Two significant incidents of carbon monoxide exposure impacting pets have been reported in B.C. this year.

This Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, remind clients about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and its impact on pets. In collaboration with Technical Safety BC, the BC SPCA raises awareness of this often-overlooked risk, especially as the colder months prompt increased use of gas-powered heating systems. Pets often spend more time indoors than their owners and can be more vulnerable to CO exposure.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as propane, natural gas, oil, wood, charcoal, and gasoline. When inhaled, CO interferes with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, leading to serious health problems or even death. While it’s a known risk to humans, pets are often affected before their owners, as they spend more time alone in the home. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets include weakness, depression, vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, respiratory and cardiac disturbances, permanent deafness and blindness, and even coma.

As the weather cools and people close windows to retain heat, gas appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces become more frequently used, raising the potential for dangerous CO buildup in the home. Ryan Hazlett, incident investigation leader at Technical Safety BC, emphasizes the importance of vigilance, stating, “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. This is why knowing the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure and taking precautions like having a working carbon monoxide detector and hiring a licensed contractor to regularly inspect gas appliances are so important.”

BC SPCA veterinarian Dr. Kyla Townsend, says, “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. Paying attention to irritable or unusual behaviour in our pets is crucial as it’s often a sign that something is wrong. These could all be signs of carbon monoxide exposure.”

This year in B.C., two notable incidents of carbon monoxide exposure affecting pets have occurred. One incident happened at the BC SPCA’s Maple Ridge community animal centre, where all animals and staff were safely evacuated. Afterward, CO detectors were installed at all relevant animal centers, clinics, and offices. Tragically, another incident in a private home led to the death of a family pet.