If your dog has dry, itchy, or irritated skin, it might seem like a no-brainer to put Vaseline on the area. 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.
Let's look closer at the pros and cons of using petroleum jelly on your dog.
Is Vaseline Safe for Dogs?
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. So, if you're worried about your dog dying after eating Vaseline, you don't need to be concerned.
Vaseline will likely cause your dog to throw up, however. 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. So, while it's not safe, it's not poisonous, either.
Some Forms of Vaseline Have Additional Ingredients
Some medicated or adjusted forms of Vaseline, such as some lotions, contain additional ingredients that could be dangerous to dogs.
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.
What's an Alternative to Vaseline 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. Most balms will remain on the skin, even if licked, and offer moisturizing and healing properties.
Most importantly, a quality balm will relieve the itchiness and discomfort that your dog is feeling and this can reduce the urge to itch and lick. It's important to continue to apply the balm until your dog's skin heals naturally or the discomfort is relieved.
Dog-Safe Balms Can Protect & Heal
Don't wait until your dog's skin breaks out to apply a balm to their skin. Dogs, especially those with allergies, will most likely experience itchy noses, paws, elbows, and skin.
Additionally, most dogs are prone to getting dry and cracked noses in the winter. Regularly applying a dog-safe, protective balm to their noses, elbows, and paws can ensure that they're comfortable throughout the year.
If itchy or uncomfortable areas of skin are left untreated, your dog can scratch to the point of making a lesion in the skin. These skin lesions are called "hot spots" and they pose an extremely high risk of getting infected and creating larger issues.
Dogs will continue to lick, and that moisture provides an excellent place for bacteria to thrive. Make sure you discuss hotspots with your vet if they occur.
So, Is Vaseline the Right Choice?
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.
These balms can provide soothing, healing, and moisturizing benefits that strengthen and protect your dog's skin from getting worse. The desire to itch will diminish when you apply the correct balm to their skin, and you'll find that they're in significantly less discomfort.
Using Vaseline, alternatively, is very likely to cause serious digestive upset in your dog even though it is not poisonous.
