The Dangers That Lurk in Your Garage. There are many hidden hazards for pets in the home, but one of the most dangerous is antifreeze—a common automotive fluid that poses a serious risk of antifreeze toxicity. Antifreeze has a deceptively sweet taste that can attract curious pets. Unfortunately, even a small amount can lead to severe poisoning or death if not treated immediately.
Antifreeze is most commonly found in engine coolant and hydraulic brake fluids, but it can also be present in:
- Leaks under car radiators
- Toilets used to “winterize” pipes
- Portable basketball hoop bases
- Some printer inks, eye masks, snow globes, and even certain latex paints
Antifreeze toxicity symptoms
- Intoxication or wobbly legs
- Vomiting
- Hyperventilation with short gasps/difficulty breathing
- Cardiovascular issues – chest pains, increased heart rate
- Depression or weakness
- Seizures or uncontrollable shaking
- Acute kidney failure – difficulty urinating, increased urination, decreased urination.
- Fainting or Coma
- Missing antifreeze bottle or liquid from a tray in the garage
Emergency treatment for Antifreeze toxicity before transport to a veterinarian
Treatment for antifreeze poisoning must begin as soon as possible (ideally within the first few hours of ingestion) for the best chance of survival. There are no safe or effective first aid treatments at home. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal, as these are not effective for ethylene glycol poisoning.
If you suspect your pet has swallowed antifreeze, seek immediate veterinary help.
What to expect at the vet
Blood tests to determine the severity of the illness.- Fluid therapy including antidotes to neutralize the ethylene glycol halting further poisoning.
- Gastric lavage may be considered within 1–2 hours of ingestion, but only under veterinary supervision. Activated charcoal is not effective for ethylene glycol and is no longer recommended.
- Mechanical ventilation in severe cases to provide respiratory support for acutely toxic patients.
- Hospitalisation with close monitoring of your pet’s vital organs (including the heart, stomach and kidneys).
- Dialysis in advanced cases with severe damage to the kidneys
In severe cases, hemodialysis may be used to remove the toxin from the bloodstream, especially if blood tests show high levels of ethylene glycol or signs of kidney failure.
What to bring to the vet
- The product label or packaging of the suspected antifreeze
- A sample of the substance, if possible (safely sealed)
- A timeline of when exposure may have occurred
- Any video or photos of symptoms (if available)
Antifreeze toxicity prevention
- Choose pet-safe antifreeze products that contain propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. While still a chemical, propylene glycol is significantly less toxic to pets.
- Regularly inspect your garage and driveway for leaks or spills, especially in colder months.
- While performing vehicle services, it is advisable to keep pets well away from the garage as they will be attracted to the liquid due to its sweet taste.
- Ensure your vehicle is not dripping antifreeze. Small amounts dropped on the garage floor and licked by your pet can result in toxicity.
- Dispense of all antifreeze waste well. Seal in a tight container and keep out of reach of pets.
Interesting information about treatment for Antifreeze toxicity
While ethanol was once a common treatment, fomepizole is now the preferred antidote due to its effectiveness and fewer side effects. In rare cases where fomepizole is unavailable, ethanol (including vodka) may still be used under veterinary supervision. However, this is no longer the first-line treatment.
Antifreeze contains a toxin called ethylene glycol which is very harmful to the kidneys. If left untreated, there is a 100% chance of death. Interestingly, pure alcohol neutralizes the effects of the poison but there is a small window of opportunity. Vodka may seem unconventional but is an alternative to medical strength ethanol and will assist with neutralising the toxin.
Further to the IV of ‘grog’, the patient’s vital signs must be monitored to ensure there are no further issues to their organs or stomach. In the event a patient presents with antifreeze toxicity, they require intensive care where a PVE team monitors them non-stop for any issues that present as a result of this critical treatment plan.
