Help Your Pet Avoid Autumn Hazards
By Theresa A. Fuess, Ph.D.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Fall is upon us. It is time to change the antifreeze, wage war on
field mice in search of warm quarters, stock up on Halloween candy, and
plan the Thanksgiving menu. Pet owners would be well advised to not assign
any of these chores to their pets.
"There are several autumn hazards to pets, some potentially fatal,"
says Dr. Donald R. Krawiec, veterinarian at the University of Illinois
Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital. "Knowing what these hazards are
and taking simple precautions will keep your pet healthy through the coming
months." The following is a summary of Dr. Krawiec's recommendations.
Antifreeze:
Most radiator antifreeze/coolant contains ethylene glycol and is highly
toxic. It has a sweet taste and is readily consumed by children and animals.
Five teaspoons can kill a 10-pound dog, less will kill a cat. It is very
fast acting and results in kidney failure and death in as little as four
to eight hours. Newer products that contain propylene glycol are generally
considered safe. Store new antifreeze in its original container, out of
reach of pets and children. Keep the empty container or a record of the
product used so that if your car leaks and your pet finds it before you
do, you can tell your veterinarian what was consumed. Dispose of old antifreeze
in a sealed container; don't hose it down the driveway. Always have plenty
of fresh water available for your pet. A thirsty pet may relieve its thirst
with antifreeze that a neighbor left out or hosed down the driveway. If
you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, call your veterinarian right
away.
Rodenticides:
Rodenticides that kill the rodents hoping to winter in your house will
also kill your pet. They cause severe bleeding, kidney failure, and death.
There are no safe rodenticides. Whether out of hunger, boredom, or curiosity,
pets will consume these products. If rodenticides are used in your home,
put them in places inaccessible to pets and children. Keep a record of
the product used and in case of accidental poisoning, contact your veterinarian
immediately.
Chocolate:
Chocolate is a favorite people-treat at Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
but it is toxic to 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 failure 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.
Thanksgiving
dinner: Holiday meals can also cause medical 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. If
your pet insists on participating in the feast, cooked vegetables (without
the butter and salt) or commercial dog treats are safe in small amounts.
Cold weather:
Indoor pets not acclimated to winter temperatures should not be left outside
in cold weather for long periods. Outdoor pets can withstand fairly cold
temperatures if they have shelter from wind and rain and have bedding to
insulate them from the cold ground. Avoid electrical heating devices that
could electrocute your pet if they got wet or were chewed. Outdoor pets
need extra food in cold weather to generate body heat, and they need access
to water that is not frozen. Keep your pet's feet clean and dry. Ice or
salt will cause severe irritation when caught between your pet's toes.
Frostbite is a winter hazard to pets as well as people. Frostbitten areas
are fragile and should be wrapped snugly for protection from abrasion and
from sudden temperature change. Severe frostbite requires emergency treatment.
It is a busy
time of year, with guests coming and going, decorations going up and down.
Dr. Krawiec advises keeping 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 pet's digestive tract is yet another emergency
condition. Don't let curiosity kill your cat or your dog.
For more information on the care of pets, contact your local veterinarian.
Autumn
tips from the ARK
Halloween
is not a treat for pets -- so take precautions to keep them safe! 
