Keep Your Pets Safe from Anti Freeze and Rock Salt in the Snow
The Kennel Club is urging pet owners and motorists to take caution when using anti-freeze, as just a small spill could be lethal to dogs.
While the snow is a great source of enjoyment for a lot of people and their pets, who love nothing more than getting out for fun walks in the fluffy white stuff, bear a thought for their paws on the rock-salt and their attraction to some of the substances that make our life a little easier but become a real danger to theirs.
The cold weather and snow storm which is gripping the country this weekend will cause havoc on the roads, but don't let it cause havoc for your dog too. Anti-freeze can be fatal to a pet such as a dog or a cat, so we are urging people to take care when using it, even just a little spill can kill.
Unfortunately, the sweet taste makes anti-freeze tempting for our pets, so it is important to take care when using anti-freeze and ensure that any spills are cleared immediately. However if you realise your pet has ingested anti-freeze, quick action is key, it is important to act within the first few hours, seek veterinary help immediately, and if you can, try to make your pet sick.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary
Antifreeze contains the chemical ethylene glycol, which can be lethal when ingested for both dogs and cats. It is used in windscreen wash, de-icers and for car radiators during the coldest times of the year. However, little is thought of the potential toxic substances that are used to keep us moving during the winter months.
The symptoms of ingesting anti-freeze include vomiting, seizures, appearing sleepy and a heightened breathing rate.
The Kennel Club is asking everyone to take care when using anti-freeze and to store it in a secure container away from pets.
Consuming rock salt can cause dehydration, liver failure and pancreatitis so be sure to clean their paws when returning from your walks and keep an eye on your cats when they come in from the cold.
Dogs and cats are walking through the substances left by gritters trying to clear roads and car drivers defrosting their windscreens and then licking them off their paws.
Symptoms of consuming rock salt - which contains the same ingredient as table salt, sodium chloride, but also has harmful chemicals such as magnesium - include burns to the mouth and throat and excessive salivating and drinking.
Owners should contact a vet immediately if they suspect that their pet may have been in contact with these substances or if they see any warning signs or symptoms.
The sooner they are treated, the better their chances of surviving.