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Tip
59 - Dog drank antifreeze cat drank antifreeze - antifreeze
poisoning in cats and dogs
Antifreeze
is a coolant used in cars that is deadly to cats
and dogs even in small doses. Dogs especially like the taste
of antifreeze because it is somewhat sweet. Almost all commercially
made antifreeze contains the ethylene glycol (EG) that is so
toxic to cats and dogs. Just 1 teaspoon can kill a small cat
and 1 ounce can kill a 15 pound dog.
If
you suspect your cat or dog has ingested antifreeze then you
are
looking at an immediate veterinary emergency. The best results
show that your pet should be brought to a vet for emergency treatment
within 2-3 hours after antifreeze ingestion. This way
it has the least amount of time to harm your pet's insides, especially
the central nervous system and kidneys. Typical symptoms which
may occur within 1 - 6 hours after ingestion can include excessive
thirst and urination, incoordination, vomiting, rapid heart
rate and a respiratory rate leading to a coma and death. Pet owners
often say their pet looks drunk when describing their symptoms.
Due
to the high number of cat and dog deaths that result each
year from this type of poisoning, the following simple
yet crucial warnings apply:
- NEVER leave an open bucket or bottle of new or
used antifreeze around the house, garage, or car.
-
Make SURE your car's cooling system is regularly inspected and
free of leaks.
- If you are working on your car and dealing with
antifreeze, keep your pets away and remember to hose off the areas
near your car, the road or driveway where some antifreeze may have
spilled. Remember cats and dogs LIKE the taste of this poison!
The
risk cannot be ethylene glycol (EG) antifreeze poisoning cannot
be exaggerated - Here
is a recent case of dog antifreeze poisoning from our bulletin
board.
-There is on the market, a lesser known type of
antifreeze made from propylene glycol (PG) instead of ethylene
glycol (EG). It is generally regarded as safer for pets, kids
and the environment. Try using this product instead. It is made
by several companies including Prestone.
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2006
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