Antifreeze may keep your engine running — but just a teaspoon can be lethal to pets.
What Makes It So Dangerous?
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting chemical that’s highly toxic. Pets are often drawn to the scent or taste and may lick spills off driveways or garages.
What to Watch For:
- Staggering or uncoordinated movement
- Vomiting or drooling
- Seizures or rapid breathing
- Lethargy or coma Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes and lead to kidney failure within hours if untreated.
How to Protect Your Pet:
- Clean up spills immediately
- Store antifreeze out of reach in a sealed container
- Switch to pet-safe brands using propylene glycol
- Keep pets away from driveways and garages unsupervised
If You Suspect Exposure:
Go to a vet immediately.
Early treatment can save your pet’s life — waiting even a few hours could be fatal.
This winter, be extra cautious around common household chemicals. A little vigilance goes a long way in preventing a tragedy.
