ALABAMA A&M AND AUBURN UNIVERSITIES Dogs and Pesticide Use UNP-0050

Introduction uct is classified as a highly toxic category I chemical when exposed to the eyes. Pesti- More than 54 million American households cides containing 2,4-D bear the signal words own at least one dog (Humane Society, “danger – poison”. Used in many commercial 2016). Dog owners often use pesticides in and products, 2,4-D may be found in emulsion around their homes to control pests. Although form, in aqueous solutions (salts), and as many pesticides are beneficial, poor planning a dry compound. Although its carcinogenic or improper use of a pesticide product can status is not clear, canine malignant lym- be very toxic to dogs. Of course the best way phoma has been associated with exposure to avoid toxicity is to avoid using chemical to 2,4-D (Hayes et al., 1991). products. However, if these chemicals must be used be sure to read the labels, use the NOTE: If pesticide chemicals fall into the products properly, and be extremely careful. least toxic category, manufacturers no lon- Remember that dogs are not just property; ger have to print signal words on the labels they are another member of the family. as of February 12, 2002.

• Avermectin B1 (Abamectin). This Pesticides compound functions as an insecticide/ A pesticide is any substance used to kill, repel, miticide and is used by homeowners for or otherwise control a pest. These include in- the control of fire ants. Abamectin is secticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, classified as a GUP, practically nontoxic and disinfectants. Apartments and houses are category IV chemical, which has no pre- often hosts to common pests like cockroach- cautionary statement on its label. es, ants, fungus, termites, and rats. Weeds, grubs, and aphids can get into lawns, flowers, Abamectin contains about 80% avermec- and vegetable gardens. Because pesticides are tin B1a and 20% avermectin B1b com- designed to be toxic, they can pose a risk not pounds derived from the soil bacterium only to children and adults but also to pets. Streptomyces avermitilis. Research indi- Dogs are exposed to pesticides when they cates that chronic abamectin toxicity can inhale, ingest, or absorb the product through affect the nervous system of dogs and the skin. cause symptoms such as pupil dilation, lethargy, and tremors (Lankas and Animal studies have shown that some pesti- Gordon, 1989). cides can cause cancer, reproductive problems, birth defects, central nervous system distur- • Allethrin. This pesticide was the first of the bances, liver and kidney damage, and skin ir- pyrethroids widely produced as an insecti- ritation. The following compounds are some of cide (Vijverberg et al., 1990). This synthetic the pesticides usedARCHIVE in homes and gardens: compound is used almost exclusively in • 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4- homes and gardens for control of flies and D). This pesticide is a chlorophenoxy com- mosquitoes. Pesticides containing allethrin pound that functions as a systemic herbi- are slightly toxic category III chemicals and cide and is used to control many types of bear the signal word “caution” on the prod- broadleaf weeds. Classified as a General uct label. However, containers of technical Use Pesticide (GUP), 2,4-D’s diethylamine grade D-trans-allethrin bear the signal word salt is a slightly toxic category III chemical “warning”. Allethrin is used in many com- when ingested orally. However, this prod- mercial products and is available as mos-

