Dogs are not immune to experiencing skin problems. Their paws, in particular, are susceptible to damage because they are in constant contact with the ground. Protecting their paws should be a priority for you.
So, how can you protect your dog’s paws? Is using Vaseline on your dog’s paws a good idea? The answers to those important questions are found below so please go ahead and continue reading.
Can You Use Vaseline on a Dog’s Paws?
Vaseline has been a staple in many households for a very long time. We keep it around mainly because it works so well as a moisturizer. If you’re dealing with chafed or dry skin, you can apply some Vaseline to the affected areas and prevent further irritation.
Some people even use Vaseline on their wounds. They do so to keep the wounds moist and promote faster healing.
Considering what Vaseline can do for our skin, it’s only natural to wonder if our pets could benefit from it too. More specifically, you may be wondering if Vaseline can protect your pet’s paws. You’ll be glad to know that Vaseline can indeed shield your dog’s paws from potential damage.
Vaseline can basically act like a barrier that prevents moisture and debris from getting lodged in your dog’s paws. It is especially helpful during the winter season since snow, water, and bits of debris can end up getting trapped between your dog’s paws while you’re taking them out for a walk. Their paws could sustain damage if that kind of thing happens.
Vaseline also does a good job of keeping bacteria and other harmful entities away from your pet. As long as that Vaseline barrier is in place, you can ward off plenty of potential threats to your dog’s skin health.
Is Vaseline Harmful to Dogs?
Using Vaseline to protect your pet’s paws is a good idea. However, we still have to discuss if doing that is safe.
The problem with using any kind of foreign substance on your pet’s body is that you cannot predict how they will react to it. After the substance is applied, your dog may sniff it, paw at it, or even lick it.
Vaseline isn’t meant for consumption so you’re probably not expecting good things to happen if your dog licks some of it off from their paws. It is true that licking Vaseline is not good for your dog, but it may not be as bad as you expected either.
The key thing to remember about Vaseline is that it poses a minimal threat to your dog in terms of toxicity. That holds true even if your pet decides that they want to get a taste of it.
What Are the Side Effects of Consuming Vaseline for Dogs?
We mentioned that consuming Vaseline poses a minimal threat to your dog’s health, but does that mean that nothing will happen? Well, that would depend on the amount of Vaseline your pet consumed.
If we’re talking about consuming a very small amount of Vaseline, then chances are your dog will be fine. Dogs that consume a substantial amount of Vaseline will likely experience some side effects. They may develop a case of diarrhea and start vomiting due to the presence of Vaseline in their system.
Still, an upset stomach is probably the worst outcome you’ll get if your dog eats Vaseline. The only way Vaseline could endanger your pet’s health is if you make a conscious effort to feed it to them on a regular basis. As long as you avoid doing that, using Vaseline on your pet’s skin should not be an issue.
Can You Use Vaseline on Cracked Dog Paws?
Earlier, we noted that Vaseline can be beneficial to dogs because it can protect their paws from potential damage. But is that the only reason why you should consider using Vaseline on their paws?
You’ll be glad to know that Vaseline is beneficial in other ways too. Vaseline is also something you can apply to soothe your dog’s cracked paws.
The Vaseline can ease the irritation affecting those damaged parts of your pet’s body. Applying Vaseline to the cracked paws can minimize how painful they are.
Furthermore, you can also use Vaseline to prevent the emergence of those cracked paws. One of the main causes of cracked dog paws is wear and tear. Since your pet’s paws are constantly exposed to rough surfaces, they are more likely to sustain damage.
You can protect your dog’s paws from wear and tear by covering them in Vaseline. The barrier that Vaseline creates over your pet’s paws provides adequate protection against the ground and other bits of debris. The moisturizing qualities provided by Vaseline can also help keep dog paws healthy.
Alternatives to Vaseline for Dog’s Paws
At this point, it should be abundantly clear that Vaseline can protect your dog’s paws. Even so, applying it is not the only way you can give your pet some added protection.
Detailed below are some of the other items you can use to protect your dog’s paws from the elements.
Specially Formulated Balms
If you’re willing to splurge, you can purchase balms that are specially formulated for dogs. Those balms provide even more benefits than Vaseline. Use them regularly before walking your dog to keep their paws protected.
Do note that some of those balms contain ingredients that are potential allergens. Make sure to double-check the ingredients list first so you can be certain that a particular balm is safe for your dog.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a substance you can apply to your dog’s paws if you want to moisturize them. It also does a good job of soothing any irritation localized to your pet’s paws.
While coconut oil does have its uses, you shouldn’t count on it to provide protection. You’ll have to use other substances if paw protection is what you’re looking for.
Boots
Arguably the best way to keep your dog’s paws protected is by covering them with boots. Put those boots on your four-legged friend whenever you head out and guarantee complete protection for their paws.
The only catch with using dog boots is that your pet probably won’t like them right away. You’ll have to teach them how to get comfortable in those boots if you want them to be a long-term solution.
Regular Maintenance
Lastly, you can also keep your dog’s paws protected by performing some regular maintenance after each walk. Once you and your pet are back at home, grab a towel and use that to gently brush away any debris and moisture from their paws.
Wiping off your dog’s paws regularly is a good idea even if you’re already using the other items we’ve mentioned here. You can protect those paws better by taking that extra step.