Dogs And Antifreeze
Years ago an automotive radiator coolant was produced that contains ethylene glycol better know as antifreeze.
The weather is getting colder and people will start adding more or changing antifreeze (ethylene glycol) to their radiators particularly in colder areas.
Be aware though that warmer areas also use radiator coolant to stop rust and motor corrosion.
This product also contains ethylene glycol.
Antifreeze exposure can be a disastrous situation for our pets.
It is a product commonly found around our homes.
Dogs are attracted to its sweet smell and taste.
It takes very little antifreeze which could kill or cause severe lasting problems depending on the size of your dog and the amount your dog consumes.
Antifreeze poisoning will affect the brain, liver and kidneys.
Early signs of Antifreeze poisoning are vague and non specific in the pet.
Unless you have seen the dog licking the antifreeze the veterinarian would probably not even suspect ethylene glycol poisoning.
The first sign you may see is that your dog appears drunk for a time and then seems okay.
Don't be fooled by this time ethylene glycol has broken down in the blood stream and is attacking the dog's vital organs.
There is a very short window of time after the dog's exposure to obtain antidotes from your veterinarian that will help the most.
You will want to be detailed as much as possible with the symptoms that have been occurring with the pet.
Your veterinarian may already suspect with the details you provide of ethylene glycol poisoning.
The veterinarian will first perform a physical exam on your pet noting any painful areas particularly over the kidneys when this area is pressed on.
Most important will be the blood work results.
Even if the dog survives it will most likely develop kidney failure due to the damage to the kidneys.
Prevention is the safest solution.
Keep antifreeze containers closed and out of reach of your pet.
If your radiator is leaking have it repaired.
If you have spilled antifreeze the area should be cleaned thoroughly.
Don't pour antifreeze on the ground dispose of it properly by taking to a service station.
Alternatives to ethylene glycol are being produced and on the market which you may want to consider that are less toxic to pets.
Remember if you suspect your dog has had access to antifreeze don't wait get the dog to the veterinarian immediately.
The weather is getting colder and people will start adding more or changing antifreeze (ethylene glycol) to their radiators particularly in colder areas.
Be aware though that warmer areas also use radiator coolant to stop rust and motor corrosion.
This product also contains ethylene glycol.
Antifreeze exposure can be a disastrous situation for our pets.
It is a product commonly found around our homes.
Dogs are attracted to its sweet smell and taste.
It takes very little antifreeze which could kill or cause severe lasting problems depending on the size of your dog and the amount your dog consumes.
Antifreeze poisoning will affect the brain, liver and kidneys.
Early signs of Antifreeze poisoning are vague and non specific in the pet.
Unless you have seen the dog licking the antifreeze the veterinarian would probably not even suspect ethylene glycol poisoning.
The first sign you may see is that your dog appears drunk for a time and then seems okay.
Don't be fooled by this time ethylene glycol has broken down in the blood stream and is attacking the dog's vital organs.
There is a very short window of time after the dog's exposure to obtain antidotes from your veterinarian that will help the most.
You will want to be detailed as much as possible with the symptoms that have been occurring with the pet.
Your veterinarian may already suspect with the details you provide of ethylene glycol poisoning.
The veterinarian will first perform a physical exam on your pet noting any painful areas particularly over the kidneys when this area is pressed on.
Most important will be the blood work results.
Even if the dog survives it will most likely develop kidney failure due to the damage to the kidneys.
Prevention is the safest solution.
Keep antifreeze containers closed and out of reach of your pet.
If your radiator is leaking have it repaired.
If you have spilled antifreeze the area should be cleaned thoroughly.
Don't pour antifreeze on the ground dispose of it properly by taking to a service station.
Alternatives to ethylene glycol are being produced and on the market which you may want to consider that are less toxic to pets.
Remember if you suspect your dog has had access to antifreeze don't wait get the dog to the veterinarian immediately.
Source...