Now that we are entering the colder winter weather, we will soon be scraping our cars each morning to remove the frost. The team at Pawsome Vets want to keep your furry friends safe no matter the season – so have you ever heard of ethylene glycol poisoning in cats and dogs?

Antifreeze poisoning in pets is a serious problem, so let’s take a look at why it is so dangerous and how it can be prevented.

What is ethylene glycol?

Ethylene glycol is a sweet tasting liquid that is both colourless and odourless. It is the most common ingredient used in antifreeze and engine coolant, helping to regulate engine temperature. This makes it useful in cars, especially when used with de-icing products.

Antifreeze poisoning in pets is common in the colder months as everyone tops up their cars with ethylene glycol liquid. Due to the sweet taste, it is often common for cats to have a drink if any is spilt or there is a leak underneath the vehicle.

Ethylene glycol is extremely toxic to cats, dogs and even humans. Unfortunately, even in very small amounts, this can often cause fatal poisoning.

We want you to be fully informed about where ethylene glycol can be found. It is a common component of:

  • Car antifreeze and coolant
  • Screen wash
  • Brake fluid
  • De-icing solutions for cars and paths
  • Solar panel heating elements

Why is ethylene glycol dangerous to pets?

Once ingested, ethylene glycol breaks down into toxic compounds, such as oxalic and glycolic acid. As the body breaks down the ethylene glycol, the substance can cause:

Kidney damage: Ethylene glycol ingestion can cause acute kidney failure. Once the body has broken down the substance, it can form into calcium oxalate crystals which are sharp and insoluble. These crystals can then lodge in the kidney’s filtration system, causing a blockage.

Kidney damage stops our pets from filtering waste within the blood stream, making our pets feel extremely unwell.

Metabolic acidosis: Ethylene glycol lowers the pH of the blood, causing a condition known as metabolic acidosis. This can lead to tissue damage throughout the body, disrupt cell function and affects the productivity of the heart and lungs.

Neurological issues: After ingestion, the body can react to ethylene glycol like alcohol. This can make pets appear drunk, with them becoming wobbly, disorientated or unresponsive.

How do cats and dogs get antifreeze poisoning?

There are many reasons why cats and dogs can suffer from antifreeze poisoning. One of the main reasons is due to the sweetness of the liquid, both cats and dogs can be tempted to ingest it.

Pets most commonly ingest ethylene glycol from driveways and garages. Just a few drops from a leaking car radiator or coolant reservoir can deliver a toxic dose.

Cats are also at a higher risk due to their self grooming habits. If they walk through antifreeze, or a puddle containing antifreeze, they can then lick this off their fur or paws later on.

Signs and Symptoms of Ethylene Glycol poisoning

One of the biggest dangers of antifreeze poisoning is that we often don’t see it happening. After all, our cats go where they want, when they please!

Symptoms can also take a while to appear, as the body needs to break down the ethylene glycol for the symptoms to start. Common symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include:

  • Appearing drunk (ataxia)
  • Vomiting
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Drooling
  • Depression
  • Seizures
  • Loss of appetite

Whilst these symptoms can relate to a number of different issues, it’s important to get your pet checked out as soon as possible.

What to do if you suspect antifreeze poisoning

If you think that your pet may have ingested antifreeze, no matter if you think it is a small amount, it is important to contact us as soon as possible. This is a serious medical emergency.

It may be important to tell us:

  • When your pet may have ingested antifreeze
  • Any symptoms you have noticed
  • What antifreeze has been ingested, especially if you keep some in your garage

If you’re in the Sutton-in-Ashfield area, call Pawsome Vets immediately on 01623 203529.

Do not wait to see if your pet improves at home – we need to see them as soon as possible.

How to prevent antifreeze poisoning in pets

The best way that you can protect your cat or dog from antifreeze is prevention. By taking a few simple steps at home, you can help to protect your own pets as well as others in the area.

Store antifreeze safely: Always keep de-icing products and engine coolants stored in a sealed container and off the floor. Ideally, these should be placed out of reach of animals in a cupboard.

Use pet-safe products: Choose antifreeze or coolants that do not contain ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a good alternative, although it does still come with risks if ingested.

Take extra precaution with refilling coolant or de-icing fluids: When filling your car with these products, make sure to pour carefully to avoid splashes. Even better, use a funnel.

It is impossible to completely restrict your pet, but if more people are aware of the risks of antifreeze, we can all work together to reduce the exposure to this dangerous product!

Keeping your pets safe in winter

Unfortunately, ethylene glycol poisoning in pets is more common than many owners realise.

If you ever suspect that your cat or dog has come into contact with antifreeze, do not delay! Contact Pawsome Vets immediately – early treatment is vital to saving your pet.

At Pawsome Vets in Sutton-in-Ashfield, we’re always here to support and treat your furry friends. If you’re worried about your pet, please call us on 01623 203529.

Together, we can keep your pets feeling totally Pawsome, no matter the season!