📊 Risk Calculator
If in doubt, always call your vet or the Animal Poison Line immediately.
Why It's Dangerous
Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet to dogs. Once swallowed, the body turns it into chemicals that damage the kidneys, usually within one to three days. Early on your dog may seem wobbly or drunk, then appear to recover for a while before the kidney damage shows, so a dog that looks better is not out of danger yet. There is an antidote, but it needs to be given early, ideally within eight hours of your dog swallowing it.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Wobbly, drunk-looking walking
- Vomiting
- Drinking and weeing much more than usual
- Tiredness or seeming low
- Fast breathing or panting
- Weeing very little or not at all (a day or more later)
- Seizures
Vet Guidance
Treat this as an emergency, even if your dog seems completely fine. Call your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away and tell them it was antifreeze. The antidote works best within eight hours, so please don't wait for signs to appear. Take the bottle, or a photo of the label, with you if you can. Don't try to make your dog sick unless your vet tells you to.