Pet Care
Antifreeze Poisoning in Pets UK — Cats & Dogs
By Kaiser Khan, EditorPublished Last updated 2 min read
Quick answer
Antifreeze is a winter emergency. Ethylene glycol causes fatal kidney failure in cats and dogs. If you suspect any ingestion — even a lick — phone your vet or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately. Never use antifreeze where pets can access it; clean spills at once.
Key takeaways
- Ethylene glycol in antifreeze causes fatal kidney failure in cats and dogs — even a small lick can be enough.
- UK winters see more cases when drivers drain and refill coolant; spills on driveways and garages are a common exposure.
- Call your vet or Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately — do not wait for symptoms; the treatment window is narrow.
Why UK winters see more cases
Ethylene glycol in antifreeze tastes sweet to cats and dogs, which is why even small spills on driveways and in garages are so dangerous. Drivers often drain and refill coolant in cold weather, increasing exposure.
Time to symptoms
| Stage | Typical timing | What you may see |
|---|---|---|
| Early (drunk stage) | 30 minutes to a few hours | Wobbliness, vomiting, thirst, acting drunk |
| Quiet / seeming better | Hours later | Temporary improvement — do not assume safety |
| Kidney failure | 12–72 hours (species and dose vary) | Not eating, lethargy, reduced urination, collapse |
Treatment window is narrow — do not wait overnight.
Early signs (first hours)
- Drunk or wobbly walking
- Vomiting
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Seizures in severe cases
Later signs (kidney failure)
- Not eating
- Lethargy
- Collapse
What to do immediately
- Call your vet or Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) now — do not wait for symptoms
- Report what was licked or drunk, approximate amount, and time
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you
- If advised to go in and your practice is closed, use the Vets Now emergency clinic finder
Early antidote treatment can save kidneys; delay often means irreversible failure.
Prevention
- Use pet-safe propylene glycol products where possible
- Store containers locked away
- Clean spills with absorbent material and dispose safely
- Check cats in from areas where cars are serviced
Sources & further reading
This guide draws on the publicly available UK advice listed below. Follow the links for the relevant guidance or the organisation's broader care resources.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Editorial sources and further reading (last updated 2026-07-10).
Continue exploring
Follow the connections between guides to explore related care and conditions.
Related guides
Guides that mention this topic
- Cat Winter Safety UK — Cold, Cars & Antifreeze
- Dog Winter Walks UK
- Rat Bait Poisoning in Pets UK
- Toxic Houseplants for Pets UK
Also see symptoms, symptom checker, and poison guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is antifreeze dangerous to cats?
- Ethylene glycol tastes sweet, so cats and dogs drink spills. Tiny amounts can cause irreversible kidney failure — often fatal without very early treatment.
- What are signs of antifreeze poisoning?
- Early: wobbliness, vomiting, increased thirst, acting drunk. Later: kidney failure, collapse. Signs can start within 30 minutes to hours — treat as emergency immediately.
- What should I do if my pet may have licked antifreeze?
- Phone your vet or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Early treatment with antidote is critical; delay often means death.