Can You Put Baby Powder on Dogs? Yes. But Know this FIRST

It is easy to become nose-blind when it comes to our pet dogs. But, sooner or later, we need to give that coat a freshen up. Some dog owners swear by baby powder as a quick and effective dog deodorant.

There are also claims that it will help with fleas and other skin problems. There are some misconceptions about this solution, and it is important to know precisely what you can and cannot do with baby powder for dogs. So, is it safe to use, and is it as effective as claimed?

Can You Put Baby Powder on Dogs? Yes, you can use it safely for some conditions. You can use baby powder for fleas and as a dog deodorant. Many dog owners have no concerns because it is non-toxic and easy to use. But, it isn’t good for skin irritation, and other owners may prefer to use a more natural solution.

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Why do Dog Owners use Baby Powder on their Pets?

Some dog owners use baby powder simply as a way of freshening their dog when they don’t want to give them a bath. Baby powder is a great dog deodorant when used correctly. The powder can get rid of bad odor without too much fuss. However, you have to use it correctly and in a safe manner.

Why is Baby Powder Safe for use on Dogs?

Most baby powders that are made for infants shouldn’t have any nasty chemicals in them. The logic here is that if it is safe for use on a baby, there should be no harm in using it on ourselves or our dogs.

There are some versions of baby powder that are safer than others. It is important to get a talc-free version as well as one that is unscented. Scented baby powder products may bring in unnatural chemicals via synthetic fragrances.

There is no need to expose your dog to these irritants when there are safer alternatives out there. Talc can be carcinogenic for dogs, so it is best not to have any of this in the bathroom at all if you are a dog owner.

Are there any Dangers in using Powder as a Dog Deodorant?

While the ingredients in these products are non-toxic and safe to use, there are additional considerations in using the powder. First of all, You need to coat your hands in the powder at a safe distance from your dog. This stops any clouds of powder getting in their eyes or respiratory system.

That isn’t pleasant.

Secondly, you need to apply the talc to the body and avoid the face.

Again, this stops the powder from getting too close to your dog’s eyes.

How to use Baby Powder on Dogs

If you still want to use this powder as an alternative way to freshen your dog’s coat, you can do so quite easily. Put a generous amount of the powder in your hands and rub it into your dog’s coat. The powder should then absorb the odors, oils, dirt, and other nasty stuff.

There should be enough for good coverage but not an excessive amount.

Remember that dogs with longer coats will need a larger amount of powder.

Also, the bigger the dog, the longer the process. Keep this in mind before you commit to this sort of messy treatment option.

Another important consideration here is that your pet needs to stay still and wait patiently for you to cover the whole coat – preferably without them trying to lick any of the powder off too.

Dogs with short attention spans aren’t going to do so well in this area. If they decide to roll around in the carpet inside, that’s a wasted session.

What Happens if My Dog Licks the Baby Powder?

It is obviously best if your dog doesn’t lick this powder because you don’t want it going in their airways. That is why we have to be so careful to avoid the faces of dogs when carrying out these treatments. But, if they do, don’t worry too much.

It shouldn’t make them ill.

Will Baby Powder Kill Fleas on Dogs?

This is another common reason why dog owners use baby powder on their pets. Flea treatments are often long-winded or involved chemical treatments. The idea of a baby powder treatment is much more appealing.

There is a good chance that a liberal coating of baby powder on your dog’s coat will suffocate any fleas living in there.

After leaving the powder for about 10 minutes, you can comb it out, with the chance of combing out the fleas at the same time. You can continue this process until you don’t find any more living fleas. It’s a nice alternative to using chemical flea treatments or collars.

But, it can be a bit of a mess. Give them a bath afterward to get rid of the rest of the dead fleas.

What about Cornstarch Baby Powder Instead?

If you want to be completely safe and look for a product with fewer risks, you can’t go wrong with cornstarch powder.

The properties of this powder are great for dry baths because it also absorbs odor and oils with ease. It is also easy to use as you can rub it onto the fur without the fine dust clouds that you get from a bottle of baby powder.

Also, don’t forget that cornstarch is a great treatment option to stop bleeding.

Many dog owners keep this on hand when clipping dog nails just in case of an accident.

Baby Powder for dogs has its benefits but also its Limitations

As you can see, there are some pros and cons to using baby powder as a topical skincare treatment for dogs.

On the plus side, you can get some great results for skincare issues like rashes and fleas.

The right type of baby powder should also be free of any nasty ingredients, which means no risk via accidental ingestion.

However, there are other forms of powder that aren’t so great. So please be careful when choosing one. There is also the risk of creating that cloud of powder around their eyes and airways.

While it is great for fleas and as a deodorant, it isn’t so great for other skin conditions like rashes or bites.

That is where it helps to look at other natural dog treatment options.

Where possible, it is best to choose products specifically made for a dog or completely natural home-made solutions.

Oatmeal shampoo is great for bath time.

Oatmeal shampoo is a great choice for any pet that suffers from skin issues. You can smother their coat and massage it into the skin. This gets down into the root of the problem, quite literally, unlike baby powder dog treatments.

Massaging the shampoo stimulates blood flow and oil production to improve the health of the coat and speed up healing. The oatmeal then soothes the inflammation and itching for instant relief.

Essential oils can also provide relief for a skin condition in the right dosage.

Essential oils like tea tree are all safe in small doses, either added topically to the infected area or sprayed onto the skin in a mist. This oil has antimicrobial properties to fight off infection too. If you find that your pet doesn’t like the smell of tea tree oil, you could try something else, such as rosemary or peppermint.

Use apple cider vinegar in the bath or as a spray.

Apple cider vinegar is one of those ingredients that you see mentioned for all kinds of treatment options for human health care. The right application of a diluted solution can help dogs too. Spray it on your pet or soak their paws in a foot bath.

Don’t be afraid to ask your vet for advice when working with baby powder or other treatments for skin conditions.

Always consult your vet whenever you are concerned about a rash, parasite infestation, excessive odor, or any potential healthcare solution. No matter what issue you are facing with your pet, you need to be sure that you use the best possible treatment option for safe, effective treatment and rapid results.

Your vet should be able to point you in the right direction, even if you are certain that you want to take an all-natural approach to bathe your pet or deal with any skin issues.

Summary: Can You Put Baby Powder on Dogs?

In short, it is safe to use baby power on dogs as long as there is no talc or synthetic fragrance, and as long as you avoid their face. The right approach can help you combat odor issues within the coat for a fresher smell between baths.

There is also the potential that this powder could act as a helpful treatment for fleas. But, it is best not to use this as a treatment for rashes or other skin conditions. For these conditions, natural solutions are recommended.