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
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Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Sparty
5 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
I have a 5yr ols Mini Austrialian shepherd. I currently have him on the correct dose for his weight of Bravecto. He gets these spouts of diarrhea, eating grass and vomiting every so often. Could this be from his Bravecto? If so, what other fleas and tick treatment should he be on living in Tennesse where the ticks are horrible?
May 30, 2018
0 Recommendations
Vomiting and diarrhoea are the most common and third most common (respectively) side effect of Bravecto (fluralaner); it is important for you to determine whether these possible side effects are worth the benefits of flea & tick prevention. There are many products on the market for protection against ticks, but you need to find one which works for you and for Sparty; Frontline (fipronil), K9 Advantix II (imidacloprid, permethrin and pyriproxyfen) among others may be used as a topical spot on treatment each month but you need to determine if suitable for you. I’ve popped a link below to a guide from the University of Tennessee called ‘Common Ticks of Tennessee and Their Control’ which may be of interest to you. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/pb726.pdf
May 31, 2018
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Shih Tzu
Trisha
9 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
Discomfort
Scratching
I think my dog is having a reaction to K9 Advantix II. I gave her her first ever dose of the medication on 5/16 about 2 hours after her grooming appointment. About 1.5 hours after application she began to become agitated and uncomfortable trying to scratch at where I put the drops. She didn’t have much redness at the site as far as I could tell and no bumps or hives but she was extremely uncomfortable. She never had this type of reaction from her flea medication in the past as she has been treated with Frontline Plus and within the last year I have been giving her Revolution exactly every month. I called Bayer as on the box it said that this was a rare side effect. But what I don’t know is exactly how long these reactions will last. She has gotten only slightly better and it is now 5/19/2018 about 2:30 am. She still tries to scratch at her back where I put the medicine but she isn’t overly red, just pink. Also she shakes her fur out a lot similar to when dogs just get out of water and they are trying to dry themselves. Also, I feel like she may be leaning to one side when she runs. It doesn’t happen all the time but when it does she immediately stops to scratch at her back so I’m not sure if she’s running like that because she is uncomfortable. I read that this medicine can have neurological affects to and I am hoping that is not what this is. Since it has not been 4 days since application, should I wash her with Dawn and bring her to the vet? Or should I wait out the reaction? How long is too long to observe her?
May 19, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
4 days later, there may not be a lot of the medication still on her skin, but it would be a good idea to wash it off anyway in case there is any residual medication there that you can remove. If her skin isn't ulcerating or bleeding, and she is still eating and drinking and generally acting normal, you may be okay to wait as the signs resolve. If she is stumbling, not eating, or scratching to the point where she is injuring herself or damaging her skin, then it would be best to have her examined by a veterinarian. I hope that all goes well for her.
May 19, 2018
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yellow labrador retriever
Bella
8 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Drooling,
Approx. 7 days after applying Hartz Ultraguard ro My 8 y/o yellow lab she is drooling excessively and is very restless. No other symptoms as of now and is acting normal otherwise.she is drinking and eating fine.
April 27, 2018
0 Recommendations
Normally we see a reaction to these types of products within hours of use, normally from a dog licking the site of application which leads to drooling; I’m not aware of this product (or similar ones) causing this symptoms after seven days, it is possible that Bella got into something which is irritating her mouth. Other causes may include dental disorders, poisoning, nausea, salivary gland issues, traumatic injury among other causes; you should rinse out her mouth thoroughly and try to look for any dental issues or signs of trauma. If she is still drooling, you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 28, 2018
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Yorkshire Terrier
Army
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Unusual Gait
I treated my 1 yr old 3 lb Yorkshire terrier today with frontline and also gave him his heartworm meds. I have been doing this since he was 6 mo old with no problem. Now he is having problems walking and actually walks backwards or stands in place. What can I do. Will this go away.
March 8, 2018
0 Recommendations
If this behaviour is an adverse reaction to the medications, it would be a case of giving supportive care whilst they left Army’s system; you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination as difficulty walking and walking backwards may be caused by issues like patellar luxation and other issues with the hind legs. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 8, 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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