Keep your pets away from antifreeze
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Star-Herald
Now is the time when we begin to winterize our vehicles. Unfortunately, some of us have learned the hard way about antifreeze poisoning. I lost my cat, Sassy (Tatty Ann), to antifreeze poisoning, and I wouldn’t wish that experience on anyone.
Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine tells us that very small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal. Signs of antifreeze poisoning depend upon the time after ingestion. In the first few hours after ingestion, the pet may be depressed and staggering and may have seizures. They may drink lots of water, urinate large amounts and vomit. The pet may appear to feel better, but in a day or two gets much worse as the kidneys fail. Signs of kidney failure include depression and vomiting. The amount of urine they pass will often decrease to a very small amount.
The diagnosis of antifreeze poisoning is made by blood and urine tests although some of these tests become negative by the time kidney failure develops. Antifreeze poisoning should be considered in any free-roaming dog or cat with consistent signs.
Treatment must be started very soon after drinking antifreeze. Treatment for antifreeze poisoning needs to be started as soon after ingestion as possible to be effective. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chance of survival. Once kidney failure develops, most animals will die.
Tips to prevent antifreeze poisoning:
• Keep new and used antifreeze in a sealed, leak-proof container.
• Take used antifreeze to a service station for disposal — don’t pour it on the ground.
• Check driveways for puddles of antifreeze that may have leaked from the car.
• Consider the use of alternative antifreeze products that are less toxic to pets.
• If antifreeze is placed in toilets, make sure the lid is down and the door to the room is closed.
• Please keep your antifreeze, both old and new, in sealed containers.
Animals need extra care during the winter months such as increasing food ration and special housing from the cold. In your home is the best and warmest place for your beloved pets, but if this is not possible, a small-insulated enclosure with dry bedding is recommended, preferably straw which is hollow and is a great insulator. I personally keep a small dog house on my porch full of straw for any kitty that may get left outside during the winter. Pets must still get plenty of fresh, clean water during cold weather; that isn’t as difficult a task as some would make it out to be. Our pets are our responsibility; we have made the commitment to keep them safe and well cared for. Be an overachiever as their lives depend on us.
If you see an animal in distress or without proper housing in the cold winter months, please call your local police department and they will dispatch your animal control agent.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. You can give the shelter a call at 764-3441 and don’t forget to visit us on Facebook.
Please be a responsible pet owner by having your pets spayed or neutered.
