Avoid Antifreeze Poisoning In Your Pets And Children
Every year as many as 10,000 pets and thousands of children are poisoned by ingesting antifreeze due to ignorance or accidentally in the United States. Dogs and cats are easily poisoned by small amounts of this coolant. Cats are affected four times more insightful to coolant poisoning than dogs. It only takes 1 to 2 teaspoons to poison a cat. Only three teaspoons will poison a medium sized dog. In most cases this type of poisoning is fatal, but even if your pet does not die from an antifreeze poisoning, your pet's health will be forever changed.
Ethylene glycol is the sweet tasting agent in car coolant. It is the ethylene glycol that accounts for the many pet deaths every year. Many states are passing regulations that require that the bittering agent, denatoninol benzoate be added. This bittering agent can be added during the manufacturing process. It is biodegradable and is safe for engines. It only costs pennies on the gallon to add denatoninol benzoate. That is worth the thousands of pets' lives that could be saved every year.
On April 15, 2010, Utah passed Council Bill 218. This legislation was championed by Bill Breedlove, who sadly lost his dog "Freddy" to unintentional antifreeze poisoning. Utah's Governor Herbert signed this bill that states that as of January 1, 2011, any car coolant sold in the state of Utah must have denatonium benzoate added to it. This bill was passed to prevent children and pets from ingesting this poisonous substance.
Not all states have passed legislation specifically targeted at adding a bittering agent, but you can protect your children and your pets from unintentional poisoning by taking preventative measures. If you currently use antifreeze that is ethylene glycol based, switch to one that is propylene glycol based instead. The propylene glycol based type is less toxic than ethylene glycol coolant. You may also want to keep your car coolant up high, away from the reach of your children and your pets. Play it safe outside and regularly check your car for leaks and clean up leaks or spills as soon as you notice them. It is also vital to dispose of this and all toxic chemicals properly.
If you reckon that your dog or cat has been poisoned by antifreeze, you need to call your veterinarian immediately. Once ingested your pet may experience the following: intoxication behavior, vomiting, increased thirst, diarrhea, seizures, increased heart beat, rapid breathing, weakness or coma. Do not induce vomiting if your pet is having distress breathing, is in shock or is unconscious. It is best to call your veterinarian and rush your pet to their office as soon as possible.
Until your state passes a law to add a bittering agent to its car coolant, follow the preventative tips and if possible, buy antifreeze that has denatonium benzoate in it.
Learn more about pet safety, by visiting the Humane Society of Utah's web site today.