A Co Antrim pet charity has warned about the hidden dangers of antifreeze poisoning for dogs amid a yellow weather warning for ice across Northern Ireland.
Dogs Trust Ballymena has urged pet owners across Northern Ireland to take extra care in protecting their furry friends from the hidden dangers of antifreeze as temperatures drop and winter weather sets in following a yellow weather warning from the Met Office set to last until tomorrow.
Commonly used in de-icing products, screen wash and in car engines, antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance that can cause severe illness or even death in pets if ingested. Even a very small amount can be deadly.
They noted the chemical has a sweet taste, which can make it tempting for animals to drink if it’s left in accessible areas or spills onto driveways and roads.
The ehylene glycol it contains can cause acute, irreversible kidney failure and neurological issues and Dogs Trust has said symptoms of poisoning may not appear immediately, but early signs to watch for include:
• Vomiting • Lethargy and weakness • Unsteady or drunken-like behaviour • Increased thirst and urination • Rapid breathing • Seizures or muscle twitching
If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact a vet immediately. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent irreversible damage and, if left untreated, ingestion of antifreeze can lead to kidney failure, coma, and death. The faster treatment begins, the better the chances for a full recovery.
Charlie Dobson, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, said: “Antifreeze is extremely dangerous for dogs, and other pets, because even a small amount can lead to serious, often fatal, health issues. Unfortunately, because it has a sweet taste it can be particularly enticing to pets.
“The best way to protect your dog is to keep all antifreeze and de-icing products securely stored, avoid using them around your dog, and seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect they’ve ingested any.”
Dogs Trust also said they advise keeping dogs on leads, ensuring they stay warm and to attempt to avoid ice when out walking your pets.
Inside the PSNI Dog Unit