Antifreeze poses serious danger for household pets.
As we get ready for winter by checking our vehicles and adding antifreeze, pet owners also need to take precautions for their best friends and be aware that antifreeze is poisonous to animals.

Antifreeze poisoning kills many dogs and cats every year and, when adding antifreeze to the car, pet owners must be careful to prevent spills that can be found by pets. Even a small amount of antifreeze can be fatal. Unfortunately, antifreeze is sweet, which appeals to pets.

It takes just a small amount of antifreeze to be fatal. In small animals, 60 percent to 70 percent of dogs die due to ingesting antifreeze. The percentages are higher in cats. It takes a mere 3 to 5 tablespoons of antifreeze to be fatal in medium sized dogs and only about a teaspoon for cats. In fact, if a cat simply walks through spilled antifreeze and licks its paws, that small amount can be enough to poison the animal.

The signs of poisoning
Signs of antifreeze poisoning can show up within 30 minutes to several hours after ingestion. Signs include vomiting, staggering and depression. In some cases the animal may appear to recover only to return with more severe symptoms in about 12 to 36 hours.

By the time the animal has metabolized the ethylene glycol into toxic compounds, severe renal damage has occurred.

Subsequently, these animals often suffer seizures, develop respiratory distress, exhibit repetitive vomiting, have abdominal pain and can lapse into a coma. The kidneys will eventually stop functioning, which will lead to the animal’s death.

What to do
If caught early, antifreeze poisoning is treatable. The pet should be immediately taken to the vet in order to minimize the amount of ethylene glycol that is absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract.

The vet may induce vomiting and give the animal activated charcoal to help prevent further absorption.

Your pet also may be given a medication to slow down the activity of the enzyme responsible for metabolizing ethylene glycol into toxic compounds.

In addition, the pet would be given basic supportive care such as intravenous fluids to help preserve normal kidney function. If treated properly and quickly, within three hours for cats and eight hours for dogs, the prognosis is positive for survival.

An once of prevention
The key to avoiding accidental poisonings is prevention. Pet owners should maintain their vehicle’s coolant system to prevent leaks. Should antifreeze get spilled, it must be cleaned up immediately. Store antifreeze high on a shelf to keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Used antifreeze should be taken to a facility that recycles or handles hazardous waste.

If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, take it to the vet immediately. Remember, quick treatment can help save your pet’s life.