Can I put vaseline on my dog's dry skin?

Vaseline is a brand of petroleum jelly made by in the US by Unilever. Petroleum jelly is a mix of waxes and mineral oil that can be used to seal in moisture and relieve dry skin. While it is a pretty common and widely used product for humans, it should be used with caution on your dog. Is vaseline is toxic for dogs? Technically no, vaseline is not toxic to your dog. It is also usually not the best choice as your dog can lick it off their skin or paws. If your pup ingests enough they might get an upset stomach, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhea if they ingest enough. While vaseline might feel soothing, there is no scientific evidence that it works. Furthermore, if your pup has a rash or skin irritation, your best bet is to consult your vet and get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment for whatever is going on. Petroleum jelly provides an occlusive barrier that will seal in moisture already in the skin, but adds no moisture and does not allow moisture or oxygen to be absorbed from the atmosphere, essentially making skin drier over time. When applied to your dog’s paw pads or nose, it does not allow the skin to breathe. So, while in small quantities vaseline won’t hurt your dog, it’s probably not your best bet in any situation. If you need a natural moisturizer that is safer for your pup try coconut oil. Remember that some pups love the flavor of coconut oil and will lick it off – even though this won’t hurt your dog, you won’t get the intended effect. Try to avoid letting your pup lick it all off so it can do its magic on your pup’s skin. You could also try a medicated shampoo if your pet has some dry, itchy skin.

While Vaseline is safe for human use, applying it to your dog’s skin or paws might not be advisable. 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. Skin Complications: 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. 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.

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. If you're forced to apply Vaseline to your dogs skin, despite the risk of digestive upset, you must make sure that it's 100% pure petroleum jelly without additional ingredients. The additional ingredients could be toxic both to your dog's skin and their internal system if ingested. Vaseline will likely cause your dog to throw up, however. If they don't throw up, they'll probably have diarrhea for a while. 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.

Vaseline is not toxic to dogs, so yes, you can use it on or around your pets. It’s generally considered safe as a topical treatment, but it can lead to stomach upset if a dog licks it off. Vaseline forms a moisture-sealing barrier that can actually dry out the skin and trap unwanted toxins, dirt, and bacteria. Vaseline may seem like a good option to moisturize your dog’s dry skin, protect patches of itchy skin, or cover up dry patches on your dog’s ears. However, Vaseline is not the best choice in any of these circumstances. Rather than using Vaseline, ask your vet about a medicated shampoo, which will help treat the cause of your pup’s skin issue and provide them with relief. If your dog’s itchy skin is the result of an underlying allergy or infection, prescription medications may be required in addition to medicated shampoo. Many pet parents reach for coconut oil or olive oil to soothe their dog’s skin, but most vets advise against using either as a moisturizer. Instead, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement like Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet is a great mess-free and effective treatment for dry skin. Dry, itchy skin can be very frustrating for both dogs and their owners and is incredibly common, and there are also other medical conditions that can cause dryness and cracking of the nose and paw pads, Vaseline will not help these conditions and may make them worse.