Toxicity to pets

Antifreeze is a broad term for chemicals that increase the freezing point of water. Pet animals are exposed to antifreeze by access to leaking vehicles, containers in garages and storage sheds, winterized RV plumbing including toilets, and improperly disposed vehicular waste fluids. While many antifreeze products contain ethylene glycol, not all products do, making it important to determine which type of antifreeze a pet may have ingested. Depending on the type of antifreeze, clinical signs of poisoning may include gastrointestinal distress, neurological disorientation, and organ failure. Signs are dependent upon the specific chemical contained in the antifreeze and the volume ingested; small volumes of the antifreeze ethylene glycol can lead to death if treatment is delayed after exposure. Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately if you suspect your pet ingested antifreeze.