Hair Loss Due to Permectrin

Permectrin, a brand name insecticide, contains a drug toxic to people and animals if applied incorrectly or in the wrong dosage. Permectrin kills mites, flying insects, lice and fleas on cattle, poultry, swine and dogs. The drug's generic form may cause hair loss in dogs.

Background

• Since 1973, the generic drug, Permethrin has been used in agriculture, home pest control and public health to control parasites on animals and humans. Permethrin targets the insects' nervous system, causing over-excitement, paralyzation and eventual death of the bugs.

Permectrin Function

• Permectrin contains 10 percent permethrin. Users apply the insecticide liquid directly on the animal's coat at the site of infestation to kill and temporarily protect against disease-carrying pests, such as ticks, which carry Lyme disease.

Application

• Users pour Permectrin or spray liquid onto the backs of animals and on other areas of the body, preferably areas they can't easily lick or scratch. They also use a back-rubber method in which they mix Permectrin with mineral oil and massage it directly along the animal's back.

Hair Loss

• The Permectrin CDS Pour-On Insecticide label lists no hair loss side effects when used on animals. A warning from Safe2Use.com, a drug safety website, states Permethrin may cause chronic liver damage, skin irritation and infection, or carcinogenic, neurological damage to humans. Hair loss is not listed as a human side effect.

Permethrin Hair Loss on Dogs

• Dog flea-control treatments such as Spot-on and Advantix contain Permethrin. These products do list hair loss and hair discoloration as side effects, among other reactions. They advise bathing the dog and consulting a veterinarian.