Can you use anti itch cream on dogs?
We all love our furry friends unconditionally, and it’s painful to see them suffer from itchiness. Constant scratching and licking can make them miserable and add stress to their lives. As a loving pet owner, you want nothing more than finding ways to relieve their discomfort as soon as possible.
One solution we often turn to is anti-itch cream designed for humans – but wait! Can you use anti-itch cream on dogs? Let’s dig deeper into this topic.
The Role of Anti-Itch Creams
Anti-itch creams are specifically designed for the human skin condition where the surface is inflamed, dry and scaly or infected with rashes such as eczema, psoriasis or insect bites. These creams are typically formulated with steroids, hydrocortisone or antihistamines that help reduce inflammation and itching.
The question remains: Is human-grade anti-itch cream suitable for your dog? Canine skin varies significantly from human skin in several ways; hence using products intended only for people may do more harm than good!
So before you reach out to that corticosteroid lotion lying around at home here’s what you need to know:
Understanding Your Dog’s Skin
If not handled cautiously, applying topical treatment meant exclusively for people can lead to severe allergic reactions on your pup’s delicate skin.
Their epidermis has fewer cell layers compared humans which mean its barrier function against elements like heat loss or absorption of substances is weakened precariously. Moreover;
1) Hair follicles penetrate through the dermis.
2) Scent glands predominantly found along hair follicles secrete oil termed ‘sebum.’ This oil hydrates the hair coat while simultaneously creating a natural pair barrier defence mechanism against microbes & environmental debris.
3) Their acidic pH ranges from 6–8 making doggy coat alkaline compared to the human acidic pH of 4.5-6.2.
Risks of Using Anti-Itch Cream for Humans on Dogs
Human beings and dogs have distinct physiology, which means not only is it uncomfortable but also harmful if you use your ant-pruritic cream on your dog’s skin rash due to below reasons:
Lack of Veterinary Endorsement
The crucial factor that differentiates animal therapies from homoeopathic ones is endorsement by licensed veterinarians. To date, there are no anti-itch products approved for medicinal use in dogs unless prescribed by a certified veterinarian.
Potential Poisoning Risk
Dogs frequently lick whatever product we administer on their coat; sometimes these contain toxic substances such as Lidocaine or Ibuprofen — commonly found among most non-veterinary cream designed solely for humans – this ingestion can lead down dangerous consequences!
Steroids’ Side Effects
Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams designed specifically to alleviate itchiness and redness symptoms should never be used without veterinary approval with some of its available options causing superinfections (bacterial infections exacerbating an ongoing rash condition).
What’s Safe For Your Dog?
Now back to our pressing question: what CAN you do when Fido starts itching? Remember anything intended uniquely for doggos – right from shampoos & soaps enriched with medicated solutions containing oatmeal, licorice extract, Tea-tree oil Monolaurin locking essential lipids like Linoleic Acid within the stratum corneum suitable for neutralising allergens plus soothing inflamed tissue areas in their skin potently reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Veterinary experts advise pet owners always consult with professionals towards the efficacy array attainability during treating animals thoroughly comfortable expressing pain inflammation itch treatment either through injection format or via specific oral medication supplements tailored around breeds’ physical stamina behavioural tendencies history towards responsiveness relative dosage tolerances/equipment availability.
Conclusion
It’s essential to remember that our furry friends’ health and wellbeing is a top priority! While human anti-itch creams may appear convenient as an on-hand solution, they are NOT designed to treat dogs with underlying skin conditions. Various products are specially crafted for pets from trusted brands under the supervision of licensed veterinarians – read labels & always consult with experts before using new antipruritic treatment regimens.