Can my dog eat permethrin?
A little.
Only in a dog product, at the label dose for your dog's weight — and never near a cat. Permethrin can kill cats.
Thinking of giving it?
How much is fineDog spot-ons carry 45–65% permethrin and are safe for dogs only at the label dose for their weight band. There is no safe dose for cats.
WhyDog spot-ons hold 45–65% permethrin, which dogs clear quickly; cats can't, so even grooming a freshly treated dog can poison a cat. Human scabies and lice creams are weaker, but they aren't made for dogs and get licked off.
Already ate it?
If they ate itLicked a fresh spot-on: drooling or foaming from the bitter taste is common and usually passes — wipe their mouth and give water. Twitching, tremors or wobbliness: wash them with dishwashing liquid and warm water and go to a vet now. Any cat exposure is an emergency.
Watch forDrooling, twitching of the ears or face, tremors, wobbliness — usually within a few hours, sometimes up to a day.
Where this comes from. dvm360 Toxicology Brief — The 10 most common toxicoses in cats (permethrin spot-ons); Pet Poison Helpline — Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids.
Reviewed: 20 October 2026
A guide, not a diagnosis. If your dog seems unwell, call your vet.
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