Can I put vaseline on my dog?

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. Most commonly, Vaseline is used to protect dogs’ paws or cracked noses in cold weather and might even be helpful when trying to heal superficial wounds. However, Vaseline forms a moisture-sealing barrier that can actually dry out the skin and trap unwanted toxins, dirt, and bacteria. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have a specialized solution on hand, it’s fine to use Vaseline on your pup’s paws or nose. But there are better alternatives like balms specifically formulated for dogs. Vaseline can negatively impact your dog’s digestive system. But if your dog licks a little Vaseline off their paws, it’s not a real cause for concern. A lot of Vaseline can have a laxative effect and cause gastrointestinal issues like an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Vaseline is made of 100% pure petroleum jelly in its standard, unmedicated form, and this is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. Petroleum jelly is non-toxic to dogs, but that doesn't mean it's good for them. In fact, ingesting Vaseline can cause to vomit and have loose stool (diarrhea). The difficulty is that dogs are more than likely to lick any area of their skin that has an ointment, jelly, or balm on it, particularly if that area is itchy. 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. 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.

Vaseline is something that some pet owners think might be good for their pups even though it’s absolutely not. It’s gratifying to know that you want to help your dog’s skin issues by applying Vaseline to their cuts, scrapes, and wounds, but it’s a completely synthetic material, and it’s no good for them. Considering how most dogs will immediately try to lick off any petroleum jelly placed on their skin, all you’re doing is succeeding in giving your dog diarrhea. Instead, choose an organic, all-natural topical Skin Soother if your pup needs it.

While Vaseline is technically non-toxic for dogs, it does not mean it is 100% safe. If over-ingested it can cause an upset stomach, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhoea. Vaseline forms a barrier over your dog’s skin trapping in toxins, dirt and bacteria. It is an occlusive barrier meaning it seals in existing moisture but it does not allow moisture or oxygen to be absorbed from the atmosphere. In the long term, Vaseline keeps moisture out and leads to drier skin over time. Vaseline does not have any antibacterial, soothing or healing properties. If you’re in a pinch it won’t hurt, but in the long term, there are more beneficial products formulated specifically for dogs that are safer to use. Your dog’s skin is a sponge, why would you want to put an oil by-product on it, when there is an array of all-natural oils and waxes that help to nourish, moisturise and soothe your dog’s 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. If your dog licks and ingests Vaseline, it can lead to gastrointestinal blockages or upset. 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.

You should not use Vaseline on your dog’s nose because it can be toxic. Vaseline isn’t necessarily a death sentence in small doses, but if dogs ingest too much petroleum jelly it can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. Putting petroleum jelly on your dog’s nose makes it even more likely to end up in your dog’s tummy. However, prolonged exposure to Vaseline puts your dog at risk for additional issues due to a buildup of toxins in the body. There are documented examples of negative effects of Vaseline on dogs' noses like Lipoid Pneumonia. Unlike Vaseline, which isn't safe to ingest and can cause upset stomach, diarrhoea, and even lipoid pneumonia, Snout Soother is 100% safe even if ingested. Vaseline does not cure dry dog noses. Vaseline does not add moisture to your dog’s nose. It simply seals in any existing moisture.