There are many dog owners who are concerned about their dogs' skin. They may feel that it is too wet and that the best solution would be to add a little baby powder. Is this something you should do or will baby powder harm your dog due to airborne particles? Is a dog's skin unsuitable for baby powder, even if it's soft enough to use on a human baby?
Jennifer Summerfield, DVMstates that the powder is designed for human skin and does not provide any benefit for a dog's rash or skin irritation.
Can you use baby powder on a dog?You shouldn't use powder on the dog's skin because it can affect his breathing. Dust can be accidentally inhaled into a dog's lungs. Also, baby powder will not reduce a dog's itchy skin or cure a rash.
Jennifer Summerfield, DVMstates that the powder is designed for human skin and does not provide any benefit for a dog's rash or skin irritation. I wanted to find out why dog owners would be willing to use baby powder on their dogs instead of using powders prescribed by veterinarians for various skin conditions. I know some people like to treat their dogs like they are their children, but putting your dog in danger is something that should be avoided.
I scoured various dog forums and was amazed at what I found. Most dog owners use powder because they want their dogs to smell better. I don't think your dog would mind too much smelling fresh baby powder while they're parading around the nearby dog park.
Besides smelling better, the second most popular reason to spray your dogs was to reduce itchiness on a dog's skin. They feel that the dog's skin is wet and the dog scratches or bites the skin due to the feeling of wetness. With a baby, you'd be dusting baby powder on its bottom to keep the surface dry, so why just a handful on your dog's bottom?
Dogs do not have the same skin pH level as humans. Humans, on the scalp, have an acidic pH level of about six. Dogs have a more neutral pH level near the surface of the skin, as their coats are more adapted to this environment based onLynn Buzhardt, DVM.
| Reasons People Use Baby Powder on Their Dogs | Percentage of total responses |
| baby powder makes your dog smell better and fresher | 45% |
| your dog had irritated skin, you thought baby powder would help | 25% |
| I used baby powder on the matted fur to try and remove the untangled fur. | 18% |
| your dog had an ear infection, powder was added to the ear canal | 12% |
Is baby powder harmful to dogs?
Baby powder may not irritate a dog's skin, but this powdered substance can be dangerous for a dog's lungs.
I know owners will tell you they were careful about powdering their dogs. However, dogs often try to eliminate a substance found in their fur. Dust on the skin can make it itchy, and they can try to determine if they have ticks on their skin by smelling the fur. They can then inhale the dust particles.
Personally, I would risk it. I would never powder a dog as a normal grooming technique. Once the dust is inhaled, it can block lung tissue. In a report written on theJapanese Journal of Anesthesiology, state that your dog may develop delayed respiratory distress due to inhaling talcum powder.
I can understand how locks can get into thesmall thin air sacs called alveoliin a dog's lung, but are there any ingredients in regular baby powder that could be harmful to dogs? To find out, I studied various components of baby powder and created a chart showing how certain ingredients in the powder can be dangerous for your dog.
For example, baby powder contains talc. Studies that claim that talc is dangerous. Some of the data is based on humans, but I assume that similar reactions can occur in dogs. Some humans have developed chronic lung disorders due to the talcum powder found in some baby powders.
Another ingredient in some baby powders is powdered starch. I have read a report that there may be a granulomatous reaction due to the particle in the powdered starch. Granulomatous according to themayo clinicit is an area that is inflamed. While this inflammation is usually benign, the inflammation can occur in the lungs, which can cause breathing problems in a dog.
Granulomatous is not extremely dangerous for most dogs, but I have encountered incidents of inhalation that have been shocking. After two babies died from inhaling baby powder around 1979, the American College of Chest Physicians conducted experiments on laboratory rats. The doctor could not decide on the appropriate therapy. Even a tracheobronchial lavage did not help.
Mice and dogs are similar in terms of lung function. It's safe to assume that major damage can happen to a dog that dusts often enough.
| Dangers of Talc Mentioned | Data source |
| talc aspiration related to acute or chronic lung disease | American Academy of Pediatrics |
| some baby powders contain starch, granulomatous reactions | The American Journal of Surgery |
| Experiments on mice show that inhaling talc can be fatal | The American College of Chest Physicians |
Can you put talcum powder in a dog's ear?
You cannot add talcum powder to a dog's ear because the powder will only increase the level of irritation in the external ear canal. It's best to go to a veterinarian if your dog has an ear infection that must be treated with medications or treatments prescribed by a qualified veterinarian.
