As the weather gets colder, doors and windows are kept closed while the use of heating appliances increases. This increases the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, and pets can often be the first to be affected.
The BC SPCA and Technical Safety BC have teamed up to help British Columbians identify the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in their furry friends.
Often referred to as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. It is produced by burning carbon fuels such as propane, natural gas, oil, wood, charcoal, alcohol, kerosine, or gasoline, and exposure to it can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen.
This can lead to serious illness or death, in both humans and pets, and animals can often show signs of exposure before people do. Carbon monoxide exposure symptoms in pets include weakness; depression; vomiting; seizures; bright, cherry red lips, ears, and gums; difficulty breathing; and respiratory and cardiac disturbances. It can lead to permanent deafness and blindness, and in extreme cases coma. Pets might also resist or refuse entering the house after being outside.
Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor, and the alarm should never be ignored if it goes off. Never operate portable fuel-burning devices, such as camp stoves, barbecues, or generators, indoors or in enclosed spaces, and do not leave your pet in an enclosed garage where the vehicle is running.
“While they don’t use words, our pets often know how to tell us something is wrong through their behaviour,” says Dr. Kyla Townsend, a veterinarian with the BC SPCA.
“We all know stories where pets have warned their humans of impending danger. Paying attention to irritable or unusual behaviour in our pets is crucial, as it’s often a sign that something is wrong. These could all be signs of carbon monoxide exposure.”
So far this year in B.C. there have been two significant carbon monoxide exposure incidents involving pets, one of which sadly resulted in the death of a family pet. These incidents highlight the importance of installing carbon monoxide detectors, knowing the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure in people and pets, and regularly maintaining and servicing gas appliances using a qualified person. Those appliances include gas-fired furnaces, boilers, hot water tanks, stoves, dryers, and fireplaces.
If you believe your pet or people in your household are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, or if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone out of the building, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, and seek medical attention for you and your pets.
You can find more information on carbon monoxide safety at https://bit.ly/48KS7Gw.
