If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to organophosphates you should contact your vet or their out of hours veterinary care provider immediately to arrange an urgent appointment.

Organophosphates are man-made chemicals which are used extensively for the purpose of killing unwanted insects but they also have the capacity to poison mammals. They are more commonly known as insecticides and herbicides.  We must always take care to protect ourselves while using this product but we should also take extra care and consider the impact their use can have on the environment and on pets and wildlife.

Pets are curious by nature and they can easily be accidentally exposed to insecticides and herbicides. Pets love to investigate new things, recently treated areas are the greatest risk.

Common routes of exposure by a pet include ingestion, inhalation and contact with eyes or skin.

Secure storage in undamaged containers is essential. 

Signs of poisoning

Pets show signs of organophosphate poisoning anywhere from immediately to two days following exposure. 

Symptoms of this toxicity include:

- Increased salivation.

- Dilated pupils.

- Increased frequency in urination.

- Vomiting.

- Diarrhoea.

- Breathing difficulty.

- Staggering.

- Disorientation.

- Dehydration, sudden weight loss.

- Muscle tremors and weakness.

- Collapse and seizures.

If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to organophosphates you should contact your vet or their out of hours veterinary care provider immediately to arrange an urgent appointment.

Decontamination

While waiting for your appointment to see your vet and if your pet appears to be stable, conscious and standing, the vet may advise you to gently bathe your pet’s coat with soap or washing up liquid and room-temperature water. It is important to avoid scrubbing and irritating the skin. Eyes can be flushed copiously with saline or cooled boiled water. This will reduce the chance of further ingestion and absorption of the toxin.

Prevention

Prevention is better than cure so here are some helpful tips on how best to protect your pet from accidental poisoning: 

- Avoid using insecticides and weed killers if at all possible.

- Clean up spillages immediately.

- Store containers in a secure area and out of the reach of pets and children.

- Keep pets away from areas where signs of insecticides or weed killers have been used.

- Follow the instructions of the product carefully.

- Check the container and its lid regularly for any signs of damage or leaking.