Winter poisoning hazards for pets

In this final article on seasonal poisoning risks to pets, winter poisoning hazards are discussed. Some hazards in this season are associated with cold weather such as carbon monoxide poisoning, antifreeze and medicines for the symptomatic relief of colds and flu. Carbon monoxide poisoning in winter is often associated with use of a faulty heating appliance and may be missed as the effects are vague and non-specific but other members of the household may also be unwell. Ethylene glycol antifreeze poisoning results in renal failure and requires prompt antidotal treatment to prevent the formation of metabolites which are responsible for the toxic effects. If a pet has eaten a cold and flu product it is important to obtain information on the name and ingredients as these products contain various analgesics and decongestants that require different management. Christmas foods (chocolate, foods containing dried vine fruits, macadamia nuts) and decorative plants such as holly, poinsettia and mistletoe are also a potential risk to pets at this time of year. These plants usually only cause mild signs despite their poisonous reputation. Macadamia nuts can cause self-limiting signs in dogs and chocolate commonly causes neurological and cardiovascular signs, but severe cases are uncommon. Ingestion of dried vine fruits requires prophylactic treatment to prevent acute kidney injury.