Crafters often use acrylic paints because it is one of the most versatile craft paints and home decor paints on the market, but what if you have furry friends at home?
Is acrylic paint toxic to dogs? It's important to understand what can and cannot harm your dog at home.
Read our guide to determine how to use acrylic paints safely without harming a man’s best friend.
Is ingesting acrylic paint toxic or not? We will give you a clear answer on whether the acrylic paint toxic or non toxic acrylic paints. Acrylic paints are popular because it is a flexible paint with vibrant colors.
The paint itself has a thick consistency, but by adding warm water, the paint can become thin and glide across surfaces easily.
This flexibility means that acrylic paints can be used for many different projects. It can be used on traditional paper, cardboard, or canvas, but you can also use it on wood, glass, plastic, stone,heavy metals, leather, and some fabrics (although we recommend puffy paint for fabrics) and finger paints on dogs.
If you want to create art with your dog, you need to look for non-toxic water-based paints.
Most acrylic paints and oil paints (oil based paints) are only non toxic paints and water based paint (water based acrylic paint); however, some paints are better than others.
So if you have any pets like dogs, cats, birds or fish make sure to choose one of these.
Liquitex acrylic paint and Sherwin Williams Emerald interior acrylic latex paint and oil paint are non-toxic to dogs and shouldn't cause a problem if latex or oil paint touch the dog's skin or fur; however, they may cause mild irritation.
If you are painting in the same room and your dog runs over the paint, all you need to do is wash the paint off.
Is Apple Barrel acrylic paint bad for dogs? Apple Barrel acrylic paint is a paint that can be used on dog paws to create art with your dog.
Can dog licks acrylic paint? No, they should not. If the paint formula is non-toxic, then your dog should be okay if they ingest a small amount, but large amounts can create vomiting and nausea.
Dogs will not have a toxic reaction or end up poisoned from most latex paints, including most acrylic paints.
We always recommend reviewing the paint manufacturers instructions to ensure that the acrylic paints safe or not.
No acrylic paints should ever be ingested by your dog, and we recommend supervising your dog with any paint (regardless of whether you are painting with your dog's paws or painting on your own).
If your dog does consume acrylic paints, we recommend contacting your veterinarian.
What To Do If Your Dog Ate acrylic paint?
Your dog should not eat acrylic paints. Non toxic acrylic paints are most often water-based. As long as your paint is both water-based and non-toxic, your dog should be okay. However, too much paint eaten can lead to nausea and vomiting.
If your dog accidentally ate acrylic paints, try to determine how much was consumed. Then, get in touch with your veterinarian to walk through the process.
Most likely, you can stay at home and monitor your dog. However, we recommend first calling the veterinarian to be sure. It is always better to be safe than to take chances.
If it is after hours, an emergency vet clinic should be called. Keeping a close eye on your dog for 24-48 hours after ingestion is vital to make sure that symptoms are mild and not severe.
You can expect nausea and vomiting; however, too much vomiting is cause for concern.
Is Acrylic Paint Bad on Dog Paws?
You can use acrylic paints on dog paws if the acrylic paints labeled as both water-based and non-toxic. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to even a water based acrylic paints and non-toxic paint, however. We recommend placing a small amount of paint on your dog's paw as a patch test.
Rinse the paint off with warm, sudsy water (create suds not with human soap, but with a tiny amount of dog shampoo).
Wait 24 hours and see if your dog's skin or mucous membranes have an allergic reaction. If no reaction occurs, you can use that particular acrylic paints safe on your dog’s paws.
When painting with your dog’s paws, you want to gently hold their paw and run it over the paper, canvas, or cardboard area that you are using to paint. You can try creating abstract images or painting landscapes.
Many dog owners enjoy using their dog's paws to create a "stamp" of their paws. This is a unique way to capture a piece of your dog's history, similar to how humans might “stamp” their hands onto canvases.
How To Get Acrylic Paints Out Of Dog Hair?
It can be challenging to wash acrylic paint fumes from dog fur, but if you are using a non-toxic (which means has no volatile organic compounds and harmful chemicals) and water-soluble acrylic paints, it shouldn't be too difficult.
Do not use human soap for acrylic paint wash because this can create rashes and other allergic reactions. Instead, take a bottle of dog shampoo and squirt a quarter-sized amount onto your hand.
Create suds by adding a little water and then gently massage your dog's paw. Continue massaging your dog's paw for a few minutes, and then place the paw under running water and massage.
From here, you should see the paint begin to wash away. Repeat as many times as necessary to remove all washable acrylic paints or washable body paints from your dog’s paws. You may need to do this on your dog’s body as well and opt for a full dog bath if you find acrylic paints on their stomach, ears, chin, and body.
Most artist paints, such as acrylics and spray paints, are relatively non-toxic, particular colors may include specific elements that pose a risk to pets.
Common Acrylic Paints and Dogs Questions
What paint is safest for dogs?
The safest paint for dogs is acrylic paint that is water-based and is known for its use with dogs. We recommend sticking with brands that have a reputation as being used for creating art with dog paws.
What type of paint is toxic to dogs?
Lead-based paint is the most toxic paint for both dogs and cats. Varnish is also poisonous for both cats and dogs. Paints without lead that are not water-based are also toxic to dogs and should be kept away from your dog.
Can dogs die from eating acrylic paint?
Acrylic paints are not considered to be lethal unless it contains glycol ingredients. Most acrylic paints do not contain glycols. If the acrylic paint contains dangerous glycol ingredients, then it could possibly be lethal.
How long after painting a home is it safe for dogs?
If you are painting your home, we recommend keeping your dog away from the painted area for 48 hours. This allows the paint to not only dry (so that your dog cannot lick the walls) but also allows the fumes to disperse.
Conclusion
Using acrylic paints at home should not harm your dog. However, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using acrylic paints in the same room as your dog.
Do not leave acrylic paints with your dog unattended, and do not place acrylic paints on your dog's body for more than a quick paw press. Keep the acrylic paints out of reach, and your dog will be safe.