Petplan warns of pet perils posed by winter motoring precautions

Some of the simple winter motoring precautions we take could pose serious problems for pets according to leading pet insurance provider Petplan.

The two main offenders are antifreeze and road salt and exposure to either could end up with a trip to the vet.

The anti-freeze we put in our cars to keep them on the road in the winter could, in extreme cases, prove lethal to pets. Most brands of anti-freeze contain ethylene glycol which tempts pets with its sweet smell and appealing taste. Unfortunately, it is also extremely poisonous and a small animal only needs to lap up a small amount to be affected.

Dangers occur from spillages when topping up the car, bottles being left open or with loose caps which could be tipped over and lapped up.

The other winter hazard for dogs in particular is road salt which can be extremely irritating to footpads drying them to a point where paws split open and bleed. Dogs will also lick off road salt and this can cause stomach problems.

Vet Eric McCarrison of Chesterfield-based Carrick Vets supports the warning from Petplan and adds: “All owners need to do is make sure their pets’ feet are cleaned and properly dried, particularly between the toes, to prevent dermatitis. Keep a check for cracks, redness or bleeding which will need veterinary treatment since animals may chew at itchy skin making the problem worse. Cat owners should also check feet if their pet appears to be lame or licking its paws excessively. Owners also need to be aware that in wet weather dogs especially with thick coats can get soaked through and chilled possibly reducing their resistance to infection. They should always be thoroughly dried after being out in wet weather.”

Head of marketing for Petplan Simon Wheeler says: “Anti-freeze and road salt are products we take completely for granted in the winter and indeed both are vital for winter motoring. However, they can pose problems for pets. Just being aware of the danger posed by anti-freeze is enough and simple measures such as mopping up spillages and making sure containers are securely fastened are enough to prevent a pet tragedy. Similarly with road salt: whilst its effects are not fatal, it can cause extreme discomfort and could lead to the need for veterinary treatment.”