If your dog has eaten an anti bacterial wipe, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately as they may experience gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration. Treatment will likely involve administration of fluids and antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Prevention is always the best medicine, so be sure to keep these wipes out of your dog’s reach.
Anti bacterial wipes are often used to clean surfaces or hands and can be effective at killing bacteria. However, they can also be dangerous if ingested by pets.
What are disinfectant wipes and why are they dangerous to dogs?
Disinfectant wipes are those pre-moistened, individually wrapped squares of cloth that have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to clean surfaces and devices.
They usually contain quaternary ammonium salts (or “quats”), which are antimicrobial agents that can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
While wipes are safe for humans, they can be very dangerous to dogs if ingested.
Quats can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, and can also lead to liver and kidney damage.
If your dog has eaten a disinfectant wipe, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
What should I do if my dog eats an anti bacterial wipe?
If your dog has eaten an anti-bacterial wipe, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian.
While most wipes are not toxic to dogs, they can cause stomach upset and vomiting.
Your vet will be able to determine if your dog needs to be seen and treated.
If the wipe was consumed recently, your vet may recommend giving your dog a dose of activated charcoal to help bind any toxins in the stomach and prevent them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
They may also recommend giving your dog a bit of food or milk to help settle their stomach.
In most cases, dogs who have eaten an anti-bacterial wipe will be fine and will not need any treatment.
However, if your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or seems to be in pain, please call your veterinarian immediately.
Can you use anti bacterial wipes on dogs?
While anti bacterial wipes are safe for humans, they should not be used on dogs.
The chemicals in the wipes can cause irritation and dryness of the skin.
If your dog has a cut or wound, it is best to clean it with sterile saline solution or warm water.
If you must use a wipe, make sure it is unscented and alcohol-free.
Are disinfecting wipes safe for use on dogs
No. Disinfecting wipes are intended for use on surfaces, such as bathtubs, worktops and other places.
They are not intended for use on human beings and they are certainly not suitable for use on your dog or, for that matter, any other animal.
If you need to use any form of wipe on your dog then baby wipes are the best choice.
Are bleach based wipes safe for dogs
No. Bleach based wipes are not safe for use on dogs or any other animal.
Although they are not safe for use on dogs, providing that you use them properly around the home and store them so that your dog cannot get to them, you can continue to clean your home with them.
Does bleach affect dogs?
Yes. Bleach is a corrosive substance that contains chlorine and which can cause irritation and burns if it comes into contact with the skin.
Ingesting bleach can be fatal to dogs.
If you must use bleach around your home, make sure it is stored safely out of reach of your dog and always diluted before use.
Never use full-strength bleach on any surface.
Can I use alcohol wipes on my dog?
No. Alcohol wipes should not be used on dogs.
You should never use any form of alcohol to treat your dog or to clean any wounds.
Most, if not all, alcohol based products are toxic to dogs and they should never come into contact with your pet.
Always take the advice of your vet before using any products to treat your dog.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG EATS AN ANTIBACTERIAL WIPE
If a dog ingests an antibacterial wipe, it’s crucial to act promptly as the chemicals in the wipe can be harmful, and there’s also a risk of a physical blockage in the digestive system.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what actions to take:
Immediate Actions:
Stay Calm:
Keep calm to ensure you can act effectively and to keep the dog as calm as possible.
Remove Access:
Ensure no further access to antibacterial wipes or any other harmful substances.
Do Not Induce Vomiting:
Unless explicitly instructed by a vet, do not induce vomiting as this can cause more harm than good.
Contact a Professional:
Call the Vet:
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately.
Be ready to provide information about your dog (breed, age, weight) and details about the incident (what was eaten, when, and any symptoms).
Follow Instructions:
Adhere strictly to any advice or instructions given by the professional.
Prepare for a Vet Visit:
Be ready to transport your dog to the vet if advised.
Bring the packaging of the antibacterial wipe if available, to help the vet understand what has been ingested.
Transporting the Dog:
Safe Transport:
Ensure the dog is safely secured during transport, using a carrier or a secured area in the vehicle.
Minimise Stress:
Keep the environment as calm and quiet as possible to reduce additional stress for the dog.
At the Vet:
Provide Detailed Information:
Offer as much information as possible about the incident and any subsequent reactions or symptoms.
Cooperate Fully:
Allow the vet to perform any necessary examinations or procedures.
Be prepared for potential treatments such as induced vomiting, administration of activated charcoal, or even surgery in case of obstruction.
Post-Incident Care:
Follow-Up Visits:
Ensure you attend any follow-up appointments to monitor your dog’s recovery.
Administer Prescribed Medication:
Give any prescribed medication exactly as instructed by the vet.
Monitor Your Dog:
Keep a close eye on your dog’s behaviour, eating habits, and bowel movements following the incident.
Report any abnormalities or concerns to the vet promptly.
Prevent Future Incidents:
Ensure all harmful substances, like antibacterial wipes, are stored securely out of reach of your dog.
Consider child-proof locks or secure containers to prevent future incidents.
Note:
Always prioritise professional advice from a vet or a pet poison hotline over any other sources of information during emergencies.
This guide is a general set of steps and may not be fully applicable in every situation.
Final words
While anti bacterial wipes are safe for humans, they can be dangerous for dogs if ingested.
If your dog has eaten a disinfectant wipe, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Most dogs who have eaten an anti-bacterial wipe will be fine, but some may need treatment for vomiting or diarrhea.
Never use alcohol wipes or any other types of wipe on your dog.
Many contain chemicals that can harm your pet and, if you do need to clean cuts or simply remove dirt then clean water is the best and safest option.
