What`s Good For The Horse Isn`t Always Good For The Cat

If you’re tempted to deflea the cat with equine fly spray, deworm the dog with just a tad of your horse’s paste, or try sharing other medications between your horse and the small animals — don’t. Even when the active ingredient is used in the other species, the dose and toxicity may be vastly different.

Small animals don’t always respond the same way to human medications either or require the same dosages. For example, acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, can be extremely toxic to a small animal in any amount. Always consult your small-animal vet for problems in your dogs and cats.

It also isn’t safe to assume medications and dosages used in horses are appropriate for goats, a popular companion animal for horses. Free-choice minerals, supplemented feeds, top-dressed vitamins and minerals should be kept away from goats. The higher copper content in equine products is toxic to goats and sheep.

Our chart includes many products you use in your barn, but the list isn’t intended to be complete. Even your horse’s shampoo may be too concentrated or harsh/irritating for the smaller animals. Better safe than sorry should be the rule. Always consult your small animal veterinarian before using an equine product on your pet.

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