Pet Care Tips
Antifreeze Poisoning
Each year hundreds of pets are accidentally poisoned by ingesting of automobile antifreeze. Most brands of antifreeze contain about 95% ethylene glycol, which has a sweet, pleasant taste and is extremely toxic in low doses. For cats as little as 1 to 2 tsp, and a medium-sized dog 3 to 4 tablespoons can be lethal. Ingestion occurs most commonly in spring and fall when changing automobile antifreeze. It can happen anytime a car develops an antifreeze leak. Animals most commonly affected are those who are allowed to roam free and those confined to a garage where they can have access to improperly stored antifreeze or lick spilled or leaked antifreeze off the garage floor. Snow globes are another source of poison. The liquid in these contain about 2% antifreeze. Animals and children are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of the chemical.
Poisoning happens in two stages. The first stage happens within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last hours. During this stage the dog or cat may appear drunk (incoordination). Vomiting, diarrhea, increase drinking and urination (initially) may also occur. In stage two the pet's liver changes the ethylene glycol into more toxic metabolites. These cause the kidneys to shut down within 12 to 36 hours. At this point urinations become less frequent and can cease entirely. The pet may also experience seizures or slip into a coma. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect your pet may have ingested antifreeze or another source of ethylene glycol. This is not a wait and see situation. The sooner treatment is administered the better chance of recovery.
There are steps that can be taken to prevent accidental poisoning. When someone in your household changes the antifreeze in the driveway, make sure to collect all of the coolant and properly dispose of it. Never leave a bucket of ethylene glycol coolant unattended, even for a moment. Remember that your vehicle can also develop a leak. If you notice a puddle of greenish liquid in your garage or driveway, flush the area with plenty of water and fix the leak ASAP. You can also apply kitty litter to the puddle then clean with rags that are bagged immediately and rinse area with water. If an animal must be confined to a garage make sure antifreeze containers are well secured and your pet has plenty of water. You may find antifreeze that has had the “sweet” taste removed and is less enticing to pets to lick. Last year legislation was passed to have companies formulate antifreeze without the taste to make the poisoning less common. If you have any questions about this subject, please do not hesitate to call us!
