My dog ate rubbing alcohol / hand sanitizer — what should I do?
YELLOW — Call your vet today
What to do now
- Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours).
- Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Isopropanol is about twice as toxic as ethanol; hand sanitizer is 60-95% alcohol.
Symptoms to watch for
Wobbliness, vomiting, sedation, low blood sugar.
When: 30-60 minutes
⚠️ A lick is minor; a gulp or a small dog -> RED.
Frequently asked questions
Is rubbing alcohol / hand sanitizer dangerous for dogs?
It can be. Isopropanol is about twice as toxic as ethanol; hand sanitizer is 60-95% alcohol. Call your vet today for advice.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate rubbing alcohol / hand sanitizer?
Wobbliness, vomiting, sedation, low blood sugar.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats rubbing alcohol / hand sanitizer?
30-60 minutes
Is there anything else to know about rubbing alcohol / hand sanitizer?
A lick is minor; a gulp or a small dog -> RED.
What should I do if my dog ate rubbing alcohol / hand sanitizer?
Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours). Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
Merck: isopropanol >=0.5 mL/kg can cause serious signs in dogs.
Sources
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: isopropyl alcohol, hand sanitizer, purell · Category: Chemical · Last reviewed 2026-10-14