Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Poisoning
in Dogs
Substance: Ethylene glycol (antifreeze/coolant). Symptoms appear within 30 minutes to 12 hours. Treatment costs £1,000–£5,000.
Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet now.
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to ethylene glycol (antifreeze/coolant), contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately. The PoisonLine is available 24/7 and run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
What to Look For
Symptoms of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning typically appear within 30 minutes to 12 hours of exposure. You may not see all of these — even one or two should prompt an immediate call to your vet.
What to Do Right Now
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to ethylene glycol (antifreeze/coolant), follow these steps.
This is one of the most time-critical poisoning emergencies — every minute counts
Call your vet or emergency vet immediately, even if you only suspect exposure
Treatment must begin within 8-12 hours for dogs; after this, kidney damage is often irreversible
Do NOT try home remedies
Bring the antifreeze container if you can identify the source
What the Vet Will Do
Treatment depends on how much was ingested and how quickly you seek help. Here is what to expect.
How Much It Costs
Estimated UK vet costs for treating antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning in dogs. Total treatment typically costs £1,000–£5,000.
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency consultation | £80-£250 |
| Fomepizole antidote | £200-£600 |
| IV fluids (3-5 days) | £400-£1,200 |
| Blood tests (multiple) | £200-£500 |
| Hospitalisation (3-5 nights) | £500-£2,500 |
| Dialysis (specialist, if needed) | £3,000-£8,000+ |
| Total treatment range | £1,000–£5,000 |
Prices are estimates based on UK veterinary averages. Out-of-hours emergencies typically cost 1.5–3x more than standard hours. Individual cases vary.
Recovery Outlook
If the antidote is given within 8 hours (dogs) or 3 hours (cats), the prognosis is good. Once kidney failure sets in (typically after 24-72 hours), the prognosis is very poor without dialysis. Antifreeze tastes sweet, so pets are attracted to it. Even tiny amounts can be lethal — as little as 1 tablespoon can kill a cat.
How to Prevent This
The best treatment is prevention. Keep your pet safe with these steps.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Poisoning?
Yes — most pet insurance policies cover accidental poisoning as an emergency, including out-of-hours care, hospitalisation, and specialist referral.
With antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning treatment costing £1,000–£5,000, insurance can prevent a medical emergency becoming a financial one too. Check your policy covers emergency treatment with no sub-limit on poisoning.
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