Dichlorvos
Also known as: Atgard, Ravap E.C., Vapona No Pest Strip
**Safety First** * **Keep out of reach of children and pets.** Organophosphates are highly toxic if ingested or absorbed inappropriately. * Handling of dichlorvos liquid preparations (e.g., premise sprays) must be done with extreme care. Wear gloves, avoid skin contact, and strictly follow all label directions. **For Swine Owners** * When using the oral dewormer pellets, you may notice the non-digestible pellets passing in the animals' feces. This is completely normal and does not mean the medication failed to work. * Do not allow poultry or wild birds access to the medicated feed or the manure from treated animals. * Bury any unused medicated feed at least 18 inches underground to prevent accidental poisoning of other animals.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Internal parasites (Ascaris, Trichuris, Ascarops strongylina, Oesophagostomum spp.)
- Ectoparasite control
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Bradycardia
- Respiratory distress
- Hyperexcitability
- Salivation
- Diarrhea
Cautions & contraindications
- Concurrent use of other cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs, pesticides, or chemicals
- Allowing fowl access to medicated feed or manure from treated animals
- Avoid contact with the skin and keep strictly out of reach of children. Unused medication or medicated feed should be buried 18 inches below the ground and covered so that it is unavailable to any other animal. Do not use within a few days of any other cholinesterase-inhibiting drug, pesticide, or chemical.
Drug interactions
- Acepromazine (and other phenothiazines): May potentiate organophosphate toxicity; should not be given within one month of worming with an organophosphate.
- Anticholinesterase drugs (e.g., neostigmine, physostigmine, pyridostigmine): Additive cholinesterase inhibition; avoid concurrent use.
- DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide): Has anticholinesterase activity; avoid concurrent use with organophosphates.
- Morphine: Can inhibit cholinesterase; avoid concurrent use.
- Pyrantel pamoate or tartrate: Adverse effects could be intensified if used concomitantly.
- Succinylcholine: Prolonged neuromuscular blockade; do not use depolarizing muscle relaxants for at least 48 hours after organophosphate administration.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dichlorvos used for in pets?
**Safety First** * **Keep out of reach of children and pets.** Organophosphates are highly toxic if ingested or absorbed inappropriately. * Handling of dichlorvos liquid preparations (e.g., premise sprays) must be done with extreme care. Wear gloves, avoid skin contact, and strictly follow all label directions. **For Swine Owners** * When using the oral dewormer pellets, you may notice the non-digestible pellets passing in the animals' feces. This is completely normal and does not mean the medication failed to work. * Do not allow poultry or wild birds access to the medicated feed or the manure from treated animals. * Bury any unused medicated feed at least 18 inches underground to prevent accidental poisoning of other animals.
Is Dichlorvos safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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