Pet owners have no idea what it means if dog and cat ears turn red

Confusion among UK pet owners on the tell-tale signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in their pets, could be putting their four-legged companions at risk. This is according to new research by Gas Safe Register.

99% or pet owners are not able to correctly identify all of the signs that can indicate their pet could be suffering from poisoning from a carbon monoxide leak. Nearly three quarters didn’t realise red gums, ears or lips are some of the tell-tale signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs and cats. Whilst a similar proportion of pet parents were also unaware they should watch for irritable behaviour, drowsiness, difficulty breathing and breathlessness.

Known as the ‘silent killer’ as it cannot be seen, tasted or smelt, carbon monoxide is a deadly gas which is emitted from household appliances, including faulty boilers and gas cookers. If carbon monoxide is present in the home, everyone is at risk. However, as pets are often left in confined spaces for extended periods of time while pet parents are out at work and due to their smaller body sizes, they can be more vulnerable to CO exposure and can be the first to show the signs.

Gas Safe Register has joined forces with animal welfare charity RSPCA, to ensure pet parents are clued-up on the warning signs and essential gas safety habits around the home which could save lives including those of our furry friends.

RSPCA Chief Vet, Caroline Allen, said: “Pets’ smaller size and lower lung capacity makes them more sensitive to CO exposure, so they may be among the first to feel the effects if there is a leak in your home. Obviously our pets can’t speak to us to tell us how they’re feeling so it’s really important that we keep a close eye for any changes in their behaviour or any physical symptoms that could suggest they’re unwell, or might have been exposed to something dangerous.

“Therefore, we are urging the public to brush up on the symptoms of CO poisoning in pets which can include drowsiness, vomiting, being unstable, reddened gums, and unusual or unexplained changes in behaviour. If you see any of these symptoms or are at all concerned about your pet we’d urge you to urgently ventilate the space, seek fresh air and speak to your vet.”

The study went on to show that only one in ten would take their pet out for some fresh air if they displayed the symptoms of CO poisoning, which is one of the key steps to reducing the impact of the toxic gas.

Rob Denman, Head of Professional and Field Services at Gas Safe Register, said: “Carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous, even deadly, especially as it’s an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas. As a nation of pet lovers, it is concerning that the majority of pet owners could not identify all of the potential signs and symptoms of CO poisoning in their pets.

“This concern is heightened by Gas Safe Register’s latest inspection data, which reveals up to 1 in 5 UK homes could have an unsafe gas appliance. Left not serviced and unchecked year-on-year, gas appliances such as cookers, fires and boilers, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as gas leaks which – in some extreme circumstances – can lead to, fires and explosions that can cost lives.

“This week is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and I want to make a personal plea for pet parents – and households – up and down the country to mark it by taking a gas safety action. Learn the signs of unsafe gas so you can spot it in your home, your family and housemates and in your pets, and get an audible carbon monoxide alarm. It really could save lives.”

Gas Safe Register and RSPCA’s top tips for pet parents this CO Awareness Week:

1. Learn the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness and teach them to others. Unsafe gas appliances can put you at risk of CO poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.

1. Pets are more likely to show signs and symptoms of CO poisoning before humans – due to their smaller body sizes and lung capacities. The main symptoms to be on the lookout for are bright cherry red lips, ears and gums, unusual intolerance to exercise they usually do, irritable behaviour, vomiting, resisting or refusing to come in after being outside, uncoordinated movements, drowsiness and difficulty breathing.

1. Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.

1. Check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly e.g. lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances, or pilot lights in your boiler that frequently blow out.

1. Have all your gas appliances safety checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

1. Locate your Emergency Control Valve (ECV). In the eventuality you do suspect there is a gas leak or carbon monoxide in your home, find out where your gas Emergency Control Valve (ECV) is located, so you can switch the gas supply off in an emergency.

1. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get some fresh air and leave the house as quickly as possible. See a doctor and if you are very unwell call 999 for an ambulance. The National Gas Emergency Helpline is also available 24/7 on 0800 111 999.