Are Insecticides Toxic to Pets?
Yes — insecticides are toxic to cats. Yes — insecticides are toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids
- Toxic parts
- Sprays, granules, concentrates
- Also known as
- bug spray, pesticide
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Drooling
- Watery eyes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle tremors
- Trouble breathing
Dogs (toxic)
- Drooling
- Watery eyes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle tremors
- Trouble breathing
What to do
If your cat ate insecticides
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate insecticides
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Older organophosphate and carbamate bug killers can cause life-threatening nerve signs. Many newer products are less toxic, but always check the label and call for advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Are insecticides toxic to cats?
Yes — insecticides are toxic to cats. Common signs include drooling, watery eyes, vomiting.
Are insecticides toxic to dogs?
Yes — insecticides are toxic to dogs. Common signs include drooling, watery eyes, vomiting.
Which parts of insecticides are toxic?
Sprays, granules, concentrates.
What makes insecticides toxic?
Organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids.