When it comes to itches, the first thing that we can think about, when it comes to relieving the itch, is actually to use baby powder. Somehow, baby powder has been associated with relieving itches, and there is some truth to it. There are actually more uses for the baby powder. As listed in this article, for example, it can be used as a pet shampoo for your pet.
Putting Baby Powder On Dogs: Is It Safe?
The first thing that comes to our mind is “Is it safe to put baby powder on dogs?”. After all, it is commonly said that you should not use human-grade products on dogs. Actually, the above-mentioned statement isn’t exactly true.
The truth is, the “human-grade” terminology applies mostly to food. It is true that human-grade food should not be given to dogs. But for products itself, one would have to really look into the list of ingredients to determine if it is indeed safe for usage on dogs.
There are many different brands of baby powder that is available, and the most popular one of them is the Johnson & Johnson baby powder. The three main ingredients in this baby body are:
- Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Fragrance (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E))
As you can see, the ingredients listed are completely safe for dogs too. The main ingredient that helps to control or stop the itch is actually the corn starch, and since it is a naturally occurring ingredient, it is safe to be used on dogs. Just ensure that you choose one that is free from talcum as it may cause reactions on your dog.
The Benefits of Using Baby Powder on Dogs
Baby powder is made from talc, which is a soft mineral that helps absorb moisture and keeps skin dry. When applied to the skin, baby powder can help soothe itching and reduce skin irritation. In addition, the powder can also help reduce friction, which can help prevent skin rashes and irritations caused by rubbing and scratching.
What Are The Uses Of Baby Powder On Dogs
There are various uses of baby powder on dogs, the most notable being that it can help to stop the dog from scratching itself due to itch. Here is the near-complete list of the effects that baby powder can have on your dogs.
- Use baby powder on dogs for fleas, especially if you are trying to kill or remove them.
- Baby powder can help to relieve an itch on your dog
- If your dog is smelling bad, try putting some of the baby powder onto them
- Removing of dirt from your dog’s coat is also possible by rubbing the powder onto the coat itself
What Are The Steps To Put Baby Powder On Dogs
The way you put the powder on your baby should be the same way at which you can put in on dogs. But having said that, there are still certain guidelines that you will need to follow.
- You should never put the powder onto the dog’s eyes or any open wound that it might have.
- Never attempt to pour the entire bottle onto your dog. Should your dog accidentally inhale some of the baby powder, it can actually be bad for their health.
- Also, you should never let your dog consume or lick any of the powder. If the amount is in minuscule, it is still alright. But when the consumed amount is large, it can actually cause much health issues to your dog.
- Avoid using Talcum powder.
- Don’t apply too much of the baby powder on dogs as it can get stuck on the coat itself.
- After you apply the baby powder, always make sure to rub your hair through the dog’s coat as it will help to even out the spread of the powder. Allow the powder to sit up to a maximum of 10 minutes on the dog’s coat before you brush the excess powder off.
- Try to avoid baby powder with a scent, as these scented baby powder might have an adverse effect on your dog, especially if they are sensitive to the smell of it.
If you do things correctly, your dog will have a clean, fluffy coat that smells great! Your dog will never scratch itself again.
How Does Baby Powder Help The Flea Problem
One of the good points of using baby powder on your dog is that it helps to get rid of the flea infestation on your dog. How can baby powder help in this case? Well, when you apply the baby powder on the coat, the powder will inevitably suffocate the fleas by depriving them of oxygen. This will lead to their eventual death! Just note that you should always let the powder to sit in for at least 10 minutes before attempting to use a comb to remove the excess powder as well as to remove the carcasses.
You can do the same on the dog’s bedding too. Apply the powder and spread it evenly across the bed. After letting it sit for at least 10 minutes, you can proceed to sweep the excess powder and dead fleas off the bedding. You can also opt to use a vacuum cleaner for this process.
Alternative Treatments for Dog Itching
While baby powder may be effective in reducing itching in some dogs, it is important to consider alternative treatments if your dog has a serious skin problem. Some alternative treatments for dog itching include:
- Medicated shampoos: Medicated shampoos can help soothe itching and reduce skin irritation.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve skin health and reduce itching.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines can help reduce itching caused by allergies.
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids can help reduce itching and inflammation caused by skin problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baby powder can be used on dogs to help soothe itching and reduce skin irritation. However, it is important to use baby powder safely and to consider alternative treatments if your dog has a serious skin problem. If you are unsure about the best treatment for your dog’s skin problem, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
