Can Dogs Eat Hand Sanitizer? No — High Alcohol Concentration
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Hand sanitizer is toxic to dogs. It contains isopropyl or ethyl alcohol at high concentrations that cause rapid alcohol poisoning.
Search another food
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Alcohol poisoning: disorientation, vomiting, rapid breathing, low blood sugar, coma.
If Your Dog Ate This
Hand sanitizer became ubiquitous during the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a significant increase in dog poisoning cases — the sweet gel texture and dispensers at dog height made accidental ingestion much more common.
What to Avoid
entire product — all hand sanitizer varieties
Preparation & Serving
Store hand sanitizer out of reach. Never apply to dog's paws or fur where they can lick it off.
Potential Health Benefits
Keep dogs away from hand sanitizer dispensers
Safer Alternatives
- Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately. Note amount consumed and alcohol percentage.
Did you know?
Hand sanitizer became ubiquitous during the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a significant increase in dog poisoning cases — the sweet gel texture and dispensers at dog height made accidental ingestion much more common.
Portions & nutrition
- Toxic dose (per kg body weight)
- 60-95% alcohol — lethal dose 5.5ml ethanol per kg body weight
- Safe frequency
- never
Source
What You Need to Know
Hand sanitizer contains 60-95% alcohol — far more concentrated than any alcoholic beverage. Even a small amount can cause serious alcohol toxicity in dogs, especially small breeds.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety quiz to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety quizRelated Foods
Stay in the loop
Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.