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Dogs are famous for being extremely curious about what their pet parents eat, drink, and use! It always feels as if a dog believes you should be sharing that great stuff with him, too! And it doesn’t seem to matter what you’re eating or using. Your dog wants to check it out! This even includes isopropyl alcohol! But can isopropyl alcohol make a dog sick?
Has your dog drunk isopropyl alcohol? Are you worried the isopropyl alcohol 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 isopropyl alcohol and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Isopropyl Alcohol?
Isopropyl alcohol, also commonly called rubbing alcohol, is an alcoholic liquid that is used to disinfect surfaces or as an antiseptic on skin. The rubbing alcohol sold in the store is usually about 70% alcohol.
You can find isopropyl alcohol used in many different ways. For instance, the liquid may be in alcohol swabs and wipes, which are used for cleaning. It’s also found in hand sanitizers, ear drops, and even in mouthwash!
Rubbing alcohol is also commonly found in cleaning supplies, paint thinners, and even in perfumes.
Isopropyl alcohol is used in a wide array of products, which means that dogs have more of a chance of getting into the liquid.
Accidents can happen, too. It’s possible to spill some straight rubbing alcohol on the floor. Then the dog goes over to check it out. He may even think about trying this liquid!
Another scenario could be that your dog finds a product that looks interesting and it contains isopropyl alcohol. Maybe he finds some cleaning wipes, for instance, and decides these look like fun to shred! You just never know what goes through a dog’s mind!
But can isopropyl alcohol make a dog sick?
Isopropyl Alcohol & Dogs
Unfortunately, isopropyl alcohol is toxic to dogs. What’s more, life-threatening symptoms can start within 30 minutes of a dog ingesting rubbing alcohol.

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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Isopropyl Alcohol Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog ingests isopropyl alcohol:
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Loss of body control
- Weakness
- Vomiting
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This is a life-threatening emergency. Your dog needs medical care ASAP in order to save his life. Your dog’s life depends on getting him to help immediately.
The prognosis for dogs who have ingested isopropyl alcohol is best for those who receive prompt medical care.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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