Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs and Cats

Antifreeze poisoning is a serious and often fatal threat to pets.

The main ingredient in many types of antifreeze, ethylene glycol, has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is highly toxic even in small amounts. Just a few drops can cause severe kidney damage or death if not treated immediately. Because of how quickly symptoms can develop and the potential for accidental exposure through spills or leaks, it’s important for pet owners to recognize the risks, understand the signs of poisoning, and take steps to keep antifreeze products safely out of reach. Below is more information about antifreeze, and how you can keep your pets safe from it. 

Ethylene Glycol:

Ethylene Glycol is the toxin in antifreeze is called ethylene glycol. All species of animal are susceptible to ethylene glycol poisoning, but it often primarily affects dogs and cats. 

Factors that increase risk of poisoning:

The necessity of antifreeze to properly operate vehicles means that it has widespread availability and a high risk of exposure. Antifreeze has a sweet taste to dogs and cats, and only a small amount can be lethal. When antifreeze is improperly stored, or used and disposed of improperly, it puts our pets at risk. 

Prevention:  

1. Frequently check for vehicle radiator leaks 
2. Supervision of animals in areas where antifreeze could be present (Garages and driveways) 
3. Proper storage and waste disposal of antifreeze containers 
4. Immediate clean-up of any possible spills (Cover spills with an absorbent material, such as sawdust, to discourage the animal from licking any residue 
5. Choose propylene glycol products over ethylene glycol when possible (it’s a less toxic alternative. It’s also less attractive to animals because it doesn’t taste as sweet) 

Pathogenesis:

Ingested ethylene glycol is metabolized by the liver and kidneys into toxic metabolites: Aldehydes, glycolic acid & glyoxylic acid, and oxalic acid (which binds to calcium in the kidneys and forms calcium oxalate crystals). Toxic metabolites cause severe metabolic acidosis, kidney damage and eventually kidney failure. 

Clinical Signs:

Cats and dogs, 30 mins to 12 hours after ingestion, will exhibit these symptoms: 

1. Vomiting 
2. Excessive thirst and urination 
3. Hypothermia (low body temperature) 
4. Neurologic signs: Depression, stupor, ataxia (poor muscle control that causes clumsy movements) 
5. Brief recovery may occur 12 hours after ingestion, which can give a false sense of security that they are getting better (when actually they are not). 

Cats (12-24 hours) and dogs (36-72 hours) after ingestion: 

1. Acute kidney failure (painful abdomen, minimal to no urine production) 
2. Fast heartbeat 
3. Panting 
4. Gastrointestinal signs: anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, oral ulcers, salivation 
5. Dehydration 
6. Neurological signs, such as Lethargy, Seizures, Coma, and death 

First Aid Response: 

Early and rapid intervention, before kidney damage occurs, is crucial for a favourable prognosis. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more likely it is for a worse outcome. Bring your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Right after the ingestion of antifreeze (up to 1-2 hours after), you should immediately induce vomiting (using 3% hydrogen peroxide: 1 teaspoon 3% hydrogen peroxide per 5lb… Do not exceed 3 tablespoons!). DO NOT induce vomiting in a dog or a cat that is exhibiting the neurologic signs listed above. 

Veterinary Clinic Treatment: 

Vets will treat anti-freeze poisoning using: 

1. IV fluid therapy 
2. 4-methylprazole or ethanol boluses, which prevents oxalate formation 
3. Supportive care, including treatment of metabolic acidosis: Sodium bicarbonate, dextrose. 
4. Gastrointestinal support 

Relative cost of treatment: 

Costs vary depending on geographic location and the type of veterinary clinic. Here are some general estimates: 

1. Physical exam = $70-140 
2. Blood and urine testing = $200-400 per day 
3. Abdominal ultrasound = $300-500  
4. IV fluid therapy = $150-250 per day 
5. Hospitalization = $1000-2000 per day 
6. Emergency fee= $200-300 

Contact: 

Pet poison helpline: 1-855-764-7661 
Western College of Veterinary Medicine vet med centre Small animal clinic: 1-306-966-7661 

Additional Information:

Antifreeze Poisoning Infographics PDF

Antifreeze Poisoning InfographicDownload