Frequently Asked Questions for Flea & Tick Protection

  • Can I use Hartz UltraGuard® if I have already applied another flea and tick control product?

    Always read the label directions, typically only one flea and tick product should be used on your pet at a time. Using multiple flea and tick products at the same time may result in interaction which could cause illness or irritation. Consult a veterinarian about the use of heartworm medication.

  • What is the difference between a topical and collar product?

    A topical is a monthly dose of liquid flea & tick product applied to the back of the pet’s neck, while the Hartz collar is a solid plastic band that is fastened around the pet’s neck and provides up to seven months protection against fleas & ticks. Both products require registration by the US EPA. Product registration includes a full toxicology and efficacy profile which is reviewed prior to approval by the authorities and determines the labeling.

  • Should I use Hartz UltraGuard® on my pet all year round? Or just during flea and tick season?

    The Companion Animal Safety Council recommends that pets should be treated year round with a flea and tick product. Fleas and ticks may be dormant during freezing winter months but can still be active on days above freezing temperatures. These parasites utilize leaf litter and even snow to provide insulation in the extreme cold.

  • Where can I buy Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ products?

    Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ products can be found in grocery stores, supercenters, mass retailers, online, etc. You can check where your favorite product is sold using our Where To Buy feature.

  • What is the benefit of Hartz Pet Defender?

    Hartz Pet Defender utilizes the same active ingredients as Frontline Plus but at a more affordable price. This product has been proven to kill fleas and ticks including the tick species that transmits Lyme disease.

  • How long does a Hartz UltraGuard® Flea and Tick topical or Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ work for?

    One tube/application of Hartz UltraGuard® or Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ Topicals provides one month of protection.

  • How does my cat get ticks?

    Typically, cats are most susceptible to ticks while outside. Ticks are found anywhere they can quest for a host on blades of grass or vegetation. Even indoor cats are susceptible to ticks that are brought into the home by pets and humans so it is important to do regular body checks after spending time in a high risk area.

  • Can I use this if my cat is on medication?

    Always consult with a veterinarian before applying flea and tick treatment to a sick or debilitated cat.

  • Does Hartz UltraGuard® have an expiration date?

    An expiration date is not required on Hartz UltraGuard® products. However, Hartz has established a shelf life for all UltraGuard® products to ensure a quality product.

  • Do fleas and ticks have to bite my pet for Hartz UltraGuard® to work?

    No. Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals and Collars evenly distribute protection over your pet’s body killing or repelling the parasites before they have a chance to bite.

  • How long does it take for Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals to kill fleas?

    Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals start killing fleas within 15 minutes after application and continues to kill for 30 days.

  • Can I use flea and tick products for cats on my dog?

    NO, flea & tick products labeled for cats must only be used on cats. Likewise, flea and tick products labeled for dogs should not be used on cats. This ensures safe and effective flea & tick treatment since products are specifically formulated for cats or dogs .

  • Can Hartz UltraGuard® collars for cats be used alongside identification collars?

    Yes, Hartz UltraGuard® collars can be used with any regular cat collar.

  • Are Hartz UltraGuard® products registered?

    Yes, all Hartz UltraGuard® products are registered with the EPA and the states, data has been provided for both efficacy and safety as required.

  • How long does a Hartz UltraGuard® Flea and Tick topical work for?

    One tube/application of Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals provides one month of protection.

  • How long does a Hartz UltraGuard® Flea and Tick Collar work for?

    Hartz UltraGuard® Collars provide up to seven months of protection against fleas and ticks.

  • Can I stop using flea control once the fleas are gone?

    This is not recommended. Once an infestation is under control it is important to continue using a flea and tick control product to prevent re-infestations in the future. Although adult fleas are not seen on the animal, the sub-adult stages (eggs, larvae, pupae) may be developing within the house (carpet, upholstery). To ensure full protection against all life stages of fleas, Hartz recommends treating all affected areas of your pet’s surroundings.

  • How does Hartz UltraGuard® kill fleas and ticks?

    Hartz UltraGuard® contains EPA registered insecticides that have been proven to control fleas and ticks. These insecticides have been specifically formulated to provide protection across the entire body of the pet for the duration indicated for each product.

