Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic chemical used in a range of industrial products including rust removers, aluminium cleaners and heavy-duty household or automotive cleaners. Whilst not commonly found in everyday homes, exposure can occur through accidental spills, improper storage, or during vehicle maintenance. Though rare, pet exposures to hydrofluoric acid can have devastating consequences.

Unlike other acids, hydrofluoric acid causes tissue damage through two mechanisms. It produces chemical burns and it also penetrates deeply into tissues, where it binds to calcium and magnesium in the body. This can lead to serious electrolyte imbalances, resulting in muscle weakness, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death. In pets, exposure typically occurs through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of vapours.

Clinical signs of ingestion may include drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If the skin is exposed, redness, swelling, and severe pain may develop. These signs may be delayed, which can make early recognition challenging. Importantly, even small exposures can lead to life-threatening complications. Following any exposure, prompt decontamination and veterinary treatment are critical. Treatment may include aggressive flushing of exposed areas, pain control, intravenous fluids, calcium supplementation, and in severe cases, intensive monitoring for cardiac effects. To minimise risk to pets:

✅ Avoid storing hydrofluoric acid-containing products in homes with animals.

✅ If these products are essential, keep them in locked cupboards well out of reach of pets.

✅ Dispose of cleaning products or vehicle maintenance chemicals according to label directions.

✅ Clean up any spills immediately and restrict pet access to treated areas until completely dry and safe.

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to hydrofluoric acid, contact the Animal Poisons Helpline or your veterinarian immediately even if your pet looks well. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ) , 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.