24/10/2025
🚨 IMPORTANT PET SAFETY WARNING: The Dangers of Ivermectin in Cats & Dogs 🚨
At Valley Farm Animal Hospital, we are seeing an increasing number of complications from the inappropriate use of Ivermectin in pets, and we need pet guardians to be aware of the risks.
Ivermectin is a livestock medication sometimes used in veterinary medicine under strict professional guidance. However, when used incorrectly, bought online, dosed at home, or given based on advice from social media, this drug can be extremely dangerous.
❌ Why It’s Dangerous
- Toxicity risk – Even tiny overdoses can cause severe neurological signs
- Breed sensitivity – Herding breeds (e.g., Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shelties, Border Collies) may have a genetic mutation (MDR1) making them highly sensitive
- Drug interactions – It can react with other medications your pet may already be on
- Not all species metabolise it the same way – Cats are especially vulnerable
Signs of Ivermectin Toxicity
If you have ever given Ivermectin and notice ANY of these, seek urgent veterinary care:
• Dilated pupils
• Staggering / inability to walk
• Tremors or seizures
• Disorientation
• Vomiting
• Severe lethargy
• Blindness
• Coma
⚠️ Common Myths
- “It’s natural — it can’t hurt.”
- “It works for parasites in farm animals; it’s the same for pets.”
- “If other pet owners use it, it must be safe.”
These assumptions are dangerous.
What You Should Do Instead
✔ Always use parasite prevention prescribed by your veterinarian
✔ Never give livestock products to pets
✔ Never dose based on online advice
✔ Ask before combining medications
Safe alternatives exist, talk to us first!
Ivermectin can be life-threatening for cats and dogs when mis-used.
Please don’t risk your pet’s health with unregulated medication.
If you are unsure or have questions, we are here to help. ❤️🐾
