My dog ate antifreeze (ethylene glycol) — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
Tiny amounts cause fatal kidney failure; antidote must be given within hours.
What to do now
- Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed.
- Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Tiny amounts cause fatal kidney failure; antidote must be given within hours.
Symptoms to watch for
Appears drunk, vomiting, thirst; then apparent recovery before kidney failure.
When: 30 min (drunkenness); kidneys 36-72 h
Frequently asked questions
Is antifreeze (ethylene glycol) dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Tiny amounts cause fatal kidney failure; antidote must be given within hours. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate antifreeze (ethylene glycol)?
Appears drunk, vomiting, thirst; then apparent recovery before kidney failure.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats antifreeze (ethylene glycol)?
30 min (drunkenness); kidneys 36-72 h
What should I do if my dog ate antifreeze (ethylene glycol)?
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed. Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
Merck: minimum lethal dose 4.4-6.6 mL/kg undiluted in dogs. Any amount = RED.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Ethylene glycol toxicosis
- Pet Poison Helpline: antifreeze
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in Dogs
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: coolant, ethylene glycol, radiator fluid · Category: Chemical · Last reviewed 2026-10-14