If you’ve come home to discover that your dog ate vaseline, you might be wondering just what you should do about it. Consider this your go-to spot for everything to do with vaseline and your dog.
If your dog has eaten regular vaseline, which is petroleum jelly, the most common complication that you’ll notice is digestion concerns. It could just be an upset stomach or mild indigestion, and it might be vomiting and/or diarrhea.
This can bring some concerns on dehydration, which is always serious in dogs. If the vaseline has other ingredients (such as in skincare products), these can sometimes cause a toxic reaction in dogs.
Most of this comes down to understanding what he actually ate. All you need to know is below!
Table of Contents show
What happens when your dog eats vaseline?
If your dog eats vaseline when your back is turned, you’ll need to know precisely what will happen in your dog’s body.
Firstly, this is a petroleum jelly, which is a manufactured product. Your dog can’t digest its ingredients, so it’ll simply pass through the body and out the other end. Because their body can’t digest the ingredients, it can lead to literal indigestion.
Indigestion in your dog will be rumbling in the belly, lack of appetite, and then the classic vomiting and diarrhea.
If your dog’s eaten a lot of the vaseline, then you could be dealing with dehydration.Dehydration in dogs is always severe and will often involve a visit to the vet!
Symptoms to look for if my dog ate vaseline
If you’re wondering just how you will know whether or not the vaseline your dog ate was enough to cause some indigestion, it depends on several factors:
- Amount of vaseline eaten
- Type of vaseline eaten
- Size of dog
- Dog’s pre-existing health conditions
Amount of vaseline eaten
A couple of mouthfuls will be milder than a half or an entire jar of the vaseline. To the best of your ability, try to determine how much your dog ate if you need that information later if you call your vet. Be as precise as you can, but always round up if needed.
Type of vaseline eaten
Not all vaseline is the same! The classic and plain vaseline that you see in the tubs with the blue lids is as natural as it gets. This, all things considered, is the best choice for your dog to eat. There are no other ingredients that can cause their own reaction.
This differs from vaseline products – for example, moisturizers, hand creams, etc. All of these have extra ingredients that can worsen a reaction in your dog or even cause a more severe reaction (more on that later).
Taking note of what type they’ve eaten, right down to the list of ingredients, is going to be necessary after they’ve had this unapproved snack!
Size of dog
This is much the same with everything to do with dogs, but the smaller the dog, the stronger the symptoms. If your dog is small and has eaten half a tub of vaseline, this is much more serious than an extra-large dog that has eaten the same half tub.The symptoms will likely be stronger and potentially more serious when your dog is smaller, as you’d expect!
Dog’s pre-existing health conditions
In a healthy dog, digestive concerns are one thing. In an unhealthy dog, they are quite another. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or unhealthy digestion, having a more serious reaction to vaseline is much more likely.
Similarly, a dog in ill health in general (such as senior dogs) and those who are stressed or recovering from an injury will react more since their bodies are weaker.
In all of these examples above, a dog is more likely to have some sort of reaction to the vaseline. This is where a call to your vet with that information will be a great idea!
How toxic is vaseline for dogs?
Vaseline is not toxic in and of itself. As mentioned above, it’s a “harmless” petroleum jelly, though it can cause some indigestion.
The potential toxicity comes from what ingredients are included in the vaseline. One of the main ones that are often added is cocoa butter. This can be toxic for dogs even in small amounts, so eating vaseline with that in it can turn it into a toxic product.
This is also similar to flavors, including many essential oils, dyes, and more. Dogs often have allergies to these things, too, further complicating any potential directions and health conditions.
Can vaseline kill dogs?
You already know the answer to this because we talked about it above. Assuming that they’ve eaten a small amount of regular, plain vaseline, your dog should be okay, save for some understandable indigestion!
The main complication with classic vaseline is the dehydration factor. Since your dog will be struggling with diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration can set in quickly in dogs, especially smaller ones.
