If I suspect my pet has ingested antifreeze, what should I do first?

If ingestion is suspected, note the time of exposure and keep the container or packaging, then take your pet to a vet or emergency hospital as quickly as possible and describe all symptoms you have observed.

What tests does the vet use to confirm ethylene glycol poisoning?

Common tests include blood biochemistry, electrolytes and blood gas analysis, urinalysis (looking for oxalate crystals), and imaging; specialist testing or referral may be arranged if needed.

Is there a chance my pet can recover after ingesting ethylene glycol?

Recovery depends on the amount ingested and how quickly veterinary care is sought. Early treatment and supportive care can improve the prognosis — your vet's assessment and follow-up tests will give the clearest picture.

What follow-up care is needed after discharge?

After discharge, follow your vet's instructions for blood test follow-ups to monitor kidney function, keep records of water intake and urine output, and adjust diet and care as advised.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Guide [2025]

Ethylene glycol toxicosis is a life-threatening poisoning most often caused by pets ingesting antifreeze. It leads to acute kidney failure and requires antidote treatment within hours of ingestion — delayed care carries a very poor prognosis.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, MerckVet, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Persistent unconsciousness or complete loss of consciousness and responsiveness
•Rapid breathing or obvious respiratory distress
•No urination at all within 24 hours

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Noticeably lethargic and unwilling to move for more than one day
•Frequent vomiting or persistent retching lasting more than six hours
•Significantly increased water intake accompanied by progressive lethargy

01What Symptoms Signal That Something Is Wrong?

Ethylene glycol toxicosis in dogs and cats often begins with non-specific early signs that can progress to severe kidney damage over time. Early observation and prompt veterinary care significantly affect the outcome.

Lethargy and noticeably reduced activity
Loss of appetite or persistent refusal to eat
Repeated vomiting or persistent retching
Increased thirst and frequent urination (early stage)
Reduced urine output or no urination for several hours (possible kidney injury)
Dry mucous membranes or signs of dehydration

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet is unconscious, has altered mentation, or suddenly becomes unresponsive
⚠️ Rapid breathing or abnormal gum colour requires emergency evaluation
⚠️ Little to no urination within 24 hours warrants urgent examination

02How to Assess the Situation at Home: Key Observations and When to Go to Emergency

Information recorded and preserved before arriving at the clinic helps the vet quickly assess the likelihood of poisoning and prioritise treatment.

Note the exact time symptoms started or when you first noticed something was wrong
Monitor and roughly record changes in water intake and urination frequency or volume
Film or photograph any vomiting, seizures, or unusual behaviour
Observe changes in alertness, ability to stand, and response to stimulation
Keep or photograph the suspected toxic substance — container, packaging, and brand label
If poisoning is suspected, arrange a vet appointment immediately or head to an emergency hospital

03How Will the Vet Make a Diagnosis? Common Examination Steps

The vet will combine a physical examination with blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging to assess the degree of toxicity and kidney damage.

Physical examination

vital signs, mucous membrane colour, and hydration status

Blood biochemistry

assessing BUN, creatinine, and other kidney markers

Electrolytes and blood gas analysis

detecting metabolic acidosis or electrolyte imbalances

Urinalysis

evaluating urine output, concentrating ability, and calcium oxalate crystals

Imaging (ultrasound/X-ray)

evaluating the kidneys and abdominal cavity

Referral to a specialist hospital with dialysis capability if necessary

04What Treatment and Care Are Needed After Diagnosis? Medication, Diet, and Home Care Guide

Treatment often involves hospitalisation, supportive care, and long-term kidney function monitoring; some patients may require haemodialysis or other specialist interventions.

IV fluid therapy during hospitalisation to maintain hydration and blood pressure, with continuous monitoring of vital signs
Ongoing urine output measurement and repeated blood biochemistry to track kidney function
Severe kidney impairment may require haemodialysis or specialist management
Regular follow-up blood tests after discharge to monitor kidney markers and overall condition
Adjust diet and maintain adequate fluid intake as directed by the vet, with ongoing observation records
Return to the vet or seek the nearest veterinary care immediately if symptoms worsen at home

05What to Prepare Before the Vet Visit: Key Information to Help the Vet Act Quickly

Write down when symptoms began or when you first noticed a problem

Bring any vomited material, the suspected toxic substance container, or photos of it

List all current medications, supplements, and any known exposures

Record recent changes in drinking, urination, and vomiting frequency

Bring any previous veterinary records (e.g., recent blood test results)

If poisoning is suspected, prioritise a hospital with emergency services or haemodialysis capability

06How to Prevent Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze) Poisoning: Keep the Sweet-Tasting Toxin Out of Reach

Ethylene glycol tastes sweet, so cats and dogs will actively lick it up, and the lethal dose is very small. Prevention comes down to physical separation and immediate clean-up — never rely on a product's bittering agent.

Keep antifreeze/radiator coolant tightly sealed and stored well out of reach — a high shelf or locked cabinet
Wipe up and rinse any spill on the floor or in the garage immediately — pets are drawn to the sweet taste
Check under the car regularly for coolant leaks (often a green or fluorescent-yellow fluid)
Note that windscreen washer fluid and some brake fluids can also contain ethylene glycol — store them away too
Don't assume a 'bittered' product is safe — the bittering agent is voluntary and its effect is unproven; it is never a safeguard
Where possible, switch to a propylene-glycol-based coolant, which is relatively safer for pets
If you suspect any ingestion, treat it as an emergency and see a vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.