A prominent canine specialist has issued an urgent alert to all dog owners across the UK, highlighting several common but potentially deadly winter hazards. These everyday substances, widely used during the colder season, pose a severe risk of causing catastrophic internal damage to domestic pets.
The Silent Killers: Antifreeze and Pavement Grit
The warning specifically singles out two major threats. First is rock salt and grit, routinely spread on icy paths and roads. If not washed off, these chemicals can cause agonising burns to a dog's paw pads. More critically, when dogs lick their paws to clean them, they ingest the salt, leading to poisoning.
The second, and even more dangerous substance, is antifreeze. Often leaking from cars, it contains ethylene glycol, which is sweet-tasting and highly attractive to animals. Ingestion of just a small amount can trigger rapid and often fatal kidney failure.
Immediate Actions and Vital Symptoms to Spot
The expert's primary advice is clear: wash and dry your dog's feet thoroughly after every winter walk. This simple act removes harmful residues before your pet can lick them off.
Owners must also be vigilant for key signs of poisoning, which require emergency veterinary care. The symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Unusual lethargy or weakness
- An uncoordinated, wobbly gait resembling drunkenness
- Excessive drooling or thirst
If any of these symptoms appear, contact a vet immediately.
Additional Winter Risks and Preventative Measures
The warning also extends to the danger of thin ice on ponds, lakes, or canals during winter walks. Dogs should be kept on a lead near any frozen water to prevent them from running onto unsafe ice and falling into freezing water.
For proactive protection, owners in colder areas are encouraged to consider using pet-safe de-icing products at home and fitting their dogs with protective boots for walks. Raising awareness of these hidden seasonal dangers is crucial for preventing heartbreaking tragedies and ensuring families enjoy a safe winter with their four-legged companions.
