Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy ate an alcohol prep pad. Do I need to call the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 7 months and 20 days old | 20 lbs

I have a 20 lb 9 month pup who might have ate a alcohol prep pad. He had some food in his tummy, not a full meal. He is currently resting beside me for his morning nap. Should I call our vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 31st, 2018

This will likely pass on its own. I do not think you have to worry. Just in case it does not pass per vias naturalis, and causes an obstruction (unlikely), watch for diarrhea and retching and lethargy. If that occurs Scout needs to be seen by a veterinarian right away. But as I said, it is unlikely. The little bit of alcohol on the pad might make him tired. And the pad, being paper tissue, should somewhat dissolve and pass.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
I hate to hear that Scout is giving you a scare! By alcohol prep pad, I am assuming you are meaning a regular isopropyl alcohol pad used for general cleansing. This product can have variable dosages to cause toxicity. In fact, some dogs can experience toxicity from inhaling the vapors. Symptoms usually set in within 30 minutes of ingestion and include: vomiting, central nervous depression, trouble breathing or abdominal pain.
Treatment is to induce vomiting and then giving activated charcoal to absorb the toxins. If you suspect Scout did in fact eat the pad, then I would recommend to take him into the vet asap to induce vomiting and start the charcoal. If only he could talk and tell you what happened! I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog ate an isopropyl alcohol prep pad. What symptoms to watch for?

The isopropyl alcohol is unlikely to cause a problem, and if the prep pad was small and made out of paper-like material it shouldn’t cause a problem in the gastrointestinal tract either. You should watch for vomiting or diarrhea but I doubt C will have any issues.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog ate an alcohol swab pad. Will she be okay? What should I do now?

A small one shouldn't cause Bella any problems. It would be concerned if it was a large one, as large amounts of the alcohol would cause immediate problems, usually within 30 minutes. You don't need to do anything but make sure she doesn't eat any more! I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy ate a pad and vomited. Does she need a vet if she seems okay?

Yes, if your puppy has been vomiting after eating abnormal material, she should absolutely be seen by a veterinarian. Pads can potentially cause obstruction of her stomach or intestines. She should be evaluated and have radiographs performed to rule out an obstruction of her gastrointestinal tract, ASAP.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy ate a pee pad. Now he's vomiting bile & has diarrhea. Should I worry?

It is very possible, and I would be worried if he's now having vomiting and diarrhea, as that may indicate a partial blockage (where some but not all stool is able to properly pass). If his symptoms continue, or none of the pee pad is passing, I would schedule a vet visit immediately to check for foreign body.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog ate a meat absorbent pad. Will he pass it? Should I worry?

Hi there. It's very possible that the pad may pass through his system without causing any problems, especially if he chewed it into pieces first. Or, he may vomit it up on his own. The biggest concern would be that it might become stuck in his intestines and cause an obstruction. Symptoms of this problem would include repeated episodes of vomiting, not eating, acting lethargic, and not having regular bowel movements. If any of these symptoms are seen, then you should take him to the vet right away for an exam and x-rays. But as long as he's acting normal (eating and drinking, no vomiting), you shouldn't need to worry. If he does develop any problems, this would likely happen within the next 2-3 days - so after that, you should be able to relax.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy ate a pee pad. What should I do if he's sick or throwing up?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Kobu chewed up and ingested pieces of a wee-wee pad then he is at risk for that material to become stuck. If you made him vomit, did he vomit up ALL the pieces that were missing? If he didn't vomit up pieces then hopefully he will pass them in his stool. I would feed him small amounts of water and a bland diet as small frequent meals for several days. If he refuses to eat, starts vomiting and is lethargic he needs to be seen ASAP by a Veterinarian. They will need to take X-rays to make sure he doesn't need surgery to remove the pad pieces. I hope this helps and I wish you and Kobu the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate puppy pads. Should I worry about obstruction after surgery?

Thanks for your question. It sounds like you have a naughty boy on your hands. At this point, it sounds like he isn't currently having symptoms. If he stops eating or starts vomiting, you will want to seek veterinary attention. Unfortunately, there are some dogs that are repeat offenders and continue to get themselves into trouble. If not already, he may need to be crated when alone, with nothing but a metal water bowl in the crate with him. I hope it makes it through this and stays out of trouble for a while.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share