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Winter Health Tip: Keep Your Pet Safe from Antifreeze
by: ASPCA
We all need a little tune up this time of year, and your car especially may be screaming for some antifreeze. But pet parents, take care around your dog or cat to make sure he doesn't lick this sweet-tasting poison from the driveway or garage floor.
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, thousands of pets are exposed to antifreeze each year. Used to protect cars from extreme temperatures, antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a colorless and odorless alcohol known for its attractive taste. Even small amounts have deadly consequences?one teaspoon of ethylene glycol can be fatal to a 10-pound cat, while one to two tablespoons can kill a 10-pound dog.
"The symptoms of ingestion vary depending on how much time has passed and how much the animal has consumed," says ASPCA Director of Medicine, Dr. Louise Murray. "Initially the animal may act 'drunk,' wobbly and unsteady, and develop nausea and increased thirst. As time passes, there are signs of kidney failure, such as lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and eventually failure to produce urine." The best chance for survival is initiating aggressive treatment within the first four to 12 hours of ingestion. Once signs of kidney problems develop, the likelihood for recovery is low.
Prevent your animal companions from coming into contact with antifreeze by storing it in a secure cabinet and monitoring cars to make sure radiator hoses aren't leaking. When flushing or refilling radiators, keep pets inside and immediately clean up any spills. So-called "pet safe" antifreeze products do exist, and they typically contain propylene glycol, which is less toxic than ethylene glycol but can still cause intoxication.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your vet or the ASPCA's 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
© 2009 ASPCA. All Rights Reserved.
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