Does Expired Flea Medicine Still Work?
WouterThere is no reason to throw out a flea medicine that has reached its expiration date. Although many medications may lose potency after expiration, most remain effective for months or even years. You can still use expired flea medicine, as long as you follow the directions carefully. Just make sure that you watch for any signs of flea activity to be sure you’re still getting the full benefits of the medicine.
Flea and tick medication should be applied to the skin, not the hair follicles. This is particularly important for dogs with thick fur, because flea medications are not as effective if they end up on the hair follicles. Expiration dates are set a long time in advance, and this is to allow for time for the medication to work.
To avoid poisoning, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully. Never use flea medicines on other pets or on humans, and always wash your hands after handling flea and tick medicines. Always store these medicines in a secure location where they are out of reach of kids and pets. If you think your dog may have ingested a flea medicine, make sure to take your pet to the vet immediately. In most cases, toxic poisoning cannot be treated at home, so it’s important to get to the veterinarian right away.
Another reason to throw away expired medications is that they may contain harmful bacteria. Sometimes, pet owners accidentally contaminate the medication by using it on their pets. Hence, it’s important to properly dispose of the expired medications immediately. If you notice any obvious changes in the appearance of the medication, you’ll know it’s time to throw it out. Also, it’s best to check the expiration date on the label of your medication.
