As Winter settles in, here are a few tips to remember to ensure a healthy season. As most pet lovers know, winter can be a challenge for our pets. We will explore some common dangers to watch for, and what to do to avoid problems.
Antifreeze
Because many people winterize their cars early, antifreeze is a toxin common in the fall through the winter months. Unfortunatly, the toxic nature of antifreeze is masked by its bright color and sweet flavor that is often irrisistable to curious pets and young children. It is rapidly absorbed (initial siogns appear one hour post-ingestion) The main ingredient in many of these products is Ethylene Glycol, a substance with a toxicity that increases dramatically when metabolized by the liver. It is important to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet may have ingested antifreeze, as early as early treatment is imperative.
The first signs of poisoning that often go unnoticed are a pet may appear "drunk", weak, or wobbly, especially in the hind legs, they may appear lethargic and very thirsty, and may urinate frequently. Unfortunately, by the time these signs are present, the window for treatment may be closing. For this reason, you should seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect antifreeze poisoning.
A safe alternative to Ethylene Glycol antifreeze os available, it is called Propylene Glycol, and while it does cost a small amount more than "regular" antifreeze, it is worth the piece of mind.
Athritis and Winter
Cold, Damp weather aggrevates arthritis. Arthritis can appear in young pets, but is most common in the middle age and geriatric pets. A fracture can also make the bone more suceptable to to arthritis after the injury is healed. Overweight pets suffer from arthritis more than their normal-weight counterparts. If your pet is having trouble getting up or laying down , navigating the stairs, or has started to snap or cry when picked up, a visit to the veterinarian is in order. Many new arthritis treatments are available, both natural and medicinal.
Hypothermia and Frostbite
Hypothermia is a lowering of the core body temperature well below the dog's normal 101.5-102.5 normal rectal temperature. Substantial lowering of the temperature of the temperature interferes with the metabolic functions of the body and effects internal organs. A dog's first reaction to the lowering of his temperature is to shiver. Shivering increases musscle activity, which in turn increase heat production. At this time, his blood circulation shifts away from his legs and feet to his internal organs.
Mild hypothermia causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, but if the time and severity of heat loss continues, heart rate and blood pressure decline and cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest can occur. Severe hypothermia leads to respiratory depression, lethargy, lack of coordination, paraylis and collapse.
Treatment for hypothermia involves rapid warming of the blood. In mild cases, heating pads, hot water bottles, or a warm water bath will do the trick, but severe cases require introducing warm fluids internally via intravenous flow, dialysis, or enema.
Frostbite
Prolonged exposure to cold can also cause frostbite. - the death of tissue in the extremities. Dog's toes, tails, ear tips, and scrotum are the most common frostbite areas. Frostbitten tissue appears pale and is cold to the touch. It should be rewarmed slowly and given time to heal. It may turn red and swollen and be very painful as it heals. If it does not heal in three or four days, amputation of the dead tisue should be done to avoid gangrene or mummification of the area.
Rodenticides
Unfortunately, rodenticides and pesticides may be attractive to pets as they are to rodents, making them especially dangerous to our companions. If owners decide to use any of these substances it is important that they place the poison in areas inaccessable to pets, and make sure that the packaging is kept intact so they can provide accurate information to their veterinarian or to poison control in case of ingestion.
Certain rodenticides are sold as blocks or pellets, and may have blue, green or other types of dyes added to them. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian and ASPCA Animal Poison Control (more info at bottom of page.) immediately if they notice odd colored stool or vomit.
However, unless pets are caught in the act, it can be difficult for pet owners to know if their pets have ingested a rodenticide. And, unfortunately, signs of a problem may vary depending on the type of product and the effect it has on the body. Clinical manifestations of rodenticide poisoning can include weakness, internal bleeding, bruising, seziures, or even damage to the kidneys and other vital organs. If you pet is displaying any of these symptoms it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a favorite people-treat at Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas but it is toxic for dogs, cats, and birds. The initial signs of chocolate poisoning are those of stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. If sufficient chocolate is consumed, an animal will become restless and uncoordinated and will suffer heart and/or respiratory failure. As little as one ounce of baking chocolate or eight ounces of milk chocolate can kill a 10 pound dog. Like other poisonings, chocolate poisoning requires emergency medical treatment.
Holiday meals can also cause emergencies for pets. Chicken and turkey bones can get stuck or can pierce holes in any portion of the digestive tract. Rich foods can cause sudden pancreatitis or bloat. Keep holiday meals, leftovers, and table scraps out of reach of your pet.
Cold Weather
Indoor pets not acclimated to winter temperatures should not be left out in cold weather for long periods. keep your pet's feet clean and dry. Ice or salt will cause severe irritation when caught between tour pet's toes.
Decorations
It is a busy time of year, with guests coming and going, decorations going up and down. Keep novel small items out of reach of your pet. Dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens, will eat anything. Non-food items lodged in your pets digestive tract is yet another emergency conditon. Keep ribbons and bows out of reach of your pet, and please resist the temptation to tie ribbons around pets necks for the holidays. They can choke or hang themselves if the ribbon is caught on a object.
Poison Control Information
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) runs a 24 hour hour hotline at 888-426-4435. The hotline is staffed by licensed veterinarians specialized training in toxicology and maintains a database with the latest research and information on new toxic products and appropriate treatments. There is a $55.00 fee per case,which includes follow-up calls made to the hotline by both you and your veterinarian.
For more information about household toxins and your pet, contact your veterinarian or visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
