Antifreeze is a common household item that many pet owners may not know is harmful. However, this everyday product’s primary ingredient is one of the deadliest to dogs and cats. Read our guide to learn how antifreeze toxicosis occurs, where pets are commonly exposed, and what you can do to protect your dog or cat—and others in your neighborhood—from this preventable tragedy.

Note: If you know or suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze in any quantity, immediately call West Vets ER. Do not wait for signs to appear. 

The chemical culprit: Ethylene glycol and pets

Ethylene glycol is most antifreeze products’ main ingredient. Although the chemical is odorless and colorless, curious pets who lap or drink spilled antifreeze enjoy its sweet flavor and are often inclined to ingest more. Unfortunately, because of this product’s exceedingly high toxicity, as little as one teaspoon for cats and one or two tablespoons for dogs can be fatal. When ethylene glycol is ingested, the body breaks down the chemical into smaller highly toxic metabolites. These smaller particles disrupt normal kidney function, resulting in rapid kidney failure.

How and where: Antifreeze exposure risks for pets

Antifreeze exposure can occur in various ways, but most often pets encounter spilled antifreeze on a driveway, garage floor, inside a shed, or in a puddle on the street. Curious pets may tip over an open container or swallow paper towels or rags used to clean up a spill. Because antifreeze use increases during cold weather, toxicosis cases generally increase during the winter. In addition to antifreeze, these other products also contain ethylene glycol:

  • Windshield deicer
  • Radiator coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • Motor oil
  • Solvents and paints
  • Snow globes

Check product labels thoroughly and store all ethylene glycol-containing products out of your pet’s reach. Consider additional measures such as storing known hazards in a lockable cabinet, applying warning labels, or replacing dangerous products with pet-safe alternatives.

Early detection saves lives: Antifreeze toxicosis signs in pets

Recognizing antifreeze toxicity signs and taking appropriate action are critical for improving your pet’s prognosis. Toxicosis signs are progressive and will vary based on when your pet exhibits them. Tragically, initial toxicosis signs can occur as quickly as 30 minutes after ingestion or may take 12 hours to manifest, requiring you to be vigilant and attentive to your pet’s signs. Common signs in chronological order of when they usually appear include:

  • Uncoordinated movements or drunken behavior (e.g., stumbling, swaying) 
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Excessive thirst and urination
  • Seizures
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Labored breathing
  • Severe lethargy or depression
  • Coma

Fighting back: Antifreeze toxicosis treatment and prognosis in pets

Sadly, treatment options for pets with antifreeze toxicosis are limited and must be administered as soon as possible after ingestion to be effective. If veterinary care is not sought as soon as ingestion is observed or suspected, pets may still survive initial toxicosis signs but suffer from kidney failure, which is ultimately fatal. Treatment involves intensive hospitalization to eliminate the toxin from the body. This includes medications to block ethylene glycol absorption and intravenous (IV) fluid therapy to flush out toxins.  

Action plan: What to do if your pet is exposed to antifreeze

If you know or suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze or another product containing ethylene glycol, you need to act quickly. Follow these tips:

  • Stay calm — Although pet emergencies are scary, your pet will feed off your energy and become nervous, stressed, or fearful. 
  • Do not induce vomiting — While this can be an appropriate intervention following some pet toxin ingestion, it is not recommended after antifreeze consumption.
  • Seek immediate veterinary attention — West Vets ER is available until 1 a.m. every day to provide rapid and advanced emergency and critical care. 
  • Provide information about the exposure — The veterinary team will need to know approximately when your pet was exposed to antifreeze, the product’s brand and concentration, and roughly how much your pet may have consumed. 

Protect your pet: Preventing antifreeze toxicosis 

Fortunately, despite its rapid and often heartbreaking outcome, antifreeze toxicosis is an almost entirely preventable pet emergency. Protect your pet from toxin exposure by taking proactive measures, including:

  • Securing antifreeze containers — All ethylene glycol-containing products should be stored out of your pet’s reach and in tightly sealed containers. Carefully dispose of empty containers by putting them in closed trash receptacles to prevent exposure to stray pets or wildlife.
  • Keeping pets out of hazardous areas — Prohibit pets from visiting spaces where antifreeze use is common (e.g., garages or repair shops).
  • Cleaning spills and leaks — Puddles and drips should be immediately and thoroughly cleaned. Place any absorbent materials used to clean the spill (e.g., paper towels or rags) in a closed trash can.
  • Inspect your vehicle for leaks — Routinely inspect your vehicle and other appliances for antifreeze leaks and address them right away.
  • Supervise your pet outdoors — Keep your pet away from suspicious puddles, especially on driveways and streets.

Awareness and education are the first steps to preventing your pet from experiencing antifreeze toxicosis. By recognizing ethylene glycol’s significant and rapid effect on pet health—and its commonplace existence in our homes and neighborhoods—you can take preventive measures to ensure your pet’s safety and health.

If your pet has been exposed to antifreeze or another known toxin, don’t wait to contact your veterinarian. Early proactive veterinary care is the best way to reverse toxin-related injury or minimize its effect. If you believe your pet is experiencing an emergency, immediately call West Vets ER to speak with our knowledgeable and compassionate team.