Antifreeze + Pets = Slow, Painful Death

Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)
This is actually a winter and summer potential problem. Cats and dogs are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, and will often sample some if left out in a container or spilled on the garage floor. A cat or small dog can walk through a small puddle of it, lick their feet, and ingest enough to kill them. 

Antifreeze is highly toxic - it is rapidly absorbed (initial signs appear approximately one hour post-ingestion), and there is a high mortality rate. Other sources of this deadly chemical are: heat exchange fluids (sometimes used in solar collectors), some brake and transmissions fluids as well as diethylene glycol used in color film processing.

Acute cases (within 12 hours of ingestion) often present as if the animal was intoxicated with alcohol: stumbling, vomiting and depression are common signs. The kidneys are most severely affected, and even if the animal seems to improve initially with treatment, they may succumb shortly after to kidney failure. The kidneys shut down, and the animal is unable to produce urine. This type of kidney failure usually happens 12-24 hours after ingestion in cats, and 36-72 hours post ingestion in dogs. Success of treatment is dependent upon quick treatment. If you suspect that your animal has come into contact with antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.

A safer alternative to Ethylene Glycol antifreeze is available, it is called propylene glycol, and it does cost a small amount more than 'regular' antifreeze. It is still, however, toxic to cats, and can be toxic to dogs in larger amounts.

To be safe, keep all antifreeze liquids out of reach of all pets and children.  If it is accidentally spilled on the ground or in the garage, clean it up immediately, and do a thorough job of it.