Rubbing Alcohol has always been a prominent part of several home remedies. However, one query often blooms amongst dog owners, asking, “Is Rubbing Alcohol Safe to Use on Dogs?”
Dogs, by nature, have this habit of licking themselves all the time. And considering that, whatever you put on their skin and fur should be as safe as their food and drink.
Even if it is a body lotion, pet perfume, or Rubbing Alcohol, whatever goes on their skin, dogs lick to suspect if it is safe.
And if it is not, the moment they lick it, the toxicity and poison of that product will reach inside their body.
Rubbing Alcohol is one of the commonly used solutions to kill bacteria. But Is Rubbing Alcohol safe for dogs’ skin? Or Is RubbingAlcohol toxic to dogs? For all such queries, give a quick read to the informational guide below:
Is RubbingAlcohol Safe to Use On Dogs?
RubbingAlcohol as an individual solution is NOT AT ALL SAFE FOR DOGS.
Yes, regardless of pet products that include rubbing alcohol as an ingredient, using the solution individually on dogs can lead to Alcohol poisoning.
Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) Poisoning in Dogs
If ingested by dogs, RubbingAlcohol or Isopropyl Alcohol can prove toxic for them. The Alcohol poisoning it generates can result in,
- Gastrointestinal pain
- Cramps
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Incoordination
These results can arise even when the dog has licked a small portion of Isopropyl Alcohol from their skin or other sources.
However, Isopropyl Alcohol can develop fatal results in dogs with repeated or prolonged exposure. Some of the proven examples include,
- Respiratory depression
- Seizures
- Organ Failure
- Death
Why should you care about Isopropyl Alcohol while dealing with dogs?
Isopropyl Alcohol or any liquid solution that rapidly absorbs into your dog’s skin, one must behave very thoughtfully with them.
For dog owners who come up with queries like can I put RubbingAlcohol on my dog for fleas? Or can I put RubbingAlcohol on my dogs’ paws? The simplest answer is No.
At home, RubbingAlcohol should not be used on a dog’s skin, paw, or body in any form.
Only under professional supervision and medically controlled settings like pet hospitals, RubbingAlcohol is used as an antiseptic.
But like imitating medical practices at home is disregarded, Alcohol usage is no exception.
RubbingAlcohol when used inappropriately and under no expert, supervision has negative effects on a dog’s physical and mental health.
Is the smell of RubbingAlcohol bad for dogs?
RubbingAlcohol is a strong solution, and for animals like dogs who have a sensitive noses, it can sometimes prove quite strong.
Smelling Rubbing Alcohol will not show any adverse effects on your dog’s health. However, practicing the same still is not advisable.
What if my dog licked isopropyl Alcohol?
If you suspect or are aware of isopropyl Alcohol consumption by your dog, immediately seek veterinary care.
Even though your dog has licked a little bit of an Alcohol solution, medical supervision is necessary.
While some dogs may show early signs of Alcohol effect while some may not.
However, regardless of that, instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, reaching a Vet soon is advisable.
The first priority of your veterinarian is to stabilize the Alcohol ingested dog.
If it is just an hour or so after Alcohol ingestion (licking or swallowing), the medical team may induce vomiting in the dog.
Further, they will take your pet’s vital signs and blood tests to determine the level of intoxication.
In some cases where the Alcohol poisoning has not reached the dog’s internal organ, basic medications do the recovering job.
Though in cases where it reaches the dog’s kidney and liver, a higher level of medical attention becomes necessary.
Alcohol poisoning in dogs first affects their respiratory system and cardiovascular system. While mild symptoms and poisoning can be lessened in nearly 3 to 4 hours, in serious cases, the dog might require hospitalization for a minimum of a day.
What Disinfectant can be used on dogs?
Which Disinfectant is safe for dogs? Disinfecting a dog is a part of their daily care and grooming.
While cleaning with water is not just enough every time, one can choose to use several dog-safe disinfectants.
While dog owners use regular sanitizers and disinfectants for their canines, we suggest you stick with products that are medically acclaimed and marked as pet safe.
These products come in the form of liquid, form, wipes, or powder. Some of the popular and safe options for the same include:
REScue One-Step Disinfectant
- Rescue Concentrate is an easy to dilute and cost effective solution for large surface disinfection. 1 gallon of concentrate makes 256 spray bottles of Rescue solution!
- Powerful: Apply and in just 1 minute, it easily disinfects surfaces up to 4x faster than leading competitors.
- Safer & Sustainable: Trusted performance and proven efficacy with no harsh smell. Once diluted, safe to use around staff, animals and homes, perfect for veterinarians and pet owners alike. Powered by Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide Technology, an eco-friendly and biodegradable formula.
- Versatile & Long Lasting: Ideal for use on larger surfaces such as floors, cages, litter boxes and most hard non-porous surfaces in clinics and homes. The diluted solution lasts for 90 days once diluted and stored in a closed container or spray bottle.
- Dilution Made Easy: Daily Use: Add 0.5oz of Concentrate to 32 oz of Water/Spray Bottle (1:64 ratio). Suspected Disease Use: Add 2oz of Concentrate to 32 oz of Water/Spray Bottle (1:64 ratio).
