Beyond Pesticides, a coalition against the misuse of pesticides and other harmful lawn products, concluded that of 30 common yard chemicals, more than half are carcinogens, neurotoxins, contribute to liver or kidney damage, or contribute to reproductive and birth defects.
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Harmful Lawn Products
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Lawn products known to cause seizures in dogs and other animals include Ivermectin-based insecticides, organophospates, chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds, pyrethrins and carbamate products, which might be found in some herbicides and fertilizers.
Types of Seizures
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Seizures are usually classified as mild (also called "petit mal"), moderate (or "grand mal"), status epilepticus, or cluster seizures. Mild seizures involve little more than eye or facial twitches; moderate seizures encompass the entire body, and may cause loss of bowel or vocal control and an inability to stand. Status epilepticus seizures last for more than 10 minutes and can be life-threatening. Cluster seizures are multiple seizures occurring within 24 hours and can also be life-threatening. Dogs experiencing abnormally long grand mal seizures, as well as status epilepticus and cluster seizures, should be given veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
Effects of Seizures
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Most seizures experienced by dogs are only mild or moderate and should not significantly impact the life of a dog. The long-term effects of seizures, and the effects of particularly long seizures, can include memory loss, hypertension, loss of brain cells, change of personality, coma and cardiac arrest.
Exposure
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Even if your own lawn might not be treated with seizure-inducing products, your dog may be put at risk by treated lawns located nearby. If unsure, consult with your neighbors about the sorts of treatments applied to their lawn. If you are using a lawn care company, keep any information given about the chemicals used on your lawn for future reference and ask about potential risks.
Other Possible Effects of Lawn Products
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Many lawn products are poisonous to dogs but do not induce seizures. Such effects include vomiting, kidney failure, lethargy, difficulty breathing, coma, excess saliva production, and in some cases, death. Labels on most lawn products will indicate if they are hazardous to animals, and directions concerning application should always be followed precisely.
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