Is Vaseline Safe for Dogs’ Paws – Will It Be Harmful?

Do my dog’s paws need Vaseline? I begin to consider how I can keep my dog’s paws safe the moment I notice seasonal weather changes. What should I do if it’s too hot? The question is, is it too cold.

The use of vaseline on dog paws is generally regarded as safe. In order to keep your pet’s paws safe in the winter, spread petroleum jelly over them.

In this article, I’ll go into more detail about what Vaseline is and when it can and should be applied to your dog’s feet.

What is Vaseline?

Since the late 1800s, petroleum jelly under the brand name Vaseline has been available. It’s most frequently used by people like me for dry skin, especially on the hands and lips. Since the usual recipe is simple, it’s great for skin that’s easily irritated. However, there are variants available with various fragrances.

Read More: Is Vaseline Good for Dry Feet

Can I Put Vaseline on My Dogs Paws?

Do not be alarmed if you have already put Vaseline on your dog’s paws and are now concerned. The use of Vaseline on dog paws is generally regarded as safe. In fact, a lot of vets still suggest Vaseline as an alternative to the more recent wave of dog paw balms available on the market right now. It can also be more reasonably priced in addition to being simpler to find.

Is Vaseline Safe for My Dog?

Dogs are not poisoned by vaseline, so you can use it on or around your pets. It’s a byproduct of the oil industry and is made from processing oil (petroleum), which may put you off, but it’s still safe to use as a topical for pets. Vaseline is typically applied to dogs’ cracked noses or paws to keep them warm in cold weather. It may also be useful for wound healing.

Vaseline is acceptable to use on your dog’s paws or nose in an emergency if you have any on hand. However, there are more advantageous substitutes available, such as canine-specific balms.

Is Vaseline is Toxic for Dogs?

In theory, your dog is not poisoned by Vaseline. It’s typically not the best option because your dog might lick it off their paws or skin. Your dog may experience an upset stomach if they consume enough, which could cause them to vomit or have diarrhea.

Read More: Is Vaseline Safe For Open Cats Wounds

There is no proof that vaseline works, despite the fact that it may feel soothing. Additionally, your best bet, if your dog has a rash or skin irritation, is to consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis and the best course of action. You don’t want to assume your dog has dry skin when they actually have an allergic reaction or dermatitis that needs to be treated with medication. Your veterinarian can conduct the necessary examinations and tests to ensure you are fully aware of your dog’s condition and the best course of action for treating it.

Vaseline won’t harm your dog in small doses, but it’s probably not the best option in any circumstance. Don’t worry if your dog licks you while you’re using it on your own skin; it won’t hurt you much.

What to Rub on Dog Paws?

Your options for what to rub on dog paws don’t just include Vaseline and store-bought paw balms. You can try out a few options to see which suits your dog’s needs the best.

It’s important to remember that your dog will probably want to lick the area as soon as you apply these lubricants. Giving your dog a novel toy or long-lasting chewable treat to keep them occupied for a few minutes while these remedies absorb into the skin is one solution. Here are four products that are frequently used as dog paw rubs.

Read More:

• How to Remove a Tick from a Dog with Vaseline
• Can Your Put Vaseline on Your Dog’s Nose
• Can I Use Vaseline for Ear Mites in Dogs

Shea Butter

Both for human and canine skin protection, shea butter has gained enormous popularity. Shea butter, a natural nut butter, moisturizes and shields skin, calms sensitive or irritated skin, and guards against sun damage.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that strengthen the immune system of your dog’s skin overall. Even better, this natural oil is solid at room temperature, which makes it simple to use and durable.

Vitamin E

As an alternative to Vaseline or expensive paw balms, many veterinarians suggest vitamin E in oil or cream form. Vitamin E is a natural lubricant that aids in the self-healing of damaged cells in addition to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beeswax

Using beeswax as a natural alternative to apply to dog paws is fantastic. For your dog’s paws, it functions as a miniature raincoat, keeping moisture that is already present inside and fending off moisture from the outside. In addition to acting as a natural sunscreen, beeswax is excellent for itch relief.

What Can I Put on My Dog’s Dry Paws?

The variety of options you have for your pup’s health and wellbeing is one of the best benefits of being a modern paw parent. For instance, if your dog has dry paws, you can use any of the all-natural waxes or oils you recently learned about in this article, go with a homemade dog paw balm recipe (keep reading for ideas), pick a commercial dog paw balm, or ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

How Do You Lubricate Dog Paws?

These three recommendations will help you safeguard and lubricate your dog’s paws. Make sure your dog doesn’t first come into contact with any abrasive substances like de-icing fluid, salt, chemicals, or extremely hot or cold surfaces that could result in dryness, cracking, irritation, or sensitivity.

Next, discuss with your vet the possibility of including dietary supplements, such as coconut oil or vitamin E, that can help hydrate, nourish, moisturize, and shield your dog’s skin. Finally, if necessary, you can always apply oils, creams, or balms that replenish the moisture and nourishment lost by the skin on the paw pads.

What Should You Never Put on Dog Paws?

While there are many products you can use to hydrate, moisten, repair, and maintain your dog’s paws and paw pads, there is one that you should never use. Human cosmetic lotions, creams, and moisturizers make up that product. Since human skin has a different pH than canine skin, these products are designed for human skin. Because of this, what works well for you might irritate or poison your dog.

Can You Make Your Own Dog Paw Balm?

You might notice that your thoughts are starting to drift toward making your own dog paw balm at this point. If so, you are fortunate. Actually, making your own dog’s paw balm is quite simple. If the lickability factor worries you, test a few essential oils to find one that won’t tempt your dog, then add a drop or two of that oil to your recipe. Simply avoid using any essential oils that are poisonous to dogs. To be safe, the majority must be severely dilute.

What to Do If My Dog Ate Vaseline

There is most likely no cause for concern if your dog licked some vaseline off its paws. If they get diarrhea, keep an eye on them and make sure they spend lots of time outside. Dogs do eat a variety of things, though, so if your dog somehow managed to consume an entire tub of vaseline, take them to the vet.

Although it is possible to induce vomiting at home, it is best to consult a doctor first due to the consistency of vaseline.

If you’re wondering, “can vaseline kill dogs?” the answer is that it’s very unlikely but not impossible. Vaseline can definitely cause severe dehydration in people if it upsets their stomach to that extent. Dehydration that is not addressed can be fatal.

Although it is unlikely to occur when using vaseline to treat constipation or a similar condition, it is something to be aware of.

Summary

So hopefully this has allayed any concerns you had about applying Vaseline to your dog’s paws. Even veterinarians approve of petroleum jelly, also known as Vaseline. However, you now also have some additional suggestions for how to calm down irritated, sensitive, or irritable dog paws. Do you want to share your favorite homemade dog paw balm recipe? Leave comments with your thoughts!

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