In today’s world of instant online advice, many pet owners turn to the internet for tips on caring for their furry companions. While some advice can be helpful, the risks of misinformation can be devastating, as illustrated by a recent case at Guardian Animal Medical Center.
Three dogs—Bella, Max, and Charlie—faced a life-threatening emergency due to a severe ivermectin overdose.
The Incident
The dogs’ owners, trying to save money, administered 4 ml of horse dewormer to each dog, believing it would effectively treat internal parasites. Unfortunately, this dosage was 2.6–3.7 times the toxic level for dogs and led to a medical emergency. Ironically, the medication wasn’t even the best choice for the parasites they were attempting to treat.
While the owners meant well, their decision to use a product designed for horses—a species with vastly different physiology—placed Bella, Max, and Charlie in grave danger.
Immediate Response and Care
When the dogs were brought in, they exhibited varying symptoms of toxicity, including risks of bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate), and potential neurological issues. Their care involved intensive monitoring and treatment, beginning with a full evaluation and baseline blood work for each dog.
The blood work results were critical:
• They revealed that two of the dogs could safely receive a second dose of activated charcoal to bind the remaining toxin in their systems.
• The third dog’s results indicated that repeated charcoal dosing could be unsafe, allowing the medical team to tailor the care plan appropriately.
Each dog also received:
• IV fluids at twice the maintenance rate to support their cardiovascular systems.
• Cerenia (maropitant) to prevent nausea and vomiting.
• Continuous cardiac monitoring using state-of-the-art VEMO monitors, paired with a dedicated iPad to track their heart rates in real time.
• Medications such as atropine for bradycardia or Valium (diazepam) for tachycardia, as needed.
One dog, Bella, exhibited muscle tremors and required Robaxin (methocarbamol) to manage the symptoms.
Outcome and Costs
After 24 hours of intensive monitoring at the emergency room, followed by an additional day of observation at our hospital, Bella, Max, and Charlie were discharged in good health. They were lucky to recover fully, but the cost of their care exceeded $3,000, a hefty price for a situation that was entirely preventable.
Understanding the Dangers of Ivermectin
Ivermectin is widely used in veterinary medicine, but it must be dosed with precision. Even a slight overdose can cause severe side effects in dogs, such as:
• Lethargy and weakness
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Neurological symptoms, including seizures and tremors
• Cardiac complications, such as bradycardia or tachycardia
• Coma or death in severe cases
Some dog breeds, such as Collies and Australian Shepherds, are particularly sensitive to ivermectin due to a genetic mutation, making even standard doses dangerous. In this case, the overdose was massive, compounding the risk.
The Pitfalls of Internet Advice
This case highlights the dangers of relying on internet advice for pet care.
While it may be tempting to seek out cost-saving alternatives, the risks of misusing medications can far outweigh the benefits. Medications designed for livestock are not formulated for pets and require different dosing.
Even medications labeled as safe must be administered under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure they are appropriate for the specific pet.
Lessons Learned
The owners of Bella, Max, and Charlie acted quickly when they realized their mistake, giving the dogs the best chance for survival. However, the situation underscores the importance of consulting a veterinarian before administering any medication.
Had the owners sought veterinary advice initially, they could have avoided the emotional and financial toll of this emergency.
The cost of proper parasite prevention or treatment from a veterinarian is far less than the expense of emergency care, not to mention the potential loss of a beloved pet.
Final Thoughts
Your pets rely on you to make informed, responsible decisions about their health. While the internet is full of information, it’s no substitute for professional guidance.
The next time you’re tempted to cut corners on your pet’s care, remember Bella, Max, and Charlie — and the $3,000 it took to save them.
When it comes to your pet’s health, always consult your veterinarian. It could save you money, and more importantly, it could save your pet’s life. These kids were lucky!

MJ Wixsom, DVM MS is a best-selling Amazon author who practices at Guardian Animal Medical Center in Flatwoods, Ky. GuardianAnimal.com 606-928-6566.