What is Pesticide Poisoning?
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.
Pesticide Poisoning Average Cost
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Average Cost
$950
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Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning in Dogs
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
Causes of Pesticide Poisoning in Dogs
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.
Diagnosis of Pesticide Poisoning in Dogs
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.
Treatment of Pesticide Poisoning in Dogs
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.
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Recovery of Pesticide Poisoning in Dogs
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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Pesticide Poisoning Average Cost
From 23 quotes ranging from $300 - $6,000
Average Cost
$950
Top
Pesticide Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Yorkshire Terrier
Five Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting And Diarhea
Mimmi started vominting brown/yellow foam yesterday which continuted today along with black loose stools. She has refused to eat, will drink water but throws it up soon after.
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Mimi may have a problem with her intestines, an infection, or a pancreatic inflammation. It would be best to have her seen by her veterinarian, as they can examine her, see what might be going on, and get treatment for her. She sounds like she may be quite ill, so having her seen sooner rather than later would probably be a good idea. I hope that she feels better soon.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Chihuahua
Eight Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking At Paws
Hi, I believe my dog may be having a reaction to walking on an area sprayed with Raid Roach and Ant spray. She's been biting and licking the bottom of her paws quite heavily to the point it is looking raw. What should I do?
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello, It would be best to give her a bath and wash this off. This can cause skin irritation that may need antibiotics from your vet. If she continues to bite her paws, you may need to take her to the vet. They can prescribe her some steroids to help with the reaction and antibiotics to stop any infection.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Chihuahua
Six Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly
My dog got into ortho ant killer and he’s wobbly and shaky. He’s usually active. He is eating and drinking
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Some ant killers can be quite toxic to dogs, and if he is showing signs of unsteadiness or lethargy, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian right away. They will be able to examine him and give any treatment that he may need.
I hope that all goes well for him.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Chihuahua
Seven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly
My dog got into ortho ant killer and his equilibrium is off. He’s normally active and gets into things. He is eating and drinking.
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Some ant killers can be quite toxic to dogs, and if he is showing signs of unsteadiness or lethargy, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian right away. They will be able to examine him and give any treatment that he may need.
I hope that all goes well for him.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Siberian Husky
Eleven Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
We think she may have licked a spot that was sprayed for ants. Not sure but she has vomited a total of 5 times in 45 minutes
July 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
hello, So sorry to hear about your dog. If she ingested pesticides you will most likely see her vomiting and having diarrhea. If this occurs and does not stop, it would be best to see a vet. Without knowing which pesticide she got into it is hard to tell the exact signs you would see. The Pet Poison Control can give you advice on the specific signs you would see with each pesticide.
July 30, 2020
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Shih Tzu
Coco
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
So I took my dog on a walk and he started sniffing someone’s lawn then pooped there but as I picked up the waste I noticed a fallen pesticide sign on the lawn. I don’t believe he licked the grass was standing and sniffing then went. However many hours later he’s gotten diarrhea, very loose stool with traces of a clearing liquid. Is it because of the grass? (I did find a piece of onion on ground the day before, I don’t think he ate any but I cannot be sure. However nothing was wrong yesterday)
Pesticide Poisoning Average Cost
From 23 quotes ranging from $300 - $6,000
Average Cost
$950
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
