Why does antifreeze kill so quickly?
Ethylene glycol is sweet and pets actively drink it. The body converts it into oxalate crystals that destroy the kidneys. Without treatment within ~6 hours, acute kidney failure and death are likely — the lethal dose for a dog is only about 4–6 ml/kg, less for cats (~1.5 ml/kg).
These bands assume typical ~95% EG coolant. Even "low" amounts deserve a vet call because antidote treatment (fomepizole or ethanol) is only effective within the first hours.
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning
- 0.5–3 h: appears drunk, wobbly, excited or depressed
- 3–12 h: seems to recover (deceptive phase)
- 12–24 h: vomiting, no urination, seizures
- Kidney failure and death within 24–72 h if untreated
What to do right now
- This is a true emergency — call your vet on the way.
- Antidotes work only in the first ~6 hours, so move fast.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Save the container so the vet can confirm ethylene glycol vs propylene glycol.
Sources & further reading
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — pet poison database & dosage references
- Pet Poison Helpline — toxicology triage guidelines
- Merck Veterinary Manual — toxicology monographs
- Vets Now (UK) — emergency toxicosis guidance
Other poisonings with overlapping signs
- De-Icing Salt & Ice Melt — another common emergency
- 5-HTP & Herbal Supplements — another common emergency
- Organophosphate Insecticide Toxicity in Dogs and Cats — another common emergency
Owners also ask
- My cat just walked through some ice melt on the sidewalk. What is the very first thing I should do right now?
- Is 5-HTP more dangerous for kittens than adult cats?
Frequently asked questions
Is Antifreeze Poisoning Calculator poisonous to a dog or cat?
Ethylene glycol is sweet and pets actively drink it. The body converts it into oxalate crystals that destroy the kidneys. Without treatment within ~6 hours, acute kidney failure and death are likely — the lethal dose for a dog is only about 4–6 ml/kg, less for cats (~1.5 ml/kg).
What are the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning?
0.5–3 h: appears drunk, wobbly, excited or depressed; 3–12 h: seems to recover (deceptive phase); 12–24 h: vomiting, no urination, seizures; Kidney failure and death within 24–72 h if untreated
What should I do if my pet ate Antifreeze Poisoning Calculator?
This is a true emergency — call your vet on the way. Antidotes work only in the first ~6 hours, so move fast. Do not induce vomiting.
How much Antifreeze Poisoning Calculator is dangerous?
These bands assume typical ~95% EG coolant. Even "low" amounts deserve a vet call because antidote treatment (fomepizole or ethanol) is only effective within the first hours.
Not the substance you were looking for? See all poisoning questions.