Antifreeze: The sweet toxic killer

Alberta SPCA Public Service Announcement

The  Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a provincially incorporated, nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. The mission of the Alberta SPCA is to have every animal in Alberta humanely treated.

Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals love, but it is highly toxic.  Just one tablespoon is enough to kill a cat or small dog.  By taking simple preventative measures you can keep animals including pets, farm animals and wildlife safe.  

Prevention:

•  Promptly clean up spills – even the smallest amount can be toxic if not taken care of.  Ethylene glycol, the chemical commonly used in antifreeze, is also found in paint, stains and cosmetics. Keep those products, or any product that contains ingredients that you are uncertain of, out of your pet’s reach.
• Never pour used antifreeze down the drain, in the gutter, or flush it down the toilet.  Always depose of used or unwanted chemicals at your local recycling centre.  For a list of facilities near you that accept antifreeze visit  Alberta ’s Recycling Hotline at www.recyclinghotline.ca
• Always keep an eye on your dog if you are in unfamiliar places where hazardous chemicals may be lurking such as in garages or on driveways and roads.
•  Keep your cat indoors.  Cats that are kept inside are far less likely to ingest toxic chemicals.
• Watch your pets for abnormal behaviour.  The sooner the antifreeze poisoning is detected the greater the chance of survival and recovery.   If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with antifreeze or if your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, take them to a veterinarian immediately.  Symptoms include: Vomiting, lethargy, appearing uncoordinated or disoriented, difficulty breathing, increased thirst and urination.
• If possible, switch to the newly developed pet-friendly antifreeze containing propylene glycol, which is less toxic to animals and has a bitter taste.   If your service centre doesn’t carry this antifreeze yet, encourage them to order it.