Is Rubbing alcohol Toxic to Pets?
Yes — rubbing alcohol is toxic to cats. Yes — rubbing alcohol is toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Isopropanol
- Toxic parts
- Liquid, sprays, hand sanitizer
- Also known as
- isopropyl alcohol, hand sanitizer
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Wobbliness
- Sedation
- Low blood sugar
- Slow breathing
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Wobbliness
- Sedation
- Low blood sugar
- Slow breathing
What to do
If your cat ate rubbing alcohol
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate rubbing alcohol
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Isopropyl alcohol is about twice as toxic as drinking alcohol and is absorbed quickly through the gut and even the skin.
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Frequently asked questions
Is rubbing alcohol toxic to cats?
Yes — rubbing alcohol is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, wobbliness, sedation.
Is rubbing alcohol toxic to dogs?
Yes — rubbing alcohol is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, wobbliness, sedation.
Which parts of rubbing alcohol are toxic?
Liquid, sprays, hand sanitizer.
What makes rubbing alcohol toxic?
Isopropanol.
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