Toxic to dogs · Medications

Is Ivermectin toxic to dogs?

Extreme severity

Yes. Even a small amount can be life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

  • dilated pupils
  • difficulty walking
  • ataxia
  • tremors
  • drooling
  • seizures
  • coma
  • inability to breath
  • death

How vets treat it

Aggressive veterinary treatment is required; seek immediate emergency care for stabilization and supportive therapy.

Why it's dangerous

Ivermectin acts as an anthelmintic that can cross the blood-brain barrier in sensitive breeds or at high doses, leading to central nervous system depression and severe neurological impairment.

Toxic compound: Avermectins

Good to know

Certain breeds with the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene mutation are hypersensitive. Poisoning often occurs from horse dewormer ingestion or eating feces of recently dewormed horses.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to dogs

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) Extreme severity Amphetamines Extreme severity Antibiotics Extreme severity Antihistamines Extreme severity Everything toxic to dogs →

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