Detick for Pets: What It Really Is and Why Veterinarians Are Concerned
By Dr. Geoff Carullo, DVM, FPCCP, DPCVSCA
In recent years, “Detick” products have resurfaced online and in marketplaces, often sold in small 1 cc to 2 cc vials and aggressively marketed as an affordable solution for ticks and fleas in dogs and cats. These products are commonly labeled as “spot-on,” “injectable-style,” or simply “detick,” with claims of fast and powerful tick killing.
But what exactly is detick, and why are many veterinarians raising serious concerns about its use?
What is “Detick”?
Detick is a generic term, not a regulated brand. It usually refers to concentrated acaricide solutions originally developed for livestock tick control or environmental use, not for modern companion animal medicine.
Most detick products sold online are:
- Imported without clear regulatory approval
- Packaged in small glass vials
- Labeled in foreign languages
- Missing complete information on active ingredient, concentration, or species safety
What does detick usually contain?
Based on formulations commonly seen in Southeast Asia, detick products may contain:
- Amitraz
- Synthetic pyrethroids such as cypermethrin or deltamethrin
- In older or unregulated products, even organophosphates
These chemicals can kill ticks effectively, but they also carry significant toxicity risks, especially when misused.
Why the vial format is a red flag
Modern parasite preventives are:
- Weight-based
- Species-specific
- Clearly labeled
- Designed with wide safety margins
Detick vials, on the other hand:
- Encourage guessing of dose
- Are often applied without proper dilution
- Are easily overdosed
- Are sometimes used repeatedly within short intervals
This dramatically increases the risk of adverse reactions.
The danger to cats
One of the most alarming issues is that many detick products are extremely toxic to cats.
Cats lack the liver enzymes needed to safely metabolize:
- Amitraz
- Many pyrethroids
Exposure can lead to:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hypersalivation
- Hypothermia
- Coma or death
Any product that casually markets detick as safe for cats without full disclosure should raise immediate concern.
Risks to dogs and humans
Even in dogs, improper use can cause:
- Central nervous system depression
- Bradycardia
- Vomiting
- Weakness and collapse
For humans, repeated skin exposure during application can also pose health risks.
Legal and ethical concerns
Most detick products sold online:
- Are not registered with the Philippine FDA or BAI
- Lack approved labeling
- Bypass veterinary oversight
Recommending or using these products places veterinarians and pet owners at legal, ethical, and medical risk.
Why detick still sells
Despite the risks, detick remains popular because it is:
- Cheap
- Fast-acting
- Easily accessible online
- Perceived as “strong” when ticks fall off quickly
However, immediate tick death does not equal safe parasite control.
The veterinary bottom line
Detick products:
- Are not equivalent to modern tick preventives
- Should not be used as routine parasite control
- Should never be used in cats unless proven safe and properly registered
- Can cause serious harm when misused
Safe tick and flea control should always prioritize evidence-based products, proper dosing, and species-specific safety.
Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
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