Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs

As the colder months set in, our pets are still exploring every nook and cranny – sometimes where they shouldn’t. Many owners don’t realise that antifreeze, while essential for keeping cars running smoothly, can be highly toxic to dogs. Even small spills on driveways, roads, or in garages can put curious pups at risk. The good news is that anti-freeze poisoning is avoidable. 

Why antifreeze is toxic to dogs 

Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a chemical that tastes sweet, which makes it tempting to dogs and even children.  

Ingesting antifreeze can cause: 

• Severe illness, such as kidney failure 

• Death, sometimes within 24–72 hours 

Dogs can easily come into contact with antifreeze spills in garages, driveways, or gardens while exploring or walking. If the liquid gets on their fur, there is a risk that they might ingest it when they groom themselves. 

How much antifreeze is toxic to dogs? 

Whilst there are many factors to consider, including weight and strength of the antifreeze, the answer is very little antifreeze can be toxic to dogs.  

Consider any suspected antifreeze ingestion as an emergency and don’t wait for symptoms, early treatment greatly improves the chance of survival. 

Signs of antifreeze poisoning in dogs 

Early symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include:  

• Vomiting or nausea
• Lethargy or unusual weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty walking or breathing
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Seizures

What to do if your dog drinks antifreeze 

• If you suspect a dog has ingested antifreeze, seek veterinary help immediately.  

• Do not wait for symptoms to worsen, early intervention can save lives.  

How to keep dogs safe from antifreeze  

Follow these simple steps to reduce the risk:  

• Store antifreeze securely: Keep all containers in sealed cabinets, out of reach of dogs (and children!) 

• Clean up spills immediately: Even tiny drips on driveways or garage floors can be deadly if licked. 

• Switch to pet-safe alternatives: Some antifreeze products use propylene glycol, which is far less toxic to dogs, and some have an added bitterant to make it less appealing. 

• Dispose of old antifreeze responsibly: Take used antifreeze to a recycling centre and never pour it on the ground or down drains and don’t re-use the container. 

• Monitor gardens and driveways: Check for leaks or puddles that could easily be ingested by your dog. 

 Antifreeze poisoning in dogs is preventable but deadly if ignored. Recognising possible ingestion, gives you the best chance to act quickly. Immediate veterinary care is critical, and even a short delay can mean the difference between recovery and tragedy. 

By storing antifreeze securely, cleaning up spills immediately, and choosing pet-safe alternatives, you can dramatically reduce the risk. Staying vigilant during colder months helps protect your dog from one of winter’s most dangerous hidden threats, keeping them safe and healthy.