Amitraz and Pets
Find out if Amitraz is toxic to dogs and cats.
Think your pet ate something toxic?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 or view emergency guide
Amitraz is a formamidine insecticide and acaricide found in some tick collars and in the prescription dip Mitaban. While it is legally approved for certain uses in dogs, it is not safe for cats and can cause serious toxicity in dogs if chewed, swallowed, or used incorrectly.
Dogs most often become poisoned by chewing on or eating an amitraz-impregnated collar, or by receiving a Mitaban dip at too high a concentration or too frequently. Cats are at risk through contact with a treated dog’s collar, bedding, or from products accidentally applied to them. Early signs include marked sedation, drooling, vomiting, weakness, and a slow heart rate.
To protect your pets, keep amitraz tick collars out of reach of chewing dogs, never use dog products on cats, and follow all veterinary instructions exactly when using Mitaban. If you suspect any exposure, treat it as an emergency and seek veterinary care immediately.
Is Amitraz Toxic to Dogs?
Amitraz is highly toxic to dogs. Even labeled canine products (Mitaban dip, Preventic-style collars) can cause sedation, low blood sugar, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and vomiting; severe cases can progress to seizures, coma, or death, especially if a collar is chewed or ingested.
Is Amitraz Toxic to Cats?
Amitraz is extremely dangerous to cats and is not labeled for feline use. Exposure can cause profound sedation, weakness, bradycardia, hypothermia, and life-threatening blood sugar and cardiovascular changes.
Active Ingredients
- Amitraz
Pest Targeted
- ticks and mites (Demodex canis)
Formulation
impregnated collar and topical dip
Signal Word
warning
Application Area
external use only on dogs; not labeled for cats
EPA Registration Number
EPA Reg. No. varies by product
Symptoms to Watch For
- sedation or lethargy
- weakness
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- hypersalivation
- bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- hypotension
- hypothermia
- ataxia
- hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
- seizures
- respiratory depression
- coma
What If My Pet Was Exposed to Amitraz?
Remove the collar or rinse off any visible product if safe to do so. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately and bring the product label. Amitraz poisoning often requires urgent veterinary supportive care, including IV fluids, temperature support, and heart-rate monitoring.
Sources
Vet's Note
PetPilot provides general information for educational purposes. While we reference authoritative veterinary organizations, this page has not been individually reviewed by a veterinarian for your specific pet. Individual animals may react differently based on age, weight, breed, health conditions, and amount consumed. Always consult your veterinarian or a poison control center for personalized advice, especially if your pet is ill, injured, pregnant, nursing, or on medication.