You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is not common, but it does occur in animals as well as humans

Carbon monoxide poisoning is uncommon, but it is an unfortunate cause of death which is usually avoidable. The gas carbon monoxide is produced as a waste product which :

• is present in automobile exhaust fumes, and 
• is given off from household heaters. 

The physical design of heaters and car exhausts usually ensures that this dangerous gas is carried away from the living environment of the home, and from the interior of the car but if, for some reason,  the outflow is blocked or broken, animals and humans can come into direct contact with the gas. Poisoning most often occurs when dogs are transported in the boot of cars, or are locked in rooms with old, faulty room heaters. Faulty (leaking) car exhausts should be repaired as soon as possible, and room heaters should be serviced regularly by qualified engineers to make sure they are safe.

Carbon monoxide binds with the red cells in the blood stream preventing oxygen transportation. Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include :

• Depression
• Cherry-red lining to the mouth
• Increased heart rate
• High body temperature
• Dilated pupils
• Muscle twitches
• Fits
• Death occurs quite rapidly

Artificial respiration with oxygen, and intravenous glucose drips are needed to save affected animals.

Updated October 2013