chemical
Antifreeze
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Antifreeze is often fatal to dogs. It tastes sweet and even small amounts cause rapid kidney failure.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention immediately. Treatment is most effective within the first few hours.
Symptoms to look for
- drunken gait
- vomiting
- excessive thirst
- frequent urination
- lethargy
- seizures
- coma
Why
Ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in many antifreeze and screen-wash products, is converted in the body to substances that crystallise in the kidneys. Dogs may appear drunk within an hour, then seem to recover, but irreversible kidney damage continues. The window for effective treatment is very short, so immediate veterinary care is essential.
- Substances of concern
- ethylene glycol
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"any spilled antifreeze","screen wash",coolant,de-icer}
- Preparation
- No safe preparation.
- How much matters
- A few millilitres per kilogram can be fatal.
- Severity
- Fatal if untreated
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
- Pet Poison HelplinePrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.