A leading vet has issued a warning about an ‘extremely toxic’ substance that dog owners need to be vigilant of this winter.
Antifreeze is a liquid that is added to a motor vehicle engine’s cooling system to lower the freezing point and prevent frozen water from causing damage to the radiator in cold weather.
Available in concentrated or ready mixed forms, this common product often contains ethylene glycol – an ingredient that’s life-threatening to dogs when consumed even in small quantities.
Our sister website TeamDogs spoke to veterinary surgeon and Noochy Poochy founder Dr Lucy McKinna to learn more about it.
Speaking on the ‘extremely toxic’ substance, Lucy told TeamDogs : “Although odourless, it has a very sweet flavour and many animals will voluntarily lick it up spilled or leaked antifreeze from garage floors or driveways.
“It is extremely toxic – only a very small amount ingested can result in poisoning and death by causing acute damage to the kidneys."
Depending on their size, even consuming a few drops can be deadly to dogs, with the survival rate low if the kidneys have been badly damaged.
Symptoms to look out for include lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, excessive urination, excessive thirst, low body temperature, seizures, and even coma.
These can occur within the first 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion, with wobbliness, or seeming ‘drunkenness’, one of the first signs that your dog has antifreeze poisoning.
In the second stage of symptoms, these may appear to ease – however, Lucy warned that pet owners shouldn’t be ‘lured into a false sense of security’ by this change.
She explained to TeamDogs : “12 to 24 hours after ingestion some of the signs seem to dramatically improve, yet irreversible damage has already been done.
“It is imperative that dogs are treated with the antidote (fomepizole) within 8-12 hours of ingesting ethylene glycol as without prompt treatment they may die.
“If you know or even suspect your dog has consumed ethylene glycol, it is critical that you seek immediate veterinary attention as the antidote has only a narrow time period to work.”
From 36 hours onwards, severe acute kidney failure occurs, with symptoms including lack of appetite, drooling, halitosis, seizures, diarrhoea and collapse.
Thankfully, this ‘antidote’, sometimes known as ‘4-MP’, is generally effective if administered within the necessary time eight to 12 hour window.
However, prevention is the best course of action when it comes to the toxic substance.
Dog owners should be mindful about keeping an eye on their car radiator, wiping up any spills and storing their antifreeze somewhere safe, if it contains ethylene glycol.
et parents can also choose alternative versions, which contain propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
Though more expensive, this ingredient is not toxic to dogs or other animals.
Dr Lucy McKinna is the founder of McKinna Plant Labs, an exciting UK start-up specialising in ethics-driven canine nutritional expertise.
Noochy Poochy Adult is the flagship product for the brand and is out now.
