Is ant killer safe for dogs in the yard?

Many homeowners use ant killer products to control ant infestations in their yards during the spring and summer months. However, if you have dogs that spend time outdoors in the treated areas, you may be concerned about the safety of these insecticides. Ant killers and baits contain toxic chemicals that are designed to kill ants, but could they also harm pets?

This article will examine the potential risks of ant killers for dogs and provide tips on keeping your furry friends safe when using these products on your property. We’ll also suggest some dog-friendly ant control methods as safer alternatives.

Are ant killers toxic to dogs?

Most ant killer products on the market do contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs if ingested. This includes both broadcast sprays and granular baits. Here are some of the common active ingredients to watch out for:

– Pyrethrins – naturally derived from chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrins attack the nervous system of insects. Pyrethrins can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in dogs if large amounts are ingested.

– Permethrin – a synthetic pyrethroid that works by disrupting nerve function. Permethrin is extremely toxic to cats but is also dangerous for dogs. In dogs, symptoms may include muscle tremors, incoordination, seizures, hyperthermia, and respiratory distress.

– Borates – borax and other borates are effective against ants but can cause gastrointestinal irritation, central nervous system depression, and kidney damage in dogs if ingested.

– Hydramethylnon – this insecticide blocks energy production in insects but can also damage liver and kidney tissues in mammals when consumed. It may cause vomiting, seizures, and even liver failure in dogs.

– Fipronil – works by disrupting the central nervous system of insects. Can induce vomiting, seizures, hyperthermia, dizziness, and lethargy in dogs when ingested. It is considered moderately toxic to canines when eaten.

So while ant baits and sprays are formulated to be attractive and toxic to ants, they can definitely be hazardous to your dog’s health as well if pets ingest enough of the product.

How could dogs be exposed to ant killer chemicals?

When using ant baits and sprays around your home’s exterior, there are a few ways dogs could come into contact with the active ingredients:

– Chewing on or eating the bait granules – Dogs may pick up and chew the granules out of curiosity or ingest them when grooming themselves after exposure. The liver-flavored ant bait gels that come in tubes are especially tempting.

– Walking through treated areas before the product dries – Granular insecticides and liquid sprays can stick to a dog’s paw pads or fur and then be licked off during grooming.

– Digging in treated areas and unearthing granules – Dogs that dig in the yard could uncover ant bait stations you have buried and eat the contents.

– Drinking treated water – If you spray ant killer over areas where your dog drinks water outside, they could ingest diluted amounts while lapping up water. This presents a lower risk than directly eating the bait but is still a potential exposure pathway.

– Grooming behaviors transfer chemicals from fur and paws – Licking feet and fur after walking in treated areas can allow a dog to ingest small amounts of the ant killer compounds over time.

Making sure dogs don’t have access to areas where you have directly applied ant killer is the best way to prevent these types of exposures that could lead to poisoning.

What are symptoms of ant killer poisoning in dogs?

The signs your dog has ingested a toxic dose of ant killer will depend on which active ingredients they have been exposed to and how much. Here are some common symptoms:

– Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
– Loss of appetite, abdominal pain
– Muscle tremors, uncoordinated movements
– Agitation, restlessness
– Seizures
– Excessive panting
– Elevated heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms
– Collapse, loss of consciousness
– Kidney or liver dysfunction

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA poison control hotline right away if your dog exhibits any concerning symptoms after being in an area treated with ant killer. Speedy treatment greatly improves the chance of recovery.

How much ant killer is dangerous for dogs?

The potential toxicity depends on both the specific active ingredient and the size of the dog. For example, ingesting just 2-4 grams of borax per kilogram of body weight could be lethal to dogs. On the other hand, it could take 10 grams of pyrethrins per kg of weight to cause death.

For a 50 lb dog, just 2-3 ant bait stations could provide a fatal dose of borax. Smaller dogs usually become poisoned after eating less bait while large dogs can consume more before exhibiting symptoms. Regardless of the exact toxic threshold, the best practice is to prevent dogs from accessing any amount of ant killer meant to kill insects.

Tip 1: Read product warnings and labels

Before purchasing any ant killers, carefully read the warnings, especially related to pet safety. Avoid products that are especially toxic to dogs and cats. Look for active ingredients considered no more than mildly toxic if ingested by mammals. Choose baits and gels over spray formulations when possible. Also check the label for any specific instructions related to keeping pets away from treated areas.

Tip 2: Apply ant killer carefully

Use ant baits and sprays only outdoors and in areas completely inaccessible to dogs. Keep them well away from food and water dishes. Never spread them over large open areas that pets could walk through. Instead target treatments along ant trails, in cracked pavement, and inside bait stations. Always follow label directions on correct product usage as well. Pick up any visible granules that have been kicked out of place after application.

Tip 3: Restrict dog access after application

If you have treated your lawn or garden area with ant killer, keep your dogs completely off this area for at least 24 hours afterwards. Pick up toys and food dishes and cover any swimming pools or hot tubs that could become contaminated with the chemicals. You may need to keep your pet indoors if they will not avoid the treated space when let outside.

Tip 4: Rinse dog paws

If you have no choice but to walk your dog across the lawn after applying ant killer, be sure to rinse their paws off immediately after coming inside. This will wash away any toxic residue stuck in the paw pads or fur before they have a chance to lick their feet and ingest the chemicals. You can use a sink, tub, or garden hose and some dog shampoo to thoroughly clean their paws every time.

Tip 5: Monitor for symptoms

Be vigilant in watching for any signs of ant killer poisoning in your dog for at least 48 hours following use around your home. Look for sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, trembling, lethargy, etc. Seek emergency vet assistance right away if concerning symptoms develop that could indicate toxicosis. Having them examined promptly gives the best chance for recovery with treatment.

Tip 6: Call animal poison control if needed

If you believe your dog has eaten ant killer, either directly or through grooming, you can get immediate expert advice on managing the situation by calling the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. There is a consultation fee, but they can tell you the necessary steps to induce vomiting, provide treatment doses for antidotes, or advise you to visit an emergency vet clinic based on your pet’s symptoms. Getting prompt guidance after ingestion improves outcomes.

Safer alternatives to ant killers for dogs

Since most conventional ant baits and insecticides do pose a poisoning risk for canines, you may want to consider some of these more pet-friendly options for ant control instead:

– Diatomaceous earth – powder made from crushed fossils that dries out and kills ants. Non-toxic to mammals.

– Borax and baking soda – mix with sugar water for homemade, dog-safe ant killer bait.

– Mint oil spray – ants hate mint oil. Spray on ant trails.

– Citrus oil – extract oil from citrus peels to deter ants without harming pets.

– Chili pepper – sprinkle ground chili pepper in areas where you see ants entering.

– Salt – sprinkle salt across entry points and ant trails to disrupt them.

– Vinegar – spray white vinegar directly on ants and areas where they are crawling.

– Keep areas clean – sweep up crumbs, wipe up spills, and remove pet food quickly to avoid attracting ants that dogs could get into.

Conclusion

Ant killer products containing common ingredients like borax, pyrethroids, and hydramethylnon can definitely pose a poisoning hazard to pet dogs that may come into contact with them in the yard. Take steps when using ant baits and sprays to keep your dog safely separated from any treated areas in your lawn or garden. Look for warnings on product labels and consider dog-friendly ant control alternatives as well. With some proper precautions, you can eliminate ants without putting your furry friends at risk. Keeping pet areas free of food debris and using secure bait stations can also help keep ants away without the need for spraying insecticides where dogs play and explore in the yard.