Even in South Florida, antifreeze poisoning occurs. In areas with subfreezing temperatures, outdoor pets may find that the only unfrozen water available is in the puddles where radiators were drained. The toxic agent in commercial antifreeze is ethylene glycol, a colorless, odorless liquid that makes up 95 percent of antifreeze solution. After ingestion, the poison is rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract and within 20 to 30 minutes vomiting, depression, lack of coordination, and weakness often occur. The prognosis for animals poisoned with ethylene glycol depends on how much was ingested, the size of the animal, and when treatment was started.
Early diagnosis is imperative to treat the animal effectively.
If not treat4ed immediately, the animal may experience severe kidney damage, could lapse into a coma, and may die, all within 24 hours of ingestion. Drain antifreeze into a container that can be closed and take it to a nearby service station for disposal. Thoroughly clean surfaces where the antifreeze was spilled. When storing antifreeze, make sure there are no leaks and the lid is on tight. There are also antifreeze alternatives available that do not contain ethylene glycol.