A VETS is warning about the danger to pets from antifreeze poisoning due to the cold weather.

“The number of cases of pets who have tragically ingested sweet tasting antifreeze liquid and died from kidney failure as a result always spikes at this time of year,” said Laura Paterson, group clinical director at White Cross Vets, which has a practice in Guiseley.

Ethylene Glycol is the deadly ingredient in both anti-freeze and some screen washes. White Cross Vets is warning that dogs and cats regularly get poisoned after licking any spilt on the ground.

Laura said: “Unfortunately antifreeze and screen wash are very attractive to pets, as it has such a sweet taste. Ideally, manufacturers should add bittering agents to make it less appealing, but in the meantime all we can do is try and raise awareness and warn people about the dangers.

“Ethylene Glycol is highly toxic and just one teaspoon is enough to kill a cat and a tablespoon will kill a dog. If an accidental spill occurs and a pet either drinks or walks through the antifreeze or screen wash and then licks their paws, it can make them very ill, and can even result in death.”