What is Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity?
Not only do fleas and ticks cause intense itching and skin irritation, but they can also transmit various diseases like tapeworm, Rickettsia (both from fleas), Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease (both from ticks). Because of these potentially serious illnesses, ridding your dog, and your home of these pests is important and very desirable. Prevention in the first place is a necessity also, and the routine use of prescribed insecticides is the method that works the best. However, toxicity from the improper or careless use of these products is a valid concern.
Flea and tick medicines contain insecticides (also called ectoparasiticides) that can be toxic if not applied correctly, if applied in larger doses than are safe, or if they are accidentally ingested. Most products used to eliminate fleas and ticks are topical applications and are applied to the back of the neck.Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity Average Cost
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Symptoms of Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity in Dogs
The are a great number of pesticides used in the products typically applied on dogs; they can cause varying degrees of toxicity. Most of the time, flea and tick medicine poisoning occurs due to the ingestion (whether accidentally or intentionally) of the medicine, as opposed to the application. However, poisoning can occur due to application only. A small sample of the ectoparasiticides is listed here.
- Pyrethrins and pyrethroids
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Difficulty breathing
- Profuse drooling
- Weakness
- Tearing of the eyes
- Diarrhea
- More severe cases of poisoning from pyrethrins and pyrethroids can show these additional symptoms:
- Depression
- Fever
- Low body temperature
- Disorientation
- Respiratory failure can be followed by death
Symptoms of Indoxacarb and Organophosphates include:
- Indoxacarb
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness
- Depression
- Abnormal walk and movement
- Inability to stand
- Head tilt
- Organophosphates
- Profuse drooling
- Small pupils (miosis)
- Frequent urination
- Muscle contractions (fasciculation)
- Lack of coordination
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Nervousness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Collapse can precede death
We must stress that products designed to be used as repellents or eliminators of fleas and ticks in dogs can not be used on cats. The reaction is much more severe, and the consequences can be dire.
Types
- Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids
- Pyrethrum, used to make these compounds which are used in flea and tick medicines, is extracted from the chrysanthemum plant
- Indoxacarb (Oxadiazines)
- This compound is in a chemical class use in crop pesticides
- It is used alone in products for flea control, and in combination with permethrin in tick control
- Organophosphates
- These are derivatives of phosphoric, or phosphoric acid, and vary greatly in residual degree and toxicity
- Flea collars can contain this product
The list of compounds used in flea and tick medicine is extensive, with others included being isoxazolines (the first oral flea and tick product), and chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds (used in dipping treatments), to name just two.
Causes of Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity in Dogs
The reaction your pet may have to flea and tick medicine depends on many factors.
- Age can be a factor if the medicine is used on puppies that are under the recommended age for safe use
- Combining products in hopes that “more is better” can be a bad idea due to contraindication of the medicines
- Poisoning can happen when the label is not read properly, and directions are ignored
- Using too high a dosage for the size of the dog can cause a toxic reaction
- Some pet owners may use a small amount of a tube meant for large dogs on their small dog to save money, not realizing that the dosage and strength can be wrong for a small canine
- Ingestion of flea and tick medicine, whether by eating oral tablets or licking off a topical application, can be dangerous
- Using an insecticide meant for humans (such as DEET for ticks and mosquitoes), in hopes that it will kill fleas or ticks on your dog can be a critical mistake
- If an unregulated over the counter medicine is used or an out of date product is used, the regulations of the usage and safety could have changed
Diagnosis of Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity in Dogs
The onset of signs that your dog has been poisoned by a topical, dip, oral, spray, or collar flea and tick medicine can range from a few hours to a few days. When you use a substance containing an ectoparasiticide on your canine family member, always record the amount, day, and time of use. A reaction can occur at any time, even if your pet has had the product used on him before.
When you bring your pet to the veterinary clinic, the care team will ask for the history of what product was used, and when it was applied or given. If possible, bring the container or packaging with you.
Your veterinarian will base her diagnosis on clinical signs, a urine sample, and a serum blood test. Detection through urine or blood is not always definitive. This is why bringing the packaging is so important. At the very least, be aware of the name of the product and how much you used, if possible.
Treatment of Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity in Dogs
The protocol for the poisoning remedy will depend on many factors.
- The degree of toxicity your pet is experiencing
- Which product was used to eliminate or prevent the fleas and ticks
- How long ago the medicine was applied or given orally
- The age and the health of your dog before the poisoning occurred
Many of the hundreds of compounds used in flea and tick medicines adversely affect the nervous, muscular and respiratory systems of your pet when overdosed. Treatment will depend on which systems have been disturbed, and what functions are in need of correction. Some of the methods and medications used for detoxifying your dog are listed below.
