Human Products That You Can And Cannot Use On Dogs

While human care products are typically designed to benefit humans, they may not always be suitable for our dogs. However, human products may be necessary for specific situations, such as when a pet shop is unavailable. In these cases, it’s recommended to use them temporarily and only when absolutely necessary, such as using human cream for a minor wound in a pinch.

When applied correctly, using certain human products on dogs is safe, but some are unsuitable. If you intend to apply creams, lotions, gels, or oils meant for humans on your dog, it is vital to conduct thorough research beforehand to act as a responsible pet owner. To aid your research, we have compiled a list of products that can and cannot be used on dogs. However, it is advisable to use the ones that are safe for dogs only as a temporary measure.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is non-toxic to dogs. However, if excessively consumed, it can cause upset stomachs in dogs. If your dog is a persistent self-licker, perhaps opting for a lick-safe cream made for dogs will be the safer option.

Use In Dogs: Reduce dry skin, suitable for dog’s paw pads.

Dettol

It would be best never to use any of the Dettol products range on your dog. The active ingredient is Chloroxylenol, which is poisonous to dogs if ingested or comes into contact with your dog’s skin or coat. It’s hazardous to your dog’s health. You should not apply Dettol to any part of your dog.

Use In Dogs: none

E45 Cream

It would be best not to use E45 cream on dogs because it’s a moisturiser suitable only for human skin. There are no healing properties in E45 cream that would benefit any dog’s skin. It’s solely for making human skin soft.

Use In Dogs: none

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can effectively treat different skin problems, such as minor cuts, flea bites, insect bites, and dog rashes. Aloe Vera is safe for dogs in its natural gel form, but only if applied correctly. Here are the best practices for using Aloe Vera on dogs.

Use In Dogs: healing, reducing dry skin.

Head And Shoulders Shampoo

Head and Shoulders are not safe to use on your dog’s coat. Head and Shoulders are created for human hair, which is unsafe to use on a dog’s fur. It would be best if you used a shampoo made specifically for dogs. That way, you can be sure that it is safe to use. 

Use In Dogs: none

Vaseline

You can use Vaseline on dogs. It is not harmful to them when used correctly. However, be aware of some things before using Vaseline. Such as if your dog has a habit of chewing or licking themselves, how much you use, and where you put it. Let us tell you about the best practices for using Vaseline on dogs.

Use In Dogs: reduce dry skin, suitable for dog’s paw pads.

Savlon

Savlon is poisonous to dogs if consumed excessively. Savlon shouldn’t be used on dogs as a permanent treatment. It would be best to look at a cream or ointment suitable for dogs. However, if applied correctly, it is safe for your dog.

Use In Dogs: healing.

Bio-Oil

Bio-oil is non-toxic to dogs if applied correctly. However, it would be best to consider whether your dog is a self-licker or a chewer. Bio-oil is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure or damage if consumed excessively.

Use In Dogs: reduces dry skin.

Germolene

Germolene is safe for dogs if applied appropriately and for short-term use. You must be watchful if your dog chews or licks itself because some of the ingredients in Germolene are not safe for consumption. It would be best to use an alternative cream for dogs for long-term use.

Use In Dogs: healing.

Human Sunscreens

It is not safe to use human sunscreen on dogs. Human sunscreen may contain harmful ingredients like zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) that can be toxic to dogs. Moreover, dogs may ingest sunscreen by licking it off their skin, leading to digestive issues. It is advisable to use sunscreen specially designed for dogs, which can be purchased from pet stores or online.

Use In Dogs: none

Sudocrem

You can use Sudocrem on dogs. It’s not harmful to dogs when applied correctly. However, there are a few essential factors to consider before using it. Such as if your dog is a frequent self-chewer or a self-licker, and the amount you use and where you use it is essential to know. Let us run through the best practices of using Sudocrem on dogs.

Use In Dogs: healing.

TCP Antiseptic Liquid

TCP is not safe to use on dogs. TPC is considered a dangerous chemical. The main ingredient of TPC is halogenated phenols, and phenol is toxic to dogs if ingested or come into contact with them, leading to serious health problems.

Use In Dogs: none

Benadryl

Benadryl is safe for dogs if applied correctly. A small amount of Benadryl cream can help if your dog has irritated, itchy skin. Apply the cream for a few days, but no more than that. Too much cream can make the skin thinner and make healing harder.

Use In Dogs: skin irritation relief.

Tea Tree Oil

Pure tea tree oil is very poisonous to dogs. The oil form of tea tree is too strong for them, and excessive amounts will cause poisoning, which can be fatal. Unless the product is made for dogs, you should avoid using it on your dog altogether. That way, you know it will contain the right amount and is safe for your dog.

Use In Dogs: none unless in products made for dogs

Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub is unsafe for dogs because it contains toxic ingredients called camphor, eucalyptus and menthol. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin irritation. You should never use this product on a dog or as a deterrent for stopping chewing or biting.

Use In Dogs: none

Hydrocortisone Cream

As a temporary measure, you can use human Hydrocortisone cream on your dog, as long as they aren’t self-lickers or chewers. However, it’s always better to use creams meant for dogs. If in doubt, speak to your veterinarian.

