Antifreeze Poisoning In Dogs During Winter
Antifreeze poisoning in dogs during winter is a real issue for dogs during the winter months after Frostbite & Hypothermia.
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If your dog ingests antifreeze, he can experience vomiting, diarrhea, wobbling, and seizures.
The most important though is that you have no idea what’s wrong until it’s too late!
DOGS LOVE TO SNIFF, AND THEY CAN BE TRICKED INTO TASTING A BUNCH OF DISTURBING STUFF.
If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze or other toxic substances like laundry detergent or chewing gum (check out our article on common household toxins).
Take them to a vet immediately so they can receive proper treatment.
Antifreeze poisoning is a real problem for dogs during the winter months.
Antifreeze is toxic to dogs. It’s a sweet-tasting liquid that can be found in many household items like cars, motorcycles, and even antifreeze for homemade ice cream makers.
Dogs love to drink antifreeze because it tastes good, but unfortunately, this can lead them down the wrong path.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol; this chemical has been proven to cause kidney failure in humans as well as animals if not treated quickly enough.
In addition, once ingested by your dog it will pass through its body without being digested.
So there is no way of knowing how much was consumed or when exactly he consumed it (which may not have been until after eating something else).
Reason for antifreeze poisoning in dogs
Antifreeze poisoning in dogs is so dangerous and antifreeze tastes sweet to dogs.
Ethylene glycol is a sweetener used in many products, including antifreeze, which can be fatal if ingested by your dog.
Dogs will eat anything they find around their home and yard—and this includes antifreeze!
They might think it’s good for them because it’s sweet and tasty, but it may be toxic to dogs’ health.
The best way to prevent your dog from getting into an accident with some corrosive chemicals is to keep them away from those areas where you don’t want them roaming around freely (like flower beds).
Also, make sure that no poisonous plants or garden tools are accessible during winter months; otherwise, you’ll have a hard time finding out what happened later on when spring rolls around again!
Symptoms and signs of antifreeze poisoning in dogs
There are three main symptoms associated with antifreeze poisoning in dogs: vomiting/diarrhea (can occur up until 24 hours after ingestion), increased heart rate (tachycardia).
It may increase blood pressure, seizures or coma depending upon which organs have been affected by high levels of toxicity. These symptoms usually happen within 2-3 days after ingestion.
Other symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (loose stools)
- Wobbling or shaking of the head and body (tremors)
- Seizures
- Panting
- Drinking more water and passing more urine
Necessary action
If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, take them to a vet immediately.
- Call ahead and let the veterinarian know that you are coming.
This will give them time to prepare for your pet’s arrival, such as giving them an IV fluids solution and preparing an x-ray machine if needed (antifreeze can be toxic enough that it might need treatment).
- Bring a sample of both vomit/stool AND antifreeze itself—the more information we have about how much was consumed, the easier it will be for our veterinarians to determine what exactly happened during this incident.
- If you suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze in any form (whether it was direct contact or ingestion), seek immediate medical attention for them at once!
Tips For Prevention of antifreeze poisoning
Your dog can be poisoned by anti-freeze during the winter months.
If your dog has been poisoned by anti-freeze, it is important to know how to prevent this from happening again.
Antifreeze can be dangerous if consumed by dogs and cats, as well as other small animals like hamsters and gerbils.
- Wash or wipe your dog’s legs whenever he comes from outside.
- Make them wear boots and clothes whenever going outside.
- Be alert enough to stop them from eating this sweetening poisonous product which is found at home in cars, motorcycles, and also outdoors, as it is used in treating snow and ice.
- Keep it safe from out of reach of your furry pal.
Conclusion
If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, take them to a vet immediately.
Antifreeze consumption can lead to serious health problems such as kidney failure or death. Unfortunately, kidney damage is irreversible and the only solution or treatment is a kidney transplant.
You should never give your dog any medication without first consulting with a vet because of the potential side effects and other health issues they may have.