PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Antifreeze puddles and dogs: what to do
Extremely toxic. Even a tiny amount of antifreeze can cause fatal kidney failure; dogs need treatment within 8-12 hours.
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 even if your dog seems fine; it may seem to recover before the kidneys fail.
- Bring the product container, if there is one, so the vet can check the ingredients.
Don't
- Don't wait for signs; treatment works best early.
Signs to watch for
- Wobbly, drunk-like walking
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Extreme thirst and peeing more
- Seeming to get better, then getting worse
- Severe lethargy
- Seizures or coma
- Kidney failure
When signs appear: 30 minutes to 12 hours; kidney failure follows in 36-72 hours
Why
Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste that attracts dogs. It can cause kidney failure, and treatment works only if started early.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in Dogs
- Pet Poison Helpline: Antifreeze
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.