Winter Weather Products Create Potentially Dangerous Hazards For Dogs And Cats
ASPCA urges caution with antifreeze and ice melts

December 20, 2005 - Urbana, IL -- As chilly winter temperatures begin to set in, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is urging pet owners to use caution and take steps to prevent accidental pet exposures to two potentially dangerous products commonly used during the winter: antifreeze and ice melts.

Antifreeze products containing ethylene glycol are highly toxic and can produce life-threatening kidney damage, even in small amounts.   According to a study published by the Center, most cases of antifreeze poisoning occur around the pet's own home and are usually due to improper storage or disposal.  The following are some guidelines to help educate vehicle owners on the safe use, storage and disposal of such products to help prevent accidental ingestion:

• Always clean up antifreeze/engine coolant spills immediately.
• Check your car regularly for leaks.
• Always store antifreeze containers in clearly marked sealed containers and in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.
• Never allow your pets to have access to the area when you are draining radiator fluid from your car.

Propylene glycol containing products are a relatively less toxic form of antifreeze and could be considered instead of conventional ethylene glycol antifreeze/engine coolant. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 immediately.

Ice melts are available in both liquid and solid forms, and are commonly used to melt ice and snow on slippery sidewalks, roadways and driveways during the winter months.  The solid forms, which are granules or tiny pellets, are the variety typically available for residential use.  

These ice melts may contain ingredients such as calcium chloride and sodium chloride (table salt).  Dermal exposure to paws is very common and can result in irritation of the skin.  Additionally, pets may often ingest ice melt from their paws or directly from the ground.  Depending on the amount ingested, ice melts can potentially produce effects such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vocalizing/crying, excessive thirst, depression, weakness, low blood pressure, disorientation, decreased muscle function and in severe cases, cardiac abnormalities, seizures, coma and even death.

As with antifreeze, if you suspect that your pet may have been exposed to an ice melt product, it is important that you contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away for assistance.  Treatment will depend on the type of ice melt involved, as well as the amount your pet has been exposed to.

Media Contacts:

Dana Farbman, CVT 
(217)-337-9751