Wake Up Canada! If It's Too Cold For You - It's Too Cold For Them!

Wake Up Canada! If It's Too Cold For You - It's Too Cold For Them! 
December 10th and with winter not even official, much of Ontario and many parts of the country and areas in the U.S. have already received over a meter of snow already. 
Another storm brewing snow could most definately reach all time record breaking amounts and pets cannot be left outside to endure safely the temperatures expected and the deep snow. 
No matter how you cut it- snow is cold. The Northern parts of Ontario reach easily frosty temperatures that can cause frost bite in just minutes. Pets suffer the extremeties too.



Antifreeze
Q: What’s the big deal about antifreeze being bad for cats and dogs? Is it really that harmful?

A: Anti-freeze is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. unfortunately, anti-freeze is also sweet-tasting and pets will lap it up if they find even a few drops in the driveway or on the garage floor.

One-half teaspoon of anti-freeze per pound of body weight is enough to cause the clinical signs of poisoning. The poison attacks the nervous system and the kidneys; the symptoms are depression, lack of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea, increased thirst, and seizures. The toxin is rapidly absorbed; symptoms can begin within an hour of exposure.

The toxic ingredient in most anti-freeze is ethylene glycol. If you suspect your animal has ingested anti-freeze, call your veterinarian immediately. There is an antidote available, but time is of the essence; the poison can be fatal if the kidneys are damaged. Antizol-vet is available as a prescription drug to be given intravenously if anti-freeze poisoning is suspected or confirmed. There is a new anti-freeze on the market made from propylene glycol that appears to be safer. However, propylene glycol is also toxic; although it does not attack the kidneys, it does affect the nervous system and may cause lack of coordination and seizures.

The best bet is to carefully cap all containers of anti-freeze and keep them out of the reach of pets. If small amounts do drip when the anti-freeze is being added to the car radiator, clean them up and flush the area with water. Watch for a leaky rad.