Is all antifreeze pet safe? Pet-safe antifreezes do exist. Instead of containing ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol is an organic compound with the formula₂. It is mainly used for two purposes, as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and for antifreeze formulations. It is an odorless, colorless, sweet-tasting, viscous liquid. Ethylene glycol is toxic. Household pets are especially sus…
Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₃CH(OH)CH₂OH. It is a viscous, colorless liquid which is nearly odorless but possesses a faintly sweet taste. Containing two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol. It is miscible with a broad range of solvents, includin…
How is antifreeze harmful to pets?
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your pet, taking into account the background of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have precipitated this condition.
- Treatment. ...
- Living and Management. ...
- Prevention. ...
What should I do if my dog drinks antifreeze?
What should I do if my dog drinks antifreeze? If you think your dog has drunk antifreeze, contact your vet as soon as possible. Do not wait for your dog to become unwell, as delayed treatment may not be as effective. Even if your dog drank antifreeze and seems ok it’s important you contact your vet straight away.
How to save your pet from antifreeze poisoning?
Ways to prevent antifreeze poisoning
- Practice safe storage: Keep antifreeze — and other automotive fluids — out of reach of pets. ...
- Keep it clean: When topping off your vehicle’s fluids, clean up any spills immediately. ...
- Locate leaks: Check your vehicle for coolant leakage. ...
- Know what contains antifreeze: You can find ethylene glycol in a bunch of unexpected places. ...
Is antifreeze dangerous for pets?
Toxicity to pets Antifreeze, which often contains ethylene glycol (EG), can be extremely dangerous to dogs and cats.
What is EG in antifreeze?
How much EG is fatal for dogs?
What is the emergency number for ethylene glycol?
How long does it take for a dog to get EG intoxicated?
How much EG poisoning is fatal to cats?
Can you leave antifreeze in a container?
Can you let a dog roam unattended?
See more
About this website
Which antifreeze is pet safe?
Switch to a pet-safe, propylene glycol based antifreeze. Although not 100% nontoxic, it's considered less toxic than ethylene glycol based antifreezes. Several brands on the market include Sierra, Sta-Clean and Prestone LowTox Antifreeze/Coolant.
Is antifreeze still toxic to animals?
Many animals like the sweet taste of antifreeze and will readily consume it when given the opportunity. However, antifreeze, even in the smallest amounts, can have a very harmful and often fatal effect on your pet. A single teaspoon will kill a cat and a tablespoonful will kill a 10-pound dog.
Is all antifreeze poisonous to dogs?
Many animals will voluntarily drink ethylene glycol if antifreeze is spilled or leaks onto garage floors or driveways. Ethylene glycol has a very narrow margin of safety – which means only a tiny amount can result in severe poisoning. As little as half a teaspoon per pound of a dog's body weight can result in fatality.
Which is the safe antifreeze that does not poison animals?
AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (ANT) It is biodegradable and requires no special disposal costs or procedures in most areas. Above all, its low toxicity limits the threat to children, pets or wildlife. Making it the safer alternative to other toxic products containing ethylene glycol.
Is pink antifreeze safe for pets?
Is RV antifreeze toxic to animals? RV antifreeze made from Propylene Glycol is designed to be non-toxic. Despite this, RV antifreeze can be unsafe or deadly to dogs, cats, birds, poultry, and other animals in sufficient quantities.
Is all antifreeze bitter now?
Today, all major marketers are placing the bitterant in antifreeze in all 50 states." This brings up an important point. The inclusion of denatonium benzoate in antifreeze does not mean it is now safe for pets, wildlife, or children. Denatonium benzoate simple makes the mixture taste bitter instead of sweet.
Is orange antifreeze toxic?
“Ethylene glycol itself is not toxic, but when it is metabolized in the body, it becomes severely toxic to the kidneys,” she says. “It causes some of the most severe kidney damage that we see.”
What is non toxic antifreeze?
Propylene glycol antifreeze is considered non-toxic and will NOT poison your beloved pet.
How long does it take to show signs of antifreeze poisoning in dogs?
In dogs, this stage occurs 36-72 hours after getting into antifreeze. During this stage, severe kidney failure is developing secondary to calcium crystals forming in the kidneys. Severe lethargy, coma, depression, vomiting, seizures, drooling, and inappetance may be seen.
Are all antifreeze poisonous?
It isn't considered harmful in small amounts, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). On the other hand, ethylene glycol and methanol are hazardous and poisonous if ingested. It only takes a small amount of antifreeze to poison the human body and cause life-threatening complications.
What happens if your dog licks coolant?
Dogs who have consumed antifreeze in very small amounts may survive, but will develop kidney failure within days of ingestion. Kidney damage kills many dogs who have been poisoned by antifreeze.
Is pink antifreeze propylene glycol?
The pink dyed stuff is propylene glycol. It is found in many kinds of soft drinks. Soft drinks are toxic too, by the way. Both glycols are sweet and a taste won't kill you if you ever need to identify a water source.
What is EG in antifreeze?
