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Does your dog have a habit of drinking or licking up liquid he finds around the house? If so, then you may want to read this. There are times when your dog may find liquids at home or even on a walk that could be toxic to him. This includes a chemical such as freon.
Has your dog drunk freon? Are you worried the freon will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog drinks something like this.
In this article, we’ve put together some information about freon and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Freon?
Freon is a non-combustible gas commonly used in refrigeration systems, such as in air conditioners. Freon is different from antifreeze. For one thing, it removes heat from the car or a home. Coolant, on the other hand, removes heat from an engine. Freon also switches between a gaseous state and a liquid state. Coolant stays a liquid at all times.
As it works to keep a car or home cool, freon goes through the evaporation process continuously. This process produces cool air, which is circulated by the air conditioner. In the home, freon works in the home’s air conditioning system through a series of refrigeration lines. The chemical goes through the system and cools down the air, removing heat from the home.
This same chemical is also used in the system of your fridge!
Freon is usually very difficult to get at. However, if someone’s working on the AC of a car or home or working to replace freon in the fridge’s system, it is possible for some of the liquid to spill.
Can freon be toxic to dogs?
Freon & Dogs
Unfortunately, freon is highly toxic to dogs, other animals, and humans. For one thing, the refrigerant may be inhaled, which can lead to breathing difficulties. It can also be toxic if ingested.

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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Freon Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has drunk freon:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Frostbite (possible on the nose and around the mouth)
- Coughing
- Chemical burn (around and inside the mouth)
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulties
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Freon is highly toxic, so be sure to call the vet immediately. The sooner your dog receives treatment, he’ll have a better chance to make a complete recovery!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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