One of the first and most important things we should be aware of is the danger of anti-freeze poisoning to our dogs and cats. Anti-freeze is very sweet tasting and deadly poisonous to greyhounds and all other pets. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that thousands of pets die every year from anti-freeze poisoning. We should always keep anti-freeze in a sealed, non-leaking container. There is an antidote for anti-freeze poisoning for dogs now available. It has been put out by Orphan Medical, and is called antizol-Vet. There are also non-toxic anti-freeze products on the market. These products are made with propylene glycol rather than the deadly ethylene glycol. One of these safe brands is named Sierra Antifreeze-Coolant. Because of its propylene glycol formulation, Sierra Antifreeze is less toxic and safer than the toxic type to children, pets and wildlife. Keep in mind when you are walking your dogs not to let them lick at any spots or stains on the street. These could be anti-freeze spilled by another person.
Symptoms of anti-freeze poisoning include confusion and lack of coordination, nausea and vomiting, seizures and possibly coma. If you suspect that your pet has ingested anti-freeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
A Pet Owners Guide to Common Small Animal Poisons explains what anti-freeze does to dogs and cats this way: A half teaspoon per pound for a dog is all it takes for a toxic dose of ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in antifreeze (it takes even less for a cat). Ethylene glycol affects both the neurological and kidney function of the animal with the kidneys being damaged the most.
Also remember that road salt is caustic and may burn your pet's foot pads, as well as irritate his digestive tract if he licks his feet to clean or relieve them. A pan of warm water set inside the door is a simple, effective remedy.
Another problem to pets caused by chilly, winter weather is hypothermia (body temperature significantly below 100.5 Fahrenheit) and frostbite (frozen tissue, usually on the tail, ears, and toes). Taking your dog's temperature is the surest way to pinpoint hypothermia. Mild hypothermia (about 96 F) causes shivering, which helps the dog's body generate extra heat. If your dog has the mild type of hypothermia, move him inside, and warm him with blankets. Moderate hypothermia (between 90 and 95 F) can result in mental dullness and loss of muscle coordination; severe hypothermia (below 86 F) can cause loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest and death. If you dog has either of the last two stages, take him to your veterinarian. Your vet will slowly boost the dog's body temperature from inside out with warm intravenous fluids. One thing you should NOT do is give your dog a warm-water bath. By doing this you are causing rapid external rewarming — which could damage the heart.
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