Flea and Tick Dips and Shampoos Poisoning in Dogs

Amitraz insecticide poisoning causes central nervous irritation, which includes seizures, difficulty walking, dilated pupils, and extreme sleepiness. It also affects the cardiac system (extremely low or high blood pressure, decreased heart rate) and the gastrointestinal system (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea). Death is usually caused by a depressed central nervous system. A toxic oral dose of amitraz is 10 milligrams per kilogram, and a lethal dose is 100 milligrams per kilogram. It is uncommon, but possible, for a dog to ingest a lethal amount of amitraz by consuming a collar that contains amitraz or a concentrated dip or shampoo. It is also possible to apply a toxic dose of amitraz insecticide topically, from confusion when diluting the solution.

Amitraz insecticide poisoning is caused by the drug amitraz, or formamidine acaricide, which is used as a topical dip or shampoo for the prevention of ticks and mange in dogs and other animals. This drug is also in dog collars which are made for treatment of these pests as well. Amitraz poisoning is a relatively rare condition and has a mortality rate of only five percent in dogs treated with the correct dosage, although it sometimes has serious or life-threatening effects on some toy breeds, puppies, and older dogs.

Amitraz insecticide poisoning caused by flea and ticks collars or dips and shampoos has many symptoms, which are separated into three categories:

Central Nervous System

• Acting drunk
• Collapse
• Coma
• Death
• Decreased body temperature (hypothermia)
• Dilated pupils
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Increased blood glucose
• Lethargy
• Loss of body movement control (ataxia)
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Respiratory depression
• Sedation
• Seizures
• Shock

Cardiac System

• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Gastrointestinal System

• Appetite loss
• Bloating
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Slow intestinal activity
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

 Types

• Oral amitraz insecticide poisoning is caused by your dog eating or drinking something containing amitraz, such as a collar or shampoo
• Topical amitraz insecticide poisoning happens if your dog is treated with amitraz shampoo that is mixed in the wrong concentration or without being diluted; topical poisoning can also happen when shampooing a dog who is sensitive to amitraz, such as toy breeds or puppies

Both oral and topical amitraz poisoning can be caused by treating certain breeds:

• Affenpinschers
• Brussels Griffons
• Chihuahuas
• Chins
• Havanese
• Italian Greyhounds
• Maltese
• Miniature Pinschers
• Papillons
• Pekingese
• Pomeranians
• Poodles
• Pugs
• Shih Tzus
• Spaniels
• Terriers

Oral amitraz poisoning is caused by the ingestion of:

• Collar
• Shampoo
• Dip solution

Topical amitraz poisoning

• Wrong dilution of shampoo or dip
• Using medication on puppies or elderly dogs
• Applying more than one type of medication containing amitraz

A complete physical examination will first be done, which includes weight, height, body temperature, blood pressure, reflexes, heart rate, and respirations. Be sure that your veterinarian has all of your dog’s medical history, including most recent illnesses or injuries, shot records, and any behavioral changes you have noticed lately. Your veterinarian will also need to complete some laboratory tests including urinalysis, blood chemistry profile, complete blood count (CBC), blood gas, glucose level, liver enzyme test, and radiographs (x-rays) or ultrasound of the abdomen to see if there is evidence that your dog swallowed a collar (buckle or pieces of collar). A liquid chromatography test may also be done to check for amitraz insecticide in your dog’s plasma, stomach contents, or hair follicles.

Treatment for amitraz insecticide poisoning caused by flea and tick collrs or dips and shampoos depends on whether it was an oral or topical poisoning. Topical poisoning requires immediate bathing with mild soap and a lot of water. Oral ingestion includes inducing vomiting with a peroxide solution or apomorphine if it has been less than 24 hours. Charcoal can absorb the amitraz, helping to eliminate the chemical and pieces of the collar in the feces. A laxative and enema may also be administered to hasten evacuation of the bowels about 15 hours after ingestion. Atipamezole or yohimbine may be used to reverse clinical signs, such as decreased heart rate, depressed nervous system and the effects of high blood pressure. The veterinarian will also administer IV fluids and medication to control blood pressure, body temperature, and dehydration. Your dog will be in the hospital for at least 24 hours after recovery for observation. It is possible to have a recurrence of symptoms with some dogs. The veterinarian will watch for abnormal body temperature, production of urine, blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose level.

You should continue to watch your dog closely for any recurrence of symptoms for at least 72 hours. Return to your veterinarian within two weeks for a follow-up examination and do not hesitate to call your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s condition. To prevent this from happening in the future, it is important to follow all of the directions carefully when treating your dog, or other pets, for fleas, ticks, or any other parasites. Keep all medications out of the reach of your dog.