworming medicine. Is she in danger?
There is a slight risk that the dewormer was contaminated. Monitor for signs of vomiting, diarrhea and lack of appetite. If she displays any of these then a trip to the veterinarian for treatment is recommended. Typically though the main issue is the medicine just isn't effective anymore and you can follow-up with a non-expired dewormer after waiting 24 hrs to make sure she has none of the signs mentioned above. However, she should be ok with conservative treatment through your vet even if she does have an upset stomach.
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Medications
Is expired Revolution flea treatment safe for my cat to use?
It is never recommended to use expired medications. It may not work or can make your pet ill. Purchase new medication from your veterinarian. Apply it a few days before or after bathing. Vacuum everywhere the cat has been and wash all bedding in hot water. Use a feline safe area treatment to prevent reinfestation and treat your cat for a minimum of 3 months, preferably year round.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
I accidentally put dog flea medicine on my cat. Will she be okay?
Cats are exquisitely sensitive to flea treatments, so there is a potential this could cause problems in Monty. I would wash him off thoroughly with warm water and Dawn dish soap. Watch him for signs of toxicity which include excessive salivation, paw flicking, ear twitching, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, incoordination, and muscle tremors. If you see any of those, rush Monty into a vet immediately.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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Is it safe to flea bathe my cat after applying flea treatment?
No this is absolutely not recommended, first of all you can overdose her, secondly i generally do not recommend flea baths for cats, they are less effective and tend to cause severe side effects. Hartz isn't a good product either, for next time i would recommend something from the following list: Spot ons: Revoulution Advantage Advantage Multi Frontline Bravecto spot on (ticks as well) - for cats Tablets: Comfortis Collar: Seresto ( (ticks as well) House spary: Indoorex
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Vet Q & A
My dog licked Hartz flea drops. How long until I see signs of illness?
Most reactions from that medicine include drooling, shaking, tremors and seizures. If none of these are noted and she is walking and eating fine then you probably do not have anything to worry about. You can monitor for signs over the next 24 hours. In cases of reactions the best thing to do is bath the medicine off
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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