In dogs, dehydration is a serious complication, and it requires a trip to the vet as soon as possible. If it’s not treated in time, your dog can die from it. Symptoms of this include:
- Lethargy/weakness
- Excessive drinking
- Confusion
As soon as you see these symptoms, you’ll want to bring your dog to the vet immediately so that they can intervene.
What should I do if my dog ate vaseline?
If you’re feeling nervous about the vaseline, the best thing to do is call your vet. They’ll be able to give you specific advice to your dog, the type of vaseline they ate, and more.Calling your vet isn’t a bad idea, anyway, when your dog’s eaten something they shouldn’t have eaten!
The other thing to keep in mind is that you should bring your dog to the vet if the symptoms of ingestion last longer than24 hours. In these situations, dehydration is more likely than not, and you’ll want to have him monitored with fluids if this does happen to set in.
Vets can often prescribe treatment to help minimize indigestion and keep your dog safe, too, so this is yet another reason. Are you sensing a theme yet?
Why do dogs like vaseline?
Dogs like eating all sorts of weird things when we come at it from a human point of view. Simply, they like vaseline because it smells good to them, and they want to try it out to see if it tastes just as good (which it often does).
This is also likely in situations where the vaseline has a scent, such as a berry flavor or a vanilla or chocolate flavor. Dogs don’t understand that it’s not food!
How to prevent my dog from eating vaseline
Since you don’t want to put yourself in a situation where your dog has eaten your tub, there are some tips that you can do to help keep them safe! These include:
- Put it somewhere out of their reach
- Store it in an airtight container (which makes it harder for them to open and smell)
- Buy plain vaseline (as opposed to flavored)
- Don’t allow him in the room where you use it
The goal is to make your vaseline unappealing and inaccessible for your dog. While none (or all) of these will be a foolproof situation, it will help a lot!
In the end
The most common issue with dogs eating vaseline is indigestion, which causes diarrhea and vomiting. This can lead to dehydration, a severe complication for dogs that will need vet attention.
Sometimes additive ingredients to vaseline can also be dangerous. Know the signs of a problem in your dog to ensure they stay safe!
While dogs eating vaseline isn’t the end of the world, especially compared to some of the other dangerous products out there, it can cause stomach issues and more.
Understanding where the risks are and how to alleviate them is really important! Consider sharing this with another vaseline-loving pet parent in your life!
FAQs
My Dog Ate Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) - What Should I Do? | Dog Advisory Council? ›
If your dog ate Vaseline, we recommend you contact your veterinarian immediately. Dogs often eat the strangest of things. As a pet parent, you've probably learned that no item is off-limits to creative canines. Believe it or not, Vaseline is a common item ingested by dogs.
Is Vaseline petroleum jelly poisonous to dogs? ›While Vaseline is technically non-toxic for dogs, it does not mean it is 100% safe. If over-ingested (and they will lick) 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.
How long will my dog have diarrhea after eating Vaseline? ›A spoon of Vaseline may not cause any damage to your dog. A large quantity of Vaseline may cause vomiting and diarrhea in your dog that persists for more than one day you should consult a vet at once.
Is Vaseline harmful if ingested? ›Is Petroleum Jelly Safe to be ingested? Another myth surrounding petroleum jelly is that it is toxic. In fact, Vaseline® Jelly meets FDA requirements for being safe for human consumption.
Is Vaseline Edible? ›Poisonous Ingredient
Petroleum jelly (petrolatum) can be harmful if someone swallows it or it gets in the eyes.
Your veterinarian will give your dog activated charcoal to decontaminate and neutralize the toxin. If your dog ingested the petroleum products recently, a stomach lavage (wash) will also be performed.
Is petroleum toxic in dogs? ›Petroleum products contain hydrocarbons that are toxic to dogs as well as humans. Exposure to large amounts causes serious illness and even death. Petroleum hydrocarbon poisoning in dogs can take place through ingestion, inhalation, or direct skin contact.
