Winter can prove to be quite dangerous to cats and dogs.  We have listed several hazards below so that you can help keep your pet safe and healthy.

Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)

This is a year round hazard but is more of a problem in the winter.  Just a few drops can kill a cat and only a small amount can kill a dog.  More often than not, the animal doesn't drink the puddle of antifreeze but walks through it then licks it's paws.  The owner may not recognized any signs of illness initially but only several days later when the animal is very ill and in kidney failure.  The earliest signs are stumbling, uncoordinated gait, vomiting, knuckling, increased water consumption and urination and depression.  The pet will then appear to feel better until the second phase of intoxication sets in, usually within 24-48 hours later.  The second phase is acute kidney failure and the pet will appear extremely ill.  If you know your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact a veterinarian immediately.  Please be careful about any antifreeze spillage and clean up immediately.  Do not just rinse it into the gutter because you are exposing other animals to this dangerous chemical.

Ice Melts

Pets may be exposed to ice melts that have been spilled or applied to sidewalks.  Different melts are 1) Sodium chloride 2) Potassium chloride 3) Magnesium chloride 4) Calcium carbonate and calcium magnesium acetate 5) Urea.  Vomiting is the most common signs seen with toxicity.  Diarrhea, increased water consumption and urination, salivation, depression, tremors, anorexia, seizures and death are also seen.  If an animal has walked through or rolled in the ice melt material, immediate washing of the areas is very important.  Call a veterinarian right away and try to find out the exact product that the animal was exposed to.  This is critical information for the veterinarian because it helps determine treatment.

Potpourri

Potpourri is very hazardous to cats.  The liquid potpourri can cause severe oral, skin and eye damage.  Clinical signs seen with exposure are vomiting, salivating, depression, respiratory problems, and oral ulcers.  Most cats will recover completely with prompt treatment.  The liquid potpourri is the harmful product and not the type filled with flowers and leaves.  However, the oils used on the flowers and leaves can cause oral irritation if cats chew on the flowers or leaves.

Chocolate

Chocolate can be very detrimental to dogs and cats.  It is usually the dog who gets into packages of chocolate he/she shouldn't.  Theobromine and caffeine are the toxic components of chocolate.  It causes vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption and urination, seizures and a rapid heart rate.  Call your veterinarian immediately with the amount eaten (if known), type of chocolate and the weight of your dog.  This information will help the veterinarian determine if a toxic dose was ingested.  Please keep our chocolate out of your pet's reach and put any packages up that might have chocolate in them up and out of the way.

Pine Water

The water sitting in the Christmas tree stand can cause oral ulcers and vomiting if your cat or dog drinks from the stand.  Pet proof the container so that your animals cannot drink from the stand.

Cold Medications

If ingested, a dog or cat can have a rapid heart rate, vomiting, increased body temperature, dilated pupils and disorientation.  Supportive veterinary care must be given until the side effects wear off.  Keep all medications in a cabinet our of your pet's reach.  If ingested, call your veterinarian with the product's ingredients, milligram size of each tablet and approximately how many pill were ingested.  The veterinarian will probably have you bring the animal to the hospital for further care.

NAPCC

The National Animal Poison Control Center is a 24 hour service that you can call if you cannot get a hold of your veterinarian.  The number is 1-888-426-4435.

We want to wish you, your family and your pets a very safe and happy holiday season.