BC SPCA warns of carbon monoxide dangers for pets and people

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The BC SPCA is kicking off a week of awareness on the dangers of carbon monoxide throughout the province. 

In a November 5th press release, the BC SPCA detailed the dangers of carbon monoxide to pets as a part of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, an educational initiative between Technical Safety BC and the animal rights society.  

Referring to it as a ‘silent killer’ due to its colourless, odourless, and tasteless nature, the society explained the gas is produced by burning carbon fuels, including propane, natural gas, wood, and gasoline. 

Inhalation of carbon monoxide can cause serious illness or death in both humans and animals, and can cause a bevy of symptoms in pets.

These symptoms include coma, weakness, depression, vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, respiratory and cardiac disturbances, permanent deafness, and blindness.

“As the weather gets colder, we close windows and vents and start using our gas heating appliances more often. If gas appliances are not working properly it can result in dangerous carbon monoxide incidents that could affect people and pets,” Ryan Hazlett, Technical Safety BC’s lead incident investigator, stated in the press release.

Pet owners can ensure the safety of their furry friends by taking steps to protect their homes against carbon monoxide. 

Some precautionary measures include installing and maintaining a carbon monoxide detector, not leaving their pets in an enclosed garage with the vehicle running, and not operating portable fuel-burning devices in closed spaces. Such devices include camp stoves, barbeques, and generators. 

“While they don’t use words, our pets often know how to tell us something is wrong through their behaviour. We all know stories where pets have warned their humans of impending danger. This is just another example,” Dr. Kyla Townsend, a veterinarian with the BC SPCA, said. 

Townsend recommended pet owners look out for irritable or unusual behaviour in their pets or any behaviour which is out of the ordinary. 

If individuals suspect themselves or their pets are experiencing carbon monoxide exposure or poisoning, Technical Safety BC and the BC SPCA advise that the building be evacuated and both humans and pets seek immediate medical attention.