Dog licked an antifreeze puddle
You do not need a video of drinking. A licked puddle with antifreeze suspicion is enough to act.
Do this first
| Scenario | Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) exposure |
|---|---|
| Vet vs poison control vs ER | This is both a poison-control and ER emergency. Call the hotline while driving to the ER. Do not treat this as a wait-and-see home case. Antifreeze exposure can progress from seeming intoxicated to kidney failure. |
Immediate action steps
- Prevent further access and wipe paws and fur
- Photograph the puddle and grab any nearby container label if safe
- Call poison control and head toward an ER
- Do not wait for wobbliness to “confirm” the exposure
- Bring photos and the label to the clinic
Uncertainty is still actionable
Many antifreeze cases begin with “maybe.” Clinicians would rather evaluate a maybe early than a definite too late.
Note the color and location. Do not taste the fluid yourself.
Other garage chemicals
If windshield fluid, oil, or other chemicals could be mixed in, say that. It changes decontamination details.
Keep other pets out of the garage while you clean.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Contact your vet for anything urgent or unclear.
FAQ
- I cleaned the puddle already. Too late to help?
- No. Still call and seek care. Cleaning protects future exposures; it does not treat the pet.