

Loss of exercise stamina: Your dog is less enthusiastic about playtime lately and displays an unusual tolerance to their favorite activities.Cherry red skin, nostrils, lips, ears, and gums: This is a common side effect of carbon monoxide exposure, but not animals exhibit it.Refusing to enter the house after being taken outside: If your dog is already bothered by the toxic air, they might refuse to return indoors.Uncoordinated movements: Carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs affects the brain, so their movements might be clumsier than usual.Vomiting: If your dog did not eat anything unusual recently, this symptom might be due to carbon monoxide poisoning.Difficulty breathing: Your dog is panting or taking in short, shallow breaths.Irritable behavior: Your dog displays sudden, unusual behavior such as aggression or anxiety, especially towards noises from children or other pets.Lethargy: Your dog is sleepier or drowsier than usual.How will you know if your dog has carbon monoxide poisoning? Here are some common symptoms to watch out for: 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. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to your pet's hypoxemia - and even death. 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. However, it is very toxic - that is why it's been called a silent killer, especially for pets. It is said that winter is the "peak" season for carbon monoxide levels at home because of home furnaces. What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?Ĭarbon monoxide is emitted by vehicles, household fires, stoves, and heaters.
#SIGNS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING HOW TO#
Read on to find out how to protect your home and your beloved pet from carbon monoxide poisoning, even before it happens. households own a pet, it is likely that in some homes where cases of poisoning happened, pets were victims, too. There are no recorded statistics for carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs, but since 67% of U.S.

In fact, they may experience its effects much faster than humans due to their smaller size.Īccording 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.

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. 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. Winter means we're spending a lot of time indoors and keeping our homes heated by turning our furnaces on for more extended periods.
