Is antifreeze poisonous to dogs and cats?
Tastes sweet and causes kidney failure. Treatment must start within hours.
Call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine straight away, even if your pet seems fine. Many poisons don't cause signs for hours, and treatment works best early. Keep the packet or a photo of what they ate. Don't try to make them sick unless a vet tells you to.
Why it's a problem
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) tastes sweet, so pets will lick it from drips and puddles. A teaspoon can kill a cat. It causes kidney failure, and treatment only works if it starts within a few hours. Some screen washes and de-icers contain it too.
Signs to look out for
- Seeming drunk or wobbly
- Being sick
- Drinking and peeing more
- Then very quiet, not peeing, fits
Getting help
Call your own vet first. If they're closed, their phone line will tell you who covers out of hours. The Animal PoisonLine (01202 509 000, a charge applies) gives 24-hour advice to owners.
This page is general guidance, not a diagnosis. Every pet is different, so always follow your vet's advice.