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Warning for Permethrin based flea treatments on cats (Bob Martin dog spot on)

There was an ad on the TV tonight for Bob Martin Flea Clear. Bob Martin products are significantly cheaper than products sold through vets..and it used to get a bad name. This was because of its association with permethrin which is toxic to cats but is used in the Bob Martin spot on for dogs.  Anyone can find the active ingredient of a veterinary drug by going to  the Government’s Veterinary Medicine Directorate.

The active ingredient in Bob Martin’s Flea Clear spot on for cats is Fipronil, the same active ingredient as Frontline. But Frontline itself gets a mixed reaction. In fact, nearly everyone has a tale to tell about one of the flea treatment brands. But it does make you wonder how Bob Martin can produce its products so cheaply. Is it just because the supply chain is different? Or because they know there are many pet owners strapped for cash or who simply aren’t registered at vets? Who knows. But permethrin continues to be used in Bob Martin dog flea treatments. So unlike other flea treatment producers their active ingredient differs across their products.

It goes without saying that you must must know the active ingredient on any flea treatment you give your cat. Broadly the main active ingredients are Fipronil (Frontline, Bob Martin) and Imidacloprid (Advantage), Imidacloprid & Moxidectin combo (Advocate) and Selamectin (Stronghold).

Now that the cheapest of the cheap – Bob Martin – is even mentioning Frontline on its website won’t make the Frontline manufacturers happy. But note that Frontline was the first (and only) prescription flea treatment to move to OTC. It’s now available in supermarkets. The following contain or use permethrin. They are not the only products as other manufacturers also use permethrin.

Bob Martin Dog Spot On Solution  Bob Martin Flea and Tick Spot On Solution,  Bob Martin Permethrin Dog Spot On Exspot Insecticide for Dogs

Bob Martin is bargain basement..when a mistake could easily be made by giving dog spot on to cats its staggering its not been moved to the Pharmacy section of supermarkets.  Many vets will have come across the affects of permethrin in cats. Time for a change.

The Bob Martin website states “Bob Martin is championing making all pet healthcare products available in supermarkets, once the product license permits that. This approach has made it more convenient for pet owners to select pet healthcare products for optimum care of their pet. And pet owners have certainly voted in favour of this: Bob Martin is number 1 pet healthcare supplier in the UK retailers! “

There could well be political reasons why a vet would never recommend a Bob Martin flea treatment for cats, but cat owners need to make an informed choice. If you can’t afford Advocate or Stronghold should you have  a cat at all?

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