Flea and tick medicine poisoning in dogs happens when a dog is exposed to high levels of poison. Symptoms depend on the amount of exposure.
Generally, improper use of the medicines is to blame. The drugs in the medicines are also used in a lot of insect repellants. Specifically, the medicines contain the drugs pyrethrin or pyrethroid.
If you see the signs of flea and tick medicine poisoning in your dog, then get to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for the condition.
Symptoms of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Dogs
The condition produces a very wide range of symptoms. For instance, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Tearing
- Breathing problems
- Drooling
- Excessive scratching
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Crying and whimpering
- Fever
- Very low body temperature
- Seeming disoriented
Unfortunately, in some cases the condition can prove to be fatal.
Causes of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Dogs
The cause of the condition is a dog being exposed to too much of the medicines. For example, some of the common ways this can happen include:
- Home and garden insect poisons
- Over the counter flea products
- Using human insect repellants on dogs
- Very young pups being exposed to the poisons
Treatments for Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Dogs
Firstly, your vet will ask about your dog’s symptoms. Secondly, your vet will ask about any recent circumstances where your dog was exposed to the drugs.
Thirdly, a full physical examination will be carried out.
These steps allow your vet to make a presumptive diagnosis.
In general, treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms. For example, some dogs might need to be hospitalized. This is to provide supportive care.
In other cases, your dog can be treated on an outpatient basis. For instance, this could involve simply washing your dog to remove traces of the poison.
Ultimately, prevention is the best position to take. In short, always ensure that your dog cannot access any poisons around the house.
You can read more about preventing pet poisonings here.
Have you ever cared for a dog who suffered from this condition? How did your vet help your dog recover? Let us know in the comments section below.