Putting baby powder in a dog's ear is something that is happening based on my research on dog forums. Twelve percent of dog owners who used baby powder on their dogs were adding baby powder to their dog's ear if they were scratching their ears. Instead of consulting a vet, they assumed that moisture in the ear was causing the problem and that the baby powder would absorb the moisture.
The accumulation of moisture in your dog's ear could be due tootitis externa. This nourishment occurs when the skin cells in the ear canal become inflamed. A discharge may form that some dog owners may believe is simply excess moisture. They then add baby powder in the external ear canal to help your dog.
Michelle Woodward, DVMreported that adding powder to a dog's irritated ear canal can cause concretions that increase irritation. In other words, dust will only make a dog's ear problem worse.
In addition to external otitis, your dog may be scratching his ears for other reasons. Here is a list of ear problems that can irritate your dog:
| Ear problem for a dog | How will this affect your dog? |
| eat infection | Your dog will scratch his ear and you may see redness. Sometimes there will be bad smell coming from the ears according toDr. Ernest Ward |
| ear mites | Your dog may shake its head and scratch its outer ear canal, he says.Dr Malcom Weir |
| Non-ear canal polyp | Dr. Woodwardstates that a polyp can cause a strange odor and a polyp can produce a chronic discharge |
| Non-ear canal tumor | A tumor will cause irritation in the dog's ear according toVeterinary Practice News. |
What's good for a dog's itchy skin?
https://www.dvm360.com/view/managing-itchy-pet-proceedings
The best way to eliminate your dog's itchy skin is to consult a veterinarian to determine the cause of the itch. Don't try a home remedy or even an over-the-counter method to rid your dog of itchiness. There are numerous conditions that can cause skin problems in dogs. A vet will need to determine the type of damage to treat it effectively.
Here are common skin problems a dog can have and how a veterinarian tends to deal with them:
- Microbes that cause itchy skin in a dog– I noticed online that vets tend to treat microthefts with antibiotics. This makes sense because microbes can produce yeast and bacteria at the same time. Although,Dr. Stephen Waisglass, states that you should use them sparingly, as many dogs are being treated with antibiotics too often. Another method of treatment for mild cases of microbes is topical antimicrobial cream. This cream seems to work well on microbial foot infections.
- An interesting method to treat itching in dogs when using T-shirt therapy. You can get t-shirts for dogs that have allergies inamazonas. give a clickhereto see the current price of a Thunder shirt.
- antihistamines for dogswho have relapsing recurrent dermatitis that is seasonal. I would only buy brands recommended by your vet. Some antihistamines may contain acetaminophen or even decongestants. One beneficial effect that antihistamines provide is that your dog will be drowsy. If your dog hasn't been sleeping well because of constant scratching, he may need a good night's sleep.
- Your dog's diet could be causing itchiness.This is a rare situation, but it happens to about 6 percent of dogs that have skin problems according toDr. Justin Shmalberg. Here are some examples of foods that can cause skin problems in some dogs: dairy, wheat, chicken and beef. These are the main foods that can cause food allergies in dogs that affect the skin.
How to Moisturize a Dog's Skin
Before trying to moisturize a dog's skin, it's best to understand what a trained veterinarian suggests.Dra. Melinda Mayfield-Davisstated the following solutions for dogs with dry skin problems:
1. Using a medicated shampoo on your dog's dry skin
Medicinal shampoos are not designed to clean a dirty dog. They will soothe your dog's skin. However, be sure to consult your vet to get the shampoo that contains the correct medication for your dog's dry skin problem. If your vet suggests a simple medicated anti-itch shampoo, I recommend purchasingArava Shampoo for medicated dogsque está disponível na Amazon.Click hereat the current price.
2. Brushing your dog can make the skin less dry.
If you have a dog that has long hair and it sheds, the skin will itch from time to time. As the coat sheds, dryness around the follicles may occur. In addition, loose tufts of hair will reduce the ability of coat oils to spread evenly according todoutor marty smith. Patches of dry skin can begin to form.
By brushing your dog, you will be able to remove any loose hair from the surface of your dog's skin. The oils will then be able to travel throughout your dog's coat. This oil will naturally moisturize your dog's dry skin.
Also, if dry skin is flaking, a piece of skin will be lodged in nearby follicles. It's the follicles that expel the oils in your dog's coat and skin.
Here is a video showing the best way to groom your dog. He explains how to remove matted hair in a way that won't cause your dog pain:
FAQs
Can you use baby powder on a dog: advice straight from the vet | pet spicy? ›
It's for this reason that many people turn to baby powder to groom their pets. But is it safe to use baby powder on dogs? The short answer is yes. Baby powder is gentle on your furry friend and can keep unpleasant scents at bay.
