A BROMSGROVE vet is warning pet owners to be aware of a dangerous risk that animals can face during the winter months.

Clent Hills Vets, on Kidderminster Road, states that one of the most hazardous substances for dogs and cats at this time is ethylene glycol, found in most car antifreeze mixes.

It is said that although it is a poison, ethylene glycol is sweet in taste, meaning pets will drink it if given the chance.

Clent Hills head vet, Alun Edwards, said: “Pets usually come into contact with antifreeze when it leaks from a car's engine onto the ground.

"Ethylene glycol is broken down in the body into glycolaldehyde, which is incredibly toxic to kidney tissue.

"Cats are more rapidly affected than dogs but time is of the essence with both animals.

"Ingestion of ethylene glycol is a true emergency which can cause death to pets within 24 hours.”

If you spot any of the following symptoms and there is no other obvious cause, you should act quickly and take your pet to your local vet – excessive drinking; nausea and vomiting; moving unsteadily or slowly; enhanced excitement followed by depression; drooling and / or panting; seizures; extreme sleepiness; sudden decrease in urination; metallic or urine smell on breath.

Even the smallest amount can cause acute kidney failure and death in cats and less than 88 ml is sufficient to poison a medium-sized dog.

For more information, call Clent Hills Vets on 01527 889810.