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Is Isoxazoline safe for my dog or cat? I heard it's harmful.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hi , I just the article on Isoxazoline . Part of it state's it is Not harmful , and another part state's it is . Which is correct ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Isoxazolines are a newer class of insecticide drugs and are present in products such as Bravecto and Nexguard. They are being found to be much more effective than some of the previous insecticides. Used properly, at label doses, they have been shown to be safe and effective. There has been some media attention regarding liver failure and these products, however no causal relationship has been found, and there has been no scientific evidence to show liver risks. Dog products used in cats are very dangerous and toxic. Overdoses are dangerous and harmful, however there is a high margin of safety for these drugs so small overdoses are usually unharmful. Overall they are very good products when used properly.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Please be more specific on which report and exactly what is concerning you. These are a group of very commonly used medications which are highly effective against a range of parasites and have been used for the last 5-10years with a good safety profile. All and any medications can have side effects in individual animals and the most common with this group of medications is temporary gastrointestinal upset which generally resolves without treatment. There have been isolated cases of more severe symptoms following medications in this class but this is not unusual with any medication and is not direct proof of cause and effect. I am happy to prescribe medications of this group to pets which are at risk or suffering from parasite infestations especially ticks

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