Is isopropyl alcohol toxic to dogs?

During the holiday season, families frequently get together to celebrate with festive foods and beverages like cocktails and specialty libations. Many pet owners want to make sure their four-legged friends are included in the festivities. But a crowded kitchen, numerous family gatherings, and a constant stream of visitors can result in pet injuries or unintentional poisonings. Furthermore, a lot of animals enjoy picking up dropped food or spilled liquids. Your pet could develop potentially fatal toxicity if they consume human food, beverages, or treats, especially those that contain alcohol. Our Animal Emergency Care team wants pet owners to be aware of the risks associated with alcohol use as well as what to do if your pet unintentionally ingests poison.

What is Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) Poisoning?

The best course of action is to take your dog to the veterinary clinic right away because isopropanol-based poisoning can be severe for him. The sooner your vet can help your dog, the better. Licked liquids such as household goods like alcohol-based detergents, antifreeze, and spilled alcoholic beverages can contain the poison that can be ingested. Even excessive use of some topical shampoos and flea sprays that contain isopropanol alcohol may result in serious reactions in your pet. Products with an isopropanol base are the ones that have negative, sometimes fatal, effects.

Isopropanol-based alcohol is quickly absorbed, especially toxic to dogs, and can cause life-threatening symptoms within thirty minutes of ingestion. Youtube Play.

Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) Poisoning Average Cost

From 459 quotes ranging from $500 – $5,000

Causes of Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) Poisoning in Dogs

Alcohol reacts quickly within your dog’s body, being absorbed almost immediately

Poisoning can come from ingesting the substance or through the skin as in the case of some flea sprays or topical shampoos

When alcohol is processed by the liver it changes the structural form of the alcohol

Ethanol becomes acetaldehyde, methanol becomes formaldehyde (often used in science to preserve body parts) and isopropanol becomes acetone (similar to nail polish remover for humans)

Alcohol irritates the gastric mucosa and is the trigger for vomiting

If your dog vomits excessively it can lead to dehydration due to lack of fluids

The nervous system goes into shock and secondary conditions such as hypothermia and hypoglycemia can set in

There are also pet products out there that contain alcohol.  Here are just a few:

Pad Kote™ by Happy Jack has isopropyl alcohol listed as an inactive ingredient.

Rapigel® has 350mg of isopropyl alcohol! This product is supposedly for horses and greyhounds for muscle pain or soreness. Think about the size difference between a horse and a dog. Then think about how easily your dog can lick this off his muscles. It also includes a large amount of Menthol (20mg), which can cause lung damage in a dog.

GNC Pets Dog Essentials Ear Care Wipes include alcohol, along with glycerin.

21st Century Tear Stain Remover Dog Pads contains propylene glycol, which is the exact substance that Dr. Hohenhau says was discontinued due to red blood cell damage.

FAQ

How much isopropyl is toxic to dogs?

As well as being present in rubbing alcohols and alcohol-based pet flea sprays, isopropanol is also twice as toxic as ethanol. Oral dosages of isopropanol ≥0. 5 mL/kg may result in significant clinical signs in dogs.

What happens if a dog smells rubbing alcohol?

If it has only been a few hours since your dog was exposed to the alcohol, the veterinary team may induce vomiting to eliminate the poison. Your dog may experience breathing issues, low blood sugar, dangerously low body temperatures, and other symptoms as a result of this poisoning.

What happens if a dog licks alcohol?

Drinks, foods, or household items containing various forms of alcohol are unhealthy and potentially toxic for dogs because they cannot metabolize alcohol. Alcohol consumption can make dogs lethargic, have depressed breathing, and have dangerously low body temperatures.

Is Isocol safe for dogs?

Isopropyl alcohol can be extremely toxic to dogs, so you should never use it on them.