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Why it matters
What to look out for
How to spot a fake
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How to spot a fake flea treatment!
- By Jonny
-
- June 30, 2025
- 1 MIN READ
The government warns pet owners to beware of fake flea treatments that contain toxic chemicals. Counterfeit flea treatments are being sold by third-party sellers online to UK pet parents and are poisoning cats and dogs.
Fake flea treatments are not regulated by the Veterinary Medicines Doctorate (VMD), which means they are not scientifically licensed, proven or approved. And they may contain toxic chemicals, dangerous to your pet. Keep reading to find out the red flags for a fake flea treatment, and what to use instead.
Why it matters
The urgent warning comes after a cat in the UK became unwell from what was believed to be genuine flea treatment, but in fact was a counterfeit product. The cat had to undergo emergency surgery on its intestines and receive medical care for over a week. Veterinary tests show that the fake flea treatment contained Pirimiphos-methyl which is toxic to cats. This insecticide can cause overstimulation in a cat’s nervous system.
What to look out for
If you’re worried you’ve applied a fake flea treatment, the symptoms to look out for are:
Vomiting, uncoordinated gait, muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis, increased sensitivity to touch, difficulty breathing, restlessness, urinary incontinence, low heart rate and seizures. In some cases, even death.
How to spot a fake
Clear warning signs of a fake flea treatment are:
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Poor quality or damaged packaging
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Spelling or grammar errors
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Missing leaflets or expiry dates
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Instructions not provided in English
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Suspicious smell, colour or texture
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Poor quality tablets, capsules, vials or pipettes - homemade appearance
Flea treatment you can trust
Itch Flea treatment for cats and dogs is licensed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and the European Union and is scientifically proven to kill fleas and their eggs plus ticks safely and effectively. Find out how Itch Flea treatment works here.
Led by Head Vet at Itch, Dr Zoe Cositgan (BVSc BSc(Hons) CERT AVP MRCVS), our team of flea fanatic experts are professionally qualified to offer guidance and advice on flea, tick and worming treatments. We can even help you spot if your flea treatment is fake and suggest an alternative! To get in touch with one of our experts, contact us here.
Protect your pet from fleas, ticks and lice.
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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