Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs & Cats: Signs and What To Do

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) has a sweet taste that attracts pets, especially cats – but even a small amount can cause fatal kidney damage. Watch for wobbliness, vomiting, and increased thirst or urination, and get to a vet immediately if you suspect exposure; treatment is most successful when started early.

Winter is the time of year when everything freezes- but hopefully not your car! It’s a good time for a reminder about antifreeze toxicity in pets.

Antifreeze (or ethylene glycol) is a substance found in engine coolants that prevents the fluid from freezing. It has a very sweet taste, so animals, especially cats, are very attracted to it. When ingested, the ethylene glycol is metabolised, and toxic by-products are formed. These toxins affect many parts of the body, especially the kidneys, causing severe illness or death.

Typical signs from ethylene glycol toxicity:

Vomiting and nausea.
Increased thirst.
Neurological signs, wobbly gait, looking like alcohol intoxication, depression, muscle twitches, collapse.
Increased urination.

If you suspect your animal has been exposed to antifreeze, even a very tiny amount, bring them in to see us straight away. There are a range of blood and urine tests that can be done to diagnose the problem, and treatment can be successful if started early enough. In later stages however, antifreeze toxicity is often fatal.

Prevention is best! Ensure that there are no leaks of engine coolant from your car or spills when refilling. Any containers should be stored out of reach of animals and spills should be cleaned up thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much antifreeze is dangerous to a cat or dog?

Even a small amount can be enough to cause fatal kidney damage, so any suspected exposure should be treated as an emergency.

What are the first signs of antifreeze poisoning?

Vomiting, increased thirst, and a wobbly, “drunk-looking” gait are often the earliest signs, sometimes appearing within an hour of exposure.

Can antifreeze poisoning be treated if caught early?

Yes – blood and urine tests can confirm exposure, and treatment started early gives the best chance of recovery. Once kidney damage sets in, the outlook is much poorer.

How can I prevent antifreeze poisoning at home?

Store antifreeze in a sealed container out of reach, clean up any spills immediately, and check your car for coolant leaks regularly.