Pets & Antifreeze

This autumn's antifreeze change can be dangerous for pets.

Antifreeze may keep your car's engine purring, but it could make your cat's motor stop. Many animals die each year by consuming antifreeze, according to William Fortney, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine pathobiology at Kansas State University. Antifreeze is a common danger to pets because it is a commonly used product and is often stored or disposed of carelessly. "We need to be careful and dispose of antifreeze properly for the sake of our pets and other people's pets as well," he says. Autumn and spring are the most common times of year for cats and dogs to be affected by antifreeze poisoning.

Ingesting even a small amount of antifreeze could be deadly for dogs and cats. If the animal does not receive treatment, symptoms will worsen and eventually the kidneys will fail. Antifreeze violently disrupts the calcium balance in the animal's system, culminating in acute, irreversible kidney failure. The kidney failure sends the animal into uremic poisoning, possible seizures and a coma, ending in death.

Antifreeze may pose a serious health threat to pets, but seeking treatment quickly can prevent irreversible damages, says Kansas State University toxicologist Fred Oehme. If your pet is poisoned from antifreeze, he suggests acting quickly. If you see your pet ingest antifreeze, you can try to induce vomiting, but if they are already showing signs, then they should promptly be taken to a vet. If treatment is received within four to six hours, the chances are good for avoiding irreversible damages and there is a better chance for recovery. "Survival depends on the amount of antifreeze ingested. The animal could live for 24 to 72 hours after ingestion," explains Fortney. "A medical antidote may be administered to save the pet's life if given in time."

The key is noticing the symptoms early. If your pet appears disoriented, drunk or wobbly, it may be an early warning sign. As the condition progresses, the animal may vomit, seizure or appear depressed, listless or weak. If owners witness a pet consuming antifreeze or the pet exhibits these signs, call a vet immediately.

Unfortunately, antifreeze has a "sweet" taste some pets can't resist. "Animals are inquisitive in nature and are likely to lick the antifreeze out of curiosity," Oehme explains. "Also, because antifreeze has a mild sweet taste, they may be more attracted and continue to lick it, causing them to ingest dangerous levels."

To prevent such a tragedy from happening, think of your pets when you prepare your car for the winter driving season. New, less toxic antifreezes are on the market as an option for motorists.

However, when changing antifreeze or any other vital car fluid, everyone should dispose of it properly. Place all used antifreeze in a plastic container, seal it tightly and take it to a service station for recycling.

Be sure to store all new antifreeze containers where your pets cannot get into them.

Completely clean all antifreeze spills in the garage or driveway.

Through these simple steps, drivers won't have to accidentally hurt a pet in order to start a car this winter.

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