Toxicity to pets

Windshield wiper fluids most often contain a moderate to high concentration of methanol. They may also be combined with low concentration isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) and additional antifreezes including ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

When ingested by dogs and cats, the methanol causes signs similar to regular alcohol which include mild to severe neurologic signs, acting intoxicated with incoordination, low blood sugar, slow or shallow breathing and low blood pressure.

Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol in windshield wiper fluids are at a lower concentrations than when in motor vehicle radiators, but can still be toxic. These both cause neurologic and respiratory signs similar to methanol, but ethylene glycol can also cause irreversible kidney failure if left untreated.

When seeking veterinary care, bring the bottle with you to the veterinarian or bring the exact product name including the temperature range for use such as -20 or -50. Many have similar or the same product names but may be for different environmental temperatures which result in different ingredient combinations.