Is Vaseline Safe For Dogs?

As a pet parent, it is satisfying to accord your fur baby’s skin the best care by applying Vaseline on their scrapes, cuts and wounds, but is it safe?

Understanding Vaseline

Vaseline is a petroleum jelly-based ointment. It was discovered by an American chemist, Robert Chesebrough, and has been on the market since 1859. Petroleum jelly is made by mixing waxes and mineral oil and can be used to seal in moisture and as a solution to dry skin and rashes.

Many people today keep Vaseline at arm’s reach to help soothe and heal dry skin, protect open wounds or for basic cosmetic use, such as keeping lips soft and highlighting cheekbones.

On humans, Vaseline is considered safe to use but does the same apply to dogs?

Vaseline on Dogs

A dog’s skin may appear oily, a good thing, or maybe dry and flaky, a worrying thing. The skin’s appearance is a primitive response to different environmental factors, including humidity, temperature, and the dog’s skin type.

When a dog’s skin appears dry, the owner’s first instinct will be to apply an ointment to help restore the dog’s smooth coating. Most people will go for Vaseline due to its many acclaimed properties, but is it safe?

Yes, Vaseline is an okay remedy for your dog. It also helps protect your dog’s skin from harsh weather elements like wind and cold air.

Its Demerits

Vaseline gives one a soothing and healing feeling, but no scientific evidence supports the notion. Also, you do not want to assume your dog has a skin rash, only to find out later it was an allergic reaction to something they ate or dermatitis that calls for proper medical treatment.

If your pup is exhibiting skin irritation or rash signs, consult your vet for tests and a diagnosis, after which they will advise on appropriate remedy choices.

Generally, Vaseline petroleum jelly will not harm your dog. However, too much of it can pose a health risk to your dog. They will be tempted to lick it off, after which they may experience stomach upset and diarrhea. That’s because Vaseline is a petroleum-based product, which is typically synthetic and harmful to dogs.

Only use the needed amount of Vaseline on your pup. If the affected area is closed up, you may rub on it gently, but if too sore or open, one may dab on it gently using their finger. What is important is minimizing the chances of the dog ingesting the ointment.

Safe Use of Vaseline On Dogs

One can safely apply Vaseline to the following parts of a dog’s skin:

• Neck
• Belly
• Back
• Around the genitals
• Outside of ears and nose
• Head
• Legs and paws
• Tail and base of the tail

Parts to avoid:

• Eyes
• Inside the ears and nose
• Mouth

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Vaseline

Dogs are prone to eating almost anything, even the strangest things. A dog’s heightened sense of smell makes it aware of many things stored in different parts of your home. Puppies, especially, are explorers and have a curious aura around them, making them subjective to accidents from licking, chewing or swallowing something harmful.

A dog may lick or eat Vaseline because of its nice smell or taste. This is especially so if the ointment has flavoring. It can be accidentally eaten from the container, unintentionally licked off from their human owners, or off their skin if used on them.

So, what to do if your pup eats vaseline?

It is not a big deal if they have only licked a small amount. If they have taken it in huge amounts, however, there is a need for concern, and it can be a dreadful experience if not well handled. To keep your fur baby safe:

• Remove the item from their vicinity and store it away safely to prevent the risk of further consumption.
• Do not induce vomiting.
• Monitor your dog for any behavioral change. Mild gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea may occur after consumption of Vaseline, mostly if taken in large amounts.
• Contact and consult a trusted veterinarian.

Verdict

When applied correctly to a dog: in the right amount and on the right body parts, Vaseline is safe for use. However, do not use it without your vet’s permission.

Even better,  stick to moisturizers specially made for dogs to avoid the likely negative effects of Vaseline.