PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate paint thinner, turpentine and solvents? Toxic: what to do now
Paint thinner, turpentine and fuels irritate a dog's mouth and skin, and if breathed into the lungs while swallowing or vomiting they cause pneumonia.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Paint thinner, turpentine and solvents and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Drooling, vomiting, coughing or wheezing, fast breathing and skin redness or burns. All 8
- How fast
- Often within a few hours
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Poison Helpline. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate paint thinner, turpentine and solvents?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- If it's on the skin, bathe your dog with a non-medicated degreasing shampoo or hand dishwashing liquid. Repeat if needed.
- Keep the container and bring it with you.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit. It can pull the liquid into the lungs.
- Don't use more solvent to clean it off.
Symptoms to watch for
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fast breathing
- Skin redness or burns
- Face rubbing or paw twitching
- Walking drunk
- Agitation
When signs appear: Often within a few hours
Why
These are petroleum products and solvents. The biggest danger is that they slip into the airway and inflame the lungs.
Sources
- American College of Veterinary Pharmacists: Liquid Fuels
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Petroleum Product Poisoning
- Pet Poison Helpline: Petroleum Distillates
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.