75 Charity pages

VET

Protect your pets from antifreeze!

All animals, but particularly cats, are susceptible if they ingest common antifreeze. How to protect them – and how to spot suspected poisoning - is explained by Leanne Garrett RVN ISFMDipFN

It is important to remember at this time of year that screen wash and other antifreeze solutions contain the very toxic chemical Ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is used to prevent freezing, most commonly used in cars but can also be found in paints and even in ornamental snow globes! This chemical is extremely toxic to all animals (including humans!) but cats are more susceptible due to their metabolic differences. This metabolic difference in cats means that even when a very small amount is ingested it causes very rapid and fatal injury to the kidneys which can result in death.

Cats are weird. They like it.

Cats are most commonly exposed when it has leaked into a puddle, been spilled when topping up car fluid levels or drained into a container in a garage. Cats can also be poisoned by drinking rain water that collects in a vessel that previously contained antifreeze. Unfortunately, ethylene glycol is super tasty to cats, which is why it is so important to be vigilant and take extra care when using the chemical. It should only ever be used in closed systems (such as car engine coolant systems). Any coolant drained from cars needs to be disposed of carefully in tightly closed containers. Any spillages should be cleaned and mopped up thoroughly. Bottles containing ethylene glycol should be stored carefully and tightly closed. If you are worried that your cat may have ingested ethylene glycol you should take your cat to the vet immediately! - the sooner medical treated is started the better chance of survival.

Signs of antifreeze poisoning:

• Increased urination • Increased drinking • Vomiting • Depression • Lethargy (being abnormally sleepy) • Appearing drunk and uncoordinated • Seizures (fitting) • Abnormally fast heartbeat • Very fast, shallow breathing

How to avoid accidental poisonings:

• Never add antifreeze to garden water-features or ponds. • Always keep antifreeze in clearly labelled, robust, sealed containers, away from pets and their environment. • Clean up any spills immediately, no matter how small, and make sure pets cannot access the area until it is clean and safe. • Always dispose of antifreeze safely - contact your local authority for advice.

RESCUE ANIMALS

Can you be a dog foster ‘pawrent’?

Dogs Trust is looking for local dog lovers to open their homes and volunteer to foster a dog whilst they wait to find their forever home.

Emma Sainsbury, co-ordinator of the Home from Home fostering scheme at Dogs Trust Salisbury, says “Some of the dogs that come into our rehoming centres just aren’t cut out for kennels – these may be young puppies, older dogs, dogs with injuries/ medical conditions, and sometimes we just run out of space. We’re looking for foster carers that are happy to take dogs into their home until we can find a forever home for them. They all really benefit from home comforts and the love of a family. “Fostering is completely free and we’ll provide everything you could possibly need; food, bedding, toys, treats etc. And we’re on hand to provide 24hour guidance and training advice.” The Salisbury branch of the charity is looking to recruit a number of foster carers, but there are some requirements to qualify as a foster for their dogs: • an adult will be around for the majority of the day • You will have no pets or children under 12 • you will have a secure garden • you are willing to take on dogs who need training • you live no more than an hour’s drive from the Salisbury centre, and have your own transport so that you can take a foster dog to meet potential adopters, or attend appointments at the centre. “We know the requirements to become a foster carer are very specific, but we really hope that there are people out there who want to give dogs a little bit of extra TLC in their hour of need. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, we would love to hear from you!” Although dog lovers with children and other pets can become foster carers, foster homes without children or other animals make it easier for the dog to fit into their new home life.

If you think you can offer a rescue dog the type of foster home we are looking for please contact hfhsalisbury@dogstrust.org.uk

Jimmy is a 10 month old large Lurcher

Chester is an older English Springer

Can you give one of these boys a forever home?

Poppy is a shy 12 year old Cairn Terrier X

Sponsor an Animal!

Registered charity number: 1167990

Did you know that you can sponsor an animal at our Church Knowle Centre for just £5 per month? In return for your monthly donation, your chosen animal will send you twice yearly updates on their adventures and what they have been getting up to with their furry friends. Not only is this the perfect treat for yourself, but you could also gift a sponsorship package to a loved one this Valentine’s Day! By sponsoring an animal at the centre, you can help us to look after and save another.