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Paints and Solvents

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Paints and Solvents — toxicity in dogs and cats

Call your vetApplies to: dogs and cats.

Overview

Paint thinners and solvents can irritate the GI tract and airways and may depress the nervous system in pets. Hydrocarbon products carry a high aspiration risk if vomiting occurs, which can lead to serious lung injury. Pets may be exposed by licking spills, wet paint, or contaminated fur and paws. Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a veterinarian.

Symptoms

Coughing, vomiting, drowsiness, incoordination

Typical onset

Immediate to 4 hours

What to do

Contact your vet urgently; do not induce vomiting.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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Paint thinners and solvents can irritate the GI tract and airways and may depress the nervous system in pets. Hydrocarbon products carry a high aspiration risk if vomiting occurs, which can lead to serious lung injury. Pets may be exposed by licking spills, wet paint, or contaminated fur and paws. Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a veterinarian.

Symptoms
Coughing, vomiting, drowsiness, incoordination
Onset
Immediate to 4 hours
Recommended next step
Contact your vet urgently; do not induce vomiting.
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact us at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Utah Veterinary Emergency Center provides same-day urgent care and is not a 24/7 emergency hospital. For life-threatening signs after hours, call (801) 218-2227 for guidance or go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital.