PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate antifreeze (ethylene glycol)? What to do
Antifreeze tastes sweet, and a tiny amount can kill a dog. It causes kidney failure, and treatment only works if it starts very early.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Go to a vet right away, even if your dog seems fine. Time is critical.
- Bring the container so the vet can check the ingredients.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't wait for signs, and don't be fooled if your dog seems to recover.
Signs to watch for
- Acting drunk or wobbly
- Vomiting
- Drinking and peeing a lot
- Low energy
- Seeming better about 12 hours later, then getting worse
- Mouth sores and drooling
- Fast breathing
- Seizures or coma
When signs appear: Soon after drinking it; kidney failure in 36 to 72 hours
Why
Ethylene glycol has a very narrow margin of safety and destroys the kidneys. A vet antidote only works if it is given before kidney failure develops.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in Dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze) Poisoning
- Pet Poison Helpline: Antifreeze
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.