With the colder weather people are preparing their cars for winter. While antifreeze is great for our cars, it is extremely dangerous for our pets. The main type of antifreeze is ethylene, and it is also the most toxic. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that both cats and dogs enjoy, and very small amounts are deadly. As little as 1 teaspoon can be lethal to cats, and four teaspoons can be dangerous for a 10-pound dog.
Ethylene glycol poisoning affects the body in two stages. Stage one causes a drunken appearance, disorientation and vomiting. These signs may begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and can continue for several hours. Animals that survive this stage often appear to return to normal. However, about 24 to 48 hours later the kidneys become affected and quickly stop functioning, causing lethargy, vomiting, and excessive drinking and urinating. Once the kidneys are affected the prognosis is grave – most animals that reach this point do not survive. However, if caught early (within the first 8 hours of ingestion) many animals can be saved with aggressive treatment. If you ever see your pet drinking antifreeze or suspect they have been exposed, call your veterinarian immediately!
Because ethylene glycol toxicity is so dangerous, the best remedy is prevention. Any antifreeze spills should be cleaned up immediately and antifreeze containers should be stored where pets cannot reach them. Make sure you check your car regularly for radiator leaks and clean them up immediately. Propylene glycol is a less-toxic form of antifreeze and should be used instead of the more common ethylene glycol formulations. There is also a small amount of antifreeze in wintertime snow globes. If a snow globe breaks be sure to clean it up quickly and keep pets away from the spill area.
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