PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate lighter fluid and torch fuel? What to do
Swallowed lighter fluid or torch fuel can upset a dog's stomach and slow its nervous system, and breathing it in can 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, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- 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.
- Keep the container and bring it with you.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit. It can pull the fuel into the lungs.
Signs to watch for
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fast breathing
- Walking drunk
- Low energy
- Skin or eye irritation
When signs appear: Often within a few hours
Why
These are liquid fuels. If a dog breathes them into its lungs while swallowing or vomiting, they can cause aspiration pneumonia.
Sources
- American College of Veterinary Pharmacists: Liquid Fuels
- ASPCA: Pet Safety Tips for a Happy, Healthy Fourth of July
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Petroleum Product Poisoning
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.