The use of hand sanitisers has become widespread because of the pandemic. But how safe are they for your puppy? Are hand sanitizers safe for puppies?
Are Hand Sanitizers Safe for Puppies?
Hand sanitisers, whether in gel or liquid form, contain ethanol alcohol, a common ingredient among sanitisers and other cleaning products. This makes hand sanitisers highly toxic to dogs when ingested in high amounts. Depending on the product, the ethanol alcohol content usually ranges from 40% to 75%.
Is it safe to touch your dog after using the product to sanitize your hands?
Yes. According to reports, touching or petting your dog after using hand sanitisers has no adverse effects on them even if they lick your skin. The trace amounts of sanitizers are not enough to cause harm to your puppy.
However, if they ingest a large amount, then it’s a different story. In such cases, it’s critical to visit your vet immediately. Look out for the following signs of alcohol poisoning:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Collapsing
- Decreased breathing rate
How to Keep Your Puppy Safe
Hand sanitisers are meant for human hands so they should be used that way. Never use them to clean your puppy’s paws or body. If the product is absorbed by your puppy’s skin, it can lead to poisoning, as mentioned above.
When cleaning your puppy, use pet-safe products like pet cleaning wipes. Avoid using sanitisers for their toys as well. Also, be sure to store your sanitisers and other cleaning products in a safe place inaccessible to your puppy.
The next time you use hand sanitisers, be sure to keep it away from your puppy and never use it on them to keep them safe, healthy, and happy.