I’m a vet – dog owners must avoid using an everyday item on their pet, even if you think it’s good for them
A VETERINARIAN has shared a PSA for pet owners to think twice before using a product on their dog as summer approaches.
Dog lovers often care for their furbaby like they would a child, and while the pups can benefit from the special care, it’s important to remember that pets can’t handle everything that’s made for humans.
SUNSCREEN
Summer is coming and a veterinarian wants dog owners to know that sunscreen is to be kept out of the reach of canines – and especially off of their bodies – because it could be toxic for them.
Veterinarian Rachel Barrack even noted that dogs already have a thick coat of fur to protect their skin from the sun, she told Insider.
“Sunscreen contains zinc oxide and can be particularly damaging to a dog’s intestines if ingested,” she said.
“Eating these products can cause your dog to have bloody diarrhea and bloody vomit, which is indicative of intestinal damage.”
OINTMENTS
Sunscreen isn’t the only everyday household product that she advised to be kept away from dogs, either.
When it comes to aiding your furbaby’s cuts and scrapes, Barrack warned that antibiotic ointments meant for human use should never be applied to canines.
Even topical medications with formulas that are specifically for people are not necessarily safe to use on pets.
“One of the ingredients in popular antibiotic ointments is neomycin, which has been linked to loss of hearing,” Barrack explained.
“Don’t administer neomycin or antibiotic ointment topically to your dog without first consulting your veterinarian.”