Q: While adding windshield washer fluid to my car’s reservoir, I spilled some on the ground and my dog started licking it. I sopped up the liquid before he got more than a taste, but afterward, I wondered: Is windshield washer fluid actually toxic to dogs?
A: Yes. Most windshield washer fluids are about 20-30% methanol, which is toxic to dogs, cats, humans and other animals. Some windshield washer fluids are 100% methanol, and others contain additional toxic antifreeze products, like ethylene glycol.
Methanol, sometimes called wood alcohol, is colorless and flammable, and it has been described as having a slightly sweet alcohol odor. It is also found in some cleaning products, solvents, paint removers, varnishes, gasolines, “canned heat” fuels, model airplane fuels and gas line antifreeze products….