Is Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) Poisonous to Pets?

🔴 Highly toxic — call a vet now · Dogs & cats

Antifreeze is one of the deadliest household poisons. It tastes sweet, so pets lap it up, and even a small amount causes fatal kidney failure.

Warning signs to watch for

  • Acting drunk and wobbly early on
  • Vomiting
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Kidney failure within 1 to 3 days

What to do right now

This is a race against time. Go to an emergency vet immediately, within hours. Treatment only works if started very early.

ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Frequently asked questions

Is antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisonous to dogs and cats?

Antifreeze is one of the deadliest household poisons. It tastes sweet, so pets lap it up, and even a small amount causes fatal kidney failure.

What are the symptoms of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning?

Watch for acting drunk and wobbly early on, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, kidney failure within 1 to 3 days. Signs can come on quickly or be delayed depending on how much your pet was exposed to.

What should I do if my pet was exposed to antifreeze (ethylene glycol)?

This is a race against time. Go to an emergency vet immediately, within hours. Treatment only works if started very early.

Sources: Pet Poison Helpline, ASPCA Animal Poison Control. This is general guidance, not a diagnosis. In any suspected poisoning, contact your vet or a poison hotline right away.

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