www.aces.edu quito coils, mats, oil formulations, and as • Diazinon. This product is a nonsystemic an aerosol spray. Research has indicated organophosphate insecticide used to con- that dogs exposed continuously to D-alle- trol fleas, ants, and cockroaches in resi- thrin were diagnosed with liver problems dential buildings, and sucking and leaf- (World Health Organization, 1989). eating insects on home gardens. Diazinon is classified as a RUP, which may be • Bendiocarb. This compound is an insec- purchased and used only by a profes- ticidal carbamate that is used to control sional pest control operator. Depending on mosquitoes, flies, wasps, ants, cockroach- the formulation, it is a moderately toxic es, fleas, ticks, and other pests in homes. category II or slightly toxic category III Most formulations of bendiocarb are clas- chemical. Pesticides containing diazinon sified as GUP, but a few formulations are bear the signal word “warning” or “cau- classified as Restricted Use Pesticides tion”. This insecticidal organophosphate (RUP), which may be purchased and used compound is used in many commercial only by certified applicators. Bendiocarb products and is available in dust, gran- is a moderately toxic category II chemi- ules, seed dressings, wettable powder, cal and carries the signal word “warning”. and emulsifiable solution formulations. In Commercial pesticides containing mammals, diazinon is metabolized and bendiocarb are formulated as dusts, gran- excreted through the urine and feces very ules, ultra-low volume sprays, and as rapidly. The toxic effects of the compound wettable powders. Bendiocarb is absorbed are due to the inhibition of acetylcholin- through all the normal routes of exposure, esterase, an essential nervous system but it is generally excreted rapidly and enzyme. does not accumulate in mammalian tissue. Signs associated with acute toxicity of • Malathion. This compound is a nonsys- carbamates in mammals are excessive temic, wide-spectrum organophosphate salivation, chest discomfort, muscle trem- insecticide suited for the control of suck- ors, and rarely death. Like other carba- ing and chewing insects on fruits and veg- mate insecticides, bendiocarb is a revers- etables. Malathion is also used to control ible inhibitor of cholinesterase, an enzyme mosquitoes, flies, household insects, and found in the liver, pancreas, heart, serum, animal ectoparasites. and the white matter of brain. True Malathion is classified as a GUP and is a cholinesterase catalyzes the hydrolysis of slightly toxic category III chemical. Pesti- acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) to cho- cides that contain this chemical bear the line (an amino alcohol) and acetate. signal word “caution”. This insecticidal • DCPA. This phthalate compound, also organophosphate compound is used in called chlorthal or chlorthal-dimethyl, is many commercial products and is avail- a pre-emergent herbicide used on annual able in an emulsifiable concentrate, wet- grasses and annual broad-leaf weeds in table powder, dustable powder, and ultra- vegetable crops. About 20% of the use of low volume liquid formulations. Malathion this compound in the United the United has been shown to depress cholinester- States is for homes and gardens. DCPA ase activity in animals, and can affect the is classified as a GUP and is practically a central nervous and immune systems, nontoxic category IV chemical that bears adrenal glands, liver, and blood. Avail- the signal word “caution”. Commercial able evidence suggests that this chemical ARCHIVEproduct is not carcinogenic, yet current products containing DCPA may be for- mulated as wettable powders, granules, data is inconclusive. or as suspension concentrates. Although • Rotenone. This pesticide is a selective, the compound has a very low toxicity to non-specific botanical compound used in mammals, research has indi cated that home gardens for insect control and on dogs exposed continuously to DCPA expe- pets for lice and tick control. Rotenone rienced adverse effects in the liver (United is classified as a GUP, and, depending on States Environmental Protection Agency the formulation, is classified as a highly (EPA), 1988). toxic category I or a slightly toxic cat- 2 Alabama Cooperative Extension System egory III compound. Rotenone formula- Guidelines tions that are highly toxic bear the signal word “danger,” but “caution” in slightly As mentioned previously, the best way to toxic forms. This rotenoid plant extract is avoid toxicity is to avoid using chemical pes- used in many commercial products, and ticides altogether. An integrated pest man- it is available in crystalline preparations, agement program may be the most effective emulsified solutions, and dusts. Research strategy for controlling pests. This approach revealed that dogs exposed continuously employs physical, mechanical, cultural, and to rotenone experienced vomiting, had biological strategies to keep pest numbers reduced food consumption, and hence low. Least-toxic chemical pest control meth- reduced weight gain (National Research ods are used only as a last resort. Council, 1983). If you decide that the best solution to your • Warfarin. This compound is an anticoag- pest problem is to use chemical pesticides, ulant rodenticide used for controlling mice then be aware that these products can be and rats in and around homes and animal hazardous to you and your dog, especially premises.This odorless and tasteless pes- when handled, applied, stored, or disposed ticide is only slightly dangerous to domes- of improperly. The following are some basic tic animals when used as directed. War- steps to avoid risking the health of your dog: farin, classified as a GUP, bears the signal word “danger” for technical and high - Choose the pesticide that is least toxic. concentrations or the signal word “cau- - Every time you use the pesticide, read tion” for low concentrations and ready-to- and follow all label directions. use baits. Warfarin is found in a variety - Keep your dog in a safe place while you of commercial rodenticides and comes in mix or apply pesticides. water soluble, ready-to-use bait, concen- - Always keep the pesticides in the original trate, powder, liquid concentrate, nylon container. pouch, coated talc, and dust formulations. - Store pesticides in a ventilated, dry and Signs and symptoms of animal exposure cool place, preferably where your dog such as rapid breathing, weakness, pale cannot gain access. mucous membranes, and hemorrhage are - Wrap empty, rinsed containers in news- caused by the rodenticide’s anti-clotting paper and dispose of them in your trash properties. The prothrombin content of can. However, any unused pesticide prod- the blood is reduced, and internal bleed- uct that can no longer be used should be ing is induced. Prothrombin or factor II taken to the local household hazardous is a vitamin K-dependent single-polypep- waste disposal facility. tide-chain glycoprotein involved in blood - Keep your dog away from treated areas clotting—a mechanism that prevents until the pesticide is completely dry. Al- blood loss at the site of an injury. Animals ways read the pesticide label for specific killed by warfarin exhibit extreme pallor of instructions as to how long to keep the the skin, muscle, and viscera. dog out of the treated area. - Place ready-to-use baits in areas where Although the previously discussed chemical your dog cannot reach them. compounds are assigned a registration num- - Use care when treating your dog with pes- ber from the EPA, the EPA is re-evaluating ticides. Follow the label carefully, and be pesticides in light ofARCHIVE the Food Quality Protec- aware that over-treating can poison your tion Act of 1996. The EPA is currently engaged dog. Pesticides designed for adult dogs in a reregistration process in which some should never be used on puppies, unless chemical pesticides might end up off the mar- the label states that the chemical product ket. Already, the manufacturers of bendiocarb may be used on younger animals. voluntarily cancelled the product, and diazinon has been banned for residential use but it is If after a recent pesticide application your still approved for agricultural use. dog starts to act strangely, salivate, vomit, stumble, appear lethargic, or have muscle tremors or convulsions, immediately contact

