We all want the best for our pets. When picking medications we check the ingredients list before blindly purchasing products. Be careful of certain ingredients found in topical creams and medications you may use. Some of these ingredients could harm your dog.
Harmful ingredients
Dogs are instinctively curious animals. They will go out of their way to satisfy their curiosity if something strange catches their attention. Exercise caution when leaving behind topical creams and medications. These products may contain harmful ingredients.
Sun Block Hurts Dogs
Zinc oxide: This ingredient is typically found in sunscreen, calamine lotions, and formulas for diaper rash, to name a few. If your dog ingests zinc oxide, he will be at risk of intestinal damage. If your dog shows signs such as diarrhea and vomiting, take him to the vet ASAP to be tested. Zinc oxide will wreak havoc on your dog’s red blood cells, if it reaches the bloodstream. This could result in a variety of symptoms. Anemia, weakness, shortened and rapid breathing, dark-colored urine, and compromised mucous membranes are some of them
Anti-Aging Cream is Pro-Aging for Dogs
Retinoids: This ingredient is typically found in anti-aging lotions, creams, and other relevant products. Dogs can quickly suffer stomach upset, vomiting, lethargy, and weakened appetites if they ingest this ingredient. Additionally, another known side effect of retinoids is dry eye. Keep pregnant dogs away from retinoids since exposure to this ingredient can lead to birth defects among your dog’s litter.
Steroids and Non-Steroids
NSAIDS: This abbreviation stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs are typically found in topical prescription medications for inflammation and pain. The potential effects of these drugs on your dog include weakened appetite, vomiting, ulcers in the stomach, and kidney failure.
Steroid creams: If your dog is exposed to these creams, whether via accidental oral ingestion or skin absorption, their endocrine system will be adversely affected. Symptoms of this problem include: chronic abnormal urination, unquenchable thirst, diarrhea, and nausea.
Dogs Already Have Enough Hair
Minoxidil: This ingredient is found in products for hair growth. If ingested by your dog, adverse symptoms to watch out for include heart failure and other serious cardiovascular problems.
For your dog’s utmost safety, store your topical creams in places that are inaccessible to them. Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your hands after applying any of these products to your skin,. Do not, in any way, use topical products for humans in lieu of topical medications for pets.
Contact your vet as soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed above.
Topical products for pets
Topical creams and products for humans can harm your dog. Similarly, even products made specifically for pets can have detrimental effects if not administered properly. Administer these products using in accurate dosages. Remember that your dog’s age, weight, and other factors can impact dosages.
Ironically, topical medications for tick and flea infestation, for example, sometimes contain potentially harmful ingredients like permethrin and pyrethrin. Improper application of these medications can result in seizures and damage to your dog’s nervous system. Always follow your vet’s instructions and read the medication label carefully to be on the safe side.
