Roach Poison & Dogs

Roach poison bait trays are often more dangerous than the poison itself.

Roach poison is a commonly ingested canine toxin. The toxicity can vary depending upon which brand of roach poison you purchase and how it is administered. Most roach poisons are not strong enough to kill your dog, but some of the active ingredients can cause minor to serious adverse effects.

Hydramethylnon

Hydramethylnon is the active ingredient in some kinds of roach poison. The substance is relatively harmless in small doses, but if more than one ounce of the ingredient is eaten, it can cause gagging and vomiting. Tina Wisner, D.V.M., the Veterinary Poison Information Specialist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, explains that the hydramethylnon dosage found in roach traps is so small that a medium-sized dog would have to eat the material in approximately 250 trays before displaying symptoms of poisoning.

Chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate that is used for controlling roaches, fleas, ticks, ants and lice, as well as many other insects. The chlorpyrifos fact sheet indicates that the substance can cause stomach pains, vomiting and excessive drooling, as well as uncontrollable urination or defecation. The symptoms may appear immediately, or they may not become apparent until 24 to 72 hours later. Dogs may also develop liver damage from being exposed to this product.

Fipronil

Fipronil is found in roach traps, as well as in Frontline, which is a common flea and tick repellent that is used on dogs and cats. The Veterinary Support Personnel Network explains that fipronil is designed as a neurotoxin for insects. It has been extensively tested and is safe for external use, but Pet Education indicates that it can cause drooling if it is ingested, and some dogs may develop an external skin allergy to the product.

Insect Growth Regulators

According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) Extension, insect growth regulators are one of the least toxic methods of roach control because they are designed specifically to affect insects rather than animals. They work by interfering with normal development, which results in sterile juvenile roaches that die without reproducing. The product is administered as a spray or inside a bait tray. There are no notable hazards to dogs or other animals from insect growth regulators.

Roach Bait Trays

According to Dogster, the bait trays themselves can be much more dangerous than the material inside. Roach bait contains an attractant that appeals to dogs, and the dogs will chew up the plastic material trying to get to the bait. If the dog swallows bits of the plastic, his intestinal tract can be badly damaged by the sharp pieces. The Veterinary Support Personnel Network warns that if the dog swallows the bait tray whole, it can become lodged in his throat or stomach.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Least Toxic Methods of Cockroach Control
• Veterinary Support Personnel Network: Small Animal Toxicoses - Insecticides
• National Pesticide Information Center: Pesticide Fact Sheets
• Pet Education: Fipronil (Frontline Top Spot)
• Dogster's For The Love of Dog Blog: Tips from the Pet Poison HELPLINE --- Insect Bait Stations