Dogs and Antifreeze

[KYKub]

There was some chatter in another thread about the wisdom of using antifreeze as tire ballast because of the potential danger to dogs or other animals in the event of a leak. Rather than hijack a thread I thought I would start a new one.

My question is, why do manufacturers not add an ingredient to make the antifreeze repulsive to dogs and other animals? I assume the "sweet" taste of antifreeze is unintended, but have to think it would be easy to add an ingredient that tastes or smells repulsive to dogs. I'm no chemist and there is probably a good explanation for why it isn't done, I just don't know what it is.

I'm a "dog guy" and would gladly pay somewhat more for antifreeze if it was indeed "animal safe."

By the way, I had a dog who I found lapping antifreeze from a winterized pool house toilet. Had no idea if she drank an ounce or a quart. Flew to the animal ER 30 minutes away (of course it was Saturday and the local vet was closed). The dog held her head out the window and seemed to enjoy the 90mph trip - she never did show any signs of discomfort. They rushed her in like something out of a trauma hospital TV show. Basically, gave her an alcohol IV and kept her passed-out drunk for 24 hours; vet said the point is to saturate the liver with alcohol to prevent harm while the antifreeze passes through the body. I'm sure it's more complex than that, but that's how he explained it at the time. Watched her get loopy from the alcohol and pass out, then collected her the next day. She had an obvious killer headache and was generally in a foul mood for a day or so. Then, she was just fine.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

In plumbing you should be using propylene glycol, which is non-toxic to humans and dogs, rather than ethylene glycol, which is usually used in vehicles. Propylene glycol is also a lot cheaper.

Apparently propylene glycol is poisonous to cats though.

 

[RLstangs]

John Deere antifreeze has Bitrex in it. Bitrex (denatonium benzoate) is the brand name of the world’s most bitter substance yet discovered. Read about it here. https://t.jdparts.deere.com/partsmkt/document/english/pmac/5686_fb_AntiFreezeCoolGard.htm

 

[4570Man]

Why did you use antifreeze intended for a radiator in a toilet? The make RV antifreeze that is supposedly nontoxic. Honestly I wouldn't worry about putting antifreeze in a tractor tire. What are the chances of the tire leaking while parked an concrete? By far the most likely chance of leaking would be caused by the tire being punctuated. This would mean you are very likely aware of the leak and on dirt. Why would you use that kind of antifreeze in a tractor tire anyway. RV antifreeze is much cheaper and would eliminate the issue.

 

[jenkinsph]

Why did you use antifreeze intended for a radiator in a toilet? The make RV antifreeze that is supposedly nontoxic. Honestly I wouldn't worry about putting antifreeze in a tractor tire. What are the chances of the tire leaking while parked an concrete? By far the most likely chance of leaking would be caused by the tire being punctuated. This would mean you are very likely aware of the leak and on dirt. Why would you use that kind of antifreeze in a tractor tire anyway. RV antifreeze is much cheaper and would eliminate the issue.

The OP brought this up because another poster in that thread suggested it.

I am a dog lover and I use iron weights solves all of these problems. Iron weights don't leak out and last a lifetime.

 

[4570Man]

The OP brought this up because another poster in that thread suggested it. I am a dog lover and I use iron weights solves all of these problems. Iron weights don't leak out and last a lifetime.

I have since seen the other thread, and offered my 2 cents over there. It still doesn't answer why the op used ethylene glycol antifreeze in a toilet.

 

[Coyote machine]

Coolant/antifreeze is for use in closed systems like car radiators, NOT for tire ballast. Use Rimguard or a similar product designed for the intended purpose. They used to use calcium chloride, but it corroded the rims inside and caused leaks.
Proper chemical for proper intended use. RV antifreeze for same. Windshield washer fluid is sometimes used as ballast in tractor tires too.
Bitrex seems like a good deterrent, (in case a radiator or water pump leaked onto the ground/floor); BUT should not be cause to use JD antifreeze/coolant as tire ballast - still a bad idea, AND a waste of money, when other products get the job done for less cost, and risk potential.

 

[KYKub]

I live in a subdivision with a community pool. I was helping clean, mow, etc. to open the pool when my dog got into it. I would not have used automotive antifreeze, but whoever winterized the toilets did.

I agree that the chances of a tire ballast leak being dangerous to an animal are slim.

My biggest concern is when is when I or others drain antifreeze. For instance, I just drained antifreeze last weekend while installing a radiator hose heater. Had to keep an eye on the dogs until I got the pan out of their reach. No big deal at all, but if it's something to remember, it's something that can be forgotten. An even greater fear is others who are not so conscientious, either by choice or ignorance.

RLstangs, I didn't know about Deere using Bitrex. Still wonder why something like this isn't more common but I will look for this next time I buy antifreeze. Thanks for the tip!

 

[MMagis]

I suppose it comes down to cost. Some antifreeze does have additives to make it taste bad, but I’m sure most people don’t want to pay for it. Even if someone were to use it for ballast, it would take a large leak on a hard surface for it to create a puddle large enough to be concerning to a pet owner. And then a pet would have to come by at that time. All in all, it would be an unusual circumstance. But still, there are better options for ballast.

 

[jenkinsph]

I suppose it comes down to cost. Some antifreeze does have additives to make it taste bad, but I’m sure most people don’t want to pay for it. Even if someone were to use it for ballast, it would take a large leak on a hard surface for it to create a puddle large enough to be concerning to a pet owner. And then a pet would have to come by at that time. All in all, it would be an unusual circumstance. But still, there are better options for ballast.

My pets are more important than my machinery to me. Anyone not willing to pay a little extra for the cost of safe anti freeze or take all necessary precautions to avoid injury to pets is an a$$hole in my book.

I agree it is best to use the right product for the job though. Fifty cents worth of RV antifreeze in a toilet, RimGuard or iron weights is best for tractor ballasting. WWF or plain water depending on your locale will also work to a lesser degree.