Paint and Varnish Poisoning in Dogs and Cats

What are paints and varnishes?

Paints, varnishes, and stains are available in a wide variety of formulations, many of which are dangerous to dogs and cats. Water-based paints include latex, acrylic, tempera, and poster paints. Oil-based paints are typically used where more durable coverage is required. Varnish and stains are wood sealants or pigments made from a combination of resins, oils, and solvents.

Why are paints and varnishes dangerous to dogs and cats?

Pets are naturally curious. They may walk through freshly painted or varnished areas, or they may chew or lick paint, varnish, and related supplies. If paint or varnish gets on the pet's skin, fur, or paws, they may ingest small amounts while self-grooming. They may inhale fumes if they are enclosed in poorly ventilated areas that contain open containers of paint or varnish or that have been recently painted or varnished. All paints and varnishes can release fumes that can cause respiratory and eye irritation when present in poorly ventilated areas.

Lead-based paint is the most serious health concern in pets. Lead-based paints have been banned in the United States and Canada since 1978, but they are not regulated in all countries. Older buildings, painted products from non-regulated countries, and some oil-based artists' paints may contain lead. Ingestion of lead-based paint can cause gastrointestinal irritation and neurological effects, and can interfere with red blood cell production.

Poisoning usually occurs when pets chew on surfaces containing lead-based paint or ingest flakes or chips of peeling paint. While a single ingestion of lead-based paint can result in clinical signs, serious effects are more likely when a pet repeatedly ingests dried paint. Pets often provide an early warning sign of lead exposure in the home. If a pet is diagnosed with lead poisoning, then humans in the household should consult their primary care team.

In most cases, water-based paints are unlikely to cause more than gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation. Some latex paints contain low concentrations of ethylene glycol (anti-freeze). Ingestion of very large amounts of these paints can cause gastrointestinal upset, neurologic signs, and even kidney failure.

Oil-based paints and varnishes contain solvents that can be inhaled into the lungs and cause difficulty breathing. Vomiting and diarrhea are also commonly associated with the ingestion of oil-based paints.

How much paint or varnish is poisonous to dogs and cats?

A small taste or touch of paint is unlikely to cause significant clinical signs in a pet. Unless the paint contains heavy metals, it is rare that a pet would drink enough undiluted paint to cause serious poisoning.

A chip of lead-based paint the size of a thumbnail can be enough to cause poisoning in dogs that weigh up to 20 pounds. Eating several chips of paint can easily poison a dog the size of a Labrador retriever. Pregnant animals or young animals are at greater risk for lead poisoning.

What should I do if my pet eats paint or varnish or inhales paint or varnish fumes?

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to paint or varnish, immediately contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison center, at 1-800-213-6680 for treatment recommendations.

Never attempt to induce vomiting or administer medications to your pet unless your veterinarian instructs you to do so. Attempting to induce vomiting may cause your pet to inhale paint or varnish into their lungs, resulting in much more serious complications. It may be helpful to rinse your pet’s mouth with lukewarm water, encourage your pet to drink water, or offer a small snack, which may dilute the paint or varnish in the stomach and reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Paint or varnish on the skin or fur can be washed off with mild liquid dish soap or carefully trimmed with clippers. Do not use scissors to clip the fur, because you risk cutting the skin. Never use paint thinners, mineral spirits, or other products on the skin without consulting your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline first. These products can cause severe skin irritation and pain. In most cases, leaving some paint on the fur is preferred over causing further injury.

What are the signs of paint or varnish poisoning in a dog or cat?

Signs of poisoning depend on the type of paint or varnish ingested. The most common sign is gastrointestinal upset. If paint or varnish is aspirated into the lungs, pets may develop coughing and breathing difficulties. Ingestion of lead-based paints may cause gastrointestinal upset, neurologic signs, changes in heart rate and difficulty breathing.

If a pet ingests a large amount of paint containing ethylene glycol, they may develop lethargy, neurological signs, and changes in eating, drinking, and urination. The ethylene glycol concentrations in these paints are typically low and ingestion of a toxic amount would be rare.

How is paint and varnish poisoning diagnosed?

Most cases of paint or varnish poisoning are diagnosed in pets that have a known or suspected exposure to paint or varnish and are showing the expected signs. Radiographs (X-rays) may be needed to look for evidence of lead. Bloodwork may be performed to evaluate organ function, assess red blood cells, or determine lead levels.

What is the treatment for paint or varnish poisoning?

There is no antidote for most paint and varnish ingestion. Treatment for paint exposure depends on the type and amount of paint ingested. Decontamination with vomiting after ingestion of paint or varnish is not recommended due to the risk of aspiration into the lungs, resulting in coughing and difficulty breathing. If a pet has developed vomiting or diarrhea, they are often treated with medications to control the signs and protect the gastrointestinal tract.

If enough paint containing ethylene glycol was ingested to cause poisoning, hospitalization with specific treatments will be recommended. Early treatment can prevent damage to the kidneys. Treatment for lead poisoning depends on the clinical signs that develop and may require symptomatic and supportive care. Drugs called chelating agents can be used to bind the lead and allow it to be removed from the body.

Can pets recover from paint or varnish poisoning?

Full recovery is expected after most paint or varnish exposures. Pets that develop lead poisoning or ingest ethylene glycol-containing paint may develop more serious complications. Even in these cases, the outlook for full recovery is good with early treatment. Delayed treatment can cause long-term organ damage and even death.

How can paint or varnish poisoning be prevented?

Store paint and varnish products in closed containers, out of the pet’s reach. Curious pets may explore containers and painting supplies. It is common for pets to chew through containers or chew on paint brushes and other painting supplies. Pets can get on counters or knock items off counters and tables. Do not assume a pet will avoid eating the paint or varnish just because it has a bad taste.

Keep pets away from open containers, supplies, spills, and fumes. Do not leave open paint or varnish where unattended pets are present, and do not leave items coated with wet paint or varnish where pets can reach them. If paint or varnish is spilled, confine all pets in another area of the home until the product has been cleaned up. Ensure the area where the paint or varnish was used is well ventilated and odor-free before allowing pets back into the area.

Clean up paint and varnish debris. Home remodeling may expose lead-based paint dust and chips, which pets can ingest. Pay close attention to curious young animals and especially cats, that can jump and climb on higher surfaces.

In older homes:

• Remove any loose paint, paint chips, or paint dust from areas the pet can access.
• Use a home test kit to assess for lead paint.
• If lead paint is detected, consider a certified risk assessment to determine whether it is better to properly maintain or completely remove the lead-based paint.
• Do not attempt to remove lead-based paint without proper training and protection.

If you suspect a poisoning, immediate action is recommended. Early consultation and treatment are often less expensive and can help prevent serious health effects. 

Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.