Dangerous Antifreeze

Antifreeze is a greenish fluid that is put inside a car engine to keep the engine from freezing in the cold. Antifreeze is good for cars.

Antifreeze is deadly to dogs and any other animal. Here's how a dog can be poisoned by antifreeze. First of all, antifreeze has a sweet taste that is appealing to dogs. Once inside the dog the symptoms may include thirst, frequent urination, tremors, depression, and vomiting. This can happen as soon as 30 minutes after it has been ingested by a dog and can last up to 12 hours. By then the symptoms will disappear.

At this point, the ethylene glycol will have been broken down by the liver. Ethylene glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze. Many symptoms may not be noticeable for days. Vomiting may reoccur as well as appetite loss, inability to urinate, mouth ulcers, salivation, dehydration, seizures, coma , and eventually death.

If you think your dog has taken in antifreeze, take it to your nearest animal clinic immediately. If treated properly within the 1st 12 hours, complete recovery is possible.

Don't forget that when changing or adding antifreeze to your car, make sure not to spill anything. Also keep containers out of reach of your pets.