Does baby powder relieve itching on dogs? ›Will baby powder help my dog to stop itching? Baby powder is inherently soothing and relieves itching caused by dried-out skin. If your dog is itching due to heat rash, allergies, or flea infestation, the baby powder may help but there's really no way to know for sure except just to try it out.
Does baby powder work for fleas? ›It does not only kill fleas but common insects as well. If you must use baby powder as flea treatment, then apply it on your carpets or you can create a flea trap with them. Fleas are well-known 'jumpers'. Simply keep a bowl filled with baby powder in strategic places in the house.
Can I use gold bond powder on a dog? ›Gold Bond Powder can be used to treat mild skin issues such as itchy skin, yeast infection, hot spots, and wet feed pads. However, you will need to be very careful to make sure that your dog does not ingest this powder as it can cause some gastrointestinal issues.
How do you use talc powder on puppies? ›Sprinkle it on your dog's tangles and you will be able to comb them out a lot easier. It will leave your pooch smelling fresh and clean. Direction for use Pet Talc Powder: Sprinkle powder liberally all over your pet's coat. Gently brush backwards to spread it even it evenly.
Which powder is best for dog itching? ›About VetVeda. Anti fungal powder for dogs and cats provides itch relief from stubborn skin conditions including hives, hot spots, rashes, bug bites, Dermatitis, skin-related allergies, and skin yeast infections.
What is good to soothe an itchy dog? ›Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks
Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties that soothe and cool irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them great additions in a dog bath for itchy skin. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin that are at risk of getting rubbed raw.
Baby powder is one of those useful home products that can help eliminate tangles in a dog's coat, allowing you to gently brush prior to grooming.
What kills fleas instantly on a dog? ›An oral fast-acting tablet that contains Nitenpyram is the safest way to kill fleas on dogs instantly. You can also bathe your dog in hot soapy water with Dawn to kill adult fleas, but this is not a good long-term solution.
Is it safe to use baby powder on dogs? ›But is it safe to use baby powder on dogs? The short answer is yes. Baby powder is gentle on your furry friend and can keep unpleasant scents at bay. However, you have to ensure that the powder is talcum-free.
Should I clean my dog's hot spot? ›
Treatment of hot spots typically involves some combination of the following: Clipping the hair around the area to prevent matting. Cleaning the affected area with gentle antiseptic solutions such as chlorhexidine. Bathing with a chlorhexidine shampoo for dogs.
What do hotspots on a dog look like? ›What Do Hot Spots Look Like on a Dog? Hotspots look like painful scrapes or patches of raw skin. They are typically raised, red, and often hairless. They can ooze, bleed, or contain pus.
What causes hotspots on dogs? ›What causes hot spots? Hot spots are usually caused by self-trauma when a dog scratches an itch so vigorously that it creates an open wound. Many things can cause the initial itch in dogs including: Allergies including food allergies or inhalant allergies that cause itching.
Can I sprinkle baking soda on my puppy? ›Baking soda is often used around the home for a fresh, clean scent. Using it on your dog is just as easy. Be sure to cover your dog's fur, not just sprinkle a small amount, for deodorizing and neutralizing odors. Brushing your dog before a wet or dry bath will help the baking soda work more effectively.
Is Johnson's baby powder talc free? ›Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder is made with talc. What is talc, though? Talc is a naturally forming mineral that co-resides with another mineral: asbestos.
Does Johnson and Johnson baby powder have talc? ›5 Important Facts About the Safety of Talc 5 Important Facts About the Safety of Talc. JOHNSON'S® Baby Powder, made from cosmetic talc, has been a staple of baby care rituals and adult skin care and makeup routines worldwide for over a century.
What cream can I put on my dog's irritated skin? ›Hydrocortisone cream for dogs is often used to treat the following problems: Calm irritations such as rashes and bug bites. Skin allergies.
Does baking soda stop itching dogs? ›Baking Soda becomes thick when mixed with water and it can dry out skin's rashes. It is also an effective dog itching relief while decreasing inflammation and redness. Apply the mixture or paste to the itchy part and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing it completely.
What powder is good for fungal infection in dogs? ›Epiboon™ is a broad spectrum topical, antifungal dusting powder that effectively treats a wide range of fungal infections on the skin, nails, claws, front and rear paws in dogs and cats. It prevents the recurrence of skin fungal infections like ringworm and yeast infections in pets while improving skin health.
Will Benadryl help my dog stop itching? ›Benadryl is commonly used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies, and it also reduces many of the other symptoms of allergies, including: AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org.
What home remedy can I use to stop itching? ›
- Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. Do this for about five to 10 minutes or until the itch subsides.
