Stage 2 (12 to 24 hours after ingestion): Some of the signs seem to dramatically improve, luring pet owners into a false sense of security. Stage 1 (within 30 minutes to 12 hours of ingestion): The cat may appear “drunk.” Signs include lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, excessive urination, excessive thirst, hypothermia (low body temperature), seizures, and coma. What are the signs of ethylene glycol poisoning?Įthylene glycol poisoning is divided into three stages. As little as one eighth of a teaspoon of undiluted antifreeze per pound of body weight can result in fatality. Ethylene glycol has a very narrow margin of safety – which means that a cat could easily drink a toxic dose. Many animals will voluntarily drink ethylene glycol if antifreeze is spilled or leaks onto garage floors or driveways. How do cats get ethylene glycol poisoning?Ĭats may be attracted to ethylene glycol by its sweet taste. Ethylene glycol can also be found, in lower, less harmful, concentrations, in some windshield de-icing agents, hydraulic brake fluid, motor oils, solvents, paints, film processing solutions, wood stains, inks, printer cartridges, etc. Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in most automotive antifreeze products.

Ethylene glycol antidote