The days are getting shorter, and the weather is cooling down as summer is coming to an end. With shifting seasons, recreational activities may change as well. ‘Winterizing’ things like campers, RV’s, cabins and boats can mean different processes, but it’s important to be especially mindful when using the products below if you have pets.

Antifreeze: Antifreeze formulations can contain chemicals such as ethanol, methanol, propylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is most commonly associated with antifreeze toxicosis in pets, as it carries serious risks of causing rapid kidney injury, blood pH abnormalities, neurologic signs and death. Ethylene glycol may taste sweet and appetizing to pets, so exercise extreme caution when handling and disposing. To lessen risks, consider choosing an antifreeze product that does not contain ethylene glycol as the active ingredient. 

Moth Balls: Moth balls can contain different active ingredients which carry different risks. All moth balls will cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten, and certain types are also a risk for liver and kidney injury, damage to red blood cells or neurologic signs like tremors and seizures.

Rodenticide: It is imperative that pets do not have access to rodenticides, as many pets will find bait formulations appetizing as the products are meant to be appealing for rodents to ingest. Rodenticide risks vary based on active ingredients, with the three most common classes of bait being bromethalin, cholecalciferol and anticoagulants. Bromethalin can cause neurologic signs such as lethargy, weakness, uncoordinated walking and tremors and seizures, with the latter being most concerning and life-threatening. Cholecalciferol baits can cause increased calcium levels in the body, which can lead to kidney damage and deposits of calcium in organs and tissues. Anticoagulant baits can interfere with normal clotting mechanisms, leading to internal bleeding. Rodenticide exposures are treated differently depending on the active ingredient, so knowing the type of rodenticide and having the physical packaging to reference can be incredibly helpful for treatment if a pet has inadvertent access to bait.

Insecticide: Similar to rodenticide, pets may find bait formulations appetizing as the products are meant to be appealing for insects to ingest. Insecticides, like ant and roach baits, can be very dangerous to pets if label directions are not followed, so always use caution when dealing with insect poisons.

Ice Melts: Small ingestions of ice melts often cause stomach upset, but larger exposures can lead to severe irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, increased thirst and electrolyte changes in the body. Significant electrolyte changes can lead to neurologic signs and cardiac complications, which can require hospitalization and extensive medical monitoring.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for further guidance