Pesticides and Your Pet

Pets are frequently poisoned by pesticides, either from accidental exposure to

recently sprayed lawns and green spaces, or from improper use of chemical flea

controls.

Pets are vulnerable to pesticides applied on lawns and green spaces for a

variety of reasons:

 They are exposed to higher doses because they are close to the ground,

where pesticide concentrations are highest

 Parts of their bodies that have high chemical absorption rates, like their

scrotum and armpits, are often directly exposed to pesticides

 They are likely to ingest pesticides when grooming themselves

Learn to recognize the symptoms of pesticide poisoning in your pet

Mild exposure to pesticides can result in

 inactivity

 refusal to eat or drink

 vomiting

 diarrhea

Acute exposure can result in

 excessive drooling

 disorientation

 lack of coordination

 convulsions

Contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your pet may be poisoned.

2, 4-D is a synthetic pesticide poison used to kill weeds. It is found in “weed and

feed” products. It is an active ingredient found in Killex. In humans it has been

associated with a range medical conditions ranging from loss of reflexes to

kidney and liver problems and comas. 2,4-D has been linked to malignant

lymphomas in dogs. Studies showed the risk doubled in dogs whose owners

treated their lawns four times a year. Today cancer is the number one cause of

death in dogs.

Protect yourself and your pet from synthetic pesticide poisons by following

organic lawn care principles found on our website. If your neighbours use “weed

and feed” or some other kinds of pesticide poisons, make sure your dog stays

away from areas that have been sprayed. Talk to your neighbours about the

detrimental effects of pesticides on people, pets and the environment. Show

them the research on this website.

 

Controlling Fleas: the Safest Way

The synthetic organic insecticides commonly found in dips, sprays, shampoos,

powders and collars used to control fleas can be very dangerous when they are

used too frequently or in combination with each other. These chemicals often

poison cats and dogs, and their owners may also show symptoms of mild

pesticide poisoning. The following tips will help to control fleas safely in your

household.

 Establish a sleeping area for your pet that can be easily and regularly cleaned

 Don’t allow your pet into rooms where cleaning is difficult

 Vacuum areas frequented by your pet weekly, more often in late summer and

fall when flea populations increase. Discard the vacuum bag, or store in the

freezer to kill captured fleas.

 Remove and wash your pet’s bedding regularly

 Flea-comb your pet regularly

 Intensely itchy bites around your ankles could be an early sign of flea

infestation. Pinch fleas that land on your lower legs between a wet index

finger and your thumb. Place in a bowl of soapy water.

How to Handle a Flea Emergency

Try the following methods to reduce large flea populations in your home in the

least toxic manner.

 Remove and wash all carpets, or have them steam-cleaned

 Vacuum floors, carpets and upholstery furniture every day for a week or

more, taking extra care in less-traveled areas along edges, in corners and

under furniture. Discard the vacuum bag or store in the freezer or put inside a

plastic bag in the sun for six hours to kill captured fleas.

 Wax hardwood floors and linoleum

 Wash pet bedding in hot soapy water

 Spot-treat heavily infested areas with diatomaceous earth or a borate product

if problem is still not under control

 Shampoo your pet, then use a flea comb to remove surviving fleas. Fleas

drown easily, so insecticidal soap is not necessary.

 If your pet hates getting wet, try a sponge bath with rubbing alcohol and

vinegar, or a strong brew of wormwood tea

 Use a small bulb duster to apply diatomaceous earth (finely ground fossil

material) to your pet, including between the toes

 Let pets roam the house to pick up stray fleas, then comb them every day to

remove fleas

 

Resources:

Animal Poison Control Centre

Call toll-free 1-800-548-2423

Lifton, Bernice. 1991. Bug Busters: Poison-free Pest Controls for your House

and Garden. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group.

Olkowski, W.,S. Daar and H. Olkowski. 1991. Common Sense Pest Control:

Least Toxic Solutions for your Home, Garden, Pets and Community.

Newtown, CT: The Taunton Press.

Pesticide and Pets