Winter brings with it a range of products commonly used in homes, garages and on roads that are highly toxic to dogs and cats. Unlike other times of year, in winter exposure to these substances is more frequent and, in some cases, difficult to avoid. Knowing what they are, why they are dangerous and how to act if you suspect poisoning could save your pet's life.
The most dangerous winter toxins for pets
The main poisoning risks in winter come from three sources: vehicle products (antifreeze), road and car park treatments (salt and chemical de-icers), and rodenticides, whose use intensifies with the cold as rodents seek shelter indoors.
Antifreeze: why it attracts animals and how dangerous it is
Vehicle antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting substance that is attractive to both dogs and cats. Even small amounts can be lethal: in cats, as little as 1.5 ml/kg of body weight can cause acute kidney failure; in dogs, the toxic dose is slightly higher but still very low. Ethylene glycol is metabolised in the body to produce compounds that directly damage the kidneys and central nervous system.
The risk is not limited to direct ingestion of spilled antifreeze in the garage. Pets can take in significant amounts by licking their paws after walking on streets or car parks where vehicles have left traces of the product. Wiping paws after winter walks is therefore an important preventive step. Keeping wipes or a cloth for cleaning paws near the door helps make this a habit.
Salt and de-icers: sodium chloride toxicity
Salt and other chemical de-icers (such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride) applied to roads to prevent icing irritate pets' paws and, if ingested when they lick themselves, can cause salt toxicity. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, muscle tremors and, in severe cases, seizures. Prolonged contact of paws with these substances can also cause irritation, cracking and pain.
To protect paws in winter, there are several options: boots or shoes for dogs, protective waxes applied topically, and the paw-cleaning products already mentioned. A cleaning routine after each walk is sufficient in most cases to prevent irritation and poisoning through ingestion.
Rodenticides: especially dangerous in winter
With the arrival of cold weather, rodents tend to seek shelter inside homes, garages and warehouses, leading to increased use of rodenticides. These products are highly toxic to dogs and cats, and the most common ones (second-generation anticoagulants such as brodifacoum or difenacoum) work by preventing blood clotting, which can cause serious internal bleeding.
The problem is compounded by the fact that animals do not need to ingest the rodenticide directly: they can be poisoned by eating a rodent that has already consumed the product (secondary poisoning). For this reason, in areas where rodents are present or where rodenticides are used, it is important to supervise pets and consult a vet at any sign of concern.
Symptoms of poisoning: when to suspect and act
Depending on the toxin ingested, symptoms can vary. Some general warning signs:
- Antifreeze: may initially resemble drunkenness (ataxia, disorientation), followed by vomiting; within 24-72 hours acute kidney failure develops with severe lethargy, loss of appetite and reduced or absent urination.
- Salt/de-icers: vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst and urination, tremors, seizures in severe cases.
- Anticoagulant rodenticides: pale mucous membranes, weakness, breathing difficulties, spontaneous bruising, blood in stools or urine; symptoms may not appear until several days after ingestion.
At any suspicion of poisoning, contact your vet immediately without waiting for symptoms to worsen. Bring the product packaging if you know it, as this helps diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention: practical winter measures
The best strategy is prevention. Some concrete steps:
- Store antifreeze products in places inaccessible to pets and clean up any spill immediately.
- Clean your pet's paws after walks, especially on snowy or treated icy days. Pet-specific grooming products are formulated to be gentle on the sensitive skin of paws.
- If you use rodenticides at home, opt for mechanical traps rather than poisons, or place the bait in locations completely inaccessible to your pets.
- Strengthen your pet's supplementation routine in winter if they tend to lick their paws or ingest substances from outside. Ask your vet about kidney or liver support supplements if there is frequent exposure to environmental toxins.
- Keep your pet warm and comfortable in appropriate beds for winter, as a well-rested animal has a more resilient immune system.
What to do in an emergency
If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, excessive salt or a rodenticide, do not wait for symptoms to appear: contact your vet or an emergency veterinary centre immediately. In these cases, time is critical. Do not induce vomiting without veterinary advice, as in some cases this may worsen the situation. If you have the product packaging, bring it with you.
Having an emergency vet number saved in your phone contacts and knowing the nearest 24-hour centre could make all the difference in a crisis.
