If your pet is in immediate danger, call your vet or emergency animal hospital NOW. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Poisoning
Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most deadly forms of pet poisoning. Ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in most antifreeze products, has a sweet taste that attracts animals. As little as one tablespoon can be fatal to a cat, and a few tablespoons can kill a medium-sized dog. The toxin is rapidly absorbed and causes irreversible kidney failure within 12-24 hours if untreated.
Symptoms to Watch ForWarning Signs
- Stage 1 (30 min - 12 hrs): Acting drunk or wobbly, nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst and urination
- Stage 2 (12 - 24 hrs): Apparent improvement — pet may seem to recover (this is misleading)
- Stage 3 (24 - 72 hrs): Severe kidney failure, vomiting, no urine production, seizures, coma
- Uncoordinated walking or stumbling
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Depression and lethargy
- Mouth or tongue ulcers (cats)
Immediate First AidAct Now
- 1THIS IS AN EXTREME EMERGENCY — seek veterinary care immediately, do not wait
- 2Call your vet or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away
- 3Call ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661
- 4The antidote (fomepizole for dogs, ethanol for cats) must be administered within hours
- 5Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a vet and within 30 minutes of ingestion
- 6Time is the most critical factor — every minute counts
When to Call the Vet
- Immediately — this is always a life-threatening emergency
- If you see your pet licking any puddles in a garage, driveway, or street
- If you find a chewed antifreeze container
- Even if your pet shows only mild wobbling or seems only slightly off
- Do NOT wait for kidney failure symptoms — by that point, damage is often irreversible
Additional Information
Prevention is key: use propylene glycol-based antifreeze (less toxic alternative), clean up spills immediately, store antifreeze in sealed containers, and check driveways and garages for leaks. Treatment within 8-12 hours for dogs and 3 hours for cats with the appropriate antidote is essential for survival.