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).
About the dose levels
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.
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.
Signs to watch for
- 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.
If your pet shows any of the signs above, go to the nearest emergency vet now and call ahead.
For a dose worked out against your pet's weight, use the Antifreeze Poisoning Calculator.