What is ethylene glycol?
Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in most automotive antifreeze products. Ethylene glycol can also be found in lower, less harmful concentrations in some windshield de-icing agents, hydraulic brake fluid, motor oils, solvents, paints, film processing solutions, wood stains, inks, and printer cartridges.
How do dogs get ethylene glycol poisoning?
Dogs may be attracted to ethylene glycol by its odor and sweet taste. Many animals 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 a tiny amount can result in severe poisoning.
What are the signs of ethylene glycol poisoning?
Initial clinical signs of ethylene glycol poisoning include gastrointestinal upset (vomiting), lethargy, incoordination, and increased urination and thirst. Signs can then progress to seizures, coma, and kidney failure.
It is critical that you contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison center, at 1-800-213-6680, if you know or even suspect that your pet has consumed ethylene glycol or if they exhibit any of the early symptoms. Do not wait — time is of the essence and immediate treatment is essential. A delay in treatment of ethylene glycol poisoning usually results in death.
How do veterinarians confirm ethylene glycol poisoning?
Some veterinary hospitals have an in-house test that can detect the presence of ethylene glycol in the bloodstream. Additional testing includes other blood tests and urine testing, looking for abnormalities that occur with ethylene glycol poisoning.
If you suspect your dog has ingested ethylene glycol, seek immediate veterinary attention. The prognosis is very poor once clinical signs have developed. When in doubt, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline 24/7 at 1-800-213-6680 for life-saving assistance in managing a poisoned patient.
Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
© Copyright 2026 LifeLearn Inc. This content was written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) and is licensed to this practice for the personal use of its clients. Copying, printing, or further distributing this material is prohibited without LifeLearn’s express written consent. The use of artificial intelligence or automated tools to rewrite, republish, adapt, or repurpose this content, in whole or in part, is prohibited and does not create any ownership or derivative rights. This content does not contain all available information about medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine or Health Canada’s Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content is not a substitute for medical advice or a proper clinical examination. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 24, 2026. |