KennelSol Dog Crate Cleaner and Disinfectant
- 3-IN-1 CLEANER, DEODORIZER, AND DISINFECTANT FOR DOG HOMES - KennelSol is a one-step cleaning liquid that works as a kennel cleaner, kennel disinfectant, and deodorizer. Powerful enough to kill harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi while removing odors and leaving behind a fresh wintergreen scent.
- VET APPROVED AND EPA REGISTERED - Protect your pets from a broad spectrum of pathogens including kennel cough, staph infection, E.Coli and Canine Parvovirus with our EPA-registered and vet-formulated disinfectant cleaner.
- ONE SIMPLE STEP - Dilute 2 oz of KennelSol per gallon of water (9 oz per gallon for Canine Parvovirus), apply to hard, non-porous surfaces with a cloth, mop, sponge, spray bottle, pump sprayer, or floor scrubber and leave the area wet for 10 minutes. No need to rinse off!
- GENTLER ALTERNATIVE TO BLEACH AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE - Non-staining to surfaces, clothing, and equipment. Near pH-neutral formula makes KennelSol by Alpha Tech Pet the ideal disinfectant for your home or business.
- SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED SOLUTIONS - Utilizing his knowledge from over 38 years of diverse Animal Care Industry experience, Dr. Shawn Seitz founded AlphaTech Pet in 1989. Since then we have been innovating to create effective animal care and cleaning solutions. Used by both veterinarians and pet lovers at home, all of our products are gentle on expensive equipment, environmentally conscious, and proudly made in the USA.
TomlynTrifectant Disinfectant Powder
- Broad-spectrum, easily dissolvable surface disinfectant, effective against bacteria, fungi & viruses
- Tablets can be dissolved & made into spray for small areas; powder & tub designed for large surfaces
- Disinfectant & sterilizer for quick, on the spot cleaning & sanitizing in healthcare environments
- Use as a surface & equipment cleaner & sanitizer in veterinary clinics and pet grooming centers
- Our disinfectant dissolves fast in water, making it ideal for immediate use; stays stable for 7 days
AbsorbineSaniPet Pet-Safe Sanitizer Spray
- Easy-to-use antiseptic spray
- Helps to remove on skin and coat
- Alcohol-free formula made with soothing aloe
- Makes a great premise spray for enclosures, bedding, crates, and accessories
- Great for multi-pet households, especially when one of your furry friends gets sick
BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Medicated Chlorhexidine Spray
No products found.
How do you disinfect a dog’s paws?
Can I put RubbingAlcohol on my dog’s paws? Yes, Disinfecting a dog’s paws after a long outdoor walk is mandatory.
Because their paws are constantly exposed to the ground, they come into contact with gibberish from the world.
Further, when entering inside the home, all that trash and gibberish comes along.
That is why, once your dog is back home from an outdoor session, within the first minutes, take him to the washroom and ensure cleaning their paws and mouth.
For cleaning your dog’s paws, simply wash them with water. If there is any dirt or dust accumulation, you can also use a dog-friendly cleaning solution.
Or lightly soak a microfibre cloth in warm water and rub your dog’s paw with the same.
However, never use RubbingAlcohol on your dog’s paw at any cost. Similarly, avoid using bleaching powder, human soap and shampoo, and other chemicalized products on your dog’s paw.
What types of Alcohol are toxic for dogs?
Though Alcohol of any type is not for dogs, there are three specific types you currently need to know about:
- Isopropanol (acetone) Alcohol. It may be RubbingAlcohol and nail polish remover.
- Methanol (formaldehyde) Alcohol. It may be windshield washer fluid and other antifreeze products.
- Ethanol (acetaldehyde) Alcohol. It may be some RubbingAlcohol, Alcoholic beverages, and several oral liquid medications.
How To Avoid Isopropyl Alcohol in Dog Products?
Even though most commercialized dog products contain Isopropyl Alcohol, you can still be mindful of them.
Firstly, never buy a product that doesn’t disclose a full ingredient list.
Always do your research first for the ingredients and chemicals you are unfamiliar with.
Quick google research will educate you on safe ingredients for your dog and the ones that aren’t.
Always go for organic and herbal ingredients when shopping for pet products.
Lastly, before becoming a pet expert, take advice from your veterinarian. Vets know dogs the best, and thus for experts’ guidance, reach them.
For Further Reading
- Will Rubbing Alcohol kill plants?
- Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Mold?
- Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Mealybugs?
Wrapping up…
RubbingAlcohol by any means is a toxic substance for dogs. From consumption to external usage, Alcohol usage for dogs is never encouraged.
While rubbing alcohol is a common household solution keeping it out of reach of kids and dogs is strongly advisable.
In cases, where your dog consumes it without wasting minutes, reach your veterinarian.
My name is Logan, and I’m a 36-year-old dad who owns a small pressure-washing company in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. My main goal with rubbing-alcohol.com is to show you how versatile isopropyl rubbing alcohol can be! I hope. You find it useful.