My Dog Ate Aquaphor: Should I Be Worried? Our Vet Takes a Look

Dogs never fail to surprise us with the random things they eat, like moisturizing cream, for example. What could possibly be appealing about that? If your curious pup has helped themself to a taste of Aquaphor, the good news is that it does not contain any toxic ingredients, and a small amount is unlikely to cause a problem. Larger amounts may have a laxative effect, however.

It is important to check if the packaging has been chewed and if any part of the container is missing. Sharp pieces of plastic can damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and potentially cause a blockage in the intestines.

Keep reading to learn what to do if your dog eats Aquaphor and signs that should prompt you to seek veterinary treatment.

What Are the Ingredients in Aquaphor?

Most of the other Aquaphor products are similar, containing petrolatum as their primary ingredient. Some formulas have additional moisturizers like avocado oil, shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil derivatives.

Aquaphor Children’s Itch Relief Ointment contains 1% hydrocortisone, and a few products contain menthoxypropanediol (a synthetic substance derived from menthol).

What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Aquaphor?

Anytime your pup eats something they shouldn’t have, it is a good idea to call your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there is any cause for concern and tell you what to watch for.

Alternatively, you can contact the Pet Poison Helpline. Toxicology experts are available to offer advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please note that there is a fee for using this service.

What Should I Watch For?

Signs to watch for are primarily related to the laxative effect of many of the ingredients in Aquaphor products (e.g., petrolatum, mineral oil, glycerin).

Signs are dose-related, meaning the more Aquaphor your pup ate, the more likely they will show signs. Similarly, larger amounts of Aquaphor will result in more severe signs. If you have any concerns about your pup, please contact a veterinarian.

Will My Dog Need Treatment After Eating Aquaphor?

In many cases, your veterinarian will advise you to simply monitor your dog. Mild cases of gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea often resolve on their own, but offering small, frequent meals of a bland (easily digestible) diet for a few days may be helpful. Make sure your pup always has access to fresh water!

If your dog develops severe diarrhea, they may need to stay in the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids to keep them hydrated and correct any electrolyte imbalances.

If your pup ate part of the Aquaphor container, monitor their appetite closely and watch for vomiting as well as blood in their stool. Pieces of plastic can scrape the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes even cause blockages that require surgery.

Conclusion

If your dog has eaten Aquaphor (or anything else they shouldn’t have), the best thing to do is call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. Fortunately, Aquaphor does not contain any toxic ingredients. However, if they eat enough of it, they may suffer some ill effects like diarrhea. In severe cases, this can lead to dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities.

If your pup chewed the Aquaphor container, they may have eaten some pieces of plastic. If their appetite decreases or they start vomiting, let your vet know.

It only takes a moment for our canine friends to get into trouble! Remember to help keep your pup safe and store all personal care and household products well out of reach.

Featured Image Credit: Towfiqu ahamed barbhuiya, Shutterstock

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