Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most serious threats to pets in the home. This sweet-tasting liquid, commonly found in car radiators and brake fluids, can be fatal even in small amounts. Pets are often drawn to its sugary flavour, making accidental ingestion a real danger.
Common Sources of Antifreeze Poisoning
Antifreeze isn’t limited to vehicles and garages. It can also be found in:
- Leaks under cars or radiators
- Toilets winterised with antifreeze
- Portable basketball hoop bases
- Snow globes, printer ink and some paints
Even a few drops can be enough to cause antifreeze poisoning, so it’s important to be cautious with these spots in your home. Pets may walk through spills and lick their paws, unknowingly ingesting the toxin.
Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning
Signs may appear within 30 minutes to a few hours after ingestion, and include:
- Staggering or appearing intoxicated
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing or gasping
- Increased heart rate
- Weakness or collapse
- Seizures
- Changes in urination
- Coma
If you notice a missing or damaged antifreeze bottle, or unexplained liquid in the garage, act fast. Early intervention can save your pet’s life.
Emergency Response
It’s critically important not to attempt home remedies. Ethylene glycol poisoning requires urgent veterinary care.
Your vets treatment may include:
- Blood tests to assess toxicity
- IV fluids and antidotes like fomepizole
- Gastric lavage (within 1–2 hours)
- Monitoring of vital organs
- Dialysis (in severe cases)
What to Bring to your Vet
- The product label or container
- Sample of the substance (if safe)
- Timeline of exposure
- Photos or videos of symptoms
Antifreeze Poisoning Prevention Tips
- Use or switch to pet-safe antifreeze (propylene glycol)
- Inspect for leaks regularly
- Keep pets away during car maintenance
- Clean spills immediately
- Dispose of waste securely
What Makes Pet-Safe Antifreeze Safer?
Not all antifreeze products are created equal. Traditional antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a highly toxic compound that can cause kidney failure and death in pets. In contrast, pet-safe antifreeze uses propylene glycol, which is significantly less toxic.
While propylene glycol is still a chemical and should be handled with care, it poses a much lower risk if accidentally ingested. Many brands now label their products as “pet-safe” or “low-toxicity,” but it’s important to read the ingredients list to confirm. Switching to propylene glycol-based antifreeze is a simple step that can dramatically reduce the risk to your pets.
Did You Know?
Fomepizole is now the preferred antidote over ethanol due to fewer side effects. In rare cases, ethanol (even vodka) may be used under supervision. Pets treated for antifreeze poisoning require intensive care, often involving round-the-clock monitoring to prevent organ failure, especially of the kidneys.
If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze (even a small amount) don’t wait. Time is critical. Contact your nearest Animal Emergency Service hospital immediately for expert 24/7 care.
