Chrysanthemum Poisoning in Dogs

Natural insecticides within specific plants, namely the chrysanthemum, called pyrethroids are chemicals that are synthetic. Permethrin is the insecticide within the chrysanthemum flower and issues to naturally control pests. Common names for the chrysanthemum consist of a variety of types of daisies and mums.

There are also products that contain permethrin used in pesticides that are applied to crops, ornamental flowers, within buildings and structures, and even on clothing. Permethrin comes in the form of powder, liquid, aerosol sprays, and on clothing that has been treated. This synthetic chemical is also used to treat head lice and scabies on humans.

Chrysanthemum poisoning in dogs is a result of dogs consuming chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum contain pyrethroids, namely permethrin, which is a natural insecticide.

If your dog has eaten part of a chrysanthemum, he may exhibit the following symptoms. The onset of symptoms is dependent upon the amount of the plant ingested. Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning include:

• Drooling
• Coughing
• Clearing the throat
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Agitation
• Shaking

Types

Chrysanthemums contain this natural insecticide, and products on the market use pyrethrin as an ingredient in the following types of products:

• Household insecticide sprays
• Ornamental outdoor pesticides
• Fogging pesticides
• Roach sprays
• Ant sprays
• Flea and tick solutions
• Hornet sprays
• Lice treatments
• Commercial business and building insecticides

Pyrethrin is a member of the pyrethroid family, and pyrethroids are considered to be neuropoisons. The cause of pyrethrin poisoning via the chrysanthemum plant is by the dog ingesting the plant. Pyrethrin toxicity is caused by:

• Greatly affecting the nervous system
• Altering the permeability of nerve membranes to specific potassium and sodium ions
• Reacts with metabolic activity and internal temperature

If you suspect your dog has ingested chrysanthemum, it is very important to take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Once you have taken him to the veterinarian, the physician will ask questions pertaining to the amount of the plant eaten and approximately how much time has passed from the time he ate the chrysanthemum to the time of the appointment.

Depending on if the dog is stable, were veterinarian may or may not run specific tests. If you are definite that the dog ingested the plant, and if the dog is exhibiting symptoms, the veterinarian will go ahead and treat him without wasting any time. However, if the dog is stable and only showing a few symptoms, the veterinarian will do a complete physical examination, do blood testing to check the blood glucose levels, monitor the dog’s temperature, possibly doing urinalysis, and examine his skin and fur to see if possibly the dog got any of the natural chemical on his body. If so, the veterinarian will want to decontaminate him by giving him a bath.

The physician is very familiar and knowledgeable of the symptoms of pyrethrin toxicity, and by communicating with you about the dog’s history, the knowledge of the dog being around the plant, and looking at his clinical signs will determine the veterinarian’s method of treatment.

Treatment is based on the level of toxicity and your dog’s symptoms. The first thing the veterinarian may do is administer activated charcoal to aid in the absorption of the pyrethrin. Other treatment methods for chrysanthemum poisoning in dogs may include:

Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants, such as methocarbamol, can greatly reduce any tremors or shaking the dog maybe having. Methocarbamol may need to be administered several times.

Anti-Seizure Drugs

If your dog is having seizures, the veterinarian may choose to administer an anti-seizure drug. Pentobarbital or diazepam may be given.

IV Fluids

IV fluids may be given to stabilize the dog’s system, keep him hydrated, and help with kidney function in excreting the toxic substance.

Monitoring

If your dog has a moderate to severe case of toxicity, he will require a hospital stay for approximately two days. In this time, the veterinarian will monitor his blood glucose level, his temperature in order to prevent hypothermia, and will also monitor his kidney function and liver function.

In terms of recovery, if your dog has responded to treatment, the prognosis is good. Once you have taken your dog home from the hospital, you will be given instructions on how to properly care for your dog at home. If your dog is on any medications, the veterinarian will also give you instructions on how to administer the prescriptions properly.

The veterinarian will also want to recheck the dog during any follow-up appointments to be sure he is recovering properly. At home, you will need to closely monitor your dog and watch for any new symptoms that may possibly develop. If the dog develops any new symptoms, you will need to contact your veterinarian. For prevention, it is crucial that chrysanthemums or any other toxic plants are kept out of the home. It is also important to keep an eye on your companion when he is outdoors to prevent him from ingesting any poisonous plants.