Can I Use Aveeno Lotion On My Dog?

Dry skin is a nuisance for dogs. Itching and scratching can lead to hot spots, hair loss, and even secondary infections. While there are various commercial products available to help soothe dry skin, you should always try to understand precisely why they have dry and itchy skin in the first place.

There are many reasons why a dog can get irritated skin. In this article, I will help you find the root cause of your dog’s dry and itchy skin. Also, find out if you can use Aveeno in the meantime. 

Aveeno lotion is safe to use on dogs. Aveeno lotion is suitable for dogs with dry, flakey or itchy skin. The main ingredient in Aveeno lotion is oatmeal which is ideal for dogs. Oatmeal helps to reduce inflammation and moisturise the skin.

Just be sure to avoid any lotions containing fragrances or other harsh ingredients, as these can irritate your dog’s skin. When applied correctly, Aveeno lotion can help soothe and protect your dog’s skin.

Let’s learn more about the lotion and the best practices when applying it to your dog to keep them safe.

About Aveeno lotion

Aveeno is an American company owned by American consumer goods and pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson that makes skincare and hair care products. 

The company was founded by brothers Albert and Sidney Musher in 1945. The active ingredients in all Aveeno products are colloidal oats or extracts from oats.

The main ingredient in Aveeno products is oatmeal, which is said to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Aveeno products are marketed as suitable for people with sensitive skin, and dermatologists often recommend them. 

The name Aveeno is derived from the scientific name for oats, Avena sativa.

Aveeno is used for: 

• Chickenpox
• Eczema
• Hives
• Pruritus ani
• Psoriasis
• Sunburn
• Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis

Never use Aveeno lotion in or around your dogs:

• Eyes
• Inside Ears
• Mouth
• Nose

You can use it safely on your dogs:

• Around the genitals
• Back
• Base of tail
• Belly
• Bum
• Head
• Legs
• Neck
• Outside of ears
• Paws
• Tail
• Within dog wrinkles

The amount to use

Depending on the external area to which you want to apply the Aveeno lotion, choose only from the “can use safely list above” if the area is too sore, dab gently with the Aveeno lotion. You only want to use a small amount and work it in if possible. 

Aveeno lotion is fast-absorbing, making it ideal for those with busy lifestyles. However, please don’t put too much on as it will only tempt your dog to lick it off. 

The lotion is non-greasy, so you won’t have to worry about staining your clothes or furnishings as much as other lotions. 

Perfect for:

• Dry and flaky skin
• Flea bites
• Over itching
• Paw sores
• Sunburn

Aveeno lotion is free from:

• Alcohol
• Fragrance
• Essential Oils

Open wounds

Do not use Aveeno lotion on open wounds. You will need an antiseptic cream for open wounds, preferably made for dogs, like the one below. 

Antiseptic Cream Made Specifically For Dogs

I am introducing an antiseptic cream alternative specially formulated for dogs that can be safely used for extended periods. Unlike other dog creams, this cream has a pleasant scent. I now keep a jar of this cream in my cabinet for my dogs’ long-term skin care needs.

When to apply Aveeno lotion

Apply it to your dog’s dry, flakey and itchy skin. When applying for the first time, you should observe your dog in case of adverse reactions. 

You should consult your veterinarian if you apply it more than a few times and see no results.

Self Licker and Chewer

If you are concerned about your dog licking the lotion off after applying it. I suggest getting an Elizabethan cone or an inflatable collar. Using one of these will stop your dog from reaching the areas where you have applied the lotion. 

Reasons why your dog has dry, flaky or itchy skin

Topical treatments only mask the fundamental problem of why your dog is itchy. Let’s learn the below that could be causing your dog to be uncomfortable and how you can help your dog.

Diet

Their immune system struggles when dogs don’t get all the nutrition they need from their diet. With this struggle, parts and areas of the dog’s body often have to compromise. This usually leaves a dog’s skin vulnerable, thus causing itchy, flakey and dry skin.

Check your dog’s daily food ingredients label and ensure you see good ingredients like pure meat, fresh meat, botanicals and herbs. 

Change your dog’s food if they have ingredients listed like bone meal or derivatives. These are poor-quality ingredients. Bone meal is crushed up bones.

Allergies

Your dog could well be allergic to the shampoo you bathe them in. Try changing your dog’s shampoo for natural oatmeal for sensitive skin.

Recommended Read: Can Dogs Get Hay Fever? (Spot The Signs)

Your dog could be allergic to their food. When food intolerance happens, the dog’s body tries to flush out the toxins which pass through the skin, thus making it dry, itchy and flakey. 

You might want to consider changing your dog’s food if they are allergic to their current food. For example, if your dog is allergic to chicken, you could try feeding your dog lamb for a few weeks instead. Make sure that the new food is different from the main meat or fish type.

Another food item found in dog food that can cause dogs problems is wheat. Wheat isn’t a natural food for dogs, so it’s no wonder they have reactions. Wheat allergies are also common in dogs. Choose a grain-free dog food or one with sweet potato or rice instead. White and brown rice are gluten-free.

Don’t burn candles in your house if you have a dog suffering from a skin condition. Some dogs are allergic to the ingredients and scents in candles. If you want candles, use soy or beeswax candles instead. They’re safer and less toxic.

Parasites, like fleas, are a common cause of itchiness in dogs. Apply a flea treatment routine, even if your dog doesn’t have fleas. It’s more of prevention rather than a cure in many dogs.

Once fleas take hold in a household, getting rid of them is hard. Fleas can lay dormant for a long time, be ready to hatch, and cause havoc again.

Recommended Read: Learn about fleas and what you should use

Homemade Dry Skin Cream To Use On Dogs

While Aveeno is safe to use, There are still better options for your dog, and one of them is by making up an anti-itch lotion yourself. 

This simple homemade remedy is safe and just as effective as Aveeno lotion. Try making this up at home and using it on your dog instead. 

• Coconut Oil – Four tablespoons
• Shea Butter – Two tablespoons
• Tea Tree Oil – Three drops
• Apple Cider Vinger – Two drops

Store in a dry place and out of sunlight. If the skin is broken, do not use it.

The four ingredients above help to keep your dog’s skin healthy. They have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and humectant properties which help to keep the skin from drying out and retain moisture.

Fats To Help Skin

One of the easiest things to do is to add omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet. These essential nutrients help to promote healthy skin and coat by regulating oil production and reducing inflammation. 

Sardines

• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) an imporant anti-inflammatory fatty acid
• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is necessary for a dog’s eye health and brain.

In spring water, you can get these exceptional fats in a single can of sardines. Two of the essential fats that a dog’s skin can benefit significantly from are the following:

Give your dog a can of sardines alongside their well-balanced meal once a week. Sardines are not just good for a dog’s skin but their overall health aswell

Conclusion

While it’s always good to consult your veterinarian before using new products on your dog, Aveeno lotion is generally safe. The main active ingredient in Aveeno lotions is colloidal oatmeal, which is perfectly safe. However, I hope you try to figure out the root cause of your dog’s bad skin. There is always a reason why! Good Luck!

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