Did you know that as many as 10,000 pets and thousands of children are victims of antifreeze poisoning in the U.S. every year? These poisonings are often the result of ignorance or accidents, but the effects on both pets and children are immediate and can even be fatal. Only a small amount of coolant can poison a cat or dog, one to three teaspoons can seriously poison your pet.

The toxic chemical with a sweet taste that is in antifreeze is ethylene glycol. The sweet taste is what attracts dogs, cats and children to it. There are states that are passing laws to require coolant makers to add denatoninol benzoate. Denatoninol benzoate is a bittering agent that is added during the manufacturing process. The bittering agent will not harm engines and is safe and biodegradable. It only costs pennies per gallon to add denatoninol benzoate. It seems like a small price to pay as a protective measure against pets and children being poisoned.

In the state of Utah, there was a man who lost his beloved pet, “Freddy” to an accidental antifreeze poisoning. This man, Bill Breedlove, was a champion for getting some type of legislation passed that would require all vehicle coolant sold in Utah to have the bittering agent, denatonium benzoate, in it to prevent any other pet deaths. On April 15, 2010, Utah’s Governor Herbert signed Senate Bill 218 that mandated all antifreeze sold in the state of Utah as of January 1, 2011 must have that bittering agent in it.

Until national legislation and regulation is passed, it is best to take preventative measures and keep your pets and children safe. You can switch to propylene glycol based coolant which is less toxic than ethylene glycol. You can also check for leaks in your car and clean up any spills. You can also keep your car coolant in a tight container, in high places away from areas that pets and children might play. And last but not least, be sure to dispose of it properly.

If you think 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 trouble 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.

If you follow safe handling practices and take preventative measures, your pets and children can be kept safe from antifreeze poisoning.

Want to find out more about pet safety, then visit the Humane Society of Utah’s web site today.


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