Hand sanitizer, along with face masks, has become a mainstay in all of our lives over the past six months. In the early stages of the pandemic, there wasn’t enough to go around, so people panic-shopped for it. Every business now has it prominently displayed at the front.
To meet demand, some alcohol distilleries are now producing it alongside vodka and whiskey.
While hand sanitizer is a useful tool for humans to prevent the spread of viruses, pets are at risk if they ingest it or absorb it.
Hand sanitizer gels or sprays contain 60 percent or more alcohol (either ethanol or isopropanol) and have similar negative effects to alcohol, which can harm the brain and liver in animals when consumed in any form.
This holds true whether the hand sanitizer is consumed or absorbed through the skin, said Dr Zac Pilossoph, Healthy Paws consulting veterinarian.
The other issue is that hand sanitizer can be particularly harmful for pets to consume. However, according to Becker, dogs and other pets would probably detest the taste after just one lick because of how bitter the solution is. According to Becker, even ingesting that little amount can result in digestive problems like vomiting and diarrhea.
“Attention Pet Owners: Do not use hand sanitizer to clean your pet’s paws. It can cause poisoning if absorbed through the skin. Hand sanitizer products can make your dog sick if eaten,” the FDA tweeted.
Becker and other experts, including those at the FDA, concur that hand sanitizer may be harmful when used as a cleaning agent on paws because of its drying properties. Applying hand sanitizer can actually be “strong enough to slough their foot pads” because it contains up to 95% alcohol, according to Becker.
In the event that a dog or other pet has ingested too much hand sanitizer, they run the risk of ethyl alcohol poisoning and you should call your vet. According to PetMD, there are some symptoms to look for in your pet:
Becker said, “If you really considered what was on your dog’s feet, it would probably freak you out because they’re walking through their own feces, animal feces, and stuff that’s on the sidewalk in the city.” I prefer that pet owners clean their animals’ paws at least twice or three times a week. It doesn’t hurt to wash and clean them every day if you’re walking them somewhere that’s really filthy. ”.
What is in hand sanitizer?
Different hand sanitizer brands will have unique active ingredients as well as fragrances and colors. The majority of commercial hand sanitizers on the market are alcohol-based, which you should keep out of your dog’s reach and that you should never use on your dog’s paws or coat. It’s always a good idea to check the ingredients of any hand sanitizer you use.
How to avoid harm to your pet from hand sanitizer
This means that, whether on purpose or accidentally, you shouldn’t let your pet lick your hands after using hand sanitizer or rub it on your dog’s or cat’s fur or paws. Any strange or unusual-looking surface on a pet’s body will cause them to lick it, leading to ingestion.
If exposed to harmful effects from an alcohol-based sanitizer, pets are even more likely to die, according to a few additional factors, says Dr Zac said. “If an animal’s paws are treated with sanitizer by a human and the pet does not like the icy alcohol as it evaporates, he will try to lick and relieve the uncomfortable feeling, even if it tastes bad.” ”.
The other issue is that pets are much smaller than people and are therefore more toxic from even a small amount of alcohol than a person would be. The smaller the pet, the greater the effect. Intoxication from alcohol in animals would resemble a person taking several shots, according to Dr. Zac says.
Additionally, hand sanitizers have a drying effect, which makes them dangerous for pets if used on their paws. Just as humans’ skin can become dry and cracked after using hand sanitizer, so too can dog and cat paws.
FAQ
What disinfectant can I use on my dog?
Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP): This non-toxic, animal-friendly disinfectant includes surfactants, substances that serve as detergents, and agents that produce foam. AHP is a more stable than the traditional hydrogen peroxide. Dish soap is a reliable cleaner that disinfects without endangering animals.
Can I spray alcohol on my dog’s paws?
If ingested by animals, isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) can result in vomiting, confusion, lack of coordination, and in extreme cases, collapse, respiratory depression, and seizures. The skin of a pet shouldn’t be exposed to rubbing alcohol at home.
Can I spray alcohol on my dog?
In an effort to get rid of fleas, you shouldn’t pour or spray isopropyl alcohol on your pet’s fur or skin. This dangerous substance is easily absorbed through the skin and poisonous to animals in sufficient quantities.
What if my dog licks hand sanitizer?
If your dog ingests hand sanitizer, which has dangerously high levels of ethanol alcohol, it could result in alcohol poisoning. If your dog consumes this product, breathing difficulties, seizures, and even death could happen. A veterinarian visit is imperative.