Fall Pet Safety
As temperatures start to drop here in Northern Illinois, we begin preparing our houses for winter. As pet owners, we must recognize the common fall hazards that can pose a serious, sometimes life-threatening risk to our pets. More specifically, two hazards we must be cautious of are rat poison (rodenticides) and antifreeze containing ethylene glycol. Ingestion of either of these would require immediate veterinary attention. In many cases, our pets look completely normal after ingestion so PLEASE bring your pet to the vet before you start seeing clinical signs.
Mouse & Rat Poison:
When the weather starts to drop, field mice tend to make their way into our homes and commonly, homeowners put out rat poison. Unfortunately, these products can be appealing to our dogs and cats. If your pet ingests a form of poison, it is important to identify the brand, as not all rodenticides work the same way despite them looking the same.
Anticoagulant Rodenticides- these interfere with the animal’s ability to clot blood. Symptoms such as weakness, pale gums, bruising, coughing, difficulty breathing, blood in urine or stool, and even internal bleeding may appear several days after ingestion.
Bromethalin Rodenticides- these contain a neurotoxin that affects the brain and nervous system. Symptoms include weakness, wobbliness, tremors, seizures, paralysis, abnormal behavior, or profound depression. Unlike anticoagulants, there is no antidote for bromethalin poisoning.
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)- these rodenticides can cause dangerously high calcium and phosphorus levels within pets, potentially resulting in the mineralization of organ tissue and kidney disease. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, weakness, increased thirst, and increased urination.
Several other rodenticides, such as zinc phosphide, pose similar risks and can also be extremely dangerous for pets.
Remember, even “pet-resistant” bait stations are not necessarily pet-proof, and determined dogs may chew through the plastic.
Anti-Freeze & Ethylene Glycol:
Another fall hazard is ethylene glycol, which is a chemical commonly found in automotive antifreeze.
Ethylene glycol is tasty to our pets due to its sweet flavor, however ingestion of any amount is a true medical emergency. Once ingested, ethylene glycol is metabolized into toxic compounds that cause severe metabolic abnormalities. It also causes severe kidney damage that, without early treatment, can become irreversible.
Early signs of ingestion may include vomiting, wobbliness or difficulty walking, lethargy, weakness, increased thirst, and increased urination.
Treatment is extremely time-sensitive. Antidotal therapy is most effective when started as soon as possible after ingestion.
“What If It Was Just a Little Bit?”
With both rodenticides and ethylene glycol, it is never safe to assume that a small exposure is harmless.
The risk all depends on your pet’s weight, the amount of product ingested, the type of product, its concentration, and how much time has passed since ingestion.
If you’re unsure if your pet ingested the product, call us anyway. We would rather be safe than sorry; working fast saves lives.
Important Precautions
To keep your pets safe this fall, make sure to store all rodenticides, automotive chemicals, and antifreeze in secure areas completely inaccessible to pets. Additionally, keep a close eye on your dogs when approaching garages, barns, campsites, and outbuildings as you do not know what someone else could have put outside.
Suspect an Exposure? Do not wait for symptoms…
If you believe your dog or cat has ingested poison, contact Pet Vet Animal Clinic or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately
ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435