Toxic to dogs · Insecticides

Is Pyrethrins & Pyrethroids toxic to dogs?

Low severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Mildly. Severe cases are rare, but it can cause discomfort and is best kept out of reach.

Symptoms to watch for

  • profuse drooling
  • vomiting
  • tremoring
  • hyperexcitability
  • agitation
  • seizures
  • weakness
  • difficulty breathing
  • paresthesia
  • tingling sensation
  • scratching

How vets treat it

Prompt removal of the product by bathing with a liquid dish soap (like Dawn, Joy, or Palmolive) to remove the greasy substance from the skin and haircoat; seek immediate veterinary care.

Why it's dangerous

These chemicals are derived from Chrysanthemum flowers or synthetic versions that cats cannot metabolize efficiently, leading to neurotoxicity. Exposure often occurs through inappropriate application of dog-specific flea medications or grooming of treated dogs.

Toxic compound: Permethrin

Good to know

Cats are very sensitive and cannot metabolize these drugs as well as dogs; dog flea and tick medications should never be applied to cats.

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

Amitraz Extreme severity Metaldehyde Extreme severity Organophosphates Extreme severity Everything toxic to dogs →

Packaged food? Scan the barcode.

StrawPaw's food scanner reads the barcode on packaged products and flags ingredients that are risky for dogs and cats — before anything reaches the bowl.

Download StrawPaw for iOS