Half empty containers of antifreeze, or a vehicle leaking this toxic chemical has too often been irresistible to dogs and fatal to dogs after ingested.
Today, however, I have some good news on this front (but this does not give anyone a pass to leave open antifreeze containers about or ignoring leaked chemical in their driveway or street.)
Seems that the manufacturers are making antifreeze UNDESIRABLE AND YUKKY TASTING for dogs.. discouraging the urge to swallow a few dangerous, toxic mouthfuls.
Here’s the update and good news we received on Antifreeze
“Antifreeze manufacturers agree to add bittering agent to make
products unpalatable to animals and humans
Bittering agent will be applied to products manufactured in all 50
states. ( Source: DVM News Magazine)
Antifreeze and engine coolant manufactured in the United States
will now contain a bitter flavoring agent to prevent animals and
children from being poisoned by the sweet-tasting liquid.
Although legislation has been passed in several states, the Consumer
Specialty Products Association (CSPA) and the Humane Society
Legislative Fund jointly announced Dec. 13 that the industry would
now voluntarily add the flavoring agent to products for sale on the
consumer market in all 50 states.
“Poisoning occurs because animals are attracted to the sweetness of
antifreeze and engine coolant, which inadvertently spills in our
driveways or is left in open containers in garages,” the joint
release says.
HSLF says estimates range from 10,000 to 90,000 animals poisoned
each year from ingesting ethylene glycol, the toxic substance used
in antifreeze. The release claims that one teaspoon of antifreeze
or engine coolant can kill an average-sized cat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry says ethylene glycol is rapidly
absorbed following ingestion, leading to systemic toxicity
beginning with effects on the central nervous system, followed by
cardiopulmonary effects and, finally, renal failure. Clinical signs
may be more subtle in animals than humans. ” End Andrew Jones DVM
Please continue to be diligent about antifreeze, albeit we
have had some good news at last