As the weather grows colder it is important that we pay attention to some substances that could be potentially life threatening poisons to your pets.
Two things to look out for at this time of year are antifreeze and rock salt.
Antifreeze
As the temperature drops, many people are likely to use anti-freeze on their car. Prevent your dog from drinking from any puddles on the road as they could have been contaminated with antifreeze. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is sweet and very appealing to dogs. There is an antidote (IV ethanol), but it needs to be given immediately otherwise the effects are likely to be fatal. Unfortunately, anti-freeze poisoning frequently results in fatality.
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning:
- Drunken behavior
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Excessive urination
- Seizure
- Shaking and tremors
- Coma
- Death
Rock Salt
Rock salt is a mixture of salt (sodium chloride) and grit, and is used to prevent roads becoming icy during the winter. Rock salt poisoning usually occurs in pets such as dogs and cats when they lick it from their paws or fur that has traces of the poison on it. To prevent this, in winter time, always rinse and wipe their paws when they get home from a walk or when you see they come inside.
Eating rock salt commonly results in a high blood sodium concentration. This can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy, and in severe cases, convulsions and kidney damage. Seek veterinary advice immediately.
Always contact your vet immediately if you suspect that your pet has ingested anything that could do them harm. Never watch and wait, many symptoms can take hours or days to manifest and by that time it could be too late.
First Aid for Dogs provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical or veterinary advice.