How does antifreeze affect a dog?

Dogs and cats are more likely to come into contact with antifreeze in the summer and winter. Untreated, antifreeze poisoning can be fatal to pets. To prevent the death of a dog or cat from poisoning, prompt, immediate treatment is required.

How will my vet diagnose antifreeze poisoning?

Bring your dog in for a physical examination if you suspect antifreeze poisoning. Your veterinarian will inquire about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and the potential causes of the poisoning.

If possible, we will test their vomit or stool in addition to performing a urinalysis and chemical blood profile. These tests can assist the veterinarian in identifying the poisoning and advancing the course of treatment. The veterinarian will base this course of action on the medical history you provide about your dog, so please be as detailed as you can.

Because antifreeze poisoning often results in death, immediate first aid must be given with great care. If you know for sure that your dog has consumed antifreeze, only make them vomit. Before forcing your pet to vomit, we advise contacting your veterinarian because doing so in some poisoning cases can be risky because some substances can seriously harm the esophagus.

This can be accomplished with a straightforward hydrogen peroxide solution, but only if the poisoning occurred within the previous two hours. Give up to three teaspoons at once, one teaspoon for every five pounds of body weight. The teaspoons should be spaced 10 minutes apart.

Do not attempt to cause your dog to vomit again if they have already done so. If vomiting does not happen after your dog has received three doses of hydrogen peroxide, contact a vet right away.

Additionally, if your dog is having breathing issues, is in severe shock or distress, or is unconscious, you shouldn’t induce vomiting. In addition, your dog needs to be rushed to the vet right away whether he vomits or not so that the doctor can safely administer antidotes.

Activated charcoal, which will halt further ethylene glycol absorption, can be used as an antidote. If administered quickly enough after your dog has consumed antifreeze, 4-methylpyrazole can also be used to treat antifreeze poisoning. Your dog might need to be in intensive care because kidney failure is still a possibility.

Even if dogs who have consumed very small amounts of antifreeze survive, they will develop kidney failure soon after. Many dogs who have been poisoned by antifreeze die from kidney damage.

How can I prevent antifreeze poisoning?

While antifreeze can seriously harm your dog’s health, poisoning is avoidable. Here are some steps to take today:

Propylene glycol is safe, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Look for antifreeze with this ingredient, which can keep your pet safer from ingesting ethylene glycol.

Do not allow your dog to wander where they may have easy access to antifreeze, such as in driveways, garages, streets, etc.

Inspect your car’s radiator on a regular basis, and have leaks repaired immediately.

Close antifreeze containers tightly, and keep them out of reach of your dog’s curious nose.

Ensure any antifreeze spills are immediately and thoroughly cleaned.

Dispose of used antifreeze containers properly.

How is antifreeze poisoning treated in dogs?

Antifreeze poisoning is extremely dangerous and requires immediate first aid that must be given with great care. Pet owners should only make their dog throw up if they are certain the dog has consumed antifreeze. Before forcing your pet to vomit, we strongly advise contacting your veterinarian because doing so can be risky in some cases of poisoning because some toxic substances can seriously harm the esophagus.