Dogs are descended from wolves, who are natural scavengers. This means they have an instinct to seek out and consume anything that might be edible, even if it’s not part of their usual diet. This scavenging behavior could lead them to eat things like socks, underwear, or random objects left lying around. Eventually, I observed this nature when my personal dog ate Aquaphor.
This made me worried and ponder on the question “Can dogs eat Aquaphor?” No, dogs cannot eat Aquaphor. Aquaphor is not something edible. It contains many chemicals that can be toxic for your dog’s health. To explore more, let’s get into this article.
What is Aquaphor?
You might be already familiar with what Aquaphor is, but if not, here’s a description. Aquaphor is an ointment used to heal dry skin and wounds, especially on baby skin. This product is primarily intended for babies, but many people also use it as a moisturizer for smooth and soft skin.
It comes in a small box packaging labeled as AQUAPHOR HEALING OINTMENT. It is formulated to protect, moisturize, and heal damaged skin. Most dermatologists recommend it for dry, cracked, or chapped skin.
To get Aquaphor at the cheapest rates, you can click at the link below or the image below:
Ingredients
Aquaphor is mainly composed of:
| SR.NO | INGREDIENT |
|---|---|
| 1. | Glycerin |
| 2. | Petroleum Jelly |
| 3. | Panthenol |
| 4. | Alcohol |
| 5. | Bisabol |
| 6. | Ceresin |
| 7. | Mineral oil |
41% of Aquaphor is composed of petroleum jelly, giving it a texture similar to another petroleum jelly product commonly known as Vaseline.
Like the famous ointment “Mycytracin,” Aquaphor forms a protective layer over damaged skin. It allows oxygen to reach the skin, speeding up the healing process.
Is It Bad For Dogs to Eat Aquaphor?
Are you concerned about feeding Aquaphor to dog or your dog ate Aquaphor. Definitely, its not a good idea. Aquaphor can be used as an ointment for your dog to heal rashes and scratches, but this doesn’t mean that your dog should start eating it. In addition to petroleum jelly, it contains other elements that make it different from 100% pure petroleum jelly products. If your dog has ingested it, keep calm; these ingredients are not extremely harmful but can have some effects.
Is Aquaphor Safe For dogs?
Aquaphor is not highly toxic, but its effects depend on the quantity your dog has consumed. If your dog has ingested it in a small quantity, it will not have any side effects except for the alcohol used in it. Your dog might act dizzy or lethargic for a couple of days, but it will clear up soon.
However, if the dog has consumed Aquaphor in a large quantity, the chemical-treated ingredients might show their adverse effects, resulting in stomach pain, excessive gas, or severe diarrhea. Your dog might experience these symptoms since the mineral oil in combination with petroleum jelly is not safe for dogs.
What Should I do If My Dog Ate Aquaphor?
If your dog ate Aquaphor, the very first thing you have to do is analyze the amount of Aquaphor consumed by the dog. If it has seriously consumed it in a large quantity, make sure to keep it in an area that is easy to clean. If you have an outdoor covered area within your house premises, it is better to keep your dog there. This would protect your expensive furniture from the dog’s feces or vomit, as diarrhea could last for a couple of days, making your house unpleasantly odorous.
Your dog might experience symptoms of diarrhea or stomach pain, leading to frequent bowel movements. It can even cause serious weakness. The next main step is to start its medication. Here are a few medicines discussed, but make sure you do not use any until you have consulted a veterinarian.
Medical treatment
Here are a few medicines which you can give to your dog and discuss with your vet if your furry friend has eaten Aquaphor.
Imodium:
When my dog ate Aquaphor, vet recommended me to use Immodium. It comes in a 2mg packaging, easily available in pharmacies. The correct dosage is to administer a single tablet every 8 hours to a medium or a large-sized dog. If you have a puppy or a really small dog, do not give them more than half a tablet.
Pepto-Bismol:
The proper dosage is to administer 1ml per pound of the dog’s weight. You can give it three times a day by dividing the exact quantity required into three doses every 8 hours.
Recommended Diet
Now the question arises: What diet should I feed my dog? Since your dog ate Aquaphor, it might be suffering from severe diarrhea, keep them on boiled meat and rice. Avoid feeding them foods that are difficult to digest. You can revert to their normal diet after a couple of days if you observe any improvements in their condition.
Is My Dog Getting Dehydrated?
How do I know if my dog is dehydrated? Lift your dog’s lips and press your fingers against its gums. If they feel moist and are pink in color, the dog is well hydrated. If the gums are too sticky and dry, it may be dehydrated. Here are a few symptoms of dehydration:
- Weakness
- Dry mouth
- Pale gums
- Sticky saliva
However, if you observe any of these symptoms, it is not necessary that the dog is dehydrated. They may be feeling uncomfortable while waiting for the Aquaphor to run its course and as a result may not want to eat or drink anything.
Is It OK to Put Aquaphor on Dog’s Nose?
