Can I Use Rubbing Alcohol on my Dog?

can i use rubbing alcohol on my dog

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 One-Step Disinfectant Cleaner & Deodorizer for Veterinary Use, EPA registered Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide, Concentrate, 1-Gallon
  • Used by Vets, Loved by Pets - Kill pathogens in as little as 60 seconds with Rescue
  • Rescue Concentrate, harnessing the power of Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP)
  • Recommended by Dr. Marty Becker, Rescue is the only disinfectant of Fear Free.
  • Prevents outbreaks and kills a broad-spectrum of pathogens in 5 minutes
  • Gentle on users, animals, materials and the environment

KennelSol Dog Crate Cleaner and Disinfectant

KennelSol Dog Crate Cleaner and Disinfectant | Cleaning Concentrate, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Parvo Disinfectant | Kennel Cleaner | 1 Gallon
  • EFFECTIVE ONE-STEP CLEANER AND DISINFECTANT FOR HOME OR KENNEL- KennelSol is a one-step cleaning liquid product and disinfectant specially formulated to safely clean home pet areas and even animal care facilities. The concentrated formula knocks out pathogens in one easy labor-saving step.
  • WORKS AGAINST VIRUSES, BACTERIA, FUNGI, EVEN CANINE PARVOVIRUS - KennelSol is the ideal disinfectant cleaner for both pet owners and animal care professionals. KennelSol makes it easy to kill off pathogens with several germicidal ingredients, making it the only broad-spectrum, animal-safe kennel cleaner and deodorizer you need.
  • LEAVES YOUR DOG CRATE SMELLING FRESH AND ODOR-FREE - Unlike other pet cleaning supplies, KennelSol offers an abundant level of detergent and odor control which makes it more than just a kennel disinfectant cleaner. The fresh wintergreen fragrance it leaves behind keeps your dog crate or kennel smelling fresh and clean.
  • SAFE AND GENTLE KENNEL CLEANER AND DISINFECTANT - Our one-step germicidal cleaner is safe and gentle for home use and powerful enough to kill troubling conditions like kennel cough, staph infection, E.Coli and other nasty viruses. It’s neutral pH level works efficiently and safely without any additional rinsing, retains strength even in hard water, and is safe for clothing and safe around dogs, cats, and other animals.
  • EPA REGISTERED - KennelSol is the ideal sanitizer and deodorizer to cleanse any area where animal debris, germs and dander are present. Registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), KennelSol can kill a broad spectrum of pathogens, including many important to the animal care industry. It is not just effective against viruses (including Canine Parvovirus), bacteria, and fungi, it is also the right choice for you and your pet environment.

TomlynTrifectant Disinfectant Powder

Tomlyn Trifectant Disinfectant Powder, 10lb
  • 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

Absorbine SaniPet Pet-Safe Sanitizer Spray, Kills 99.9% of Germs in 60 Seconds or Less, Alcohol-Free, 16oz
  • KILLS: Pet-safe sanitizer spray is clinically proven to kill 99.9% of germs & bacteria on skin, coat & paws in 60 seconds or less
  • SOOTHES: Alcohol-free, patent pending formula includes aloe & is pH balanced
  • PROTECTS: Guards against bacteria being carried on coat and transferring within the home and family
  • SAFE: For pets who have been in contact with humans and animals outside of the house - walking, grooming, training, vet appointments, parks, daycare, etc. but not for use on cats
  • OTHER SURFACES: Will not harm bedding, enclosures, collars, leashes, harnesses or any other non-leather accessories

BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Medicated Chlorhexidine Spray 

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BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Medicated Chlorhexidine Spray for Dogs & Cats, Relieves Skin Infections, Hot Spots, Paw Licking, Allergies and Acne, with Soothing Aloe Vera – Veterinary Strength
  • Helps Relieve Skin Infections, Hot Spots, Paw Licking, Allergies, Growths & Acne in Dogs, Puppies, Cats, Kittens and Horses
  • No Sting Alcohol-Free Formula Relieves Itching and Hot Spots; Aloe & Vitamin E soothes and nourishes Rashes, Redness and Dry Skin Irritations
  • Perfect between Baths and Easier that Shampooing. Deodorizes and Cleanses Face Folds, Wrinkles, Paws, Underarms and Groin Leaving a Pleasant Cucumber Melon Scent
  • Veterinary Strength Medicated Formula is for Dogs, Cats and Horses
  • Made in the USA in Federally Regulated Manufacturing Facility in Small Batches for Quality and Safety

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

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.

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