Pesticide Poisoning in Dogs

Pesticide poisoning occurs when your pet consumes or inhales a pesticide. Unfortunately, exposure to pesticides is an all too common problem for our canine companions, in large part because pesticides are readily used in and around the home as well as in public areas.

Pesticides are either chemical or natural substances designed to kill pests. These agents are created to eliminate a range of unwanted predators and substances, including insects, plants, fungi, rodents, larvae, and bacteria. Unfortunately, pesticides are prevalent; they are found in a variety of places such as in homes, garages, on farms, in sheds, in the yard, and on plants.

If your dog has come into contact with a very small amount of pesticide, such as a whiff of spray from a spray can, general irritation may occur and may not be cause for alarm. However, if your dog is showing any signs of distress or if you know they have ingested a form of pesticide, it's vital to seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible.

Since there are many types of pesticides, there are a wide variety of symptoms due to poisoning. The potential symptoms of pesticide poisoning in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Distress
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Confusion
• Excessive drinking
  
• Inadequate blood clotting and internal bleeding
• Loss of appetite
• Pawing at the face or eyes
• Dilation of pupils
• Lethargy
• Tremors
• Skin irritations and rashes
  
• Burns
• Seizures
• Arrhythmia
• Collapse
• Coma
• Death

Types

There are many types of pesticides available for use around the home. These include:

• Herbicides, used to kill unwanted plants or vegetation
• Insecticides, used to kill insects
• Rodenticides, used to kill rats and mice
• Fungicides, used to kill fungi
• Bactericides, such as disinfectants or antiseptics to kill bacteria
• Larvicides, used to kill mosquitoes or larvae

The cause of poisoning is the ingestion or inhalation of a specific type of pesticide. However, the way in which your pet is affected will vary depending on the type of pesticide involved and the amount consumed.

For example, carbamate insecticides affect nerve impulse transmission, while organophosphates disrupt the nervous system and can cause muscle twitches, convulsions, and paralysis. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids, commonly used in spot-on flea and tick insecticides for dogs, can also affect the nervous system if ingested or if applied in large doses.

If you suspect your dog has come into contact with a pesticide, take them to the veterinarian straight away. Be sure to tell the vet about your dog’s history of contact with any pesticide, even if you only have a suspicion they may have ingested or inhaled any of the compound. And if you have access to packaging for the pesticide your dog has come into contact with, bring it with you to help your vet make an accurate diagnosis.

The veterinarian will perform a physical examination including blood cell counts, urinalysis, and a biochemistry profile. The biochemistry profile will be used to evaluate the function of your dog’s kidneys, pancreas, and liver. Another very important part of evaluating your dog will be the careful monitoring of their clinical signs. The vet may also test your dog’s electrolyte levels to be sure the poisoning is not causing dehydration or an electrolyte balance abnormality.

If you are certain that your dog ingested a type of pesticide, your vet may choose to begin treatment immediately while still waiting on the results of testing. Each situation is different, and your vet is trained to look at the signs and make a diagnosis of toxicity.

The treatment of pesticide poisoning varies depending on the type of pesticide your dog ingested and the severity of their symptoms. Treatment may include the following methods:

Removal of residue

If your dog has come into contact with the pesticide on their skin and fur, they will need bathing to remove any pesticide residue. Your vet will use a suitable shampoo or detergent to effectively remove the pesticide from your pet's skin and coat.

Emesis

If your dog ingested a pesticide that is not a hydrocarbon, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to help remove the poison from their system. It is important to not induce vomiting if the dog has consumed hydrocarbons since aspiration into the lungs can occur. Similarly, if your dog is collapsed or comatose, inducing vomiting may not be safe.

Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal may be given to absorb the toxic substances that have been left over, even after vomiting. This helps prevent the poison from entering your dog’s system.

Drugs

Depending on the type of pesticide ingested, the veterinarian will make the decision on the types of medications that are needed. For example, atropine is used in many cases of poisoning to stabilize the central nervous system. Muscle relaxants and anti seizure medicine may also be required in some cases.

IV fluids and oxygen therapy

IV fluids may be given if the dog is dehydrated, and oxygen therapy is effective in assisting the dog with breathing during times of respiratory distress.

Recovery from poisoning varies depending on the type of pesticide, the amount ingested, and the response time for treatment. If your dog has positively responded to treatment, your veterinarian may want to keep a watchful eye on them for at least 24 hours. Your veterinary staff will tell you any information you need in regards to your dog’s recovery and prognosis.

Since there are many types of pesticides, the severity of the toxicity will vary, as will the recovery process. If your dog is recovering at home, it is important to contact your vet if any worrying signs or symptoms develop. Your vet will give you instructions on your dog’s ongoing care and management, and may also want to see your pet at a follow-up appointment to be sure they are recovering properly.

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