During the winter season, most of us rely on antifreeze chemicals to regulate the engine of our vehicles. This engine coolant works efficiently for internal combustion engines. Antifreeze used in automotive applications contains ethylene glycol. This is primarily a chemical compound that lowers the freezing point of water. This property allows the engine coolant to remain in a liquid state at below freezing temperatures, preventing the formation of ice that could damage engine components. Antifreeze also raises the water's boiling point, which prevents the engine from overheating during operation. However, if you have pets, ensure they don't go near the antifreeze that drips from under the car. But what if your dog licked antifreeze? Read on to find out what steps to take in such a situation and how to rescue them.
My Dog Licked Antifreeze- Is It Dangerous?
Antifreeze is typically a bright color, such as green, pink, orange, or blue, to make leaks and spills easily visible. However, its sweet taste makes it attractive to animals, especially dogs, which can inadvertently ingest it.
What makes it injurious is the primary toxic ingredient in antifreeze-ethylene glycol. This is a chemical compound commonly found in automotive and industrial coolant formulations.
When ingested, the body rapidly metabolizes ethylene glycol into toxic byproducts that cause severe damage, particularly to the kidneys. These byproducts form crystals within the kidneys, impairing their function and potentially leading to acute kidney failure.
The onset of symptoms can be rapid, making immediate veterinary intervention crucial to minimize the damage and increase the chances of survival for pets exposed to even small amounts of antifreeze.
Needless to say, ethylene glycol is highly toxic to animals if swallowed, causing severe organ damage and even death if untreated.
Here it is vital to understand that your pet may also be exposed to antifreeze from the plumbing system in your home. This is because some homes also use antifreeze in their plumbing systems to maintain heat during the winter season. Besides this, decorative snow-globes that look beautiful and aesthetically appealing may contain approximately 2 percent antifreeze. So, if the globe shatters, leaks, and the dog licked dried antifreeze, it may cause toxicity.
My Dog Licked Antifreeze- Symptoms of Poisoning
If your dog licked antifreeze, it's vital to recognize the poisoning symptoms, as prompt action can be life-saving.
● Early Signs
Early symptoms typically manifest within 30 minutes to 12 hours. Vomiting is often the first sign, accompanied by increased thirst and frequent urination. These symptoms occur as the toxic ethylene glycol metabolizes in the body, producing harmful byproducts that affect the gastrointestinal system and start to circulate.
● Neurological Signs
As the poisoning progresses, usually within 12 to 24 hours post-ingestion, more severe neurological symptoms may appear. Your dog might become unsteady on its feet, showing signs of disorientation, lack of coordination, and possibly depression or lethargy. These neurological effects result from the toxic compounds affecting the central nervous system, disrupting normal brain function and motor control.
● Renal Failure
The most critical phase of antifreeze poisoning occurs 24 to 72 hours after ingestion. By this stage, the toxic byproducts of ethylene glycol metabolism have begun to crystallize within the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure. Symptoms can escalate rapidly, including seizures, loss of consciousness (coma), and ultimately, without intervention, death.
What To Do If Your Dog Licks Dried Spills?
Here’s what you should do if you suspect your dog has licked dried antifreeze:
● Assess the Situation
Quickly evaluate where the spill occurred and estimate how much antifreeze your dog might have ingested. Make sure to note the time of exposure, as this information is critical for veterinary guidance.
Immediately take your dog away from the area to prevent further exposure. If other pets or children are nearby, ensure they are also kept away from the spilled area.
● Contact Your Veterinarian
Call an emergency animal hospital immediately to inform them about the situation. Time is of the essence in such cases, and professional guidance is essential.
● Inducing Vomiting
Your veterinarian may instruct to induce vomiting at home if the ingestion occurred within the last two hours. They will provide specific instructions on how to induce vomiting using hydrogen peroxide safely.
● Take The Dog To The Veterinarian
Make sure to take the dog to the nearest veterinary clinic or animal hospital immediately. Even if your dog appears normal initially, antifreeze poisoning can progress rapidly. Hence, professional medical treatment is necessary to prevent severe complications.
● Diagnostic Tests
When your dog is brought to the veterinary clinic after the dog licked dried antifreeze, diagnostic tests are essential to confirm poisoning and assess the severity of toxicity.
Blood tests play a critical role in this process, as they can detect elevated levels of ethylene glycol and its metabolites in the bloodstream. These tests also help identify abnormalities in kidney function, which is crucial since ethylene glycol poisoning primarily targets the kidneys by forming crystals that lead to severe kidney damage.
Treatments
Treatment for antifreeze poisoning is multifaceted and aims to counteract the toxic effects of ethylene glycol:
● Activated Charcoal
This is administered orally to your dog to help absorb any remaining antifreeze toxins in the stomach. Activated charcoal acts as a binding agent, preventing further absorption of ethylene glycol into the bloodstream and reducing its toxic effects.
● Intravenous Fluids
Immediate intravenous fluid administration is vital for kidney functioning . It also facilitates the elimination of toxins from the body. Fluid therapy helps maintain hydration and promotes urine production, removing ethylene glycol and its harmful byproducts from the kidneys and bloodstream.
● Antidotes
Veterinarians may use specific antidotes such as fomepizole and ethanol to inhibit the metabolism of ethylene glycol into its toxic metabolites. These antidotes block the enzyme responsible for converting ethylene glycol into substances that cause kidney damage. Antidotes can significantly reduce the severity of poisoning and improve the dog's chances of recovery by preventing toxic metabolites.
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell, if your dog licked antifreeze, early intervention and comprehensive veterinary care are crucial to maximize the chances of survival. Also, it is recommended to get pet insurance from Paw Darling for superior financial protection if your pet requires unexpected medical care due to illness or injury.