Dogs and Pesticide Use 3 a veterinarian or the National Animal References Poison Control Center of the American Browning-Stone, J. (2002). Pest control can spell danger for your pet! Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Continuing Education-Public Service/Extension, University of Il- to Animals (ASPCA) (1-888-426- linois College of Veterinary Medicine. Retrieved from http://www. 4435). Make sure to have in hand the cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=333. EXTOXNET. (1996). Pesticide information profiles. The Extension chemical product your dog may have Toxicology Network: University of California-Davis, Oregon State been exposed to earlier. University, Michigan State University, Cornell University, and the University of Idaho. Retrieved from http://ace.ace.orst.edu/info/ extoxnet/pips/ghindex.html. Gustavson, C. (2000). Use lawn and garden products cautiously Summary around pets. Continuing Education-Public Service/Extension, For years, dogs have alleviated the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Hayes, H. M., Tarone, R.E., Cantor, K. P., Jessen, C. R., McCurnin, D. physical hardship and loneliness of M., and R.C. Richardson. (1991). Case-control study of canine humans. Today, dog companion- malignant lymphoma: positive association with dog owner’s use ship has taken on a new meaning as of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicides. Journal of the Na- tional Cancer Institute, 83(17), 1226-1231. Americans increasingly consider their Humane Society of the US. (2016). Pets by the Numbers. Retrieved dogs another member of the family from http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/ rather than just property. However, facts/pet_ownership_statistics.html. Lankas, G.R., & Gordon L.R. (1989). Ivermectin and abamectin. owners must understand that choos- In Campbell, W. C. (Ed.), Toxicology (pp. 10-142). New York: ing to share their homes and lives with Springer Verlag. one or more dogs means that certain Manahan, S.E. (1992). Toxicological Chemistry (2nd ed). Michigan: Lewis Publishers, Inc. things must be done to secure a happy National Pesticide Telecommunications Network. (1998). Pets and and healthy animal. Regular veteri- pesticide use. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. Retrieved nary checkups, optimal nutrition, and from http://ace.orst.edu/info/npic/factsheets/pets.htm. protection against injuries and toxic National Research Council. (1983). Drinking water and health, 5th ed., Washington: National Academy Press. chemicals are extremely important. Oxford Dictionary of biochemistry and molecular biology. (1997). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Dog owners should become aware of Pollution Prevention and Remediation Division. (2002). Alternative the identity and toxic nature of pesti- pest control methods. Department of Planning and Environmen- tal Protection, Broward County, FL. Retrieved from http://www. cides (insecticides, herbicides, fungi- co.broward.fl.us//ppi02104.htm. cides, rodenticides, and disinfectants) Pollution Prevention and Remediation Division. (2002). Information that may be applied in or around their about pesticides. Department of Planning and Environmental homes. Owners must realize that these Protection, Broward County, FL. Retrieved from http://www.co.broward.fl.us//ppi02103.htm. chemical products can be as deadly United States Environmental Protection Agency. (1995). Citizen’s to their dogs as they are to pests. guide to pest control and pesticide safety. (EPA Publication 730- Therefore, reading the label carefully K-95-001). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1988). Health advisory for 50 and using pesticides properly is key to pesticides: Dacthal. (Office of Drinking Water). Washington, DC: the safety of their dogs. Furthermore, U.S. Government Printing Office. educational programs in the area of World Health Organization. (1989). Allethrins: Allethrin, d-allethrin, bioallethrin, and S-bioallethrin. Environmental Health Criteria, pesticide use are essential for the pro- 87, 2-20. tection of owner and dog health.

Julio E. Correa, Extension Animal Scientist, Associate Professor, Food and Animal Sciences, Alabama A&M University ARCHIVEReference to a company or product name does not imply approval or recommendation of the product by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System or the United States Department of Agriculture to the exclusion of others that may also be suitable.

For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county’s name to find the number. UNP-0050 The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University), is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Revised February 2016; UNP-0050

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