Use In Dogs: skin irritation relief.

Aveeno Lotion

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.

Use In Dogs: skin irritation relief/dry skin

Dove Soap

Dove is designed and made for human skin. The pH balance of a human and a dog are entirely different. Dogs are more alkaline than humans, with a much higher pH level. Dove soap on dogs will strip away the natural oils from a dog’s fur, leading to dryness and itchiness. In extreme cases, it can leave your dog vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. 

Use In Dogs: none

Silver Sulfadiazine Cream

Silver sulfadiazine cream is safe to use on dogs. It can help prevent further bacterial skin infections and improve healing.

Use In Dogs: healing.

Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream

You can use a bit of human Triamcinolone Acetonide cream on dogs. It’s not harmful to them when applied correctly. However, it would be best to consider a few factors before using it on your dog, such as the area to which you want to apply it and whether your dog is a frequent self-chewer or a self-licker. The amount you use is also essential to know.

Use In Dogs: healing.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is too risky to use safely on a dog’s open wound. The risks of using hydrogen peroxide on a dog’s skin are damage to the surrounding tissue, delaying healing and bleach burn. Both would be a disaster if they made your dog’s wound worse. Instead, use lukewarm water or a saline mix for minor cuts.

Use In Dogs: none

Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Don’t try to treat your dog’s pain with Tylenol. It is unsafe for them because their bodies process it differently than humans. It can cause damage to the kidneys and liver and even make their blood levels spike, which is very dangerous. You must contact a vet to get better options for your dog!

Use In Dogs: none

Talcum Powder

Using talcum powder on dogs is not recommended as it can pose serious health risks. Ingesting or inhaling talcum powder can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal issues in dogs. Moreover, certain talcum powders may contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. To ensure the safety of your furry friend, it is advisable to use grooming products specifically designed for dogs.

Use In Dogs: none

Baby Oil

Although baby oil is not poisonous to dogs, applying it to their skin is not advisable. Dogs have distinct skin pH levels from humans, and using baby oil can disturb the natural equilibrium of their skin. This may result in dryness, irritation, and even infection.

Use In Dogs: none

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

Using Johnson’s baby shampoo on your dog is not recommended as it can be unsafe. Human shampoos and conditioners are designed for human skin with a different pH level than dog skin. The pH level of dog skin is higher than that of human skin, and using human shampoos can disrupt the natural pH balance of your dog’s skin, causing dryness, irritation, and even infection. It’s best to use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs to keep their skin healthy and happy.

Use In Dogs: none

Human Lotion

Putting most lotions on your dog, especially the cheap and non-natural ones meant for humans, is not recommended. Human lotions can irritate a dog’s skin, so using a dog lotion specifically designed for dogs is best.

Use In Dogs: none.

Pedialyte

Although Pedialyte has been found to rehydrate humans effectively, it is not advisable for dogs due to their distinct nutritional requirements and potential hazards linked to specific ingredients found in Pedialyte.

Use In dogs: none.

Alternatives To Human Products

Below are some alternatives to human products. These products focus solely on the dogs, skin and fur and have the dog’s best interests rather than humans.

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Antiseptic Creams Made For Dogs (Healing And Lick-Safe)

• LICK SAFE
• NON-TOXIC
• ANTIBACTERIAL
• FREE FROM CHEMICALS

Itchy Treatment Creams For Dogs

It’s natural, organic, and made for a dog; the good news is that it is lick-safe! The balm from the progroom smells good; unlike some lotions, they can be stinky.

progroom Dog Skin Balm for Itchy Skin Relief – Amazon

Dry Skin

Dry skin balm is 100% natural, made for dogs, and lick-safe. The cream also has antifungal properties.

Dog Balm for dry skin by Wild Dog Co – Amazon

Shampoos For Dogs

C&G Pets (My Fave) is perfect for itchy, flakey skin and even has an antifungal treatment, so you are not just soothing or washing it away; you’re treating it simultaneously.

Trixie – A German company that has been around for more than 45 years, has made an anti-dandruff shampoo that works well.

I Love Pet Head – For flakey, dry, and sensitive skin. I love the bottle’s shape and colour; it smells of strawberry yoghurt.

Deliveries: You can order most things online and deliver them the next day. This will save you the hassle of worrying about using the wrong treatments. This is especially true if you are a Prime member on Amazon, where most items will be provided in one day.

Understanding Common Skin Problems in Dogs and How to Treat Them

When To See A Vet

If the treatments you have given to your dog have not worked in a few days, and there are no signs of improvement or worsening, it would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian. Veterinarians can tell you what is wrong with your dog and give you the best possible solution, which may be a cream or even a change in diet.

However, it would be best to take your dog to the vet before giving them any home treatments, although it’s not always possible to get in touch, for instance, at 2 a.m. on a Sunday.

With this in mind, it’s best to take your pet to the vet before giving them home treatments. However, it’s not always possible!

Happy Dog Parenting, and Good Luck!

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