Everyday Hazards!
Antifreeze:
Many car owners refill and replace antifreeze in their radiators at home.
The active ingredient, ethylene glycol, is a very sweet tasting and smelling substance...to
your pet. As little as 2 tablespoons can prove fatal to a small dog or cat! The
initial problem is due to the ethylene glycol which causes changes in your pet's
brain. The substances made as this chemical is broken down are toxic to the kidneys
and can lead to deadly kidney failure. Signs that your pet may show after ingestion
are: staggering and "drunk" behavior (within 1-10 hrs of ingestion), "spacey"
abnormal behavior, loss of consciousness, seizures, vomiting (green fluorescent
liquid), excessive urination, no urination, and eventually death.
If you suspect your pet may have ingested
antifreeze, TIME is of the essence. You must take your pet to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
The best treatment is prevention.
-
keep
pets out of the garage
-
remove
all antifreeze from surfaces
-
never
drain into open container
-
keep
antifreeze in enclose cabinets with a latch or hook
-
have
antifreeze work done by professionals at a garage.
Carbon Monoxide:
I think we've all heard of carbon monoxide poisoning by now. Leaky or incorrectly
used appliances can produce dangerous level of carbon monoxide and can cause fatalities
to pets as well as humans. Some signs of poisoning are: dizziness, mental disorientation,
nausea, fainting. Please visit the link to this website for further information.
IAQ
Publications - Protect Your Family and Yourself from CO Poisoning
Frostbite:
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures affects animals, just like
humans. Even short exposures to sub-zero cold can produce frostbite on feet, nose,
or ear tips. Provide warm, enclosed shelters for animals housed outside. Wipe
snow/ice off feet and from toe webs of your pet's paws after walks or outdoor
activity.
Rock Salt:
Lime rock salt and calcium chloride salts can produce vomiting and diarrhea
as well as sever dehydration if a large quantity is ingested. Store in enclosed
containers and wipe off feet of pets after walks.
Rodenticides:
Mouse or rat poisons can cause fatal internal bleeding or kidney failure
depending upon the type and amount. Effects may not be apparent until it is too
late. Signs occur 2-14 days after ingestion. Most common rodenticides cause hemorrhage
by blocking Vitamin K, which is necessary for blood to clot. Signs include bruising
of the skin, pale gums, coughing up blood, and blood in the urine or stool. An
animal may bleed to death if untreated. "Rampage" rodenticides cause irreversible
kidney failure and unlike anticoagulant drugs mentioned, there is no antidote.
ALWAYS make sure rodenticide baits are placed in areas where pets cannot get to
them! Animals will often appear completely normal until it is too late. So, if
you even SUSPECT possible exposure (a chewed container, brown grains, or small
blue-green pellets on the floor), please call a veterinarian immediately!
The
414 - 466 - 3621
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Skin and Ear Clinic
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Melodie Limpach, D.V.M.
(262)886-3337
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