Anti Freeze Poisoning

Washington University Pet Health Topic: Anti Freeze Poisoning

"As winter approaches, many people will "winterize" their automobiles, including a change of antifreeze. Take care to keep both new and used antifreeze in a sealed container, out of reach of pets. Clean up any spills of antifreeze on driveways and other hard surfaces. Dogs and cats find antifreeze quite tasty and if they find antifreeze they'll drink it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic causing kidney failure that is often fatal in just a few days.

Very small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal. If a cat walks through a puddle of antifreeze and then licks its paws, it can ingest enough antifreeze to cause death. About five tablespoons can kill a medium sized dog. If you see your pet drinking antifreeze, or are at all suspicious that your pet may have had access to antifreeze, contact a veterinarian immediately. Signs of antifreeze poisoning depend upon the time after ingestion. In the first few hours after ingestion the pet may be depressed and staggering and may have seizures. They may drink lots of water, urinate large amounts and vomit. The pet may appear to feel better but in a day or two get much worse as the kidneys fail. Signs of kidney failure include depression and vomiting. The amount of urine they pass will often decrease to a very small amount.

PREVENT ANTIFREEZE POISONING

Keep new and used antifreeze in a sealed, leak proof container
Take used antifreeze to a service station for disposal - don't pour it on the ground
Check driveways for puddles of antifreeze that may have leaked from the car
Consider the use of alternative antifreeze products that are less toxic to pets
If antifreeze is placed in toilets make sure the lid is down and the door to the room is closed."


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Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Use in Cats

There is a good bit of information online and in pet books about not using essential oils with cats or even diffusing essential oils as aromatherapy in homes with cats. The concern is due to the chemical component known as phenols. Products that are not pure essential oils often contain synthetic phenols, but even some pure oils, like the Nature's Sunshine's oils, contain naturally-occurring phenols as part of their chemical structure. Phenols are water soluble and evaporate more quickly than oils that do not contain phenols. Because of their strength they can be irritating to the skin and possibly damaging to the liver. It is important to use a pure essential oil, rather than one with synthetic ingredients. Examples essential oils with natural phenols are: Bay, Oregano, Clove, Thyme, Cinnamon, Savory, and Tarragon. This is not an inclusive list.

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