Has your dog eaten Desitin? Are you worried the Desitin will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We know it can be scary when your dog eats something he shouldn’t.
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In this article, we’ll take a look at Desitin and whether or not it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Desitin?
Desitin is a product used for babies. It works by treating and preventing diaper rash and skin irritations. The ointment works by creating a barrier on the skin, which protects against irritation and moisture. What’s more, this product is sometimes used to treat poison oak, ivy, and sumac rashes.
Desitin carries the warning that it should only be used on the skin, not ingested. The product contains 40% maximum-level zinc oxide. It also contains petrolatum, cod liver oil, lanolin, talc, glycerin, sorbitan sesquioleate, beeswax, tocopheryl acetate, and fragrance.
While Desitin is a safe product for babies, when used correctly, what about dogs?
Desitin & Dogs
Desitin can be toxic to dogs; however, in most cases, the dog would have to either eat a large amount or eat the ointment on a regular basis to have a toxic reaction. Having said that, it’s still possible a dog could experience some digestive tract issues from eating Desitin.
Another danger is that if a dog does eat the ointment, he could vomit. If the vomit is aspirated into the lungs, this can cause a life-threatening condition called aspiration pneumonia.
One more concern is whether or not the dog has eaten the product’s packaging. If so, it’s possible the dog could develop an intestinal obstruction if the packaging becomes lodged somewhere in the intestines.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Desitin Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten Desitin:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Yellow/pale gums (jaundice)
- Orange-tinged feces or urine
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
If your dog starts to show any of these symptoms, then call the vet right away.
Treatment of Desitin Ingestion in Dogs
At the vet’s, they will perform a complete physical exam of your dog. In addition, the vet will probably run some lab work and other tests. The tests will show if your dog has developed anemia or other blood issues, as well as checking to make sure there’s no damage to the liver or kidneys.
Treatment may involve your fur baby having an IV with fluids. The IV can also be used to administer other medications. If your dog has developed anemia, the vet may need to give your canine companion a blood transfusion.
The vet may also give your dog medications that treat irritation of the digestive tract, along with medicine to stop diarrhea and vomiting.
In case your dog has eaten the product packaging, the vet may need to perform abdominal surgery. The surgery is done to remove the packaging and repair any damage to the digestive tract.
The good news is that most dogs who become sick from eating Desitin will make a full recovery!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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