Avoid Antifreeze Poisoning In Your Pets And Children

Every year as many as 10,000 pets and thousands of children are poisoned by ingesting antifreeze due to ignorance or accidentally in the United States. Dogs and cats are easily poisoned by small amounts of this coolant. Cats are affected four times more sensitive to coolant poisoning than dogs. It only takes 1 to 2 teaspoons to poison a cat. Only three teaspoons will poison a medium sized dog. In most cases this type of poisoning is fatal, but even if your pet does not die from an antifreeze poisoning, your pet’s health will be forever changed.

Antifreeze contains the toxic chemical ethylene glycol. It has a sweet taste which accounts for the many pet deaths each year. More and more states are passing regulations requiring the addition of a bittering agent that could be added during the manufacturing process. This bittering agent, denatoninol benzoate, is safe, biodegradable and will not harm engines. For only pennies a gallon, adding denatoninol benzoate might help save thousands of pets’ lives each year.

In the state of Utah, there was a man who lost his beloved pet, “Freddy” to an accidental antifreeze poisoning. This man, Bill Breedlove, was a champion for getting some type of legislation passed that would require all vehicle coolant sold in Utah to have the bittering agent, denatonium benzoate, in it to prevent any other pet deaths. On April 15, 2010, Utah’s Governor Herbert signed Senate Bill 218 that mandated all antifreeze sold in the state of Utah as of January 1, 2011 must have that bittering agent in it.

Until every state passes its own form of legislation about adding a bittering agent to the car coolant it sells, it is better to take precautions to protect your pets and your children. If possible, switch the type of antifreeze that you currently use to one that is propylene glycol based. This type is less toxic than the typical kind with ethylene glycol. You can also keep your car coolant in a tight container, in high places away from areas that pets and children might play. You can also be sure to check for leaks in your car and clean up any coolant spills as soon as you notice them. And always be sure to dispose of antifreeze properly.

If you suspect that your cat or dog has been poisoned, it is imperative that you call your veterinarian immediately. You may notice the following symptoms in your pet if they have ingested coolant: vomiting, increased heart beat, rapid breathing, weakness, increased thirst, intoxication behavior, diarrhea, seizures or coma. Although you might want to make your pet vomit, do not induce vomiting if your pet is in shock, unconscious or having trouble breathing. The best thing you can do for your pet is to rush to the veterinarian.

Keep your pets and children safe from poisoning. Follow the preventative tips and, if possible, purchase your vehicle’s coolant with the bittering agent, denatonium benzoate, already in it. Your pets and children can be kept safe from antifreeze poisoning if you’ll follow safe handling practices.

Want to find out more about pet safety, then visit the Humane Society of Utah’s web site today.