Labrador dies after drinking antifreeze
Devastated owner warns others after dog drinks liquid left out in woods
A HEARTBROKEN dog owner believes his pet Labrador died after drinking antifreeze while on a walk near Bayhurst Woods.
David Shelvey said five-yearold Labrador Ollie was put to sleep days after consuming a slimy liquid placed in a dog bowl in the wooded area in Ruislip. He and partner Sarah Welburn suspect the substance was left out to kill foxes and have put posters up to raise awareness.
Mr Shelvey, a printer from Ruislip, said: “Ollie was the craziest, friendliest happiest dog in the world. He loved people, he loved his walks, he was full of life. It’s so sad.”
On Sunday, January 11 he had taken Ollie to the woods on a route that took them to the back of Ruislip Golf Course and along the bridleway that runs between Breakspear Road South and New Years Green Lane.
Mr Shelvey said: “He ran to a small clearing on a bank off the bridleway. There was a dog bowl left out full of slimy substance and he started drinking it. I was a little bit worried, but thought it was dirty old water.”
However, that night Ollie had to be let out repeatedly to go to the toilet and started drinking large amounts of water.
Mr Shelvey added: “He started to vomit badly. He appeared drunk and his back legs started going so I took him to the emergency vet in Northolt.”
At first staff felt there was little to worry about but then took a blood test.
Mr Shelvey said: “That’s when we knew we were in trouble. The toxicology report showed his kidneys were packing up.”
His medical report revealed Ollie had high levels of ethylene glycol in his blood, a known poison to most animals and the main ingredient in antifreeze.
His symptoms were also consistent with antifreeze poisoning.
The cherished pet stayed overnight, but on Tuesday, January 13 at 4.30am, Mr Shelvey and his partner received a call to return to the vets immediately and Ollie was put to sleep at 5am.
When Mr Shelvey returned to the spot that day, where Ollie had ingested the substance, the bowl had vanished.
Now the couple, who had
Owned Ollie since he was eight weeks old, want to ensure other dog owners avoid Ollie’s fate. Mr Shelvey said: “We think it was antifreeze left out to kill foxes and badgers. So we’ve spent the past few days trying to create awareness about what happened. We’ve put up posters and been in touch with a lot of dog owners.”
Arden House Animal Hospital in Pembroke Road, Ruislip had this advice for animal owners: “If you are concerned in any way about your pet or if you suspect that your pet has had access to antifreeze, please contact your local vet immediately as antifreeze poisoning is often fatal.”