Amid the recent cold spell in the UK, numerous drivers have been using antifreeze sprays to clear ice from their cars before heading out. Nonetheless, a veterinary nurse has raised a red flag concerning the safe handling of these products, emphasizing the danger they pose to animals.
Jade, a veterinary nurse renowned on TikTok with over 206,600 followers, offers pet owners valuable advice to address pet-related concerns. In one of her recent videos, she cautioned against the use of antifreeze products containing ethylene glycol, which can be hazardous to pets and wildlife in the vicinity.
She alerted her audience, stating, “It’s absolutely freezing, and I just want to remind you guys that products containing ethylene glycol are highly toxic to cats.”
Ethylene glycol, a transparent, sweet-tasting, dense liquid, is primarily utilized as antifreeze or coolants in vehicles. It also serves as a key component in manufacturing polyester fibers like PET plastic. The substance is toxic upon ingestion, particularly for cats.
According to the RSPCA, ethylene glycol frequently leads to severe kidney damage and can result in the death of cats within a day. It can also be lethal for dogs and other pets, with just 1-2 teaspoons being a fatal dose for an average cat, necessitating immediate veterinary intervention within 12 hours of exposure to potentially save the pet.
Jade further explained that cats are drawn to consuming ethylene glycol due to its sweet flavor, and the risk extends beyond directly drinking from the bottle. She emphasized the peril of using antifreeze products on cars, as it can contaminate nearby water sources.
She cautioned, “And [if the cats] drink out of the puddle, they can also get toxicity through there as well.”
Jade advised individuals to avoid products containing ethylene glycol, such as de-icing sprays, if possible. Instead, she recommended using an ice scraper for frosty windows. Despite the extra time spent defrosting the car each morning, it could potentially save a pet’s life.
She added, “If you have got a cat and you’re thinking ‘what can I do to protect him from ethylene glycol poisoning?'”
“In all honesty, if your cat goes outside, there’s not a lot you can do. That’s apart from keeping them indoors during these really cold weathers where people are likely going to be using anti-freeze.”
“But for some people, that is not an option. So all that you can really do is be vigilant for signs of toxicity, which can be vomiting, seizures, collapse, drinking more. And if you notice any of these symptoms, get your cat to the vet as soon as possible.”
The RSPCA has highlighted that pets succumb to accidental antifreeze poisoning annually, often due to leaks or spills. Nevertheless, they stressed that most of these fatalities are preventable, offering guidance on safeguarding cats against poisoning.
Firstly, regularly examine your car to ensure there are no coolant leaks. Be cautious of where you keep, use, and dispose of antifreeze and coolant.
If a spill or leak occurs, promptly clean it up, irrespective of its size. Ensure that no pets or animals can access the area until it’s thoroughly cleaned.
Lastly, when disposing of hazardous products, follow responsible methods advised by the RSPCA. If uncertain about disposal locations, seek guidance from your local authorities.