Can You Use Desitin on Dogs?
Desitin is a popular brand of diaper rash ointment. It is used to treat and prevent diaper rash. Diaper rash is a common condition that can affect infants and toddlers. Desitin can also be used to treat other skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
What is Desitin?
Desitin is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat and prevent diaper rash which is a common condition that can affect infants and toddlers. It is characterized by red, inflamed skin in the diaper area. Diaper rash is usually caused by wet or soiled diapers, friction, and irritation. Allergy prone wrinkly dogs like Bulldogs can also develop skin irritation that is similar to a diaper rash as their wrinkles and folds tend to retain moisture and trap debris which can lead to fungus and bacteria growth. Desitin is a thick, white cream that contains zinc oxide. Zinc oxide works by forming a barrier on the skin to protect it from moisture and irritation. While Desitin is widely used to treat skin irritation in humans, does that automatically make it a good candidate to treat skin irritation in dogs?
Should I Use Desitin on My Dog?
You should avoid using Desitin on your doggo. Desitin is for human use only and is not approved for use in animals. Desitin contains a high concentration of Zinc Oxide which is safe for use in humans but too high for use in dogs. High amounts of Zinc Oxide can lead to zinc toxicity in dogs. Other ingredients in Desitin include petroleum jelly and lanolin, which are common irritants in allergy prone pups such as Bulldogs. If you use Desitin on your dog, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset in addition to other side effects, some of which can be serious.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Using Desitin on My Pup?
The potential side effects of using Desitin on your dog include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Itching
- Rash
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you notice any of these side effects in your dog, stop using Desitin and contact your veterinarian immediately.
What Can I Use Instead of Desitin For My Dog?
There are many dog-specific creams available that that contain safe amounts of zinc oxide for use on your doggo. For a natural shield against irritation, bacteria and infection, we recommend our fragrance-free Squishface Wrinkle Paste and our convenient Squishface Wrinkle Wipes. Our products contain safe amounts of natural zinc oxide and soothing coconut oil, Wrinkle Paste targets fungus and prevents infection while providing soothing comfort. It creates a water-repellent barrier to keep bacteria from taking hold. Wrinkle Wipes are a handy pre-prepared companion for a full cleaning on-the-go. No more stink or sores and definitely no more itchy, squishy faces. Additionally, our wipes contain Phytosphingosine which is a skin lipid with anti-inflammatory and microbe repelling properties. It helps rebuild the natural ceramides found in the skin barrier that are critical in helping keep the skin healthy.
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Common Q&A’s:
What happens if a dog ingests desitin?
If a dog ingests Desitin, they may experience gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, as well as the side effects mentioned above. Additionally, Desitin contains vitamins like vitamin A and zinc, which can be harmful if ingested in high doses and may lead to toxicity symptoms in dogs.
Can I use desitin for dog hot spots?
While Desitin may alleviate some discomfort for dogs with hot spots, it's not specifically formulated for their skin needs. Using a dog-friendly alternative like Wrinkle Paste is safer, as it contains soothing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil tailored to dog skin. These ingredients can help moisturize and calm irritated skin, promoting faster healing.
Can desitin be used on dog ears?
Desitin is not recommended for use on dog ears as it's formulated for human skin and may not be suitable for dog ear health. A better alternative is Squishface ear wipes, which come as convenient finger-sheaths and are specifically designed to combat bacteria, yeast, and fungus in dog ears. These wipes are gentle yet effective, providing a safer option for maintaining your dog's ear hygiene.
The Bottom Line
Desitin is a diaper rash ointment for human use only. Its use should be avoided in dogs as it can cause serious side effects. Using our Wrinkle Paste and Wrinkle Wipes on a regular basis will not only keep your dog's wrinkles, tear stains, toes & tail pockets clean, fresh but also protected. Wrinkle Paste and Wrinkle Wipes are custom formulated for wrinkly short-faced breeds and contain a limited, only absolutely essential ingredient list to soothe sensitive skin.
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