Understanding Antifreeze Poisoning & When to Seek Emergency Vet Care
Antifreeze poisoning is a life-threatening emergency in dogs and cats. Most cases are caused by ethylene glycol, a chemical found in many antifreeze and engine coolant products. Even a small amount can cause severe kidney damage and may be fatal if left untreated.
Most cases occur when a pet drinks antifreeze that has leaked or been spilled, although some pets ingest it from contaminated puddles or containers left within reach. If you think your pet has swallowed antifreeze, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Written by Gillian Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published August 2026 | Review date August 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning
Symptoms often develop rapidly and may include:
Loss of coordination or appearing "drunk"
Increased thirst and urination
As poisoning progresses, pets may become weak, collapse, have seizures or stop producing urine as kidney failure develops.
Some pets may appear to improve temporarily before becoming seriously ill. Do not wait for symptoms to develop if you suspect your pet has swallowed antifreeze.
When is it an emergency?
Antifreeze poisoning is always an emergency. Contact your veterinary practice immediately if you know or suspect your dog or cat has swallowed antifreeze, even if they seem well.
Treatment is most effective if started as soon as possible after ingestion. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
If possible, take the antifreeze container or packaging with you so your vet can identify the product.
Diagnosis
Your vet will diagnose antifreeze poisoning based on your pet's history, clinical signs and examination findings. Blood and urine tests may be used to assess the severity of poisoning and check for kidney damage.
Testing can be challenging, and treatment may need to begin based on the suspected exposure rather than waiting for results, as early treatment is critical.
Treatment of antifreeze poisoning
Treatment depends on how quickly your pet is seen after ingesting antifreeze. The aim is to prevent the body from breaking down ethylene glycol into substances that cause severe kidney damage.
An antidote may be given if treatment is started early enough. Additional treatment may include intravenous fluids, medications to support the kidneys and close monitoring in hospital.
Once kidney failure has developed, treatment becomes much more difficult and the outlook is often poor. This is why immediate veterinary attention is essential.
Prevention of antifreeze poisoning
Where possible, avoid using antifreeze products in areas accessible to pets. If antifreeze must be used, store it securely out of reach and clean up any spills immediately. Do not allow pets to lick areas where antifreeze may have leaked.
Never leave containers open or dispose of antifreeze where animals may access it. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to antifreeze, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Outlook
The outlook depends on how much antifreeze has been ingested and how quickly treatment is started.
Pets treated very early, before significant kidney damage develops, have the best chance of recovery. Once kidney failure occurs, the outlook is much more guarded and treatment may not be successful.
This is why suspected antifreeze ingestion should always be treated as an emergency, even if your pet appears well initially.