Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Dogs: Common Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

The best preventative medicine against fleas, ticks, and other parasites is crucial for maintaining your dog’s health. However, incorrect use or accidental ingestion can be dangerous, even fatal if it is worse. In the article, we will delve into some common flea and tick medicine poisoning in dogs, explore the signs, and discuss proactive treatment solutions. 

5 Common Types of Flea and Tick Medication Toxicities

Here are several common types of flea and tick medicine toxicities you should keep in mind before starting treatment solutions in your cats and dogs.

1. Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity

Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are commonly found in over-the-counter topical flea treatments and sprays. While generally safe for dogs, these substances can be highly toxic to cats. According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, pyrethroid toxicosis was responsible for 97% of all pyrethrin and pyrethroid poisoning in cats. Symptoms include tremors, seizures, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, coma. Treatment involves immediate bathing with mild dish soap to remove the product, followed by veterinary care which may include muscle relaxants like methocarbamol and supportive therapy to manage symptoms.

2. Organophosphate Toxicity

Organophosphates are found in some older flea collars, dips, and sprays. These compounds can be toxic to pets if ingested or improperly applied. A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that organophosphate poisoning accounted for a significant number of acute pesticide poisonings in pets. Symptoms include excessive salivation, tearing, muscle twitching, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. Severe cases can lead to seizures and death. Immediate treatment involves removing the source of exposure, administering atropine to counteract the toxic effects, and providing supportive care such as intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy.

3. Permethrin Toxicity

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid commonly used in flea and tick treatments for dogs but is extremely toxic to cats. A study published in the Veterinary and Human Toxicology journal found that permethrin toxicosis in cats led to significant morbidity and mortality rates. Symptoms of permethrin toxicity in cats include muscle tremors, seizures, hyperexcitability, and excessive drooling. Treatment includes decontamination through bathing, administration of intravenous fluids, and anticonvulsants like diazepam to control seizures.

4. Amitraz Toxicity

Amitraz is used in some flea collars and tick treatments. While effective, it can cause toxicity in pets, particularly in small dogs and cats. According to a study in the Australian Veterinary Journal, amitraz toxicosis led to symptoms such as lethargy, ataxia, bradycardia, hypotension, and, in severe cases, coma. Treatment for amitraz poisoning involves removing the source of exposure, administering activated charcoal to limit absorption, and providing supportive care including intravenous fluids and medications like yohimbine or atipamezole to reverse bradycardia and hypotension.

5. Ivermectin Toxicity

Ivermectin is used in various parasite control products but can be toxic in certain dog breeds like Collies, Australian Shepherds, and other herding breeds due to a genetic mutation (MDR1 gene). A study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine reported that dogs with the MDR1 mutation showed heightened sensitivity to ivermectin, resulting in symptoms such as dilated pupils, drooling, tremors, seizures, and coma. Treatment includes immediate decontamination, supportive care, and in severe cases, intravenous lipid emulsion therapy to reduce the toxic effects of ivermectin.

Causes of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Dogs

Flea and tick medications are essential for protecting dogs from parasites and the diseases they carry, but misuse can lead to serious poisoning.

• Overdosing, especially with topical products, is a significant concern, with 86% of pyrethroid-related toxicosis cases in dogs attributed to misuse of topical treatments.
• Accidental ingestion is another major issue, particularly among young and curious dogs, frequently reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
• Misapplication, such as applying spot-on treatments in areas accessible to licking, can lead to ingestion, emphasizing the importance of following label instructions meticulously.
• Using cat-specific flea and tick products on dogs can be dangerous due to metabolic and sensitivity differences between the two species.
• Concurrent use of multiple products can increase the accumulation of active ingredients, heightening the risk of toxicity.
• Dogs with compromised liver or kidney function may struggle to metabolize and eliminate certain chemicals in flea and tick medications, requiring alternative products or adjusted dosages.
• Breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation are particularly susceptible to adverse reactions from certain insecticides like ivermectin.
• Commonly implicated ingredients such as pyrethrins and pyrethroids can be toxic, especially to cats, with pyrethroid toxicity being a leading cause of tremors in felines.

While newer oral medications like isoxazolines are generally safe, they may cause neurological side effects in some dogs.

Symptoms of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning 

Studies have documented various symptoms of flea and tick medicine poisoning, depending on the active ingredients involved. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms:

• Excessive drooling: Often observed shortly after application.
• Vomiting: A common response indicating gastrointestinal distress.
• Decreased appetite: Loss of interest in food can occur as a reaction to the toxins.
• Tremors: Neurological symptoms such as tremors can indicate severe poisoning.
• Agitation/restlessness: Pets may become unusually restless or agitated.
• Movement problems: Difficulty walking or standing can be a sign of neurological impact.
• Signs of skin irritation: Redness, itching, or swelling at the application site.
• Respiratory issues: Difficulty breathing can occur in severe cases.
• Seizures: In severe cases, pets may experience seizures, indicating a medical emergency

Treatment for Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning

If you suspect your dog or cat has experienced adverse reactions to a flea and tick product, immediate action is crucial. First, refer to the precautionary statement on the product label for initial steps. Next, seek immediate veterinary care by contacting your veterinarian for advice. Remove the collar immediately if poisoning signs are present and bathe your pet with mild soap, rinsing thoroughly with large amounts of water. Veterinary consultation is essential for managing symptoms and determining appropriate treatment after exposure to flea and tick medicines. A thorough physical examination aids in making a presumptive diagnosis, with treatment tailored to the severity of symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization for supportive care may be necessary, while outpatient treatment options, including washing the dog to remove poison traces, may suffice for milder cases.

Prognosis varies depending on factors such as the ingested ingredient, amount, and timeliness of treatment. According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, prompt veterinary care significantly improves the prognosis in cases of flea and tick medicine poisoning. Prevention remains paramount in protecting your dog against poisoning, so always ensure your dog does not access any potential poisons within the household.

Preventing Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning

Protecting your dogs and cats from flea and tick medicine poisoning is extremely crucial to keeping your furry friends safe and healthy. Here are some tips for medicine pois

oning prevention.

• Only use products labelled for dogs and follow the exact dosage.
• Consult your veterinarian’s advice before using multiple products on one pet.
• Store products in secure positions out of reach of your pets.
• Supervise pets closely after treatment. If your pets show any side effects, contact your veterinarian for instructions.

Selecting the right and safe medicine for flea and tick treatment is key to keeping your pet healthy and well-being. Anipet Shop is a well-known brand offering affordable preventative treatments from reputable and veterinarian-endorsed brands for cats and dogs. Ingredients and dosage are aligned with your veterinarian’s recommendations, reducing the possibility of flea and tick medicine poisoning. Additionally, products are guaranteed authenticity. 

Conclusion 

Flea and tick prevention is an important way to protect your pets from fatal parasite infestation. Poisoning from flea and tick products is common in pets, but responsible use can keep your furry family members safe and healthy.