An animal charity is urging drivers to watch out with anti-freeze as they put together their vehicles for winter.
PDSA, the veterinary organisation for pets in want, says the answer is ‘highly toxic’ and it handled tens of instances final 12 months the place animals had been poisoned.
As the colder climate units in and ideas flip to higher getting ready automobiles for the months forward there are issues an ingredient within the liquid added to a automotive’s cooling system might threat harming animals if spilt and never correctly cleared away.
PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing defined: “Ethylene glycol is the active component in antifreeze, and is extremely poisonous to animals. It can also be found in screenwash, brake and radiator fluids, and if ingested it can cause severe damage to the kidneys and nervous system.
“Sadly, even in tiny amounts it’s often fatal, unless treatment is given extremely quickly.”
PDSA says it handled greater than 40 instances of anti-freeze poisoning in 2022 with cats being significantly prone.
Nina added: “Cats are often outdoors unsupervised, unlike dogs. So although the fluid is equally toxic to both species, anti-freeze toxicity is more frequently seen in cats as owners don’t see them drink it. Sadly, by the time there are any symptoms to see, it can often be too late.”
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can embrace twitchy muscle tissue and eyes, low vitality, vomiting, ingesting greater than standard, unsteadiness and quick, panty respiration. An unwell animal may additionally expertise seizures.
According to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, which offer recommendation for the vet occupation on treating instances of poisoning, over a fifth of anti-freeze toxicity instances reported every year happen in December and January.
Alongside being vigilant over spills, these involved concerning the threat to animals may also select liquids for his or her automobile containing the ingredient propylene glycol, as that is non poisonous, advises the PDSA.
Any pet proprietor who spots the indicators of poisoning, or suspects their pet might have swallowed antifreeze should contact a vet instantly. The faster assistance is sought, says the charity, the higher an animal’s probability of survival.
“Prevention is always better than cure, so be very vigilant in the cold months – keep a close eye on dogs and avoid letting them roam near parked cars” added Nina.
“Keep an eye out for spillages and clear up any you find.”
