The Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Animals

Members of the animal kingdom including people, dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters all have common susceptibility to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is commonly known as "the silent killer" because it has no odor, taste or color. When this gas gets unknowingly emitted into a poorly ventilated area, it can cause a multitude of symptoms. Depending on the level and duration of the exposure, death can and does occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 400 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. National Geographic also reports the use of carbon monoxide gas as a means to euthanize homeless and unwanted pets.

What Carbon Monoxide Is

• When carbon monoxide is in the air, the absorption of oxygen molecules in blood is hindered. The carbon monoxide (CO) molecules adhere more easily than oxygen molecules in the bloodstream. This means that when there's CO in the air, the oxygen will compete and lose to the CO molecules. When this happens, the body doesn't get the oxygen it needs to function properly.

The Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• The symptoms of CO poisoning vary depending on the amount and duration of the exposure. The effects can be short or long term and can include headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, confusion, lethargy, loss or impairment of bodily functions such as memory, muscle, balance, vision and bladder. The difficulty in attributing the symptoms to CO poisoning is that the symptoms are general and can be misdiagnosed. The effects may appear instantly or can appear several weeks after the exposure. Long term exposure can cause irreparable damage to body organs that rely on oxygen for healthy cell reproduction, such as the brain and heart. Often times, if a high level of CO is inhaled in a short period of time, a person or pet can fall into a deep sleep or coma without a hint of poisoning. Because of this silent nature of the poisoning, often times the victim dies while asleep.

Groups Mostly Affected by Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• The CDC reports that Americans older than 65 have experienced the greatest number of fatalities from CO poisoning. Persons with compromised or weakened immune systems are also more likely to suffer devastating effects of CO poisoning. Infants and unborn babies are at great risk as are people with heart or respiratory issues.

Carbon Monoxide as a Means of Pet Euthanasia

• Veterinarians most commonly administer sodium pentobarbital by injection for pet euthanasia. But a few animal shelters use gas chambers in which the pets are exposed to carbon monoxide, according to National Geographic. Sodium pentobarbital is far more accepted, with its advocates saying it is the most merciful alternative. Fortunately or animal lovers, aggressive spaying and progressive animal shelter programs are resulting in a significant decline in pet euthanasia.

Ways to Prevent or Cure Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in or near rooms where people and pets sleep. These alarms are battery operated and are intended to alert people of the presence of the CO gas. The gas is generated from cars and trucks as well as various sources of heat, such as a furnace. Cars, trucks and heat sources should be checked regularly for the detection of CO gas leaks. People are advised not to use gas grills inside of a residence, as this could also be a source of CO gas. If CO poisoning is detected, immediate medical attention should be sought. In many cases of low level exposure, the effects will wear off over time, but if the exposure is in high concentration, oxygen therapy can be administered.