Carbon monoxide is ‘the silent killer. It is a tasteless, colourless and odourless gas that can quickly lead to sickness and even death, in dogs or people. Show
Carbon monoxide bonds with the haemoglobin in red blood cells and has 6 times higher affinity than oxygen. Hence it competes with oxygen and wins every time. Consequently the blood loses oxygen and the body’s cells begin to suffer and die. Small animals with less lung capacity are more sensitive to high levels of carbon monoxide than larger animals or humans. Birds are particularly susceptible and often show signs first. In fact, your pet becoming ill may be the first indication there is a problem, so knowing the symptoms in your dog and other pets is vitally important. Always investigate a carbon monoxide leak if your pet becomes lethargic, behaves out of character or ill, particularly if this coincides with putting the heating on, using a gas fire or some other appliance. If your pet dies unexpectedly and suddenly in circumstances not related to their age or an existing health issue, you should immediately consider carbon monoxide as a possible culprit and ensure you protect yourself and other animals. Read on to learn more about carbon monoxide, including how to stay safe so you can protect your dog and other pets, and keep yourself and your family safe too. What is it?Carbon monoxide poison is a natural by-product of fuel combustion present in car exhaust and improperly vented furnaces, space heaters, water heaters, fireplaces, and even tobacco smoke. Usually carbon monoxide gas is safely carried outside the home by means of the chimney, extractor fan or flue. However faulty or badly fitted appliances can allow the noxious gas to escape into our living and sleeping areas. If the rooms are poorly ventilated levels of the poisonous gas get higher and more dangerous. Yet even lower levels of carbon monoxide can build up within the bloodstream over time, causing a toxicity known as carbon monoxide poisoning. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide will eventually lead to death. Common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs and catsMost cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in animals occur as a result of human error. For example a dog left in closed garage with car engine running can receive toxic levels of carbon monoxide in about ten minutes. Pets left in a running car that has a blocked exhaust pipe have died in just 15 minutes from carbon monoxide poisoning inside the car. Poisonous carbon monoxide fumes exist the cargo space of aeroplanes which is also a risk to pets. Other potential sources of poisoning for petsOther sources of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas can include: barbecue grills, gas fireplaces, gas water heaters, paraffin lamps or heaters, ovens, propane space heaters, furnaces and camping stoves. Poisoned petsAffected pets act in the same confused and lethargic way that affected humans do. If your usually energetic pet doesn’t want to play, yet revives after being outdoors for a while, that could indicate a potential poisoning problem. If you notice any change in your pet’s behaviour (or your own health) that coincides with cold weather or putting the heating on, check your appliances and don’t assume it’s a seasonal illness. SymptomsA distinctive sign common to both people and pets are particularly red gums in the mouth. Other symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include one or more of the following:
ReactIf you suspect that your dog has been exposed to carbon monoxide:
TreatmentThe goal of treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is to re-oxygenate the blood as quickly as possible. Oxygen therapy – using a breathing mask or oxygen chamber your vet will begin oxygen therapy immediately. Intravenous fluids – oxygen deprivation makes the blood more acidic. Intravenous fluid therapy helps bring the blood pH back to normal levels. Respiratory support – in some cases you may need a ventilator to bring a pet to a stable condition over a longer period of time. RecoveryIf you treat mild cases early, the pet should make a full recovery. Depending on the severity of carbon monoxide poisoning, your pet may need to go to hospital until symptoms reside and blood oxygen levels return to normal. In cases of prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide gas, or in cases of severe poisoning, the pet may suffer long-term side effects to the brain. Going forwardLimit your pet’s activity for at least six weeks. Replace long walks with short ones and reduce playtimes until recovery is complete. Keep your dog calm and relaxed and offer extra reassurance. You may see nervous symptoms in affected pets weeks after they seem to recover. Rest, a healthy diet and plenty of water can support recovery. Monitor your dog for recurrence of symptoms. If you are unsure about anything, call your vet for advice. To prevent possible or re-occurring episodes
Further reading: to read our other article on carbon monoxide poisoning, what to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning in humans and what you can do to prevent it, click here. First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please contact or https://firstaidforpets.net Winter means we're spending a lot of time indoors and keeping our homes heated by turning our furnaces on for more extended periods. As you settle in and enjoy the cozy warmth, make sure you're monitoring your air quality to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which can have long-term effects on your health. If you have a dog at home, be extra careful! Dogs and other small pets are also susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning during this season. In fact, they may experience its effects much faster than humans due to their smaller size. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in people in the US. There are no recorded statistics for carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs, but since 67% of U.S. households own a pet, it is likely that in some homes where cases of poisoning happened, pets were victims, too. Read on to find out how to protect your home and your beloved pet from carbon monoxide poisoning, even before it happens. What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?Carbon monoxide is emitted by vehicles, household fires, stoves, and heaters. It is said that winter is the "peak" season for carbon monoxide levels at home because of home furnaces. This gas has no smell, color, or taste. However, it is very toxic - that is why it's been called a silent killer, especially for pets. Once inhaled, carbon monoxide impairs the red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen around the body, affecting vital organs such as the heart and brain the most. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to your pet's hypoxemia - and even death. Most carbon monoxide poisoning cases happen due to human error, such as an accidental fire or if a dog is left in an enclosed garage with a running vehicle. How will you know if your dog has carbon monoxide poisoning? Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:
What To Do If Your Dog Has Carbon Monoxide PoisoningCarbon monoxide poisoning requires immediate medical intervention. If your dog is exhibiting any of the above-mentioned symptoms and you suspect exposure to the toxic gas, the first thing to do is to get your pet away from the source of carbon monoxide immediately. Bring your dog to the veterinarian right away. Depending on their diagnosis, the veterinarian might do oxygen therapy to bring your dog's oxygen levels back to normal. They may also conduct other tests to assess your dog's overall health and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning At HomeTo protect your family and pets from carbon monoxide poisoning, install carbon monoxide detectors around your home, especially in areas like the kitchen, garage, and living room. A good carbon monoxide detector must be able to detect carbon monoxide concentration levels automatically and in real-time. A carbon monoxide detector can keep you and your dog safe at homeWe recommend X-Sense carbon monoxide sensors. These sensors are easy to install onto any wall or ceiling without hardwiring. X-Sense's devices are equipped with Figaro electrochemical sensors and have a digital LCD so you can check your home's carbon monoxide levels regularly. You won't have to worry about frequently replacing its batteries because these sensors come with 10-year battery life. Aside from monitoring your home's carbon monoxide levels, take preventive measures to reduce your dog's exposure to the gas. Here are some dos and don'ts:
Sniff out the threat before it harms your beloved pets. Install a carbon monoxide detector at home for your peace of mind. Enjoy free shipping from X-Sense and get 10% off when you use the code XSENSE10 at checkout.We may earn a commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Newsweek AMPLIFY participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. |