Is Aquaphor safe for dogs?

Aquafor is a skin protectant similar to Vaseline. Both have petrolatum as a primary ingredient, although Aquafor takes it a step further with the addition of hydrocortisone or zinc oxide. While a gret choice for you, is it the best choice for your canine friend?

The dos and don’ts of using Aquaphor on your dog

Aquaphor is safe to use on your dog’s skin. Here are a few tips on when and how to use Aquaphor on a dog.

• It can help treat paw pad hyperkeratosis. After treating your dog’s underlying skin infection, Aquaphor can moisturize your dog’s paws. Soak your dog’s feet with Epsom salt baths daily, and then apply a layer of Aquaphor to their paw pads. To really let the Aquaphor soak in after application, put booties on your dog for 30 to 60 minutes.
• It can protect a dog’s skin against irritation. Dogs with urinary incontinence may need to wear diapers or a belly band. A barrier cream like Aquaphor can protect a dog’s skin from urine scalding and other secondary skin infections.
• It can treat pressure sores. Dog parents can rub Aquaphor on their dog’s pressure sores and calluses. But, it’s important to prevent additional pressure from being applied to these sensitive areas so the area has a chance to heal.
• It shouldn’t be used on vulnerable places. It should NOT be used on wounds or infected skin, as a treatment for itchy skin, on surgiccl sites, or in your dog’s ears, eyes, or mouth.

When in doubt, always ask your vet, especially if the area isn’t improving or worsening.

“In my experience, [Aquaphor is] super thick and difficult to apply to smaller areas like the nose. Go with BioBALM from Dermoscent or Solva Ker, and Phovia light therapy for the bad noses.”

- Dr. Erica Irish

Alternatives to Aquaphor

If you’re nervous about your dog licking off the ointment, you can use a dog paw balm instead. These balms are made with nontoxic and dog-friendly ingredients. Like Aquaphor, paw balms soothe and moisturize dog skin and are very easy to apply.

You can also use an antibiotic ointment on your dog’s skin irritations or minor wounds. Just check with your pet’s veterinarian first. They’ll make sure that the product doesn’t contain toxic chemicals that could harm your pup.

For the most part it’s usually a better idea to consult with your vet and get veterinary-prescribed ointments or creams.

Here’s how to use Aquaphor on your dog

Rather than slopping a pile of Aquaphor on your dog and being done, here is a more conservative way to use it and make it last:

1. Rub a small amount of Aquaphor on your dog’s dry skin, nose, or paw pads.
2. If applying Aquaphor to your dog’s paw pads, put booties on their feet afterward for 30 to 60 minutes to help the Aquaphor soak in. Just don’t leave the booties on longer than an hour to prevent them from making your dog uncomfortable.
3. Owners can apply a thin coat of Aquaphor up to twice a day.

Aquaphor will help moisturize your dog’s dry skin, but it won’t treat what’s causing their skin problems. Allergies, skin infections, or exposure to the elements—hot pavement in the summer or icy roads in the winter—can all cause dry dog skin. If your pup has frequent dry skin or other symptoms such as itching and irritation, it’s a good idea to take them to a veterinarian.

👉 For some conditions, treatment may need to include a stronger, vet-prescribed topical ointment instead of Aquaphor.

Frequently asked questions

Why do dogs lick Aquaphor?

Aquaphor has a new smell and texture that dogs aren’t used to. They naturally explore with their mouths, so it’s not unusual for dogs to lick at substances on their skin.

Is Aquaphor toxic if ingested?

There are three ingredients in Aquaphor that can act as laxatives: petrolatum (i.e. petroleum jelly), glycerin, and panthenol. While they aren’t considered toxic, your dog will probably have diarrhea if they ingest a large amount.

Can I put Aquaphor on my dog’s stitches?

Never apply any cream, ointment, disinfectant, or other substance to an incision unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian.

Can I put Aquaphor on my dog’s hot spots?

No, you don’t want to apply Aquaphor to hot spots. It will trap moisture near the skin and cause the hot spots to worsen. Instead, a vet may prescribe a topical antibiotic spray or cream you can apply. The most effective method for treating hot spots is with oral antibiotics, which a veterinarian prescribes.

Is Aquaphor or Vaseline better for dogs?

Aquaphor and Vaseline are both considered safe to use on dogs, though neither are appropriate for wounds as they don’t contain antibiotics or medicinal ingredients.