Aquaphor was invented to expedite the healing of human wounds and to restore dry and damaged skin cells. It can also be used on our furry friends. If your dog is not allergic to lanolin alcohol, you can apply it to its rashes and scratches. You can apply it to your dog’s nose, elbows, and paws.
Can I put Aquaphor on My Dog’s Wounds?
Aquaphor is not specifically made for our furry friends, but we can use it on them if the condition is not too serious. If your dog has small scratches, then yes, you can apply it to them. However, if there are deep cuts, do not attempt to apply it, as it may cause more pain to them. The best thing you could do is to immediately visit a vet in case of a medical emergency. They require proper treatment. Your dog should only be treated by a trained vet.
To know more about applying Aquaphor on Dog’s wounds, you can click here: https://shorturl.at/cjnI0
Can I Apply Aquaphor On My Dog’s Dry Skin?
Aquaphor is generally safe for use on minor dry skin conditions on dogs. It can help soothe and moisturize areas like crusty noses, dry paws, or other superficial irritations.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Small amounts: Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to the affected area.
- Licking: Dogs tend to lick themselves, so there’s a chance they might ingest some Aquaphor. While a small amount likely won’t cause harm, ingesting a large quantity could lead to diarrhea as discussed above.
- Consideration: There are pet-specific products designed for dry skin that might be a better option since they are formulated for pet licking and may contain additional beneficial ingredients.
When Should I Bring My Dog To Vet?
These precious lives are very sensitive, so it is better to consult an experienced vet anytime you face an issue. But the question is, can minor scratches be treated with Aquaphor? Yes, if your dog does not have severe injuries or has ingested a really small amount of Aquaphor that is not showing any side effects, they can be treated at home. If there are deep cuts or the dog has ingested Aquaphor in a large quantity, immediately go to a veterinarian.
Do not administer any medicine before consulting an experienced vet. Also, obtain a proper diet chart for your dog from the vet. Even if you are not sure if your dog is allergic to the ingredients used in Aquaphor, you should still consult an experienced vet.
Is Aquaphor Safe For Cats?
Aquaphor is considered safe for cats when used according to the recommended guidelines for dogs. It should not be applied to open wounds or deep cuts, but can be used externally on minor scratches. However, since cats spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves, there’s a risk of constipation if ingested. While some pet owners use petroleum jelly to alleviate constipation in cats, it’s advised not to use Aquaphor for this purpose. Instead, products like Laxatone, which contain specific ingredients tailored for feline use, are recommended. We have already published a complete article on use of laxatone for cats. You can get to it by clicking here: LAXATONE FOR CATS
Alternatives to Aquaphor
Aquaphor consists of a number of ingredients. If someone is allergic to any of these ingredients, he/she can switch to its alternatives. There are numerous alternatives of Aquaphor available in market. These alternatives are discussed as follows:
Vaseline:
Many people compare Vaseline with Aquaphor. However, Aquaphor comprises only 41% petroleum jelly, while Vaseline is 100% petroleum jelly. Vaseline can still be used as a moisturizer for the skin.
To purchase Vaseline, you can click at the image below:
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is safe for sensitive skin. It has antibacterial properties and is a natural moisturizer.
Aloe Vera Gel:
Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Aloe vera gel can be used to relieve dry, irritated skin and minor burns.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is a natural moisturizer rich in antioxidants. It can be applied to the skin to hydrate and soothe.
What If My Dog Ate Moisturizer?
Generally, there are two types of moisturizer. One which are entirely composed of natural products i.e. coconut oil and the others which do contain artificial ingredients like fragrances and acids. Some moisturizers are even approved by veterinarians for dogs but obviously note for eating purposes. If your dog has eaten a small quantity of moisturizer entirety composed of natural products, it’s not a matter of concern. You would notice minor symptoms like lethargy and drooling.
On the other hand, if your dog has eaten a moisturizer that contains harmful ingredients, you may notice some severe symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Here are a few measures you may follow to cure your dog:
- Determine the quantity of moisturizer your dog has eaten.
- Immediately seek a visit to vet.
- Do not try to induce vomit without your vet’s permission.
- Follow your vet’s instructions carefully.
- Keep a close eye on your dog and monitor every symptom.
Conclusion
The fact cannot be denied that our dogs often eat things we cannot even imagine. If your dog gets into a container of Aquaphor, the end result would not be pleasant. Yes, there are medications for such issues, but it is better to avoid such cases.
It’s not a good thing if your dog ate Aquaphor. Yes, i do agree my dog ate Aquaphor too but later I got alarmed and take every possible precautionary measure. I would recommend the same to you too. All you can do is to keep such things away from your pets that are not meant to be ingested. Learning from others’ experiences can protect you from danger. Here comes the adage: PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We at petswhirl.com have published more articles responding to your queries regarding cats and dogs. We will be happy if you visit them too. Here are links of few:
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