Household items that could send your pet to the ER this winter

As we enter January in New Jersey, it's important to note that two prevalent winter household items could potentially land your pet in the ER. A common ingredient in antifreeze, ethylene glycol, is deadly to animals, says Linda Marie Pedro, an associate veterinarian in New Providence. Initially, animals such as cats and dogs who come in contact with ethylene glycol might exhibit signs of inebriation and lethargy, becoming extremely thirsty, and lacking coordination, she says. Within 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes even sooner, these pets could suffer from severe kidney failure.

Ethylene glycol is frequently used in antifreeze to control car engine temperatures. However, Pedro notes that it's also commonly found in toilets of cabins and Airbnbs to prevent pipes from freezing, and in snow globes, particularly those shipped from abroad. If a snow globe accidentally breaks and an animal licks up the liquid, the situation could turn deadly, she warns.

Symptoms can show within three hours of ingestion for cats and typically 8 to12 hours for dogs. An antidote exists, but it requires hospitalization and closely monitored blood and urine tests. It’s crucial to get aid for your pet immediately if it has ingested ethylene glycol. The earlier the treatment, the better the survival chances.

On top of this, as the snowstorm is approaching parts of New Jersey, residents will be scattering rock salt on paths and driveways to prevent slips and falls. While it is beneficial for humans, rock salt, used as an ice melt, can severely irritate an animal’s paw pads.

Rock salt is harmful to dog and cat paws, causing surface trauma. Safeguard them by using booties or applying petroleum jelly to their paw pads before heading outside, Pedro advises. If pets lick rock salt off their paws or bellies, they can experience indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease in appetite. In larger amounts, due to high sodium content, it can cause body-wide electrolyte imbalances in cats and dogs, potentially leading to seizures requiring hospitalization.

However, Pedro reassures that vast quantities of rock salt would have to be ingested for this to occur. The more prevalent issue is paw traumas caused by rock salt exposure that lead to irritation and infection.

The silver lining is that awareness of ethylene glycol's dangers is increasing, resulting in fewer antifreeze exposure cases. Wiping down your pet’s paws, legs, and bellies to remove any chemical residues after outdoor exposures can significantly reduce the risk of ingestion.

Pedro also reminds New Jersey residents to keep pets away from grapes, raisins, chocolate, bread dough, and yeast when baking during winter. These foods can cause kidney problems and severe bloating. Hand warmers can create thermal damage in the stomach if consumed, and may even result in obstructions.

Another important reminder is to check under your car hood and make some noise before starting the engine; stray animals commonly seek shelter in warm car motors during winter. This simple act can save an animal's life.