Why does my dog's poop look like Vaseline? ›Mucus in / around dog's stool
If you see your dog's stool that looks slimy with a coating of mucus-like substance around or in it – it may make you worried. Common issues may be due to an inflamed colon or mild inflammation in the gut. It may also be due to parvovirus or parasites.
Petroleum jelly is made from a blend of natural waxes and mineral oils. People often refer in general to petroleum jelly as “Vaseline®”, but the real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is different. The real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is triple purified to remove impurities. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.
Should I give dog water after diarrhea? ›Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so make sure to give your dog access to water at all times. You may also offer unflavored Pedialyte to help maintain electrolyte balance under a vet's advice.
What are the dangers of ingesting petroleum? ›
After ingestion of even a very small amount of liquid hydrocarbon, patients initially cough, choke, and may vomit. Young children may have cyanosis, hold their breath, and cough persistently. Older children and adults may report burning in the stomach. Aspiration pneumonitis.
What are the side effects of petroleum jelly? ›Excessive and improper usage of petroleum jelly can result in certain side effects such as clogged pores, pneumonia, allergies, and infections. You need to avoid using petroleum jelly if you have acne-prone, oily, or combination skin.
What happens if you swallow a little bit of petroleum? ›If petroleum fuels are swallowed, their characteristics (highly fluid, irritating, and volatile) promote choking, which can have serious consequences for the bronchi. The onset of fever or prolonged coughing a few hours after ingestion is the first sign of potential aspiration pneumonia.
What are the ingredients in Vaseline petroleum jelly? ›Composition : Water (aqua), Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glycol Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Mineral Oil, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Stearamide Amp, ...
Is aquaphor the same as Vaseline? ›Vaseline contains 100 percent petroleum jelly, while Aquaphor includes other ingredients like mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin, and bisabolol. Both can be used on lips and skin, as wound healers, and as makeup removers or cuticle softeners.
What does petroleum jelly taste like? ›It is colorless (or of a pale yellow color when not highly distilled), translucent, and devoid of taste and smell when pure.
What is the home first aid for dog poisoning? ›If your pet has ingested a poison, try to rinse or wipe out the mouth with a damp towel/flannel. Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink before speaking with the Animal Poisons Helpline or a vet. We receive a lot of calls with pet owners asking how to induce vomiting in dogs.
Can a dog recover from poisoning on its own? ›Typically, mild cases of poisoning have high recovery rates. In severe poisoning cases or cases where treatment was delayed the chance of recovery is extremely low. When pets do recover from severe poisoning there can also be long-term damage to their overall health.
Is petroleum harmful to animals? ›Ingestion or inhalation of, or skin contact with, petroleum, petroleum condensate, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, crude oil, or other hydrocarbon mixtures may cause illness and occasionally death in domestic and wild animals.
What are the most toxic substances for dogs? ›- Onions.
- Salt.
- Tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and their refills)
- Xylitol (a sweetener found in products such as some sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free candy, cough syrup, mouthwash, and toothpaste)
- Yeast products (like raw bread dough)
What is petroleum jelly used for in dogs? ›
Use Vaseline on Your Dog's Nose. One of the most common places that pet owners use Vaseline is on their dog's nose. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your dog's nose during the winter months to protect against dryness and cracking.
Why do dogs like Vaseline? ›Why Do Dogs Eat Or Lick Vaseline? Generally Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly is not harmful to dogs. A dog may lick Vaseline because it smells or tastes nice. This is especially true if it's a lip balm or product with flavoring.
Can Vaseline help dogs diarrhea? ›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.
What is the first signs of parvo in a dog? ›Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.
Is there a difference between petroleum jelly and petrolatum? ›What is the Difference Between Petrolatum and Petroleum Jelly? There is no difference in chemical composition and physical properties between petrolatum and petroleum jelly because both names refer to the same compound. The only difference is that petrolatum is the North American name for petroleum jelly.
