Vet tip of the month

Use caution when changing antifreeze this winter. Many antifreezes are a deadly poison to dogs, cats, and children.

Details:
Most antifreeze contains a product called ethylene glycol. This is converted by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into a product that is extremely toxic to the kidneys. Once clinical signs are shown (your pet acting sick) the prognosis is very poor. There are treatments if caught very early, so if you see your pet drinking it get your pet to the veterinarian IMMEDIATELY! Unfortunately the product is also apparently attractive to pets (as well as children). Therefore you need to be careful not only when changing antifreeze, but also in cleaning up and repairing radiator leaks. There are newer antifreezes that do not contain this product and are a viable alternative to the toxic products.

By: Dr. Niemiec DVM
About Whole Longevity's contributing veterinarian