Insecticide Poisoning in Dogs

Insecticides are commonly used to keep pests away from plants, as well as to repel fleas and ticks from pets. Though insecticides are safe when used correctly, an incorrect usage or accidental consumption can lead to poisoning. It's imperative to remove your dog from any area that may be toxic. The effects of insecticide poisoning can be severe enough to be fatal, which is why it is vital that you bring your dog to the veterinarian for decontamination as soon as possible.

The clinical signs for insecticide poisoning vary depending on the source and are nonspecific to the condition. Potential symptoms include:

• Excessive drooling
• Gagging
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Agitation
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased heart rate

Insecticide poisoning is caused by the direct application or by accidental consumption of the insecticide. There are many types of insecticides, including:

• Carbamate insecticides - The easiest way to identify poisoning caused by carbamate insecticides is through the acronym SLUD (salivation, lacrimation, urination, and diarrhea).
• d-Limonene - A 5x-10x increase in d-Limonene treatment will induce muscle tremors, mild hypothermia, and hypersalivation.
• Methoxychlor - Although one of the safest insecticides, it has known negative reproductive effects and is not safe to use on animals that produce milk.
• Pyrethrins or pyrethroids - Pyrethrins have been used as a popular insecticide for years; it's effective by attacking the sodium channel as well as the chloride and calcium channels. This effect exacerbates the impact when reaching toxic levels in dogs. Cats are especially sensitive to pyrethrins and applying a pyrethrin product meant for a dog to a cat can prove fatal.

Insecticides are often used to help prevent fleas and ticks on dogs. Though these can usually be applied topically without harming your dog, they may still be dangerous if an adverse reaction occurs or if your dog ingests the insecticide. A residual insecticide applied to plants or feed may also harm your dog if eaten or otherwise absorbed through the skin.

A diagnosis for insecticide poisoning is typically made based on history and clinical findings. If you know or suspect that your dog has insecticide poisoning, bring a sample of the insecticide with you so that your veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Let your veterinarian know what symptoms your dog has exhibited, as well as their duration and severity.

Treatment is usually provided before confirmation of the diagnosis, as insecticide poisoning can be quickly fatal. However, with certain insecticides, the diagnosis can be confirmed with laboratory testing of the blood or urine. If cholinesterase levels in the blood are less than 25 percent, your veterinarian will confirm a positive case. If you are not sure that your dog has been in contact with an insecticide, and if clinical signs do not ease following treatment, insecticide poisoning may not be the cause of your dog’s symptoms.

Treatment for insecticide poisoning depends on whether the insecticide was applied or ingested, though the goal in both cases is decontamination and symptom management. If the insecticide was applied, simply bathing your dog with dishwashing detergent before the product has been absorbed may be enough to decontaminate them.

In cases where the insecticide was ingested, it will need to be flushed out of your dog’s stomach. In most cases, this can be accomplished by inducing vomiting and/or through emptying the bowels. With certain insecticides, vomiting is not recommended, in which case your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to bind toxins and prevent them from getting absorbed, or they will perform a gastric lavage.

IV fluid therapy may be necessary to flush the patient through, while anti-seizure medication may be given to address convulsions, and a respirator or oxygen cage used to aid with breathing. As the insecticide is flushed out of your dog’s system, your veterinarian will focus on managing their symptoms. Hospitalization may be required for treatment, monitoring, and supportive care.

As with any recovery, it's imperative to provide your dog with a safe, quiet place to rest once they are home again and make sure they have easy access to fresh water. Monitor your dog for returning or additional symptoms, and let your veterinarian know immediately if you notice any new clinical signs.

It is easier to prevent insecticide poisoning than it is to treat it. Before applying any tick or flea medication on your pet, be sure to read the instructions carefully, and use only the amount that is recommended for their size. Keep all insecticides in a place they cannot reach, and store them according to instructions. If your furry friend enjoys rolling around in the grass or playing in fields, try to take them to a place where you know insecticides are not used. Otherwise, with a possible exposure, you can give your dog a foot bath when you get back home, as residual insecticide may linger on footpads and fur.

Insecticide poisoning can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog is at risk of insecticide poisoning, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

The cost to treat insecticide poisoning can vary depending on how serious the condition is. Pet parents can expect to spend $300 to $500 if vomiting is induced, and between $600 to $1,700 if a short hospitalization is required. 

Got more questions about insecticide poisoning in dogs? Chat with a vet professional today to get answers.