Baby powder offers a range of benefits to us humans, including relieving and soothing itchy skin – which may leave you wondering if you can use baby powder on dogs, especially in cases of fleas, bites, and irritated skin.
If your pup is allergic to medicated flea treatments or gets distressed when you try to apply them, baby powder could be a far more gentle alternative solution to explore.
In this article, I answer the most common questions about using baby powder on dogs, if it is safe, when and how to use it, and also times where it should be avoided.
Can you use baby powder on dogs? Yes, you can. However, it’s always best to be cautious when it comes to using products designed for humans on our furry friends, which is why you may be surprised to learn that baby powder can actually be used on dogs.
The product, originally designed to ease diaper rash in babies, has been found to offer a variety of benefits for pups, including:
- Eradicating bad smells
- Soothing itchy skin
- Killing fleas
Baby powder has some impressively handy uses, making it a cupboard staple for lots of dog lovers. However, before you rush out to get your hands on any old baby powder, let’s take a look at some of the key things to look out for in a pet-friendly powder…
Ingredients in baby powder can vary depending on the brand. Traditionally, ingredients include talcum powder, arrowroot, cornstarch, as well as other natural ingredients that are known to absorb moisture and soothe the skin.
However, in more recent years talc-based baby powder has been shown to lead to various cancers in humans – so it should definitely be avoided for your pup!
Look for non-talcum baby powders, and avoid those that are heavily scented.
How To Use Baby Powder On Your Dog
There are a number of reasons why you might want to use baby powder on your dog.
Maybe your puppy has got fleas but is too young for medication, or sensitive and sore skin that medication could further irritate. Fleas are a common but harmful pest, and it’s important that you take lengths to eradicate them due to the parasites they carry.
Baby powder will suffocate fleas, leading them to die a natural death – whether the powder is used on your dog’s fur, or on their bed and other surfaces.
So, what’s the best way to apply the powder to your pup?
Luckily, using baby powder on your dog is incredibly easy (and far less hassle than applying strong-smelling flea medications!). Before getting started, remember that it is important not to shake baby powder directly from the container onto your dog’s fur.
This method will lead the powder to fill the surrounding air and get into your precious pup’s lungs, which could harm them in the long term. Apply the powder in a space that is well-ventilated, and don’t let your dog get any in his mouth!
Method:
- Begin by putting on some gloves and pouring the powder into your palms, rubbing them together to get rid of any excess.
- Now run your hands through your pup’s fur, massaging to ensure it gets to the very root. You should already notice their fur looking cleaner and smelling more pleasant.
- Allow 10 minutes for the powder to do its job, making sure your dog doesn’t attempt to lick it off! Use a comb to ensure the powder is spread thoroughly through their coat.
- Lastly, bathe your dog to get all traces of the powder from their fur.
Using Baby Powder To Keep Your Dog Smelling Fresh
I love my dog, but I have to admit that he doesn’t always smell great – even after a bath!
Their love for outdoor adventures means that our dogs often get dirty and smelly, but it’s not recommended to wash them more than once a month. This is why baby powder can be a great way to keep them looking and smelling fresh.
You can use baby powder on your dog once a week, making sure their coat looks shiny and smells odor-free. Simply apply the powder onto a rag or flannel and pat to get rid of any excess. Gently massage the rag into your dog’s fur, leave on for 10 minutes before brushing out.
Risks Of Using Baby Powder On Dogs
As with any home remedy, it’s important that you review any potential risks. Although baby powder is widely regarded as safe to use on dogs, there are a few things to be aware of before getting started:
- If you use baby powder on your dog too often it can lead to dry and uncomfortable skin, and their hair may become dry and brittle due to loss of natural oils. For this reason, make sure you limit the use of baby powder to once per week.
- As we mentioned earlier, it’s important that your dog does not inhale the powder as it can lead to choking and long term lung problems.
- Furthermore, if your dog ingests the powder through licking their fur they risk potential health problems.
- Talcum-based powders are to be avoided due to their carcinogenic qualities.
- Strongly fragranced baby powders may irritate your pup’s skin and respiratory system.
Final Thoughts
There are many situations where medication may not be the appropriate option to treat your dog’s fleas or irritated skin, and fortunately, baby powder is widely regarded to be a safe alternative.
As with any home remedy, it’s important to be on the side of caution and make sure you are fully aware of the risks – however, if you think baby powder will be a safe option for your pet it’s an incredibly easy option to kill fleas and eradicate unpleasant odors.
Hopefully I answered your question about baby powder and dogs and gave you some more insight into how to best use this product on your pet.
It’s always great to know simple yet effective home remedies like this one, and have some pet-safe baby powder in the cupboard should you ever need it!
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