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Your dog will not stop itching. You have purchased the fanciest oatmeal shampoos for your pup, but nothing is working. You finally break down and take your dog to the veterinarian, where the vet prescribes a drug called Amitix.
Read more about Amitix for dogs, how it works, its safety, and possible alternatives.
WHAT IS AMITIX?
Amitix is a synthetic medicine for parasites used for various skin irritations. It comes in a collar, dip, and spray. The medication can treat several animals like dogs, chinchillas, hamsters, mice, and rats.Amitix contains Amitraz as an active ingredient. Amitraz is an insecticide used in veterinary practices.
HOW DOES AMITIX WORK?
Amitix takes rapid action against mites, ticks, and other bugs in the hair, fur, or skin. The most common use for dogs is flea and tick collars and topical solutions. The medication may also be used with antibiotics and medicated shampoos to treat Pyoderma.Topical treatments may take months even though the product works within one to two hours of application. Completely healing the skin may take even longer in chronic cases. Treatments continue for 30 days past two consecutive negative diagnoses.
The prescribing veterinarian usually applies Amitix, and caution must be used. Professionals have to wash their hands (before and after), wear rubber gloves, avoid vapers, and properly dispose of the leftover product.
IS IT SAFE FOR DOGS?
Amitix is generally recognized as safe for dogs.Amitix should not be used in puppies less than four months old because the active ingredient Amitraz may cause severe side effects. If you have a smaller or older dog, caution is required as a lower dose is necessary. Always consult with your vet before changing the prescribed amount of medication.
Amitix Poisoning
Amitraz poisoning happens when a dog is overexposed to the drug. Toxic levels may affect a dog’s nervous, metabolic, and gastrointestinal systems. The most common cause of poisoning is ingestion. A likely scenario is a dog chewing and swallowing its flea or tick collar. Side effects will usually appear within a few hours of ingestion.If you think your dog is suffering from Amitix poisoning, you should immediately contact your vet.
Are there any side effects?
Below is a list of common and severe side effects. Common Side Effects- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Dry skin and coat
- Lethargy
- 24-Hour Sedative Effect
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- High blood sugar levels
- Hypothermia
- Seizures
- Death
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Dogs taking Diabetic drugs should not take Amitix. Using both simultaneously may cause hypoglycemia, referred to as an insulin reaction.Hypoglycemia occurs when there is not enough sugar in the blood. If there is not enough sugar in the blood, it can lead to brain damage, comas, seizures, and death as the level continues to drop. This happens because the brain uses sugar for energy and if there isn't enough, it stops working.
Other drugs dogs should avoid taking with Amitix are corticosteroids and antidepressants.
Amitix (Containing Amitraz) for dogs dosage
| Ticks and Fleas | 2 ml in one liter of water |
| Mange | 3 – 4 ml in one liter of water |
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO AMITIX
Pet parents are always looking for natural alternatives to help with their dog's skin conditions, but whether they are appropriate will depend on your dog. For instance, if your dog is suffering from a skin parasite, you will need to get to the vet for treatment. Alternatively, a natural alternative might be good if they have some dry skin. It's always better to play it safe and get a diagnosis from the vet before taking action.
CBD applied topically interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your dog's skin. Research has shown that these receptors are tied to inflammation. Relievet makes an all-natural soothing balm concentrated with CBD, including natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as frankincense, coconut oil, shea butter, golden jojoba oil, and others that may improve skin.
If you do not want to risk the side effects of drugs like Amitix, then you will have few options. CBD is not meant to battle insects that may irritate. However, CBD can soothe the skin and calm the nerves during heavy flea or tick attacks. In that aspect, CBD may play a role in helping with insect bites.
