The Dangers of Antifreeze and Your Pet
March 20, 2019
Written by Tabitha Schmidt, Client Care Supervisor
Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most commons forms of poisoning in small animals because it is a common household item. Antifreeze poisoning typically happens when the substance is leaking from a car’s radiator and your pet can potentially lick it off the ground and ingest it. It is also used in some toilets at home to make sure pipes do not freeze during the winter months.
What makes antifreeze lethal?
The toxin in antifreeze that makes the liquid lethal is called ethylene glycol. Dogs often consume large quantities before being repulsed by the aftertaste. It does not take much for the effects to cause fatal damage to your pet affecting the brain, liver and kidneys.
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning:
Common symptoms include:
- drunken behavior
- euphoria/delirium
- wobbly, uncoordinated movement
- nausea/vomiting
- excessive urination
- diarrhea
- rapid heart beat
- depression
- weakness
- seizures/convulsions/shaking tremors
- fainting
- coma
Diagnosis
Primary care veterinarians diagnose your pet with antifreeze ingestion by conducting a complete blood profile. This includes a chemical blood profile and a urinalysis. A vomit and stool sample will also help diagnose the type of poison and to expedite your dog or cat’s treatment.
What to do if your pet ingests antifreeze
If you think your pet may have ingested antifreeze, seek immediate veterinary attention. Pets that have consumed antifreeze in a small quantity may survive but can develop kidney failure within days of ingestion. Unfortunately, death is very common due to kidney failure.
How to prevent antifreeze poisoning
Prevention to keep your pets safe from the harmful toxins of antifreeze include:
- Keep containers tightly closed and out of reach of pets.
- Take care not to spill antifreeze – if spilled, ensure that it is cleaned up immediately and thoroughly.
- Dispose of antifreeze containers properly.
- Check the radiator of your car regularly and have any leaks fixed in a timely manner.
- Do not let your pet wander unattended where there is access to antifreeze.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled propylene glycol safe and it is now used for antifreeze. Look for antifreeze with this ingredient instead, to keep your pet safer from accidental poisoning.