Causes of Pesticide Poisoning in Dogs
The cause of pesticide poisoning in dogs is from the ingestion or inhalation of a specific type of pesticide. Pesticide poisoning negatively affects the dog by:
Diagnosis of Pesticide Poisoning in Dogs
If you suspect your dog has come into contact with a pesticide, immediately take him to the veterinarian. It is important to communicate with your veterinarian about your dog’s history of contact with any pesticide, even if you are not positive that he ingested or inhaled any of the compound. Even if you suspect any contact, the veterinarian will have more of an idea on what to do in terms of diagnosing and treating your dog.
The veterinarian may recommend a complete examination including any blood work, urinalysis, and a biochemistry profile. The biochemistry profile will be used to evaluate the functions of your dog’s kidneys, pancreas, and liver. Another very important part of evaluating your dog will be the careful monitoring of his clinical signs. The veterinarian may also test your dog’s electrolyte levels to be sure the poisoning is not dehydrating him or causing an electrolyte balance abnormality.
If you are completely sure that your dog ingested a type of pesticide, your veterinarian may choose to begin treatment immediately as he is waiting on the results of testing. Each situation is different, and your veterinarian is trained to look at the signs and make a diagnosis of toxicity.
If you think your dog or cat was exposed to a pesticide, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline for treatment recommendations.
Most pesticides or insecticides (typically those that come in a spray can) are basic irritants to dogs and cats, and result in clinical signs of drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In general, these are usually not a large poisoning concern unless the dog or cat directly ingested the product from the container or bag or if a pet’s symptoms become persistent. That said, there are some rare types of pesticides that are mixed with dangerous other chemicals or insecticides (such as organophosphates or carbamates), which can be life-threatening when consumed.
The content of this page is not veterinary advice. A number of factors (amount of substance ingested, size of the animal, allergies, etc.) determine what is toxic to a particular pet. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment.
Fertilizers and Pesticides Poisoning in Dogs – Symptoms & Causes
Our beloved dogs are considered part of the family already. Kids consider them as their “children”. They feed them, sleep with them, play with them, and even clothe them. And when our dogs pass away, we mourn for them just like any other loved one.