Yahoo News Dog owners warned of hidden dangers of antifreeze which can cause severe illness or death in pets
Dog owners across the North East are being urged to protect their pets from antifreeze over the winter months.
Commonly used in de-icing products, screen wash and in car engines, antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance that can cause severe illness or even death in pets if ingested. Even a very small amount can be deadly, the Dogs Trust warns.
Antifreeze has a sweet taste, which can make it tempting for animals to drink if it’s left in accessible areas or spills onto driveways and roads. The ethylene glycol it contains can cause acute, irreversible kidney failure and neurological issues.
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Charlie Dobson, senior veterinary surgeon at the Dogs Trust, which has a rehoming centre in Darlington, said: "Antifreeze is extremely dangerous for dogs, and other pets, because even a small amount can lead to serious, often fatal, health issues. Unfortunately, because it has a sweet taste it can be particularly enticing to pets. The best way to protect your dog is to keep all antifreeze and de-icing products securely stored, avoid using them around your dog, and seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect they’ve ingested any."
Symptoms of poisoning
Symptoms of poisoning may not appear immediately but early signs to watch for include:
Vomiting
Lethargy and weakness
Unsteady or drunken-like behaviour
Increased thirst and urination
Rapid breathing
Seizures or muscle twitching
If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact a vet immediately. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent irreversible damage and, if left untreated, ingestion of antifreeze can lead to kidney failure, coma, and death.
The faster treatment begins, the better the chances for a full recovery. For more tips and advice on keeping pets safe in the cold weather, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/coldweather
