Is Organophosphate pesticides toxic to dogs & cats?
Also known as: organophosphates / DDVP / pesticide residue
🚑 What to do right after ingestion
Emergency immediately (atropine/pralidoxime antidotes exist) — bring the bait packaging. Keep dogs off freshly sprayed grass.
Toxicity notes
Field/garden spray residue and illegal poison baits often contain organophosphates — cholinesterase inhibitors; licking sprayed grass or bait poisons fast.
Poisoning symptoms
- • Profuse drooling
- • SLUDGE signs
- • Pinpoint pupils
- • Tremors
- • Breathing difficulty
Symptoms can be delayed (e.g. onion/garlic-induced hemolysis may take days) — a pet looking fine right now is no reason to relax.
FAQ
How much causes poisoning?
Field/garden spray residue and illegal poison baits often contain organophosphates — cholinesterase inhibitors; licking sprayed grass or bait poisons fast.
Can I make my pet vomit at home?
Home-induced vomiting is not advised: corrosive cleaners, sharp bones or existing neurological signs make it dangerous, and improper technique risks aspiration pneumonia. Vomiting should be induced by a vet with proper drugs at the right moment — most effective within 1-2 hours. So “head to the clinic as soon as you know” beats “try to induce vomiting first”.
Even without symptoms, use the symptom checker to review what to watch for
Start symptom check →