Why is petroleum jelly called Vaseline? ›It was originally called 'Wonder Jelly', and Chesebrough decided to rebrand the product as Vaseline® Jelly – a combination of the German word for water (wasser) and the Greek word for oil (oleon). And so in 1872 the brand Vaseline® Jelly was born.
What is the difference between baby Vaseline and regular Vaseline? ›Vaseline typically comes in a jar in a variety of styles, such as original, intensive care, and some that are labeled as “Baby.” The only difference between the original Vaseline and Baby Vaseline is that the Baby Vaseline comes with a mild scent.
Is scrambled egg good for dogs? ›Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your canine companion. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out. Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from.
What is the best thing to give dogs after diarrhea? ›- Plain Rice. Plain rice is one of the best foods you can feed a dog with diarrhoea. ...
- Simple, Lean Protein (Eg. Plain Chicken) ...
- Potatoes (Either Plain/White or Sweet) ...
- Pumpkin. ...
- Porridge Oats. ...
- Carrots. ...
- Specially-Formulated Dog Foods.
Scrambled eggs are a good option for dogs with diarrhea because they are easy to digest and packed full of protein. Dogs who have been vomiting or eating stool may not be able to handle the high-fat content but scrambled egg is one of the best options out there.
What are five harmful effects of petroleum? ›
Adverse health effects can include skin irritation, eye irritation, dizziness, headache, nausea and, and in extreme cases, death (2). Because petroleum is widely used, unintentional acute releases can occur almost anywhere.
What are the symptoms of petroleum distillates poisoning? ›Short-term Exposure: Overexposure to petroleum dis- tillates may cause dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea. They may also cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and skin. 2. Long-term Exposure: Prolonged overexposure may cause drying and cracking of the skin.
What is the most common form of petroleum poisoning? ›Serious toxicity and death can be associated with hydrocarbon exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or aspiration. Pulmonary toxicity is most common, however cardiovascular, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems can all be affected.
Does Vaseline help hair grow? ›There's no scientific evidence to support the popular claim that Vaseline makes your hair grow faster. It might protect your hair against breakage and dryness, but it won't encourage your hair to grow at a faster rate.
Can I put Vaseline on my foreskin? ›Applying soft white paraffin ointment (Vaseline® ointment) under the foreskin helps to heal genital skin. Try to avoid contact with irritants of the genital skin.
What happens if you drink water with petroleum in it? ›What happens if I swallow water with petroleum? Drinking water containing petroleum hydrocarbons can cause an upset stomach, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your throat and mouth may also get irritated.
Can cats eat Vaseline? ›Interestingly, some cats are willing to eat unflavored Vaseline or generic petroleum jelly, and this is an acceptable substitute. We do not recommend giving mineral oil by itself, as it is easily inhaled by the cat as it is swallowed and can cause fatal lung toxicity.
Is Vaseline 100 percent pure petroleum jelly? ›Vaseline® Blue Seal Original Petroleum Jelly is made with 100% pure petroleum jelly, triple-purified to lock in moisture for healing and protection against dry skin.
What is the chemical name for petroleum jelly? ›Chemical Formula: C15H15N
Petroleum jelly, also called Petrolatum, translucent, yellowish to amber or white, unctuous substance having almost no odour or taste, derived from petroleum and used principally in medicine and pharmacy as a protective dressing and as a substitute for fats in ointments and cosmetics.
Aquaphor and Vaseline are safe for pets. Aquaphor is a petroleum jelly-like product with extra oomph for superficial stuff like crusty noses, peeling paw pads, and scaly elbows.
Is Aquaphor the same as Neosporin? ›
But, says Macrene, it's worth considering making the switch to Aquaphor: "A study showed that using bacitracin or neomycin [both present in Neosporin] as compared to Aquaphor caused resistant bacteria in wounds." Aquaphor. Both derms agree: This is your best bet for wound care treatment.
