Dog Ate Antifreeze: What to Do Immediately
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What to Do Right Now
- 1
EMERGENCY VET NOW
Go to the nearest emergency vet immediately. Call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 en route. Every minute counts.
- 2
Do NOT Wait for Symptoms
By the time symptoms appear, kidney damage may be irreversible. The antidote must be given within 8-12 hours to be effective.
- 3
Bring the Container
Take the antifreeze container to the vet. This confirms the active ingredient (ethylene glycol) and concentration.
- 4
Treatment Window is Critical
Your vet will administer fomepizole (4-MP) or ethanol IV to block metabolism. After 12 hours, treatment is much less effective.
The Science Behind It
Ethylene glycol itself is not toxic — it is the metabolites produced by the liver that cause damage. Alcohol dehydrogenase converts ethylene glycol to glycoaldehyde, then glycolic acid, then oxalic acid. Oxalic acid binds with calcium to form calcium oxalate crystals that destroy kidney tissue. This process causes metabolic acidosis and acute kidney failure within 12-36 hours. The antidote works by blocking alcohol dehydrogenase, preventing toxic metabolite formation (ASPCA, 2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much antifreeze is lethal to dogs?
As little as 1 teaspoon (5ml) of antifreeze can kill a 10lb (4.5kg) dog. The lethal dose of ethylene glycol is approximately 4.4ml per kg of body weight. This makes antifreeze one of the most dangerous household toxins for pets.
How fast does antifreeze kill dogs?
Without treatment, antifreeze is fatal within 12-36 hours. The antidote (fomepizole or ethanol) must be administered within 8-12 hours of ingestion to be effective. After kidney failure begins, survival rates drop dramatically.
What are the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning?
Stage 1 (30 min-12 hrs): drunken behavior, vomiting, seizures. Stage 2 (12-24 hrs): apparent improvement (misleading). Stage 3 (24-72 hrs): kidney failure, severe lethargy, mouth ulcers, coma. Early treatment is critical.