Not veterinary advice. General information from public sources. If in doubt, call your vet, an emergency vet, or a poison hotline now.

My dog ate windshield washer fluid (methanol) — what should I do?

YELLOW — Call your vet today

🚨 Emergency signs (seizures, collapse, trouble breathing, pale gums, repeated vomiting)? Go to an emergency vet now.
📞 ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435📞 Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661Both open 24/7; hotlines may charge a consultation fee. Or call your nearest emergency vet.

What to do now

  1. Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours).
  2. Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
  3. Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
  4. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
  5. Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Check your dog's risk in the PawPanic triage tool →

Why it's a problem

Methanol causes drunkenness and low blood sugar in dogs; some products also contain ethylene glycol.

Symptoms to watch for

Wobbliness, vomiting, sedation.

When: 30 min - 2 h

⚠️ If the label lists ethylene glycol -> Antifreeze (RED). Large gulps or small dogs -> RED.

Frequently asked questions

Is windshield washer fluid (methanol) dangerous for dogs?

It can be. Methanol causes drunkenness and low blood sugar in dogs; some products also contain ethylene glycol. Call your vet today for advice.

What are the symptoms if my dog ate windshield washer fluid (methanol)?

Wobbliness, vomiting, sedation.

How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats windshield washer fluid (methanol)?

30 min - 2 h

Is there anything else to know about windshield washer fluid (methanol)?

If the label lists ethylene glycol -> Antifreeze (RED). Large gulps or small dogs -> RED.

What should I do if my dog ate windshield washer fluid (methanol)?

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: lethal methanol dose in dogs 4-8 mL/kg; signs at lower doses.

Sources

Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.

Also known as: washer fluid, methanol · Category: Chemical · Last reviewed 2026-10-14

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