Leading veterinary charity PDSA is warning motorists to clean up antifreeze spills as they prepare their cars for winter. This solution is highly toxic if ingested by animals.
PDSA veterinarian Nina Downing explains: “Ethylene glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze and is highly toxic if swallowed by both animals and humans. It is also found in screen wash, brake and radiator fluids, and can cause severe damage to the kidneys and nervous system if ingested. It’s sad. If you think your pet may have swallowed something, even small amounts are often fatal to your pet unless veterinary treatment is provided very quickly. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear; contact your veterinarian immediately.
The charity for pets in need is urging motorists to be careful when preparing their cars for the cold season and to wipe up any spills immediately. Propylene glycol is non-toxic, so try to buy propylene glycol-based products if available. PDSA vets have also compiled advice for pet owners on how to spot the signs and what to do if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance.
According to PDSA veterinarians, signs of antifreeze poisoning in pets may include:
- twitching muscles
- My eyes twitch
- low energy
- vomiting
- drink more alcohol than usual
- instability
- Seizure (seizure)
- fast, panty breathing
- If you notice any of these signs or suspect that your pet has swallowed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of survival.
PDSA treated nearly 40 cases of antifreeze poisoning in 2023, but Nina warns that cats are particularly susceptible to this poisoning. “Cats, unlike dogs, are often outdoors unsupervised. Therefore, this liquid is equally toxic to both species, but because owners don’t see their cats drinking it, Antifreeze toxicity is more common in cats, and sadly by the time any symptoms appear it is often too late.
According to the Veterinary Poison Information Service, which provides veterinarians with advice on treating poisoning cases, more than one-fifth* of antifreeze-related poisoning cases reported each year occur in December and January.
Pets suffering from antifreeze poisoning require intensive treatment. The stomach may need to be emptied, and fluids and medications are given intravenously to stop the effects of the toxins and flush them from the bloodstream. If the solution gets on your pet’s fur, you may need to wash your pet’s fur to prevent further ingestion. Even if your pet survives, the kidneys are often left with permanent damage.
Nina added: “Prevention is always better than cure, so be careful during the cold months. Monitor your surroundings for danger, keep an eye on your dog, and keep your dog in the garage or parked car. Keep your cat close to your home to prevent them from roaming around. Watch for spills and remove them if you see them.
For more advice on keeping your pet safe this winter, visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/Wintersafety
PDSA is a veterinary charity for pets in need, providing a vital service to pets across the UK whose owners are struggling to pay for the treatment of sick or injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA comes to the rescue when their owners have nowhere else to turn. With support from People’s Postcode Lott participants, we can reach even more pet owners with important advice and information.
