Toxin
Pyrethrin, Permethrin, and Pyrethroids.

Source
Found in many types of flea, tick, and insect control products. Active ingredient names include pyrethrin, allethrin, fenvalerate, resmethrin,sumethrin, and permethrin. Several name brands include Adams, BioSpot, Defend, Duocide, Happy Jack, Hartz, Mycodex, Ovitrol, Proticall, Raid, and Zodiac.

General Information
Pyrethrins are derived from the flower of the pyrethrum plant, Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium. They kill fleas, ticks, mites, and other insects and are popular among pet owners who prefer to use all-natural products. Permethrins are synthetic pyrethroids that are more stable and last longer. The permethrins are commonly used for collars, dips, sprays, shampoos, and spot treatment. Both the natural and the synthetic compounds work by interfering with nerve impulses which paralyze and kill the parasite.

Hartz Blockade contains fenvalerate (a pyrethroid) and DEET (a topical insect repellent). It is probable that DEET serves as a carrier for the rapid absorption of fenvalerate which is considered to be one of the more toxic pyrethroids. Exposure to organophosphates, in addition to pyrethrin products, will increase the toxicity of the pyrethrin product.

These toxins cause interference with the pet's nervous system if overdosed. DO NOT use permethrins on cats and DO NOT use any product on a cat unless it is specifically made for cats. Small dogs are more susceptible to pyrethrin/permethrin toxicity than larger dogs since their surface area to weight ratio is higher. Symptoms may be seen within a couple of hours, especially in cats.

Toxic Dose
Varies depending upon type of pyrethroid, size of animal, and species.

Signs
The most common signs are tremors, drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, hyperactivity, disorientation, vocalization, depression, difficulty breathing, and seizures. Death is possible. Additionally in cats, may see ear flicking, paw shaking, or contractions/twitching of the skin.

Immediate Action
Bathe and thoroughly rinse the animal if dermal exposure occurred. If ingested, induce vomiting if the product does not contain petroleum distillates. Seek veterinary attention.

Veterinary Care
General treatment: In case of dermal exposure, the animal will be bathed and rinsed well. If ingestion occurred, the induction of vomiting may be continued, gastric lavage is performed, and activated charcoal is administered.

Supportive treatment: The body temperature is monitored, especially after bathing, as hypothermia increases the toxicity. Other treatments include anticonvulsants for controlling the seizures and providing a safe environment to prevent injury resulting from the incoordination and disorientation. Atropine can be used to help decrease some of the signs such as the drooling.

Specific treatment: Unavailable.

Most pets recover from pyrethrin intoxication within 24-48 hours; recovery from pyrethroids may take longer. If no improvement is seen within 24 hours with treatment, the pet should be reevaluated.

Prognosis
Usually fair to good.

Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

If you think your pet has been poisoned...

Contact your veterinarian or one of the Animal Poison Hotlines (listed below) if you think your pet may have accidentally received or been given an overdose of the medication.

**ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center

1-900-443-0000 ($50.00 per case. The charge is billed directly to caller's phone.)

1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435. $50.00 per case, billed to caller's credit card only.)