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COMMUNITY ANIMAL
RESCUE EFFORT
P.O. Box 1964
Evanston, Illinois 60204
C.A.R.E. Voicemail
(847) 705-2653

 

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Common Winter Hazards



This list was compiled by Animal 911 Veterinary Emergency Clinic based on frequent phone calls.




3735 W Dempster, Skokie, Illinois 60076
847-673-9110
Hours: Monday -Friday 5 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Noon Saturday 8 a.m. Monday
All Major Holidays

ANTIFREEZE

Causes kidney failure. Those containing ethylene glycol are very potable and readily ingested from leaking radiators and puddles, especially by outdoor cats and dogs. Early signs may included animal "acting drunk." Otherwise, no signs are apparent until after 12 hours post-ingestion when animal may appear collapsed from the effects of irreversible kidney failure. Sierra antifreeze contains propylene glycol and is less toxic than regular antifreeze but can still cause problems, especially if large quantities are ingested.


CARBON MONOXIDE

Leaky vents and furnaces will cause fatalities in pets as well as humans. Check routinely.


FROSTBITE

Prolonged expsoure to freezing temperatures affects animals just like people. Even short exposures to sub-zero cold can produce frostbite of feet, nose and ear tips. Provide warm, enclosed shelter for animals housed outdoors. Wipe snow/ice off feet from toe webs fo pets' paws after walks for outdoor activity.


ROCK SALT

Lime rock salt and calcium chloride salts can produce vomiting and diarrhea as well as severe dehydration if a large quantity is ingested. Store in enclosed containers and wipe off feet of pets afer walks.


RODENTICIDES

(Mouse or rat poison) As cold weather sets in, many furry friends move inside and poison and bait is set out. Can cause fatal internal bleeding or kidney failure depending on type. Effects may not pe apparent until it is too late. Signs occur 2-14 days after ingestion. Most common rodenticides cause hemorrhage by blocking Vitamin K which is necessary for blood clotting. Signs include bruising of the skin, pale gums, coughing up blood, blood in urine or stool. An animal may bleed to death if untreated. Rampage rodenticides cause irreversible kidney failure and unlike anticoagulant rodenticides metioned, there is no antidote. Always make sure rodenticide baits are placed in areas where pets cannot get to them. Contact your local veterinarian or emergency clinic if you even suspect exposure, as animals will often appear normal until it is too late to treat them successfully.


POINSETTIA

Contrary to popular belief, the hybrid varieties of this plant which are used exclusively here are not toxic. Ingestion of leaves can produce some mild vomiting and diarrhea.


PLANTS

Please see list below for specific toxic and non-toxic plants. Call your local veterinarian or emergency clininc if any suspected toxic plant is ingested or if you are in doubt.

Non-Toxic (May cause vomiting or diarrhea if large quantity eaten)

  • Bayberry
  • Christmas Begonia
  • Christmas Cactus
  • Christmas Cheers
  • Christmas Dagger Fern
  • Christmas Flower (Poinsettia)
  • Christmas Kalanchoe
  • Orchids
  • Orchids
  • Poinsettia
  • Winter Begonia


Toxic

  • Amaryllis- Bulb is toxic. Leave +/-.
  • Boxberry- Leaves and stems toxic.
  • Christmas Berry- Leaves toxic.
  • Christmas Cherry- Leaves and fruit toxic. Unripened berries very toxic.
  • Christmas Pepper- Leaves and fruit toxic. Unripened berries very toxic.
  • Christmas Rose- All parts toxic.
  • Chrysanthemum- All parts toxic.
  • Holly- Leave toxic. Berries very toxic.
  • Jerusalem Cherry- Leaves and fruit toxic. Unripened berries very toxic.
  • Mistletoe- All parts toxic, especially berries. MOST DEADLY HOLIDAY PLANT.
  • Rhododenron/Azalea- All parts toxic.
  • Winter Broom- Leaves toxic.




PROLONG

Christmas tree preservative- Non-toxic major ingredient is glucose (sugar). Mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur.


SNOW SPRAY

Artificial snow spray used on trees and other objects- Inert plastic material is non-toxic as is the propellant when dry. Obviously, do not spray near pets' faces or eyes.


WRAPPING PAPER AND RIBBONS

Risk of gastrointestinal blockage if ingested. Ribbons and string are most likely to cause problems in cats. Don't use as a "toy" for your pets and be careful if wrapped presents are left under a tree.