Is vaseline good to put on dog dry skin?
Jammie Ankunding
2025-08-02 23:05:41
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While Vaseline is a barrier agent that can protect skin, in dogs, it can also trap bacteria and other debris against the skin, potentially leading to infections or worsening existing conditions. The main concern is ingestion. Dogs are likely to lick areas where Vaseline is applied, leading to potential digestion of this petroleum product. Ingesting Vaseline can cause upset stomachs or diarrhea in dogs. Although not toxic, Vaseline is not meant for internal use and can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. If you’re looking to address your dog’s skin issues or protect their paws, consider safer alternatives specifically formulated for pets. There are many products on the market designed to safely help with dry or cracked paws and skin issues in dogs. These products are made with ingredients that are safe for dogs, even if ingested in small amounts. While Vaseline is a handy product for humans, its use on dogs is not recommended due to the potential risks of ingestion and skin complications.
Agustin Hauck
2025-08-02 23:01:53
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We use it on our dog's paws for winter hiking since he hates booties and just pulls them off. After we go hiking, he sometimes licks his paws when coming home, mostly to remove any ice that built up even though there was vaseline. Maybe most of the vaseline is already rubbed off/gone after several hours of hiking anyways? Is it safe if he digests a small amount once a week? Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional.
Ronaldo Kovacek
2025-08-02 22:25:31
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It's not recommended to use Vaseline on dogs with dry, itchy, or irritated skin, not only because it causes digestive upset but also because it's not going to be effective. Vaseline can protect and moisturize skin on humans when left alone and used repeatedly, but the reality is that dogs will lick it off and you won't be able to apply enough, for long enough, for the Vaseline to have a meaningful benefit to your dog's skin. Dogs will not be poisoned if they lick Vaseline, or even if they get into a tub of it and lick excessive amounts. If they don't throw up, they'll probably have diarrhea for a while. In many cases, your dog will vomit and have diarrhea. This can be dangerous to dogs with extremely sensitive stomachs or other health issues that could be exacerbated by excessive digestive upset. Unfortunately, Vaseline is not the right choice for your dog's troubled spots of skin. Instead, look for a topical balm that's made for dogs. Dogs with dry, cracked, or itchy skin can benefit significantly from pet-safe balms with ingredients like shea butter, vitamin-e, and hemp extract. Balms and ointments formulated for dogs are safe to lick and ingest, and they're more likely to provide a protective barrier around your dog's difficult skin spots.