{"id":3506,"date":"2023-01-05T17:24:52","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T22:24:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dupontvet.com\/blog\/?p=3506"},"modified":"2024-03-11T10:32:25","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T15:32:25","slug":"prepare-for-the-worst-how-to-recognize-and-treat-antifreeze-poisoning-in-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dupontvet.com\/blog\/prepare-for-the-worst-how-to-recognize-and-treat-antifreeze-poisoning-in-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepare for the Worst: How to Recognize and Treat Antifreeze Poisoning in Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Most pet owners develop a certain mindset regarding their pet\u2019s overall health and safety. The concept of \u201cwhatever can go wrong, will go wrong\u201d might not necessarily be the healthiest or most sustainable, but it can serve to keep pets as safe as possible. Regarding antifreeze poisoning in pets, being able to assess a pet\u2019s risk of exposure is an important key. It\u2019s also essential to know what the symptoms are and what to do if your pet ever shows signs of poisoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Extreme Weather<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Antifreeze works by regulating the engine\u2019s temperature in our vehicles. In extreme weather<\/a>, antifreeze maintains a regular temperature that helps protect the engine and improve effective, safe driveability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Composed of water and ethylene glycol, even a small amount of antifreeze can be deadly to pets<\/a>. To make matters worse, antifreeze has a sweet smell attractive to many animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequency and Volume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is no safe amount of ethylene glycol for a pet to consume. However, their symptoms will depend on when they sampled antifreeze and how much they ingested . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once consumed, antifreeze is quickly absorbed and metabolized. Within a short time, a pet can appear dazed, confused, and wobbly. Obvious behavioral shifts include drinking excessive amounts of water, increased urination, and vomiting. These signs should never be ignored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, antifreeze poisoning in pets peaks at about three hours after ingestion. Afterwards, pets may show signs of improvement, but by the time ethylene glycol reaches the liver and kidneys, 3 separate toxins are formed: glycolic acid, formic acid, and oxalate. These toxins are responsible for extensive kidney damage. No longer able to eliminate waste, the damaged kidneys lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n