What Are the Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning? How to Protect Your Pet!
The symptoms of antifreeze or coolant poisoning are something every pet owner needs to know. This time of year people are "topping off" their antifreeze level in their vehicles and no matter how careful you are, accidents can happen or your vehicle may have a leak. Less than 3 ounces (think 3 swallows of your beverage) can kill a dog weighing in at about 30 pounds. Antifreeze has a sweet smell and flavor and is attractive to pets and children. It is a lime or light green transparent fluid. Pets will exhibit symptoms within minutes of ingesting antifreeze.
A partial list of antifreeze poisoning symptoms include:
Unusual behavior. A dog may act as if it is drunk, uncoordinated.
Excessive drinking and urinating
Nausea and or vomiting
Diarrhea
Weakness
Rapid Heart Beat
Fainting
Seizures
Take your pet to your vet or emergency clinic if you notice any of these symptoms. Even if your pet starts acting normal, the chemical is still ravaging his body. Ethylene glycol affects the central nervous system and eventually causes kidney failure.
Public places where cars have been parked or worked on could have fatal amounts of antifreeze on the premises. If your pet has been unattended for even a minute near a street gutter or parking lot and exhibits the symptoms listed above, immediately take him to your vet or after hours clinic.
Antifreeze/coolant poisoning is the most common cause of pet poisoning in US. The lethal ingredient in antifreeze is ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol can also be found in other fluids, including brake fluid and solar collectors.
Some manufacturers now use propylene glycol in their antifreeze which has been approved by the USFDA as a safer ingredient. Check the labels on antifreeze containers at your home. If ethylene glycol is listed, safely dispose of it. Check the labels when you shop and purchase the product made with propylene glycol.
Do a quick check of your garage today. Take the time to look under your vehicles. You may save your pet's life.
Article submitted Tuesday, February 08, 2011 & read 336 times.
Leave your comments through My Pet Tale:
» left by Joel Hendon (1 year 99 days ago.)
Great article Lorrie. I've never had an animal to get into any anti-freeze, but I have known of it's deadly potential and have been extra careful with my pets. Thanks for sharing this with us.Respond to this comment
» left by Lorrie Davids(688)
Thanks, Joel. It is a scary reality that our pets are attracted to it. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I'm sorry I am so late responding to it.
Respond to this comment
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