Pet owners warned of antifreeze

With winter weather here, the Humane Society of Utah reminds the public that most commercial antifreeze products are sweet tasting and attractive to domestic pets — and they're also deadly poison.

"There are some antifreeze manufacturers who have recognized this problem and developed formulas that don't possess the lethal combination of good taste and toxicity," says Gene Baierschmidt, executive director of the Humane Society of Utah. "But, unfortunately, these aren't widely marketed and buyers may have to ask for them specifically. However, it's well worth the extra effort to know that you don't have a jug of potential disaster in your garage — for both animals and children."

All containers of antifreeze of any type should be stored in safely secured places and used with caution. Any spilled liquid should be cleaned up thoroughly and immediately.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in a pet include staggering, vomiting, coughing and glazed eyes. The animal should be rushed to a veterinary clinic at once if such signs appear.

For further information, call 261-2919.