OHS Position Statement: Pesticides
Pesticides are poisons. They are not without risk and should always be used and stored with care. Ingested pesticides can cause severe pain, uncontrollable seizures, and death by asphyxiation or internal bleeding. They can also damage vision, balance and other faculties. Pesticides include herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and rodenticides.
Pets are exposed to a higher concentration of pesticides because of their direct contact to the ground and the fact that they use their noses and mouths to explore and lick themselves clean. As well, their size lowers their toxic threshold.
The OHS recommends that anyone using pesticides should take a precautionary approach to the handling, storage and disposal of pesticides as improper storage or usage is responsible for the majority of acute animal poisonings.
The OHS recommends that caution always be used when choosing and applying insecticides (such as flea and tick products) on animals, or in their environment, as misuse of these products can be harmful. For example, some products that are safely used on dogs can be deadly to cats, even in small amounts. It is important to consult with a veterinarian before using any insecticide product.
The OHS supports safe alternative approaches such as Integrated Pest Management (animal proofing) to the use of rodenticides since the intended purpose of these products is to kill rodents through internal bleeding. These products put all other animals at risk as well.
The OHS recommends the use of pesticide-free products and methods as a safe alternative.
- For more information on herbicide poisoning visit the Merck Veterinary Manual at: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/toc_211400.htm
- For more information on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) visit Health Canada at: http://www.healthylawns.net/english/IPM/ipm-e.html
- For more information on pest control (including IPM) visit the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association at: http://canadianveterinarians.net/ShowText.aspx?ResourceID=27
Approved by the OHS board of Directors May 2008.