- If the toxicity is affecting the skin, a bath to remove the product will be done
- Some compounds require inducing vomiting, where others are best not to have vomiting brought on
- Medication to empty the bowel is sometimes given
- Seizure drugs or muscle relaxants may be appropriate
- Active charcoal is often used to bind and eliminate stomach contents
- Intravenous access for fluids and medication administration could be necessary
- Oxygen might be required if your dog is having trouble breathing
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Recovery of Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity in Dogs
Using flea and tick medicine for the elimination and prevention of these pests is a necessity in order to keep our beloved animal family members (and us) healthy and happy. However, caution is key to preventing poisoning.
Always purchase flea and tick products from your veterinary clinic. Doing so will ensure that you are using regulated, tested medicines. This will also give you the added security of safe dosage amounts because your veterinarian will tell you how much to use based on the age, health condition and weight of your dog.
Follow the directions of your veterinarian to the letter. Never use dog flea and tick products on other animal family members. Do not combine medicines in the hopes that the flea or tick problem will be resolved sooner.
Wash your hands after handling or applying flea and tick medicine, and be sure to store the medicines safely, out of the reach of pets and children.
Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000
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Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Chihuahua
One Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Fleas
My little chihuahua has fleas but I have no flea treatment I have asked family members and only have extra large dog treatment would this be safe on my dog?
July 13, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
0 Recommendations
I would not give an extra large dose of flea treatment to your Chihuahua as this could potentially cause a toxicity. You can purchase Frontline at Petsmart or Petco. Ideally you would get a product from your veterinarian that is even more effective. You do need to make sure that you treat the fleas for at least three months otherwise due to the way the family life cycle works you will not be able to get rid of the problem.
July 13, 2020
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Pit Bull
Nine Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
she is not as active as she normally is and she cant hold noting down and she keep vomiting
July 12, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
0 Recommendations
Vomiting is definitely a cause for concern. There are many different causes of vomiting including infectious causes such as parvovirus, G.I. obstruction, toxin ingestion, or gastroenteritis from something he ate.
Dogs can become dehydrated even if they’re drinking water so in your case it would be best to take her to a veterinarian so they can run some diagnostics to assess the cause of her vomiting and provide IV fluids and anti-emetics to help her feel better. I hope she feels better soon.
July 12, 2020
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Maltese
Riley
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Drooling
After bathing my dog with Bob Martin Shampoo his leg swelled and he couldn’t walk on it and he became pale after which I took him to the vet where it was suspected he suffered a snake bite and tick fever.He was admitted for a week and given a blood transfusion, bravecto and IVs. After three weeks I bathed him again using Bob Martin shampoo and then powdered him with Bob Martin tick and flea powder.This time his face swelled up, began drooling excessively, had no balance, became pale, lost his appetite, and couldn’t stop bleeding at the spot he was given an injection. He died three days later. The post-mortem revealed multiple organ failure and kidney failure being the most severe. Also salmonella was found in his lungs. Could the products cause such a reaction?
Sept. 22, 2018
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chihuahua mix
Kyoji
2 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
None Yet
About 10 days ago I gave my dog a topical application of Hartz Ultraguard(1 month treatment for fleas/ticks) along his back, the dosgage was dogs around 5lbs which he is. We accidentally gave him another application today that stayed on his back for about 2 hours before realizing and washing off throughly with dawn dish soap. He has no symptoms yet but could it possibly occur?
We have also been using flea powder for our carpet however he does not lick it and stays away from the cleaned area for a day or so after cleaning.
July 9, 2018
0 Recommendations
You should keep a close eye on Kyoji and monitor for any symptoms, these types of products are normally tested at multiple times regular dose with few issues. If you notice any symptoms like tremors, drooling or anything else concerning visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 10, 2018
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Pit bull
Cali
5 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Frightened
I put Natural Pet EasyDefense Squeeze-On Dog Flea Control on my pitbull. She is acting strange now. She seems scared of me,puts tail between her legs and is going in crate or in corner. She is 5yrs old and has never done this before. She doesn't have any other symptoms. Is she just upset with me or is she possibly having an allergic reaction with no other visible symptoms?
June 4, 2018
0 Recommendations
The ‘active ingredients' are considered safe and account for 1.05% of the product, the remaining 98.95% of the product is almond oil; I’m not aware of any reactions like you’re describing and would recommend you bathe Cali with a mild shampoo and visit your Veterinarian if you have further concerns. Only Natural states on their website that:
“Occasionally some dogs may have a reaction to the essential oils in the EasyDefense Herbal Squeeze-On, so we recommend testing the product initially by applying a few drops on the nape of the neck, and waiting 24 hours to evaluate any response before applying the full dose. If you do see an adverse reaction, wash your dog with a shampoo or dishwashing liquid that contains detergents, as this is the most effective way to remove the oils causing the reaction. This is not a common occurrence, but it is a good safeguard to use with any squeeze-on or spot-on products.”
www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Only-Natural-Pet-EasyDefense-Squeeze-On-Dog-Flea-Control/999522.aspx
June 4, 2018
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Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,200
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
