Antifreeze Poisoning in Pets: What You Need to Know in 2025 — Vet Safety Guide 🧪🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

When the weather turns cold, antifreeze becomes a common household necessity—but it’s also one of the most deadly toxins for pets. 🧪🐶 Just a few licks can cause severe kidney damage or death.

Here’s everything you need to know to protect your pet from antifreeze and what to do in an emergency. ❗

🧪 Why Is Antifreeze So Dangerous?

The active ingredient in most antifreeze products is ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting but highly toxic chemical. It targets the nervous system and kidneys, and just a small amount can be fatal. 🚫

📍 Where Pets Encounter Ethylene Glycol

• 🚗 Leaks under car radiators
• 🧊 In toilets to “winterize” pipes
• 🏀 In portable basketball hoop bases
• 🎨 Found in some printer inks, eye masks, and snow globes
• 🎨 Rarely, in household latex paints

⚠️ Signs of Antifreeze Poisoning in Pets

• 🚶 Unsteadiness or “drunken” walking
• 🤮 Vomiting
• 😞 Lethargy or depression
• 🚰 Increased thirst and urination
• 🥣 Loss of appetite
• ⚡ Seizures (advanced stages)

🆘 What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Antifreeze

• 🚑 Go to the vet immediately—time is critical!
• 📦 Bring the product label or packaging
• 🧪 The vet can test your pet’s blood to confirm exposure

💊 Antidotes exist, but must be given ASAP for best outcome—ideally within the first few hours after ingestion. Delayed treatment often leads to irreversible kidney failure. ⏱️

🟢 Safer Alternatives Exist

Look for pet-safe antifreeze containing propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. While still a chemical, it has a much wider safety margin.

⚠️ Still, keep all antifreeze products out of reach—no chemical is truly “safe” if ingested. 🧴

📞 Emergency Contact

• ☎️ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435 (fee applies)
• 🩺 Or contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Unsure what your pet got into? Don’t wait. Our veterinary team can walk you through the next steps and help you assess the situation. ⏳

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app for real-time advice and emergency support. 🐶💬

✅ Antifreeze Safety Checklist

• ✔ Store all antifreeze securely, far from pet access
• ✔ Clean spills immediately and thoroughly
• ✔ Choose products made with propylene glycol
• ✔ Watch for poisoning signs—act fast
• ✔ Keep poison control and vet contacts handy

Antifreeze poisoning is preventable. With vigilance and quick action, you can keep your pet safe—even in freezing temperatures. ❄️🐾

Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app today to prepare for emergencies and get answers fast. 📱🩺