Is Antifreeze Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is severely toxic to cats and dogs. A drunken stage precedes irreversible kidney failure within hours — call a vet at once.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Antifreeze?
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is severely toxic to cats and dogs. A drunken stage precedes irreversible kidney failure within hours — call a vet at once.
Also known as: ethylene glycol, coolant, radiator fluid, deicer.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Early "drunken" stage (30 min–12 hrs): stumbling, disorientation, excessive thirst and urination
- Vomiting and nausea
- Cardiopulmonary stage (12–24 hrs): rapid heart and breathing rate
- Kidney failure stage (24–72 hrs): little or no urination, vomiting, seizures, collapse
🐈 In Cats
- Early "drunken" stage: stumbling, drooling, and disorientation
- Excessive thirst and urination, then vomiting
- Kidney failure within 12–24 hrs (cats are extremely sensitive)
- Seizures, collapse, and little or no urination in late stage
What to Do If Ingested
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Every minute counts.
- Note the product name, active ingredient, and how much was licked or drunk.
- Wipe any residue off the paws or fur.
- Do not delay to try home remedies; the antidote (fomepizole) only works if given early.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Any antifreeze was ingested — even a few licks
- Staggering, disorientation, or excessive drinking and urination
- Vomiting, lethargy, or no urination
- Seizures or collapse
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is antifreeze so dangerous to pets?
Ethylene glycol tastes sweet, so pets will lick spills. It is metabolized into oxalic acid, which forms crystals that destroy the kidneys. The damage becomes irreversible within hours, so treatment (the antidote fomepizole or ethanol) only works if started early.
How little antifreeze can hurt a cat or dog?
Very little. Cats can be poisoned by about a teaspoon, and a few tablespoons can be lethal to a dog. Even the amount a pet licks off a driveway spill is enough to cause kidney failure. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.
What is the "drunken" stage and does it mean my pet is recovering?
No. The first stage — stumbling and disorientation, as if drunk — happens within 30 minutes to 12 hours and can look like it passes. But the toxin is quietly damaging the kidneys during the next stage, leading to failure. Never assume recovery; call a vet immediately.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11