UK householders are being warned of the danger of carbon monoxide to pets after new research revealed more than nine in 10 (96%) don’t think their pet would be affected – and many don’t even have a carbon monoxide detector in their home.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, known as ‘the silent killer’ and pets are affected by it and can help identify potential dangers. For example, cats might refuse to come into the house and dogs may have a sore mouth and appear irritable.
According to online heating supplier BestHeating, there are about 60 deaths in England and Wales every year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands are hospitalised.
POISONING
The most common symptom in both people and pets is fatigue and if this is only low level poisoning, it can be easily treated by spending time outside getting fresh air.
Animals are affected in the same way as humans but, as they are smaller than humans, they are affected a lot quicker and sometimes more severely.
The research found that 30% of Brits don’t have a carbon monoxide detector at home and more than a quarter don’t know the symptoms (26%), often mistaking it for flu or food poisoning.
John Lawless, content marketing manager from, said BestHeating: “It’s worrying that so many of us don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in our homes as Brits are potentially putting their pet’s life at risk alongside their own.
“We’re urging people to make themselves more aware of carbon monoxide symptoms and anyone without a detector should purchase one or see if their gas supplier will provide a free one.”
