Emergency? Call now - do not wait for symptoms.
Is Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) toxic to dogs or cats?
Category: Household | Last reviewed: April 2026
Quick verdict
Dogs
EMERGENCYCats
EMERGENCYAntifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) and dogs
Ethylene glycol is sweet-tasting and highly lethal. Dogs find it palatable. As little as 4.4ml/kg (small dog - 1 teaspoon can be fatal) causes rapid kidney failure. The insidious feature is a false recovery period 12-24 hours after ingestion when the pet appears better - but metabolites are destroying the kidneys. Treatment within 3 hours may prevent permanent damage.
Onset
30 minutes to 12 hours - initial symptoms then false recovery, then kidney failure
Symptoms
- - appearing drunk
- - vomiting
- - excessive thirst and urination
- - lethargy
- - seizures
- - coma
- - kidney failure
What to do now
CRITICAL EMERGENCY. Rush to an emergency vet immediately. Treatment is only effective within 3-4 hours of ingestion. Do not wait. Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) while in transit.
Toxicity is dose-dependent. Your dog's weight and the quantity consumed are both important - include these when you call poison control.
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) and cats
Cats are even more sensitive than dogs. As little as 1.5ml/kg (less than half a teaspoon for an average cat) causes kidney failure. Treatment window is shorter - within 1-2 hours for cats. This is one of the most time-critical veterinary emergencies.
Onset
30 minutes - faster than dogs
Symptoms
- - stumbling
- - appearing drunk
- - vomiting
- - seizures
- - kidney failure
- - coma
What to do now
CRITICAL EMERGENCY. Rush to an emergency vet within the hour. Every minute matters. Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) while in transit.
Data sources
- - ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- - Pet Poison Helpline
- - VCA Animal Hospital
- - Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
Last reviewed: April 2026
Data error? Email data@treatortoxic.com with a source reference.