The ASPCAAnimalPoisonControlCenter urges pet owners to
take steps to prevent accidental pet exposures to two potentially dangerous
products used during the winter:
Antifreezeproducts containing
ethylene glycol are highly toxic, and can produce life-threatening kidney
damage in pets, even in small amounts. Most cases of antifreeze poisoning occur
around the pet's home and are usually due to improper storage or disposal, so
it's important that you take the following precautions:
- Always clean up antifreeze spills immediately.
- Store antifreeze in clearly marked, sealed containers, in areas that are
inaccessible to your pets.
- Consider switching to antifreeze products that contain propylene glycol,
which are relatively less toxic and provide an extra margin of safety for pets
and wildlife.
- Be alert for leaks and spills from neighborhood vehicles when taking your pet
on walks during the winter months.
Ice
meltsare available in both
liquid and solid forms, and are used to melt ice and snow on slippery
sidewalks, roads and driveways. Ice melts may contain ingredients that, if
ingested by pets, can produce effects that include drooling, vomiting,
diarrhea, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, weakness, and low blood pressure;
in severe cases, cardiac abnormalities, seizures, coma and even death can
result.
If you suspect
that your pet may have ingested antifreeze or ice melts, contact your
veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (800) 426-4435
immediately.
Not So Cool For Cats
During the
winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth and
protection. But a car's fan belt can kill or injure an animal when the motor
starts. If you are aware that there are outdoor or feral cats in your
neighborhood, please bang on the hood of the car and wait a few seconds before
turning on the engine.
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