- Take an oatmeal bath. ...
- Moisturize your skin. ...
- Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
- Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine.
Flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies or atopy, food allergies, contact dermatitis (e.g., soaps and perfumes), and sarcoptic mange (mites) are some of the most common causes of pruritus in dogs. "Pruritus due to skin disease is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care."
What kind of powder do dog groomers use? ›Crown Royale Whitener Grooming Powder is a formula for whitening yellow coats and spots and stains. Used by many leading professional groomers, it gently bleaches the coat without making it...
Is Johnson and Johnson baby powder safe? ›The answer to all of these questions is, “It depends on where you live.” In some countries, Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder is safe since it no longer includes talc as an ingredient. In other countries without the legal pressure on the company to change practices, the Baby Powder may still be dangerous.
What do groomers use to make my dog smell so good? ›Groomers also use conditioners like our Plush Puppy T.L.C Leave-in or Rinse out conditioner to give your dog's coat a shine, as well as a fresh fragrance. This conditioner comes in a spray that can be left in your dog's coat, or rinsed out, whichever works best for your pet.
What kills fleas on dogs instantly dawn dish soap? ›Dawn dish soap will drown fleas that are on your pet, killing them quickly. However, it does nothing to prevent reinfection with fleas, so you are likely to see an ongoing flea issue with your pet unless you switch to a proper preventative flea product.
Does vinegar get rid of fleas on dogs? ›While Apple Cider Vinegar does not kill fleas, it may repel them because fleas dislike its smell and taste. One of the most simple ways to use this natural flea repellent is to make a solution out of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
What soap kills fleas on dogs instantly? ›“Dawn (and other soaps like it) creates a kind of surfactant, or surface tension, that will compromise the exoskeleton and make adult fleas sink,” he says. So essentially, the soap drowns the fleas.
Can I put baking soda powder on my dog? ›“In between wet shampoos, baking soda may be used for dry shampooing dogs and cats,” says Pickard. “Start by brushing your pet to remove any dirt or loose hair. You may want to do the next step outside. Rub baking soda into your pet's fur and massage it into their skin, making sure not to set it into their eyes.
Is any powder harmful to dogs? ›Not all powder is non-toxic, there are several types of powder actually known to be toxic to dogs; Holi powder, gulal, and talcum powder all contain potentially lethal toxins including Mercury Sulphate, metal oxides and lead. Even powder that is sold as herbal and non-toxic is not devoid of danger.
How do you clean a dog with powder? ›
Brush your dog and sprinkle the baking soda on the coat from the neck to the tail. Massage it into your pup's skin and let it rest for a few minutes. If your dog doesn't like having the powder shaken onto her, try dousing a towel with the soda and then toweling it onto your dog.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for dogs hot spots? ›"Dawn dish soap can be a safe choice to bathe your dog in rare circumstances, but it is not recommended as a regular shampoo." Your dog's skin can be sensitive to allergies, have different coat conditions, and even different pH levels than human skin, so this strong soap can be very irritating to their skin.
What is a natural remedy for hotspots on dogs? ›For a natural approach, try raw aloe or apply a cool chamomile tea bag to the infected area. If you choose to use a cream or spray, make sure it's pet-safe and veterinarian approved, like this hot spot spray for dogs by Great Life.
Can you put Vaseline on a dog's hot spot? ›Home Remedies for Hot Spots on Dogs
Human medications such as Neosporin, hydrocortisone, and Vaseline should NOT be used. Topical creams and ointments tend to cause dogs to lick the area even more, so they should be avoided if possible.
Apply a first-aid cream, such as Neosporin (the cream, not the ointment). For healthy dogs, a generic 1% hydrocortisone cream from the human first-aid shelf is safe and usually effective. It will need to be applied 3-4 times a day.
Will a dog hot spot go away on its own? ›Unfortunately, a hot spot won't go away on its own, especially since dogs have a hard time leaving their irritated skin alone. A hot spot is easier to prevent than to treat, so try to keep your dog free of hot spots by grooming them regularly and keeping them up to date on flea and tick medication.
How long does a hot spot take to heal? ›Once properly treated, the hot spot should scab up and heal in a week to ten days. There are some things you can do to help your pet avoid this painful condition: Brush your pet to get rid of the extra fur and prevent matting. Use a good flea medication on a monthly basis.
What do vets do for hot spots? ›Your veterinarian will most likely shave the infected or inflamed area so that air can get to it and dry it out and to see how large the hot spot is. It will also need to be cleaned thoroughly. They will likely want to use antibiotics, either in a topical or systemic form.
