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Vicks Vapor Rub is an ointment that’s found in many medicine cabinets. It’s great for colds and flu, sinus congestion, sore muscles, and more. But what happens if your dog eats Vicks Vapor Rub? Can Vicks Vapor Rub make your dog sick?
What is Vicks Vapor Rub?
Vicks Vapor Rub is a human ointment made of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. It can be used by humans to relieve nasal & chest congestion caused by colds and flu, as well as ease the congestion caused by sinus infections. Vicks can also be used by humans to relieve minor aches and pains in muscles and joints.
But what if your dog ingests Vicks Vapor Rub? Will Vicks make your dog sick?
Vicks Vapor Rub & Dogs
Vicks contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including camphor. If ingested, your dog could become very sick.
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has ingested Vicks Vapor Rub:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Burning throat and mouth
- Depression
- Irritation of the mucus membranes
If your dog has eaten only a small bit of Vicks, then the symptoms are likely to be mild. . However, if is recommended to phone your vet to discuss your pet’s individual case, regardless of how much Vicks Vapor Rub he has eaten.
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Ask a Vet Live NowTreatment of Vicks Vapor Rub Ingestion in Dogs
At the vet’s, they will perform a physical exam of your dog, which may include blood tests and other lab work. The vet will also look for signs of mouth and throat irritation.
If the vet determines your dog has eaten Vicks, then they may advise to treat your pet with IV fluids (a drip), activated charcoal, and more. Your fur baby will probably need an IV (cannula), which makes it easier to give him other medications as needed. If this is a severe case, the vet will want to keep your dog in the hospital for a few days to monitor his symptoms and recovery.
In most cases, dogs who eat a small amount of Vicks should be OK within a few hours. For a more severe case of toxicity, recovery can be longer. However, dogs who receive prompt medical care usually will go on to make a full recovery. Your veterinarian will be able to discuss your pet’s individual case and a suggested treatment and monitoring plan to give them the best chance of recovery.
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Evie Moloney, RCVS
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Evie is a vet surgeon who graduated from the University College Dublin, which is the only university offering the veterinary medicine degree in Ireland. She really enjoys surgery and has also worked as an emergency and critical care vet. She is passionate about sharing education about preventative health care for pets, especially the importance of regular dog and cat teeth brushing at home. She also enjoys helping owners find practical solutions for keeping pets as comfortable as possible while living with conditions such as arthritis. When not working, she enjoys hiking and swimming.
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