Winter Hazards

Now that the holidays are over and we’re in the thick of winter, a new set of toxins exist for your pet that we want to make you aware of: de-icers and antifreeze.

De-icers are commonly used in the winter and they can pose several problems for pets.

First, they can act directly as a skin irritant if they remain in contact with the skin for too long. This is most commonly seen in the feet, especially in the webbing between the toes. The skin may be red, swollen or painful and cause the pet to bite/lick the feet or possibly limp. If it’s impossible to completely avoid areas with de-icers, booties may be your pet’s best option. Not all dogs tolerate this, in which case rinsing the feet with warm water may prevent irritation. This can be done with either a bowl of water or with a wet towel.

Second, they can act as a gastro-intestinal irritant if orally consumed. The severity is directly related to the amount consumed. The typical signs are drooling, depression or vomiting. In very severe case, electrolyte imbalances and neurologic signs can occur.

In general de-icers containing calcium salts tend to be the most irritating to the skin and GI tract. Urea based de-icers tend to be the most pet-friendly, but unfortunately are supposedly the least effective at de-icing.

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is another common hazard to your pet. Ingestion of just a few teaspoons is enough to cause potentially fatal kidney failure in dogs and cats. Unfortunately, it is very sweet and has a pleasant taste to most pets. Be sure to keep it in tightly closed containers and stored in secure cabinets. Thoroughly clean up any spills and keep your dog away from suspicious puddles on a walk. Pets that have ingested antifreeze may have an increased thirst or urination or may act lethargic. Contact your vet right away if you have any suspicions of antifreeze toxicity.

-Dr. Ken Schwartz.