Antifreeze poses serious danger for household pets

Proper pet care goes beyond providing the animal with food and shelter. Pet owners must be aware that antifreeze is poisonous to animals, said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service veterinarian.

“Antifreeze poisoning kills many dogs and cats every year. With the weather starting to cool down, many Oklahomans are changing the antifreeze in their cars and they must be careful in order to prevent spills that can be found by pets. Even a small amount of antifreeze can be fatal. Unfortunately, antifreeze is sweet so it’s appealing to pets.”

It takes just a small amount of antifreeze to be fatal. In small animals, 60 percent to 70 percent of dogs die due to ingesting antifreeze. The percentages are higher in cats. It takes a mere 3 to 5 tablespoons of antifreeze to be fatal in medium sized dogs and only about a teaspoon for cats. In fact, if a cat simply walks through spilled antifreeze and licks its paws, that small amount can be enough to poison the animal.

Signs of antifreeze poisoning can show up within 30 minutes to several hours after ingestion. Signs include vomiting, staggering and depression. In some cases the animal may appear to recover only to return to more sever symptoms in about 12 to 36 hours.

MacAllister said by the time the animal has metabolized the ethylene glycol into toxic compounds, severe renal damage has occurred.

“Subsequently, these animals often seizure, develop respiratory distress, exhibit repetitive vomiting, have abdominal pain and can lapse into a coma,” she said. “The kidneys will eventually stop functioning which will lead to the animal’s death.”

If caught early, antifreeze poisoning is treatable. The pet should be immediately taken to the veterinarian in order to minimize the amount of ethylene glycol that is absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract.

The veterinarian may induce vomiting and give the animal activated charcoal to help prevent further absorption.

“Your pet also may be given a medication to slow down the activity of the enzyme responsible for metabolizing ethylene glycol into toxic compounds,” MacAllister said. “In addition, the pet would be given basic supportive care such as intravenous fluids to help preserve normal kidney function. If treated properly and quickly, within three hours for cats and eight hours for dogs, the prognosis is positive for survival.”

The key to avoiding accidental poisonings is prevention. Pet owners should maintain their vehicle’s coolant system to prevent leaks. Should antifreeze get spilled, it must be cleaned up immediately. Store antifreeze high on a shelf to keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Used antifreeze should be taken to a facility that recycles or handles hazardous waste.

“If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, take it to your veterinarian immediately. Remember, quick treatment can help save your pet’s life,” she said.

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Trisha Gedon
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Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
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