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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7,930
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anti freeze warning
As we start to experience the cold winter weather, it is important to realise the possible dangers that their animals can face outdoors.
Antifreeze, for example, can be fatal to dogs and cats if ingested, even in tiny doses. As little as one teaspoon of ethylene glycol antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a ten-pound dog
Here are some prevention tips to help keep pets safe this winter:
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Clean up any spills from your vehicle immediately and regularly check your car for leaks.
· Keep any empty anti-freeze containers or a record of the product used so that if your car leaks and your pet finds it before you do, you can tell your vet what was consumed.
· Store anti-freeze in clearly marked containers in areas that are off-limits to your pets and dispose of any old anti-freeze in a sealed container.
· Never allow your animal access to the area when you are draining radiator fluid from your car.
· Consider asking your garage to use a propylene glycol-based antifreeze, which is significantly less toxic than conventional ethylene glycol antifreeze. This will provide an added margin of safety for pets and wildlife, but remember no antifreeze is absolutely safe.
· Be aware that other non pet-owning road users may not be aware of the dangers that spilled anti-freeze can cause and to therefore keep a close eye on your pet during icy weather in case of any random spillages.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze - or any poisonous substance - contact your vet immediately or, if you suspect that it may be malicious, also inform the Police
Anti-freeze is one of the most common poisons to affect pets.