Antifreeze Poisoning In Dogs And Cats.
Every year a great number of dogs and cats are poisoned by swallowing ethylene glycol based antifreeze, another surprising source of ethylene glycol is in ” snow globes “
Every year a great number of dogs and cats are poisoned by swallowing ethylene glycol based antifreeze, the sort that is used in car radiators. Dogs and cats seem to be attracted to it as it is said to have a sweet taste and an enticing smell. Relatively small amounts of this substance can cause serious problems, a medium sized dog could be poisoned by as little as 4 tablespoons of this stuff and in cats as small an amount as 2 teaspoons can be fatal.
Problems can occur when people change the antifreeze in their cars and let the old liquid run down the drive or often cats and dogs are temporarily placed in garages where antifreeze may not have been stored properly and they get access to it. Another surprising source of ethylene glycol is in ” snow globes ” poisoning incidents have been reported where the globe has fallen and shattered and the pets have drunk the toxic contents.
Symptoms : Poisoning with this substance occurs in two distinct stages:
Stage 1 : The animal will be incoordinated and will not be able to walk well, this will last for several hours.
Stage 2 : The animals looks as if has recovered but then the dog’s liver starts to metabolise the antifreeze and kidney failure occurs. Animals in kidney failure can appear listless and depressed and progress to be in a coma.
Treatment : Do not attempt home treatment under any circumstances if you think your pet may have swallowed ethylene glycol, take your dog or cat straight to your vet, do not delay and use an emergency vet if you have to.
There are safer antifreeze solutions, these are the ones which contain Propylene glycol, while they can still cause problems they are considerably less toxic than the brands which contain propylene glycol, if you have pets consider switching to one of those brands.
Scott Nimmo BVMS MRCVS