Oil Spills Are Toxic for Pets, Too

The Gulf Coast oil spill has turned into a major disaster and should alert pet owners to dangers from any oil spill that could end up in their own backyard. Fragile ecosystems are now at risk, fishing has been halted in many areas along the coast and it's now clear wildlife, marine life and the livelihoods of many living along the coast will be affected by this spill for years. Pet owners living in the affected areas need to be aware that oil spills are toxic for pets, too. They can harm pets regardless of whether it's on land or in the sea.

Oil spills happen more than we realize and every one can be as toxic for pets as it is for wildlife. Even a small spill can leave a costly toll on ecosystems. Dogs, cats, marine life, wild animals and birds don't know an oil spill is toxic. Animals, birds and marine life go about their business of trying to survive. Every time a predator eats contaminated prey, they're ingesting the same toxins that killed or sickened their prey. Fur seal pups, sea turtles, birds and other animals on the low end of the food chain can start a toxic reaction that goes up the food chain.

An oil spill is toxic for pets who ingest oil or inhale vapors and will react to the toxins just like other creatures. The sticky ooze can be hidden in tall grass and a wandering pet can pick up crude oil on their feet and in their fur along with inhaling toxic fumes. A well fed cat isn't likely to eat something that's dead, but they could find a dying bird as a good candidate to practice their hunting skills on. Dogs are scavengers and could see a weakened or dead bird as an easy target. The bird doesn't have to be covered in oil to be toxic for pets who may find them. A curious touch with a paw or a sniff to try and determine what that odd smell is could be enough to harm pets.

We associate an oil spill with pictures of wild birds washed up on a beach dead or dying, covered in a layer of oil. The lucky ones are bathed in dish detergent to remove the gooey mess covering their feathers. But, because of lingering effects from their ordeal, not all birds survive, nor are they all found.

The risk an oil spill will become toxic for pets increases as dead and dying birds and marine life wash onto beaches along with the oil. Dogs who play in the surf can be coated with oil as it washes ashore. Pet owners should monitor their pet for months after an oil spill occurs in their area. A spill on land is easier to clean up, but pets are still at risk from fumes or by ingesting the toxic oil if they eat another animal who died as a result of the oil spill. Just picking up an oil soak bird can put a dog at risk. Pets who walk through oil washed up on the beach can be harmed by ingesting oil they lick off their feet.

Pets who ingest oil can suffer from burns to the mouth, throat and stomach, ulcers, kidney, liver and red blood cell damage and their immune system can be compromised. Dogs who have been coated with oil can have eye and lung injuries caused by the vapors.

If your pet does eat part of a dead bird or animal, ingests oil while licking their paws or fur or becomes covered with oil, immediate treatment is needed. A pet who vomits can seriously damage their lungs because vomiting allows the oil to get into the airway which can cause lung damage and aspiration pneumonia. If you suspect your pet may have been poisoned by an oil spill in one way or another and you see them pawing at their mouth, they are having tremors or convulsions and are having a hard time breathing, this is an emergency and your pet needs medical attention now.

Oil spills are toxic for pets and owners should keep their pets confined and off beaches until a thorough clean up is completed. Any kind of oil spill can harm pets regardless of whether it's large or small, on land or in the water. Never let your pet eat dead animals or fish they may find on the beach or in the surrounding area of an oil spill. Keep pets safe by knowing where they are and what they are doing.

The Effects of Oil on Wildlife, Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Gulf Coast Oil Spill, Pet Poison Helpline

Dog Poisons in the Home, About-Cocker-Spaniels.com