What If My Dog Licks Bag Balm? You might be wondering what on earth could be wrong with your pet if he or she starts licking a container of bag balm.
As it turns out, there are a few reasons why this might happen, and some of them are relatively harmless. But other reasons could signal an underlying health problem that requires veterinary attention.
What Is Bag Balm:
Bag balm is a salve that was originally intended for use on cows’ udders. It is still used for that purpose today but has also become popular as a human skin moisturizer.
What If Dog Lick Bag Balm:
There are a few potential reasons why your dog might lick bag balm. It could be that the balm smells like something that your dog finds irresistible,
or it could be that your dog is seeking relief from itchiness or dryness. If your dog licks a small amount of bag balm, there is no need to be concerned.
What If Dog Lick Large Amount Of Bag Balm:
if your dog ingests a large amount of bag balm, it could potentially lead to
1. Blockage:
Since balm is thick and sticky, it can easily block your dog’s digestive system if ingested in large quantities.
2. Toxicity:
If your dog licks a large amount of bag balm, he or she could also be at risk for lanolin toxicity. Symptoms of lanolin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and seizures.
3. Allergic Reaction:
Some dogs may be allergic to lanolin, which is one of the main ingredients in bag balm. If your dog starts licking bag balm and develops rash, vomiting, or diarrhea, it could be an allergic reaction and you should take him or her to the vet immediately.
How Can I Stop My Dog From Licking Bag Balm:
If your dog is constantly licking bag balm, there are a few things you can do to deter him or her.
1. Keep The Balm Out Of Reach:
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep the balm inaccessible to your dog. If you use the balm regularly, you may want to keep it in a room that your dog doesn’t have access to.
2. Apply The Balm Sparingly:
If you do need to use the balm around your dog, try to apply it sparingly. The less there is for your dog to lick, the better.
3. Choose A Dog-Safe Balm:
As mentioned above, there are now a few brands of bag balm that are specifically designed to be safe for dogs. If you’re concerned about your dog licking the bag balm, you can try one of these products.
4. Talk To Your Vet:
If your dog is constantly licking bag balm and you can’t seem to deter him or her, it’s best to talk to your vet.
They will be able to rule out any underlying health problems and provide additional advice on how to stop your dog from licking the balm.
Is There Any Type Bag Balm Safe For Dogs:
There are now a few brands of bag balm that are specifically marketed as being safe for dogs. These products usually have all-natural ingredients and are less likely to cause side effects.
The safe types of bag balm for dogs include.
1. Bag Balm With Vitamin E:
This type of balm contains vitamin E, which is known to be beneficial for the skin. It can help to soothe dryness and itchiness, and it is safe for dogs to lick.
2. Bag Balm With All-Natural Ingredients:
There are now a few bag balm products on the market that boast all-natural ingredients. These products are less likely to cause side effects, and they are safe for dogs to lick.
3. Bag Balm With No Added Fragrances:
Many dog shampoos and conditioners contain added fragrances that can be irritating to your dog’s skin. If you’re concerned about your dog licking bag balm, look for a product that doesn’t have any added fragrances.
4. Bag Balm With No Added Colors:
Some dog shampoos and conditioners also contain added colors. These products can be safe for dogs to lick, but it’s always best to avoid them if possible.
5. Bag Balm With No Added Chemicals:
There are now a few bag balm products on the market that boast all-natural ingredients. These products are less likely to cause side effects, and they are safe for dogs to lick.
Conclusion:
While it is still unclear why some dogs lick bag balm, the behavior seems to be relatively harmless. If your dog starts licking the ointment, there’s no need to panic – just keep an eye on them and make sure they don’t eat too much of it.
And if you have any questions or concerns, always consult with your veterinarian. For now, we can all rest easy knowing that our canine friends are drawn to this strange but apparently innocuous product.
FAQs:
1. What is bag balm?
Answer: Bag Balm is a multipurpose ointment that was created for dairy cows in Vermont over 100 years ago. Farmers would apply it to their cows’ teats after milking to soothe and protect them from the cold.
2. What are the potential dangers of a dog licking bag balm?
Answer: There are potential dangers of a dog licking bag balm, as it may contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. For example, Xylitol is a sweetener commonly used in bag balms, and it is toxic to dogs.
3. Are there any specific signs that a dog has ingested too much bag balm?
Answer: If you think your dog has ingested too much bag balm, it’s important to watch for signs of toxicity. Some of the most common signs of toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and tremors.
4. What should I do if I think my dog has licked too much bag balm?
Answer: If you think your dog has licked too much bag balm, please clean your dog’s mouth out with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Please also call your veterinarian for advice.
