Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital Urges Owners to Protect Pets from Antifreeze

While antifreeze is a useful mixture for vehicles and other purposes, it is a very hazardous product to keep where kids and pets could reach it. It contains highly toxic chemicals, one of which is ethylene glycol, a colorless and sweet-tasting syrupy liquid that, when ingested, causes death. This cool season, Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital urges everyone to prevent accidental poisoning of children and pets and be cautious when using antifreeze.

"Treatment for antifreeze poisoning is expensive and not always successful," Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital's Dr. Julie Wickel said. "Prevention is the key."

As a precautionary measure, antifreeze containers must be sealed and stored where pets cannot reach them. Also, empty containers need to be disposed of properly, as cats and dogs might try to investigate and be tempted to lick or chew on them. Additionally, vehicle owners must be on guard against leaks. It is also wise to keep the veterinarian's phone number handy, as well as the Animal Poison Control Center's (888-426-4435).

Claws & Paws explains that the first signs of ethylene glycol poisoning are depression and lethargy. A pet may seem groggy or walk wobbly. Eventually the pet may begin vomiting, oral ulcers may develop or renal failure may occur, followed by death. The initial signs can last from one to six hours, and then death may occur between three and four days.

A pet that has ingested ethylene glycol must receive immediate medical attention. Those caught in the act of drinking the antifreeze have the best chance of surviving, because medical attention can be administered immediately.

"Should you suspect or see your pet ingesting antifreeze, take your cat or dog into your veterinarian immediately or to the emergency clinic," Wickel said. "This is a life-threatening situation."

For more information about animal emergencies or other services offered by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital, please call 281-997-1426 or visit www.cpvh.com. Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital is located at 2556 E. Broadway in Pearland.

About Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital

Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital was founded in 1997 by Dr. Julie Wickel and has built a reputation as one of the finest veterinary hospitals in the area. Each day, Claws & Paws strives to provide the highest quality of medicine and service to all patients and owners. Each pet that exits its doors has been pampered and spoiled, as the vets fulfill their goal of courtesy and compassion with high-quality medicine.