Dog owners across the UK are being issued an urgent warning to contact a vet immediately if their pet displays specific symptoms that could signal a potentially fatal winter poisoning.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has highlighted the heightened risk during cold weather, specifically from two common but deadly substances: antifreeze and rock salt.
Deadly Winter Poisons: Antifreeze and Rock Salt
On its official website, the RSPCA lists antifreeze as a common winter poison for dogs. The additive, used in vehicle cooling systems to prevent freezing, contains the highly toxic chemical ethylene glycol.
The charity explains that this ingredient causes kidney failure and death in dogs, and warns that poisoning is usually fatal. However, getting a dog to a veterinary professional immediately can significantly increase its chance of survival.
Another prevalent danger is rock salt, the grit mixture spread on roads and pavements to melt ice. Ingestion can lead to serious health complications for pets.
Critical Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning
The RSPCA urges owners to be vigilant for a range of symptoms that indicate possible antifreeze poisoning. These include:
- Appearing drunk, drowsy, depressed or uncoordinated
- Seizures (fits) and difficulty breathing
- Excessive thirst and urination, followed by a complete lack of urination 12-24 hours after ingestion
- Vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite
- Risk of going into a coma and kidney failure
If you spot any of these signs, you must contact your vet without delay.
How to Protect Your Dog This Winter
To minimise the risk of poisoning, the RSPCA provides clear guidance for post-walk care. After every outdoor trip, owners should thoroughly dry their dog to warm them up and wipe down their paws and tummy to remove any poisonous residues like grit, antifreeze, or rock salt.
The charity also suggests considering protective footwear. Dog boots protect their paws against the cold ground, and prevent contact with poisons like rock salt, grit and antifreeze.
For prevention, the RSPCA advises avoiding the use of antifreeze where possible. If it must be used, ensure containers are securely closed, any leaks or spillages are cleaned up instantly, and it is disposed of appropriately.
For more detailed information on keeping pets safe, visit the RSPCA website.