Ethylene glycol (EG) is a clear, odorless water soluble liquid used most typically in antifreeze solution. It is also used as an industrial solvent in the manufacture of detergents, paints and lacquers, polishes and other compounds. Most anti-freeze solutions contain upwards of 95% of Ethylene Glycol (EG).
How much EG is fatal for dogs?
For dogs 9-14 mls per pounds body weight may cause death. Fatality rates for EG intoxication reported by top veterinary schools range from 44–70% for dogs and 78-96% for cats. METABOLISM. EG is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and distributed rapidly throughout all body tissues.
What is the emergency number for ethylene glycol?
emergency@angell.org. 781-902-8400. MSPCA-Angell West, Waltham GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ETHYLENE GLYCOL (EG, ANTIFREEZE) Ingestion of ethylene glycol (EG/antifreeze) is a true emergency, as it can result in acute kidney failure and death. Please seek emergency treatment if you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze.
How long does it take for a dog to get EG intoxicated?
The signs owners may see can vary and are related to the amount the pet ingested. Stage 1. The first stage occurs 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion and is associated with central nervous system (CNS) signs.
How much EG poisoning is fatal to cats?
For dogs 9-14 mls per pounds body weight may cause death. Fatality rates for EG intoxication reported by top veterinary schools range from 44–70% for dogs and 78-96% for cats.
Can you leave antifreeze in a container?
Never leave antifreeze containers open, unattended or in reach of pets. Make sure any anti-freeze you use contains a “bittering” agent that makes the antifreeze less tasty to pets. Massachusetts passed a law stating that retail and wholesale antifreeze containers sold in the state must contain a bittering agent.
Can you let a dog roam unattended?
Do not let your pet roam unattended. Cats should be kept indoors for maximum security. Dogs should be leashed or in a fenced area. Even if you don’t have antifreeze on your property, a pet can easily find leaks on parking lots, in driveways, on farms or near dumps.
How to clean up antifreeze spill?
So if you are aware of an antifreeze spill, you’ll still want to clean it up well: soak up the liquid with kitty litter, safely dispose of the mixture, and rinse the area with copious amounts of water. I suspect the addition of denatonium benzoate will save a lot of lives, even if some individuals (I’m thinking mostly those dogs that will seemingly eat anything) do continue to get sick.
Can PetMD answer pet health questions?
Note: PetMD isn’t able to respond to pet health questions or to offer veterinary advice.
Is bitterant in antifreeze?
It is vital that consumers continue to read the labels and follow label instructions on the proper use, storage and disposal of antifreeze. Today, all major marketers are placing the bitterant in antifreeze in all 50 states.". This brings up an important point.
Can pets get bittering agents?
Veterinarians who practice in states where bittering agents are mandated do still report seeing pets suffering from ethylene glycol poisoning, but it’s difficult to say whether they are getting into local antifreeze or that which is coming in from across state lines.
What to do if your dog ingests antifreeze?
If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze (ethylene glycol), contact your nearest Pet Emergency Hospital right away. If your pet is showing any signs or symptoms listed above, acting “drunk”, even if or especially if symptoms improve, contact your nearest Pet Emergency Hospital right away.
What causes antifreeze poisoning in pets?
This is followed by signs of depression, vomiting, unsteady or wobbly “drunk” appearance, and leads to acute kidney injury. Once swallowed, EG is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a series of chemical reactions that produce kidney-damaging crystals.
What to do if your dog is drunk?
If your pet is showing any signs or symptoms listed above, acting “drunk”, even if or especially if symptoms improve, contact your nearest Pet Emergency Hospital right away.
What to do if your dog drank green liquid?
If an owner sees their pet drinking EG or observes their pet near a puddle of fluorescent green liquid left by a car (in a garage or driveway for example) emergency veterinary care and treatment should begin immediately to prevent kidney injury often before test results come back positive.
How to treat EG in dogs?
Pets will need to be hospitalized and monitored closely under intensive care with medications to reverse the effects of EG in the body as well as intravenous fluids, monitor urine output, medications for nausea, and pain management .
Can you give pets antifreeze?
Occasionally, people purposely make antifreeze available to pets with malicious intent.
Can pets be outside in the garage?
Pets must be supervised outdoors. Do not allow access to your garage or your neighbor’s garage, especially during freezing weather.
What Should You Do if Your Pet has Ingested Antifreeze?
If you think your pet may have ingested antifreeze, the best thing to do is immediately take them to the veterinary hospital. You’ll also want to be sure to bring with you the packaging from the antifreeze, so the veterinarian can determine the best form of treatment based on the amount ingested and the ingredients listed in the product.
What is the phone number to call if your dog is poisoned?
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to any poisonous substances, contact your veterinarian or call Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 888-426-4435 immediately.
Is antifreeze poisonous to animals?
Chances are, you’re already aware of the fact that antifreeze can be a dangerous poison to humans and animals alike. But do you know why the substance is so toxic to pets? Would you know what to do if your pet got into the chemical?
Is antifreeze toxic to pets?
