DogTime Blogs

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Antifreeze or Car Coolant Poisonings

Approximately 10,000 pets are killed each year in the US from the ingestion of the sweet-tasting antifreeze. One teaspoon of this coolant is enough to kill a cat. Half a cup is enough to kill a 20kg or 44lb dog.

Clinical Signs (show 30 mins to 12 hours after ingestion)
• Depression
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Head tremors
• Instability

Chances of survival are best when treated within 3-5 hours of ingestion. Once kidney failure occurs, the prognosis is very poor.

Prevention
Keep your pets away from the garage and away from the car. Cats especially like to rest on or under the warm car on cold days. Keep any antifreeze along with other toxic substances such as pesticides, locked away securely.

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