Can Benadryl help with hot spots on dogs? ›Can Benadryl Help With Hot Spots on Dogs? Benadryl can be used to treat the allergic reaction which may be a cause of the hot spot. However, make sure that you consult with your vet before giving them any human medication.
What happens to untreated hot spots on dogs? ›Scratching, Licking, and Chewing
Hot spots can double or triple in size in just a few hours. If left untreated, they can turn into painful sores and hair loss. Untreated, hot spots can become seriously infected.
Can I put vinegar on my dog? ›
Vinegar can be a natural remedy for diminishing your pet's discomfort when it comes to muscle soreness, ear infections, itchiness, fleas, or other skin conditions, such as hot spots. Additionally, dogs usually tolerate vinegar well as a topical remedy for certain ailments.
Can you put Vicks on dogs paws? ›Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning.
How often should you bathe your dog? ›Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.
What can I use instead of baby powder? ›Cornstarch is the most popular substitute for baby powder. A variety of industries use it as a thickening and anti-sticking agent. It's great at absorbing moisture and has the same silky feel as talcum powder.
What's the difference between talcum powder and baby powder? ›Baby powder is a common name for talcum powder, as well as the name of the leading brand. Many people use talcum powder to absorb moisture and reduce friction to help prevent rashes and skin irritation.
Is Gold Bond powder talc-free? ›Keep your skin feeling silky soft with Gold Bond Comfort Body Powder. You get a talc-free formula that provides moisture and odor* control that you can apply anytime and anywhere.
Why is talc no longer available? ›According to the FDA, “there is the potential for contamination of talc with asbestos.” Asbestos has been used in construction and manufacturing, and is known to cause lung cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma and other health conditions.
What replaced Johnson Johnson baby powder? ›August 11, 2022 – "As part of a worldwide portfolio assessment, we have made the commercial decision to transition to an all cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio. As a result of this transition, talc-based JOHNSON'S® Baby Powder will be discontinued globally in 2023.
Why have Johnson and Johnson stopped making talcum powder? ›Most claimed J&J's talc was contaminated with toxic asbestos and causing serious health problems, including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Instead of using talc, the company will transition to a cornstarch-based product, which already is being sold in several countries around the world.
Why do groomers put baby powder on the dogs? ›Baby powder is one of those useful home products that can help eliminate tangles in a dog's coat, allowing you to gently brush prior to grooming.
What powder can I use for dog eczema? ›
Vetzyme Antibacterial Powder is an effective and powerful antibacterial powder suitable for dogs, cats and small animals. Vetzyme Antibacterial Powder can be used to soothe irritated skin without causing further discomfort due to Vetzyme's gentle, soothing effects.
Does baking powder help dogs itchy skin? ›Baking Soda becomes thick when mixed with water and it can dry out skin's rashes. It is also an effective dog itching relief while decreasing inflammation and redness. Apply the mixture or paste to the itchy part and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing it completely.
Is it OK to put baby powder on a dog? ›But is it safe to use baby powder on dogs? The short answer is yes. Baby powder is gentle on your furry friend and can keep unpleasant scents at bay. However, you have to ensure that the powder is talcum-free.
What can I put on my dog's irritated skin at home? ›- Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks. ...
- Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Oatmeal Bath. ...
- Epsom Salt Baths. ...
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Coconut Oil. ...
- Unsweetened Plain Yogurt.
Purchasing a humidifier to use when the weather is cold and dry, using a veterinarian-approved shampoo, and reducing the frequency of baths usually resolves dry skin on dogs, as long as those factors are the cause. Some dog owners will use a dog skin moisturizer to help sooth the dry skin.
Can I put gold bond powder on my dogs hot spot? ›Gold Bond Powder: Many dog owners swear by Gold Bond Powder to treat their dog's hot spots. Apply the powder to your dog's hot spot and try to cover or use an e-collar to discourage licking.
Does apple cider vinegar help dogs stop itching? ›Apple cider vinegar for dogs may help prevent itchy skin while soothing skin irritation and rashes. Since it's acidic, it may also prevent yeast infections on the skin and ears. In addition, the acidic compounds in apple cider vinegar can eliminate dandruff and treat some mild skin conditions like hot spots.
Can I put Neosporin on my dog? ›If your pooch got into a scrape, chances are good that you can use a small amount of Neosporin to help prevent infection in the wound. Superficial injuries, such as scrapes, abrasions, and small cuts, may benefit from this trifecta of a topical antibiotic. However, be cautious of usage on the nose.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for itchy skin? ›Benadryl is commonly used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies, and it also reduces many of the other symptoms of allergies, including: AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org.