A key ingredient found in most antifreeze is ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is highly toxic and affects the nervous system and kidneys. What’s worse is that ethylene glycol has a sweet taste, so pets can easily be drawn to and ingest it. It takes only a small amount of ethylene glycol to be potentially fatal. While problems may start within a couple of hours of ingestion, sometimes early signs may be missed in poisoning cases concerning this ingredient. In six to twelve hours, pets may be markedly ill.
How to keep your pet safe from coolant?
To prevent your pet from accidentally being poisoned by any kind of coolant/antifreeze around your home, the safest way is to not have them in contact with it at all. Keeping your pet indoors while you do any work on your car, especially if it has to do with fluids, is one way to keep them safe. If your pet is outside, keep any harmful chemicals off the garage floor or where your pet can reach it and always keep these areas free of spills or messes.
How to test for antifreeze poisoning in dogs?
A blood and urine test is made to confirm antifreeze poisoning, although if kidney failure has already begun, these tests sometimes come out negative. If you get your pet to the veterinary within a few hours of ingestion, vomiting is induced to remove as much of the harmful substance as possible and charcoal is placed into the stomach to bind antifreeze in the intestine. The vet will also deliver a drug to prevent the liver from converting the coolant into toxic products so the antifreeze can pass out of your pet’s body via its urine. More aggressive treatments include dialysis and even kidney transplants.
What to do if my dog licks his paws?
On walks around the neighborhood, keep an eye out for puddles or liquids that aren’t frozen over or are brighter in color. Make sure you see it before your dog does and steer clear. Once you get home, wipe your dog’s paws with a towel or a wet cloth. Ingestion can occur if your dog licks his paws after stepping in antifreeze.
Can antifreeze poison dogs?
While you’re less likely to encounter glycol-laced kibble on your walk or trip to the dog park, antifreeze poisoning in dogs is more common than you think. The heartbreaking truth is that this can happen to anyone in their own backyard or garage and you’d never know until it’s too late.
Can dogs eat antifreeze?
There are twisted individuals that will lace kibble or treats with antifreeze and place it where they know dogs will frequent. Glycol, a chemical found in antifreeze/coolant that is poisonous to animals, can take deadly affect in mere hours after being ingested, resulting in illness and death of a beloved family member.
Can dogs survive kidney failure?
Chances of survival decrease exponentially the longer your dog is without treatment. Once kidney failure is confirmed, most animals do not survive.
Is Prestone antifreeze safe for dogs?
There are a few coolants on the market that offer a safer solution to keep you and your pooch safe. Products such as AMSOIL Antifreeze and Prestone’s Low Tox Antifreeze claim to be specifically designed to be safer around pets, however they are still harmful if your dog ingests it and you’ll still need to bring your pet to the vet.
What is AMSOIL antifreeze?
AMSOIL Antifreeze & Coolant is dyed neutral yellow and is compatible with all ethylene and propylene antifreeze and coolant formulations on the market, including DEX-Cool®, Sierra® and Zerex®. It is also compatible with fully formulated diesel anti-freezes and other organic acid technology (OAT) and hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) ...
Does AMSOIL antifreeze work on metal?
AMSOIL Antifreeze & Coolant adheres to metal. It self-seals hairline cracks in welds and seams to prevent leaks, without additional stop-leak products or fibrous materials.
What is EG in antifreeze?
Ethylene glycol (EG) is a clear, odorless water soluble liquid used most typically in antifreeze solution. It is also used as an industrial solvent in the manufacture of detergents, paints and lacquers, polishes and other compounds. Most anti-freeze solutions contain upwards of 95% of Ethylene Glycol (EG).
How much EG is fatal for dogs?
For dogs 9-14 mls per pounds body weight may cause death. Fatality rates for EG intoxication reported by top veterinary schools range from 44–70% for dogs and 78-96% for cats. METABOLISM. EG is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and distributed rapidly throughout all body tissues.
What is the emergency number for ethylene glycol?
emergency@angell.org. 781-902-8400. MSPCA-Angell West, Waltham GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ETHYLENE GLYCOL (EG, ANTIFREEZE) Ingestion of ethylene glycol (EG/antifreeze) is a true emergency, as it can result in acute kidney failure and death. Please seek emergency treatment if you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze.
How long does it take for a dog to get EG intoxicated?
The signs owners may see can vary and are related to the amount the pet ingested. Stage 1. The first stage occurs 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion and is associated with central nervous system (CNS) signs.
How much EG poisoning is fatal to cats?
For dogs 9-14 mls per pounds body weight may cause death. Fatality rates for EG intoxication reported by top veterinary schools range from 44–70% for dogs and 78-96% for cats.
Can you leave antifreeze in a container?
Never leave antifreeze containers open, unattended or in reach of pets. Make sure any anti-freeze you use contains a “bittering” agent that makes the antifreeze less tasty to pets. Massachusetts passed a law stating that retail and wholesale antifreeze containers sold in the state must contain a bittering agent.
Can you let a dog roam unattended?
Do not let your pet roam unattended. Cats should be kept indoors for maximum security. Dogs should be leashed or in a fenced area. Even if you don’t have antifreeze on your property, a pet can easily find leaks on parking lots, in driveways, on farms or near dumps.
