Common brand names

Not available as a single ingredient product for use with household pets.

Combined ingredients

• Activyl Tick Plus Spot-On for Dogs (with Indoxacarb)
• Advantix Spot-On for Dogs (with Imidacloprid)
• Vectra 3D Spot-On for Dogs (with Dinotefuran and Pyriproxyfen)

Uses of Permethrin

Permethrin is a broad-spectrum ectoparasiticide used to treat fleas, ticks, lice, mites, and mosquitoes in dogs. It is toxic to cats.

It has a repellent effect against ticks and is used in combination with other active ingredients such as Imidacloprid to avoid parasite resistance to a particular insecticide.

Method of application

For external application. Combined ingredient products are supplied as topical/spot-on solutions.

Dosage and administration

Permethrin is not available as a single ingredient product.

For dosage and administration of combined ingredient products, refer to information on the specific product.

Possible side effects

Permethrin is generally well tolerated by dogs but reported side effects include rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.

Continued skin exposure to Permethrin may cause local skin irritation, redness, and itching.

As Permethrin is only used in combined ingredient products, side effects may be also caused by other active ingredients.

Precautions

As Permethrin is toxic to cats, products containing Permethrin should be used with caution in a household where cats are present. Cats that lick dogs treated with Permethrin products may be at risk of poisoning.

Small dogs have shown greater sensitivity to Permethrin. Please read the directions carefully and consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about dosage.

Signs of toxicity

The most common signs of Permethrin toxicity in dogs are ataxia, hyperreactivity, tremors, paresthesia, lethargy, and incontinence.

Severe poisoning may result in fever, hypothermia, breathing problems and cramps.

Cats may experience profuse drooling, vomiting, tremors, hyperexcitability, agitation, seizures, weakness, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, these can be fatal.

If you suspect your dog or cat has had an overdose, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for general reference only and is not intended to replace the packaging label or veterinary advice. This page may not include all side effects, uses, brand names or applications.

Downloads

Permethrin Information Sheet

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