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.
Ethylene glycol is the sweet tasting agent in car coolant. It is the ethylene glycol that accounts for the many pet deaths every year. Many states are passing regulations that require that the bittering agent, denatoninol benzoate be added. This bittering agent can be added during the manufacturing process. It is biodegradable and is safe for engines. It only costs pennies on the gallon to add denatoninol benzoate. That is worth the thousands of pets’ lives that could be saved every year.
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 every state passes its own form of legislation about adding a bittering agent to the car coolant it sells, it is better to take precautions to protect your pets and your children. If possible, switch the type of antifreeze that you currently use to one that is propylene glycol based. This type is less toxic than the typical kind with ethylene glycol. You can also keep your car coolant in a tight container, in high places away from areas that pets and children might play. You can also be sure to check for leaks in your car and clean up any coolant spills as soon as you notice them. And always be sure to dispose of antifreeze properly.
It is important for you to know whether or not your pet has accidentally ingested this poisonous substance. If you think your dog or cat may have eaten antifreeze, here are some symptoms you might notice: rapid breathing, weakness, vomiting, increased heart beat, intoxication behavior, increased thirst, diarrhea, seizures or coma. It might make sense to try and induce vomiting in your pet, however do not do so if your pet is unconscious, is in shock or is having difficulty breathing. Rushing your pet to the veterinarian is going to be your best option to save your pet’s life.
Keep your pets and children safe from poisoning. Follow the preventative tips and, if possible, purchase your vehicle’s coolant with the bittering agent, denatonium benzoate, already in it. Your pets and children can be kept safe from antifreeze poisoning if you’ll follow safe handling practices.
If you are an animal advocate who is concerned with pet safety, then visit the Humane Society of Utah’s web site for more information on animal advocacy today.
