by Dr. Peter Hill
17. August 2011 13:55
The most common cause of poisoning in dogs and cats is from insecticides. Presently there are more than 25,000 insecticides registered for use in the United States. Insecticides used to control fleas on pets cause the majority of poisonings.
Some animals are overly sensitive to flea products (insecticides used to control fleas) and in other instances the pet owner does not use these products according to instructions. Insecticides can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled through the lungs, or ingested. Cats often ingest topical flea products during grooming.
Overstimulation of the nervous system is the most common symptom of insecticide poisoning. Early symptoms include excessive salivation, uneasiness and a change in personality. As the condition progresses, muscle tremors, change in pupil size (contracted pupils), vomiting and diarrhea occurs. Eventually, if poisoning is severe, stiffness, paralysis, and seizures are common. Death occurs from cardiovascular and respiratory failure. Clinical symptoms generally progress rapidly and persist for days and even weeks.
Before using any insecticides on your pet (flea products in particular) talk to your veterinarian for advice. Most veterinary hospitals sell flea products that are safe, reliable, and effective.
Insecticide poisoning is a medical emergency and immediate veterinary care is required. If insecticide poisoning is suspected, the animal should be rushed to a veterinary hospital or animal emergency center.
Copyright © 2004-2012 YourCity.MD LLC All Rights Reserved. The information on this Website is provided as a courtesy of YourCity.MD. This Website is designed as a resource portal for informational purposes only and does not contain any warranties. Reliance on any information found on or through this Website or links found on this Website is entirely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or your local Emergency number immediately. YourCity.MD and its affiliates are not responsible for the content found on any links contained herein and do not necessarily agree with any of their opinions.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: YourCity.MD websites and this city website in particular may include or provide paid or other type web links to you that include facts, views, opinions and recommendations of individuals, organizations or companies. You understand and accept that YourCity.MD and this city in particular, and its affiliates, do not warranty or guarantee the accuracy of any such information in any form. You understand and accept that YourCity.MD and this city in particular neither provides health or medical advice, nor advocates or recommends the purchase of any product, service, health provider listed, linked to or advertised on YourCity.MD and this city site in particular.
LIMITS OF LIABILITY: You understand and accept that YourCity.MD and this city site in particular, Inc. and its affiliates shall not be liable to you or any associated party for damages or injury caused in whole or in part by negligence in producing and publishing this site or any information contained in this site or linked by or to this site.
Subscribe