Is Aquaphor Toxic to Dogs?
Even healthy dogs occasionally have scrapes, dry skin and other minor conditions. If you're like many dog owners, you might not have anything on hand to treat those issues when they come up.
So you might be wondering if you can use products that are made for humans, and if that's the case, you might be wondering if Aquaphor is toxic to dogs. The good news is it's not, but there's a little more you need to know.
Is Aquaphor the Same As Vaseline?
Aquaphor and Vaseline are both petroleum-based ointments, but while Vaseline is just petrolatum and sometimes a fragrance, Aquaphor has other ingredients like mineral oil, lanolin alcohol, ceresin, panthenol, bisabolol and glycerin.
One of the reasons so many dermatologists recommend Vaseline for humans with sensitive skin is that it's completely inert. That means that Vaseline does not have any effect on the skin, and it's hypoallergenic. Aquaphor, on the other hand, has all those other ingredients, all of which could cause an allergic reaction in dogs and humans.
Is Aquaphor Safe for Dogs?
As we've mentioned above, Aquaphor is not dangerous for dogs, and it doesn't contain any compounds or chemicals that you can't use on dogs. However, that's not to say that your dog can't be allergic or even just sensitive to one of the ingredients in Aquaphor, and if they are, they could develop itches and other reactions.
Can Dogs Ingest Aquaphor?
Any time you put anything on your dog's skin, there's a good chance they will lick the area and ingest some of that product. So, it's important to avoid using any products on your dog that could be poisonous if ingested.
Aquaphor does not contain any ingredients that are toxic to dogs when ingested, so that's not a concern if you do use this product on your dog. However, some of the ingredients in Aquaphor, including petrolatum, which is the basis of the ointment, can cause an upset tummy, and the more your dog has eaten, the more likely this is to happen - and the longer it will last!
Is Aquaphor Safe for Dogs to Smell?
That's a good question, because there are some essential oils that aren't recommended for dogs. Fortunately, Aquaphor doesn't contain any of those, so it's not dangerous for dogs to smell.
However, that's not to say that your dog will like the smell! Remember, their noses are a lot more sensitive than ours, so even a mild scent can be overpowering for them.
Is Aquaphor Safe for Dogs Eyes?
If you were to accidentally get some Aquaphor close to your dogs eyes, it probably wouldn't be a huge problem.
However, Aquaphor is not designed to treat eye conditions, and if there's something going on with your dog's eyes that is enough to warrant wondering if you should be using a product on them, what you really need is a trip to the vet.
Most eye conditions are complex, and you will almost certainly need a prescription to treat them. The sooner you speak to your vet and resolve the issue, the better.
Is Aquaphor Safe for Dogs Ears?
There's really not too much that should go wrong with a dog's ears unless they have an infection or something like a hematoma or an injury. In all of those cases, your dog needs a veterinarian visit - not Aquaphor!
If your dog has some dry skin on their ears on the outside, far from the ear canal, then you can apply a small amount of Aquaphor to moisturize the area. While you're at it, look for any signs of a bigger problem though. Any strange smells, redness or other symptoms of an ear infection are always a sign you need to go to the vet. Ear infections can progress quickly and they can be dangerous, so the sooner the better!
So yes, Aquaphor is safe for dogs ears as long as its on the outside, and far away from the ear canal.
What Can Aquaphor Treat on Dogs?
Like its cousin, Vaseline, the best use for Aquaphor on humans and dogs is as a moisturizer and, for want of a better word, a "topical lubricant." That means that you should use it for skin surface problems such as:
- To moisturize and soften dog paw pads that are hard, dry and cracked
- If your dog has an area of chafing or skin irritation where the skin is dry but not broken
- If your dog has pressure sores, which can develop from lying on one part of the body, aquaphor can help keep the area soft and supple, but again, avoid broken skin and be gentle!
- If your dog has a dry, crusty nose, a little Aquaphor can help to solve the problem
As a general rule of thumb, products like Aquaphor should only ever be used externally, on the surface of the skin. It should not be used on open wounds or even on your dog's stitches.
Recommended Product: Wild Acre Dog Paw Balm 2.65oz |
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One of the most common places dog owners use ointments and balms like Aquafor are their dog's paws. Your dog's paws can get cracked and dry quite easily, so that makes perfect sense. However, there are better products that you can use for paw protection and soothing, like this stick of paw balm. It's made for dogs, and it's easy to use. |
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What Should You Use on Open Wounds?
If your dog has an open wound, including things like hotspots and lick granulomas, you should always speak to your veterinarian to get a prescription product that will help them to heal.
Products like Aquaphor don't have any antiseptic properties, so they don't protect wounds from bacteria, and they don't treat or prevent infections.
When your dog has an open wound on their skin, you need something that will treat both the cause and the symptoms of that wound, and Aquaphor just isn't designed to to that - even though it's a great product overall.
How to Apply Aquaphor to Your Dog's Skin
If you do notice a patch of dry on your dog that could benefit from a little moisture, applying Aquaphor is very easy. Simply put a small amount on your fingertips and then rub it into your dog's skin. There should be a slight sheen to the skin but not a thick layer of product on the skin. If there is, use a tissue or paper towel to wipe it off.
Remember NOT to double dip in the Aquaphor tub either - unless it's specifically for your dog! Dogs' skin can have bacteria and other pathogens that you don't want to transfer back into the container if it's something your family is also using. We love our dogs, but we DON'T need their germs on top of our own!
Not Terrible, But Not Ideal
As you can see from everything we've already covered, the answer to the question of whether Aquaphor is toxic to dogs is no, but there are many other things you need to know.
Generally speaking, Aquaphor should only be used for things that are on the surface and relatively minor.
If you have tried Aquaphor on something that seems minor and it's not resolving, it's also a sign that you need to visit the vet. Sometimes, things we see on our dog's skin is a sign of something else like an allergy or nutritional deficiency, and the sooner you get those things treated, the better.