Mary Allen
Many unknowns can be fatal … Antifreeze, for example, makes animals curious not only because of its sweet smell – it actually tastes like that. But when this liquid is drunk by dogs, cats, etc., it can be fatal.
Antifreeze Poisoning: Symptoms and First Aid
Antifreeze is dangerous, it contains ethylene glycol – just a few milliliters of this anti-icing agent is enough to cause fatal poisoning. If the four-legged friend really licked the puddle of antifreeze, the first symptoms will appear soon. These include unsteady gait, nausea, and vomiting. A little later, convulsions, hypothermia, nerve damage, and renal failure appear.
Anyone who sees that the antifreeze has been tried should induce vomiting of the fur nose as quickly as possible so that the substance does not enter the intestines in the first place. The sooner the veterinarian heals the patient, the better the chances of survival.
Numerous Deadly Poisons Lurk
But it’s not just antifreeze that is life-threatening for pets. Many poisons are stored in the home and in the garden, some of which are deadly: rat poison, slug pellets, fertilizers, flour, paints, solvents, insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides – all of which can be found in garden houses, garages and basements. There are also detergents, cleaning products, medicines, tobacco, and poisonous plants in the household.
Even food can contain deadly poisons: dark chocolate contains the poisonous theobromine, and grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure. Nuts, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and spices are also incompatible.
And the remnants of fireworks also contain toxic substances, they cannot be sniffed or chewed.
Symptoms Vary Depending on the Venom
Poisoning symptoms often manifest themselves in different ways. Common symptoms of poisoning are:
- nausea
- vomit
- apathy
- severe shortness of breath and drooling
- swelling
- discoloration of the skin
- cardiovascular problems
- diarrhea
- bloody feces and urine
- convulsions
- unconsciousness
- tremble
- paralysis
- abdominal pain
- the pallor of the mucous membranes of the mouth
- breathing problems.
Do it in Case of a Poisoning Emergency
If a poisoning emergency does arise, the first step is to contact your veterinarian or veterinary clinic. As first aid, it is helpful to give a charcoal tablet, which slows down the metabolism. If possible, take a sample of the poison or the remains of the packaging you have eaten with you. A sample of vomit or stool can also be helpful to the veterinarian.
It’s important to stay calm. Because it also affects the animal, which should behave as calmly as possible. Since poisoning is often associated with a drop in body temperature, the dog should be warmed up with a blanket.
Prevention Can Save Lives
Of course, it is best if, thanks to preventive measures, there are no emergencies caused by deadly poisons. Be it cleaning products, medicines, garden, and car accessories, cosmetics, cigarettes, sweets – everything that is not allowed for your darling should be safe.
If a toxic substance has been spilled, the accident must be repaired immediately. In principle, pet owners should avoid poisonous cuts, potted, or garden plants.