The toxicity of the vapor rub is known to be extremely dangerous for dogs and should not be taken lightly. Vicks is easily absorbed through the skin, and through the mouth, if your dog decides to take a sample. Generally, the smell will repel the dog and there will be no harm done.
It contains camphor so it should be kept strictly out of reach of pets and never let them lick any part of your body that may have some Vicks on it. Camphor poisoning in cats or dogs can include skin irritation, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, depression. Less often, you might see seizures and very rarely, death.
NO…!!! The mentholated vapors are EXTREMELY irritating to the delicate tissues of a dogs nose.
While you may think that these products are great for protecting your pets from fleas, it is harming them at the same time. You cannot rub any Vick's or similar products on your pet. It is very dangerous to do so and your dog or cat will get very sick.
Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. That's why you should never put VapoRub in or around the nostrils — especially a small child's nostrils.
Products like Tiger Balm and Vicks Vaporub are commonly used in the home as liniments and expectorants but can be highly toxic to canines if left within their reach. Protect yourself and your pet.
Dogs noses are ultra-sensitive and can absorb any of the chemicals that come from the vapor. Camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil are the main ingredients and are ALL TOXIC to your dog.
The bottom line
There's some limited evidence that it can help you feel like you're less congested and make it easier to sleep when you have a cold. It may also temporarily ease mild coughs.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
Is Menthol Dangerous for Dogs? A common ingredient in chewing gum or cough drops that could have harmful consequences is menthol. Because menthol irritates the oral and digestive system tissues, your dog may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or simply laying around with a stomach ache.
Never use essential oils or products like Vicks Vaposteam with the humidifier, as these can irritate your pet's eyes, nose, and skin. Some oils are even toxic for pets. Certain oils can be fatal when ingested and even cause severe complications if inhaled over some time.
Cats are often attracted to menthol smells. Menthol is common in products like Ben Gay and other creams like Vicks vapor rub. While it may be cute that they want to lick our skin after application, these creams are actually toxic to cats.
When it comes to using Vicks VapoRub in a humidifier, it is important to recognize that it is not recommended to directly add it to the device. It contains petrolatum, which is not suitable for use in humidifiers and can cause potential damage to the appliance or even pose a risk of skin burns if heated incorrectly.
Yes - humidifiers can be safe for dogs depending on the situation. For instance, the mist created by a humidifier should be fine for your dog since they filter out unhealthy bacteria. It's only unsafe when your humidifier is placed where your dog can reach it.
Did you know that steam showers are not only relaxing but can also be beneficial for your pet? Steam opens up the airway to the lungs and can help alleviate dogs who are dealing with chronic coughs and congestion and/or those with environmental allergies.
By moisturizing the nasal passages, humidifiers help your pup breathe easier through their nose and can help ease a bit of snoring by keeping their mouth and throat from getting dry. Allergy Relief – Dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies, just like their owners.
Peppermint oil is toxic to dogs and can cause mild to severe symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and even lethargy. Peppermint oil poisoning can be fatal, especially if it's not treated as soon as possible. If you believe your dog has consumed peppermint oil, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Intoxication is most often seen when 100% tea tree oil is used. As little as 7-8 drops (10-20 mL) applied to the skin may be fatal to both cats and dogs. Products with low concentrations (e.g. shampoos, body washes) are generally not considered toxic.
Aside from feeding it to your pup, coconut oil can also benefit your dog's skin and coat when applied topically. Not only can coconut oil make your dog's coat look glossy and polished, but it can also help soothe irritated, itchy skin, Pendergrass says.
Studies have shown that Vicks VapoRub helps relieve cough, congestion, sore muscles, and toenail fungus. It hasn't been proven safe or effective for other purposes, such as to treat headaches or as a bug repellant.