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Do you enjoy working on your car at home? Many pet parents have fun tinkering with their cars. Many also do routine maintenance on their vehicles to save money. But what happens if you’re working on the car, and you accidentally spill some hydraulic fluid? If your dog is nearby, he may be tempted to taste that fluid! But is hydraulic fluid bad for dogs?
Has your dog drunk hydraulic fluid? Are you worried the hydraulic fluid 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’ll take a look at hydraulic fluid, what it’s used for, and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Hydraulic Fluid?
Hydraulic fluid is a special type of liquid that’s used in all types of hydraulic machinery, including our vehicles. For instance, you can find hydraulic fluid in the brakes, the power steering, and in the automatic transmissions of our vehicles.
Hydraulic fluid is used to help provide power, lubricate certain components, and more. This is a type of liquid that can perform many types of functions. To perform these many functions, hydraulic fluid contains many additives, providing the liquid the ability to withstand high levels of pressure, temperature extremes, and more.
While hydraulic fluid is essential for our vehicles and other machinery, can it make a dog sick?
Hydraulic Fluid & Dogs
Unfortunately, hydraulic fluid is a petroleum product and is toxic to dogs (and other animals) if ingested. In addition, petroleum products contain harmful hydrocarbons, which are extremely toxic.
A dog may be tempted to lick up hydraulic fluid that has spilled. He may do this out of curiosity, thirst, and more. Once the fluid has been ingested, it can wreak havoc on the dog’s system. Hydraulic fluid can harm the lungs, the blood, and the nervous system of a dog. If the fluid is inhaled, it can also cause severe lung damage.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Hydraulic Fluid Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has drunk hydraulic fluid:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Coughing
- Mouth irritation
- Clamping of the jaws
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Depression
- General weakness
- Dry feces
- Oily feces
- Shivering
- Excitability
- Visual dysfunction
- Irregular heartbeat
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of bodily functions
If you know or suspect your dog has drunk hydraulic fluid, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency. Hydraulic fluid ingestion can lead to death if left untreated.
We always say prevention is the best medicine. When you’re working on the car or a machine that uses hydraulic fluid, it’s best to keep your dog inside or in the backyard. And if any fluid is spilled, then clean it up immediately. Hydraulic fluid is harmful to other animals and nature!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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