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  • Best Friend Family Vet
  • Doley Road,
  • Byford,
  • Western Australia,
  • Phone: (040) 735-2836

Deltamethrin

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tickWhy has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Deltamethrin is an antiparasitic agent available as a collar for dogs. It is prescribed by your veterinarian for control of ticks and sand flies on dogs. In Australia the “paralysis tick” can kill dogs.

How does this medicine work?

Deltamethrin exerts its action on the sodium channels of parasite nerve axons, thereby causing initial excitement and then paralysis.

How do I give this medication?

- Apply this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- DO NOT apply more medication than directed and DO NOT apply more often than directed.

- Have a reminder system in place to indicate when the collar should be changed.

- Wash your hands after fitting the collar.

- Do not let children play with the collar or put it in their mouth, or sleep with pets wearing the collar.

- Apply the collar at least 1 week before exposure to infestation or before onset of the warmer weather when ticks and sand-flys become more prevalent.

- Do not let your pet swim in water for the first 5 days after fitting the collar. Remove the collar before swimming or bathing your dog.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat, open flame and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. 

Potential side effects

- DO NOT use on CATS.

- Although a drug has possible side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet is less than 7 weeks of age.

- Do not use this product on animals with existing skin lesions. Localised skin lesions and hair loss may occur and the collar should be removed until the symptoms resolved.

- If your pet ingests the collar, clinical signs including drooling, tremor, incoordination, vomiting and rigidity of the hindquarters may occur. Contact your veterinarian.

- There are usually very few side effects when this medication is used. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarianwhat other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Do not fit the collar while using certain other ectoparasiticides on your pet.

- Contact your veterinarianif your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Jul 26, 2015.