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Our furry friends are notorious for eating stuff they shouldn’t. As annoying as this can be for owners, this habit can sometimes be life-threatening to the dog. In this article, we answer questions about what you should do when your pup took an interest in Aquaphor.
Aquaphor is a product made from petroleum byproducts. So if your dog found and consumed an amount of Aquaphor, you’d naturally wonder whether you should worry over your pet’s health. Besides learning more about the potential risk of Aquaphor, we will also look at the measures you can take as a pet owner.
Is Aquaphor Toxic to Dogs?
Aquaphor is similar to Vaseline. Both are jellies made from petroleum byproducts. Both Vaseline and Aquaphor are used for dry skin, mostly because they add a layer on the skin that prevents moisture loss.
But there is a difference. Vaseline is 100% petroleum jelly. Aquaphor is just 41% petroleum jelly. The rest is composed of other ingredients like mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, and glycerin, among other things.
When your dog eats Aquaphor, it also consumes all of these other substances. Some of these can pose a threat to your dog’s health, especially if he or she is allergic to any of Aquaphor’s ingredients.
But generally, Aquaphor is not toxic to dogs. A few licks are nothing to worry about. Since it’s an oily petroleum product, the dog’s stomach will not be able to break it down. In most cases, your dog will just poop it out.
The only major complication you might see with Aquaphor is an upset stomach and diarrhea.
How to Treat Diarrhea in Dogs?
Aquaphor is a laxative and can lead to diarrhea. If that happens, what can you do? The following remedy can help.
The canine digestive system is a bit different from humans. With dogs, their food travels rapidly into the esophagus, where it enters the stomach in chunks before it gets digested.
But when your dog eats Aquaphor, it makes the stomach oily. As a result, more food will be pushed out from the bowel towards the rectum. In other words, the food is flushed out before it can be properly digested and absorbed.
Such stool will be a tarry or grayish color. If that’s the case, you need to treat the dog for diarrhea. Before feeding him anything, it’s best to consult with a vet over the phone. They can suggest medications or tips that will benefit the dog.
To treat diarrhea, you can feed your pet a bland diet. A good one is boiled rice and boiled chicken. These diets are low in fat and fiber. So the food will get absorbed pretty quickly by the dog’s stomach. It will also promote proper stool formation.
To prepare bland food, you have to boil lean meat and rice separately. Then mix them without adding any butter, salt, or seasoning.
Feed smaller portions and wait for his reaction. If he feels like consuming more, you can offer another small serving. Maintain the bland food diet for 3-4 days and then slowly incorporate regular food items.
Always keep fresh water available. Diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a dog. So, make sure that you keep an eye on your dog’s water intake. If your pet refuses to drink regular water, simply add some of the chicken water to their food (that water that you cooked the chicken in). Since it smells like chicken, they’ll lap it up more readily.
Do I Need to Go to a Vet?
In most cases, no. Aquaphor isn’t likely to cause any complications that are serious enough to warrant a visit to the vet. Indeed, some vets recommend feeding smaller amounts of Vaseline to your dog to facilitate bowel movement to ease constipation. Aquaphor being a similar substance, is no different.
But if your dog has consumed a higher amount of Aquaphor, it’s best to consult with your vet. You should also consult with your vet before feeding him a bland diet for diarrhea as well.
Besides petroleum jelly, Aquaphor also contains several other ingredients like ceresin, lanolin alcohol, glycerin, and panthenol. If your dog has any allergies, these substances may interfere with your dog’s everyday life. So you should consult with your vet in such cases.
Why Do Dogs Aquaphor?
Dogs possess this natural tendency to sniff out, bite, lick, and consume interesting substances. They’re just curious and love to explore the world through their mouth. And in the process, they often accidentally swallow the wrong things.
To make things worse, Aquaphor is often scented. The aroma can lure some dogs and entice them to sample the jelly. Unfortunately, if they like it, they might consume the entire thing!
Hunger is another reason why dogs eat unwanted stuff. They have a rapid metabolism, and they digest their food in a short period. This makes some dogs constantly stay on the lookout for something to scarf down. Make sure your dog is adequately fed and gets all the nutrients they need.
Even though it’s harmless and non-toxic to dogs, you should keep your cosmetics out of reach of pets and children. The best place to store them is inside a locked drawer or cupboard rather than on a low table.
A Quick Summary
As a pet parent, you should prevent your dog from consuming anything unwanted. But it’s also understandable that you cannot always contain the ever-exploring nature of the canines.
They like to try out new stuff. On occasion, they lick or eat something you’re not too happy with. The best course of action is to stay calm and assess how much the dog had consumed. Stay on the safe side and consult with your vet. Follow their advice and your furry friend should be fine.