    Example: Protection is one month for topicals and seven months for collars.

  • How long after application can my pet be bathed or go swimming?

    Your pet should not be bathed 48 hours both pre and post application.

  • What is an insect growth regulator?

    An insect growth regulator (commonly referred to as an IGR) is a substance which interferes with the immature development of an insect; therefore, they never reach maturity, cannot multiply thus eliminating infestation.

  • Are Hartz UltraGuard® Flea and Tick Collars waterproof?

    All Hartz UltraGuard® Flea & Tick Collars are water resistant and can remain on your pet while swimming or in the rain.

  • How do you know if a cat is going have an allergic reaction to a topical flea and tick product?

    Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. Your cat can have a reaction to the first exposure to a product, to a later application of the product, or never. While reactions to topical drops are rare, they might result in mild skin irritation. It is important to observe your pet for the first 24 hours and contact your veterinarian if you note any abnormal reactions.

  • Can an indoor cat get fleas?

    Yes, indoor cats can also get fleas. It is very easy for a flea to hitch a ride on your clothing, bottom of shoes, or come in with your dog after he’s been out playing. Therefore, it is important to use preventative products such as Hartz¨ UltraGuard Pro¨ Flea & Tick Drops for Cats even if you have an indoor cat.

  • I have a young kitten that already has fleas. How old does a kitten have to be before I can use one of your flea and tick products?

    Kittens must be at least 12 weeks old in order to use any of our flea and tick products.

  • I have a 16 year old cat, is she too old for topical flea and tick treatments and, if so, what do you recommend I should do now to control her fleas?

    We do not recommend using Hartz® UltraGuard™ Flea & Tick products on aged cats without the consultation of a veterinarian. Please work with your vet so they can determine which product is best to use on your cat.

    You can, however treat your home environment with Hartz® UltraGuard Plus™ Flea & Tick Home Spray to kill fleas that are around your home and prevent new ones from developing. Additionally, vacuuming will help to reduce flea eggs that develop into adult fleas.

    If your cat goes outdoors, you can treat your yard with Hartz® UltraGuard™ Yard Spray. This will provide you with an additional layer of protection for your cat. Be sure all products have dried before you allow your cat back into the area.

  • What if my cat licks or grooms itself after I’ve applied any flea and tick product?

    It is important to apply the product in a location that your cat cannot easily reach while grooming. It is also recommended that you prevent your cat from grooming immediately after product application. If your cat does happen to groom itself, you may see some drooling or foaming at the mouth due to the product taste. If these signs continue or become more severe, contact your veterinarian.

  • What if my cat drinks some of the bath water during the bath?

    If your cat does get a few drinks of the water before you can stop it, this should not likely cause a problem because the bath water will have diluted the shampoo. However, it is possible to have some gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) from the soap in the shampoo usually within 24 to 48 hours of the bath. Contact your veterinarian if the signs persist for longer than 48 hours or if they become worse.

  • Can I use your flea and tick products on a pregnant cat?

    No, it is not recommended to use our flea and tick products on pregnant cats; read the product labels for full precautions.

  • Should I be concerned about mosquitoes biting my cat?

    Yes, mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but they can also carry diseases. Most concerning is their ability to transmit feline heartworms. Hartz recommends the use of Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® or Hartz® UltraGuard Plus™ to kill and repel mosquitoes on contact.

  • How do I know if my cat has ear mites?

    Ear mites are barely visible to the naked eye; however, here are some symptoms to look for:

    • Head shaking or carrying the head tilted to one side.
    • Excessive scratching at the ears (there may be sores around the ears).
    • Dark brown to black crusty discharge in the ears.
    • Difficulty hearing – especially if combined with other signs.
  • How many different types of intestinal worms can attack my cat?

    As a cat owner, it’s important to know about the different types of worms and their potential effects on your cat’s health. The most common are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. See Intestinal parasites and your cat

  • How does my cat become infected with intestinal worms?

    How your pet becomes infected depends on the type of worm. Kittens may become infected with roundworms while in uterus, thus they are already infected at birth. Otherwise, they can become infected through their mother’s milk. This is also true of hookworms. To become infected with Tapeworms cats need to ingest an infected flea. See Intestinal parasites and your cat