Lakeland Veterinary Hospital

The Only Veterinary Facility in North Central Minnesota With 24-Hour Staffing

Antifreeze: Antifreeze is very toxic to pets as well as humans, causing rapid failure of the kidneys and death. The active ingredient found in most antifreeze used in our area is ethylene glycol. It is sweet and tasty, so it is often licked up where it spills from the radiator, or from storage containers that have been left open. Be sure to keep containers closed and to clean up even small spills quickly. Treatment is very expensive and will usually fail if not started soon after ingestion. Call your veterinarian immediately. When it comes to antifreeze, an ounce of prevention is definitely worth more than a pound of cure. 

Lakes and rivers: Use extreme caution around frozen bodies of water as there may be areas of thin ice that a pet can break through. It is often very difficult for them to pull themselves back onto the ice. Rescue attempts have resulted in human fatalities, so be careful. Keep your pet on a leash, and go only where you know it’s safe. 

Ice and snow: In sub zero temperatures, ice will often freeze in the webbing of the feet causing considerable pain. Pets will often carry a leg, or just not walk at all. Returning to a warm home is the remedy. If you use deicing compounds on you walks or drive, clean your pet’s feet after exposure. These chemicals can sometimes irritate the feet, or if licked may infrequently cause digestive upsets.

Warm car engines: Cats will often seek shelter near a warm engine if left out in cold weather. If you suspect that this is a possibility, beep your horn before starting the engine. This will usually scare them out and prevent serious injury or death.

Frostbite: We see frostbite most frequently in cats that are outdoors during extreme cold. The area most frequently affected is the ear tip, which will usually be lost if severely frozen. Other body parts of both dogs and cats usually have enough circulation to prevent freezing unless first exposed to moisture or ensnared in something that cuts off circulation. If you suspect frostbite, slowly re-warm the affected areas. Seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

Traps: Trap injuries are far less common now than when fur was more popular, but they still pose a serious risk. Traps do their damage by cutting off circulation and/or by breaking bones of the foot. Remove the trap as quickly as possible and call your veterinarian. (See Conibear Trap article for more information.)

Outdoor housing: If you have an outdoor dog, it is very important to have adequate housing for them. See the Winter Dog Housing article for more information.