Disclaimer: Always check with your vet on what “human topical treatments” your dog can and cannot use as information may vary based on their medical needs and health conditions.
We’re all guilty of self-medicating minor issues like bumps, bruises, scrapes, muscle aches, and rashes with over-the-counter ointments and creams, believing they’re not serious enough to warrant a doctor’s visit. Many of us have a go-to collection of remedies for such situations.
However, the concern arises when we notice our dogs experiencing similar issues and wonder if it’s safe to use these human treatments on them. Here are some scenarios where applying human topical creams on your dog is NOT advisable:
- Severe wounds or infections: for large, deep wounds or signs of infection, consult your vet.
- Allergic reactions: discontinue use if redness, swelling, or itching occurs.
- Eye area: avoid applying near eyes; use eye-specific products.
- Sensitive or broken skin: consult a vet if your dog has sensitive or raw skin.
- Underlying health issues: consult your vet if your dog has health conditions or is on other medications.
Read on to learn whether we should be using human topical creams on our pets and which is safe or will do more harm than good.
Table of Contents
1. Zinc Cream
Is Zinc Cream safe for dogs?
Zinc creams can be safe for dogs in small amounts when used appropriately, but caution is essential. Zinc oxide, a common ingredient in these creams, is non-toxic when applied topically in small quantities. However, if ingested in significant amounts, it can be harmful to dogs. It can be used for:
Zinc cream is commonly used for:
2. Vicks Vapor Rub
Is Vicks Vapor Rub safe for dogs?
No, Vicks VapoRub is not safe for dogs and should be avoided as it contains at least 2 toxic ingredients.
2 toxic ingredients for dogs in Vicks Vapor Rub:
Some dangers of using or exposing Vicks to our pets include:
Pet-safe alternatives to Vicks would be humidifiers or saline nasal sprays for respiratory relief or pet-approved ointments/creams for minor skin issues. If your dog has been exposed to Vicks, please contact your vet immediately.
3. Aspercreme
Is Aspercreme safe for my dog?
No, Aspercreme is not safe for dogs and should not be used on animals without veterinary guidance. Most Aspercreme formulations contain toxic substances that can cause serious side effects
Toxic substances in Aspercreme are:
Some similar human-safe pain relief products that are also unsafe for dogs include Icy Hot, Bengay, Voltaren Gel, SalonPas, Capzasin, Counterpain, Perskindol and Amez Yoko Yoko. These products typically contain salicylates, lidocaine and camphor which are toxic to dogs.
For pain relief or muscle soreness in dogs, consult a veterinarian for pet-specific medications or treatments.
4. Tiger Balm
Is Tiger Balm safe for dogs?
No, Tiger Balm is not safe for dogs and should not be used on them. Its ingredients pose serious risks if ingested (eg: via licking), absorbed through the skin, or inhaled.
Ingredients to watch out for from Tiger Balm:
If your dog has ingested or been exposed to Tiger Balm, wash the area, prevent further licking, contact your vet immediately and look out for symptoms of tiger balm toxicity:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling.
- Tremors, seizures, or muscle weakness.
- Difficulty breathing or coughing.
- Lethargy or unusual behavior.
5. Cetrimide
Is Cetrimide safe for dogs?
Cetrimide is generally not recommended for use on dogs unless specifically advised by a veterinarian. While it is an antiseptic used to clean wounds, it has some potential risks for pets.
Possible risks for dogs by use of Cetrimide:
For a dog-safe antiseptic solutions, vets typically recommend Betadine (povidone-iodine) or chlorhexidine.
6. Aloe Vera (pure)
Is Aloe Vera safe for dogs?
Pure Aloe Vera gel (without added chemicals or fragrances) can be safe for topical use on your dog’s skin, but oral ingestion should be avoided.
Pure aloe vera can be used for:
- Soothing minor burns, cuts, and skin irritations
- Hydrating dry and irritated skin
Be cautious with commercial aloe vera products for pets, as some may contain additives, preservatives, or alcohol that can be harmful. It’s best to use the natural version of Aloe Vera just make sure to remove the latex (the yellowish substance under the skin) as it contains saponins and anthraquinones, which are harmful if ingested.
How Petchef helps avoid health issues for your dog
When it comes to itchiness, rashes, hot spots and other skin problems, many of those are attributed to negative and/or allergic reactions to artificial ingredients in commercial dog food, especially kibbles.
Which is why at Petchef, we ensure that all the ingredients that go into our dog food recipes are made of fresh, clean ingredients only! All the meals tailored for dogs contain:
It’s completely free of preservatives, additives, fillers and grains! If you’d love for your dog to eat the food they were born to eat, come have a chat with our friendly pet nutritionist to find the ideal meal for your pet. Or sign up on our site directly and order a batch of food for to try for 2 weeks.
7. Germolene
Is Germolene good for dogs?
Germolene is a popular antiseptic cream used for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and skin infections, but it is not recommended for use on dogs without veterinary guidance as it contains phenol (carbolic acid), which can be toxic to dogs if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Germolene can potentially cause:
8. Benadryl
Is Benadryl good for dogs?
Benadryl (the brand name for diphenhydramine) can be safe for dogs when used correctly and in appropriate doses, but it may cause some side effects we should be aware of.
Side effects to watch out for when using Benadryl on dogs:
It's typically use to help with:
However, you should always check with your vet on the correct dosage, administration and suitability especially if they have any existing conditions or medications they’re on.
9. Bacitracin
Is Bacitracin good for dogs?
Yes, Bacitracin is generally safe for dogs when used topically. It’s a common antibiotic found in ointments like triple antibiotic creams that combines Bacitracin with Neomycin or Polymyxin B. Ointments with added hydrocortisone or other medications must be avoided unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
Bacitracin is generally used for:
10. Diaper rash creams
Are diaper rash creams safe for dogs?
Diaper rash creams are not ideal for dogs, especially those containing zinc oxide or other toxic substances. It may help with minor skin irritations, such as redness or mild dermatitis, if applied sparingly and in areas the dog cannot lick.
Some of the common ingredients and some effects it might cause if ingested:
Avoid creams with added fragrances, parabens, or preservatives, which can irritate a dog’s skin, and always check for any toxic ingredients before applying. Instead of diaper rash creams, use pet-safe ointments like Vetericyn, Chlorhexidine spray, or pet-approved barrier creams for skin irritations.
11. Lidocaine
Is Lidocaine safe to use on dogs?
No, Human-safe numbing creams are generally not safe for dogs unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian. Many numbing creams contain lidocaine, benzocaine, or prilocaine, which can be toxic to dogs if absorbed through the skin or ingested.
In rare cases, a veterinarian may recommend a pet-safe numbing cream or use human-grade numbing agents in a controlled clinical setting. Hence, never use numbing creams on your dog without professional advice.
Summary on using human topical creams on dogs
Congrats, you’ve made it to the end of the article and you’re convinced to try using your human topical cream on your doggo’s condition. Here’s how to safely apply topical creams on your dog:
- Clean the area: wash with lukewarm water and mild soap, then pat dry.
- Apply a thin layer: use a small amount of Bepanthen and apply a thin layer to the area.
- Massage gently: lightly massage to ensure absorption, avoiding too much pressure.
- Monitor: ensure your dog doesn’t lick the area. Use a cone if needed as ingesting large amounts can lead to stomach upset.
- Repeat: reapply 1–2 times a day until healed or as advised by your vet.
If you’re unsure or the issue doesn’t improve, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet for further guidance.