Can Vaseline expire? ›Petroleum jelly can live up to 10 years or even longer after being opened, despite frequently having a best-by date of 3 years. Never put your fingers into the petroleum jelly jar to preserve its shelf life. It will prevent the introduction of dangerous bacteria or fungi.
Is Vaseline edible for dogs? ›While Vaseline is technically non-toxic for dogs, it does not mean it is 100% safe. If over-ingested (and they will lick) 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.
Is vaseline petroleum jelly edible? ›Poisonous Ingredient
Petroleum jelly (petrolatum) can be harmful if someone swallows it or it gets in the eyes.
Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Can I put Vaseline on my dog wound? ›First, cover the dog wound area with Vetericyn Plus Wound Cleanser—steer clear of oil-based ointments like Vaseline or petroleum jelly. A suitable cleanser will make it easier to remove the detached hair that may otherwise stick to the open sore.
Can you put Vaseline on a dog's ears for flies? ›If your dog's ears are often bitten by flies, apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly to the area. Squirt a small amount of petroleum jelly into your hand and rub it into both sides of your dog's ears. This will prevent flies from landing there again and give your dog's wounds time to heal.
What is the best thing to put on a dog's open wound? ›Warm tap water is recommended for cleaning most wounds. Warm saline (salt solution) may also be used. This may be made by adding approximately one level teaspoonful (5 mL) of salt (or Epsom salts) to two cups (500 mL) of water.
How does Vaseline react to dogs? ›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.
What can I give my dog to help pass a foreign object? ›Feed a bulky meal of dry food to cushion stones or other heavy objects, and help them move on out. Food also turns on the digestive juices, which can help soften wads of rawhide treats, so they pass more readily.
Can you use hydrogen peroxide on a dog? ›
Do not use harsh cleaners or apply hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or other caustic cleaning products to your dog's skin as these can be painful or even cause the wound to take longer to heal.
Does Vaseline stop dogs itching? ›Vaseline is touted as a super-moisturizing solution to dry skin and rashes. But while the application of Vaseline may feel soothing, there's no evidence that the jelly actually heals skin in any way. In fact, it may be drying out your dog's pores by sealing them off from the air.
Can I spray apple cider vinegar on my dog for flies? ›You can also consider at-home, pet-safe repellants, like a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water or lemon and water, or any number of over-the-counter insect repellants that are as safe for your dog as they are for you.
Should you put coconut oil on your dog? ›Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts or have applied to their skin or fur. When it comes to selecting a brand, virgin coconut oil is best, as most of coconut oil's benefits have been observed with this type.
How do you make a dog pass a blockage? ›If your dog is dehydrated, your vet will give them IV fluids. Beyond rehydrating, fluids can also encourage the GI tract to push the blockage down through the intestines and out of your dog's body. Some foreign objects, given time, can pass on their own.
Can I put olive oil on my dog? ›If you've been trying to find a way to give your dog a softer coat of fur, olive oil is definitely something that should be considered. Using olive oil is also can also be effective as a moisturizer, by applying it directly to your pet's skin.
Can I put Neosporin on my dog? ›If your pooch got into a scrape, chances are good that you can use a small amount of Neosporin to help prevent infection in the wound. Superficial injuries, such as scrapes, abrasions, and small cuts, may benefit from this trifecta of a topical antibiotic. However, be cautious of usage on the nose.
What is a natural antiseptic for dogs? ›Natural antiseptics include turmeric, coconut oil, aloe vera and witch hazel. For a spicy antiseptic concoction that will also help with inflammation—and prevent licking, because most dogs don't love the smell—mix turmeric from your spice cabinet with aloe vera in a 1:1 ratio and smooth it on the scrape.
Is Neosporin safe for dogs? ›When used properly, it's generally considered safe to put Neosporin on dogs, and the same goes for generic triple antibiotic topicals. But there are a few caveats. Any topical applied to a dog will encourage that dog to lick the area.