The Negative Effects of Using Ethyl Alcohol on Dog Skin and Hair.
The Negative Effects of Using Ethyl Alcohol on Dog Skin and Hair.
Many people use human fragrances on their pets. This is not healthy for your pets. Using ethyl alcohol (also known as ethanol) on a dog's skin or fur is strongly discouraged for several reasons.
Here's what you need to know.
Why simple itching can produce major health problems for your dog.
We will examine basics of what causes itching, what secondary symptoms you can look for, several non-obvious causes of itching that are often overlooked and what can be done to manage this very common problem for pet owners.
One important challenge for pet owners is to understand that itching itself is not the problem. It is the resultant scratching that the animal undertakes that is the issue. This intermittent scratching and licking may result in hair loss, scaling, odor and fluid discharge. Chronic scratching can result in infection and wounds which then may result in serious conditions to your pet’s overall health.
1. Skin Irritation and Dryness
- Ethyl alcohol is a strong astringent, which means it can cause severe drying and irritation to the skin.
- Dogs have more sensitive skin compared to humans, and alcohol can strip away the natural oils, leading to dryness, flaking, and itching.
- Repeated use can exacerbate skin problems and lead to dermatitis or other skin conditions.
2. Toxicity Risk
- Dogs, unlike humans, often lick their fur and skin, which poses a risk of ingesting alcohol.
- Ingestion of alcohol, even in small amounts, can be toxic to dogs. It can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
- The risk is particularly high in small breeds or puppies due to their lower body weight and underdeveloped organ systems.
Here's what you need to know.
1. Skin Irritation and Dryness
- Ethyl alcohol is a strong astringent, which means it can cause severe drying and irritation to the skin.
- Dogs have more sensitive skin compared to humans, and alcohol can strip away the natural oils, leading to dryness, flaking and itching.
- Repeated use can exacerbate skin problems and lead to dermatitis or other skin conditions.
2. Toxicity Risk
- Dogs, unlike humans, often lick their fur and skin, which poses a risk of ingesting alcohol.
- Ingestion of alcohol, even in small amounts, can be toxic to dogs. It can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
- The risk is particularly high in small breeds or puppies due to their lower body weight and underdeveloped organ systems.
3. Pain and Discomfort
- If a dog has any open wounds, cuts, or sores, applying ethyl alcohol can cause a stinging or burning sensation, causing distress and discomfort.
- This pain response can make a dog anxious or aggressive when being treated or groomed.
4. Risk of Inhalation
- The fumes from ethyl alcohol can be irritating to a dog’s respiratory tract.
- Dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell, and the strong odor of alcohol can be overwhelming or distressing to them.
- In confined spaces, inhalation of alcohol vapors can lead to respiratory issues.
5. Damaging to Coat
- Alcohol can damage a dog’s fur by stripping away natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.
-
This can lead to a brittle, dull coat and may exacerbate shedding or lead to hair loss.
6. Available Alternatives
- There are many safe and effective alternatives available specifically designed for dogs. These products are formulated to be gentle on their skin and fur.
- Veterinary-approved cleansers and antiseptics are better options for wound cleaning or skin treatments.
While ethyl alcohol might be a common household item used for disinfection and cleaning, its use on dogs is ill-advised due to the potential for skin irritation, toxicity, discomfort, respiratory issues, damage to the coat, and the availability of safer alternatives. Always consult with a veterinarian for appropriate care and treatment options for your dog.
3. Pain and Discomfort
- If a dog has any open wounds, cuts, or sores, applying ethyl alcohol can cause a stinging or burning sensation, causing distress and discomfort.
- This pain response can make a dog anxious or aggressive when being treated or groomed.
4. Risk of Inhalation
- The fumes from ethyl alcohol can be irritating to a dog’s respiratory tract.
- Dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell, and the strong odor of alcohol can be overwhelming or distressing to them.
- In confined spaces, inhalation of alcohol vapors can lead to respiratory issues.
5. Damaging to Coat
- Alcohol can damage a dog’s fur by stripping away natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.
- This can lead to a brittle, dull coat and may exacerbate shedding or lead to hair loss.
6. Available Alternatives
- There are many safe and effective alternatives available specifically designed for dogs. These products are formulated to be gentle on their skin and fur.
- Veterinary-approved cleansers and antiseptics are better options for wound cleaning or skin treatments.
While ethyl alcohol might be a common household item used for disinfection and cleaning, its use on dogs is ill-advised due to the potential for skin irritation, toxicity, discomfort, respiratory issues, damage to the coat, and the availability of safer alternatives. Always consult with a veterinarian for appropriate care and treatment options for your dog.
The most common Dermatological Problems in Animals include:
Pruritus (Itching) & crusting
Alopecia (hair loss)
Scaling
Erosions & Ulcerations
Nonhealing wounds
Nodules & Tumors
The most common causes of itching in dogs are:
Skin and hair dehydration is another potential issue. If your pet’s skin is dehydrated and becomes dry and scaly then this will provoke an itching response and then the subsequent scratching can result in significant unwanted issues.
We will discuss in upcoming blogs more about skin and hair health.
Watch Dog™ technology is a natural, sustainable effective blend of ingredients to improve and maintain the scalp, skin & hair of pets for improved skin and hair health. This technology improves scalp barrier function, hydrates and helps to slow irritation and provides brighter, softer and more manageable fur and hair. It contains anti-oxidants including Anetholea Anisata Leaf Extract to slow free radical damage and will maintain healthy skin and hair balance.
Watch Dog™ technology is a natural, sustainable effective blend of ingredients to improve and maintain the scalp, skin & hair of pets for improved skin and hair health. This technology improves scalp barrier function, hydrates and helps to slow irritation and provides brighter, softer and more manageable fur and hair. It contains anti-oxidants including Anetholea Anisata Leaf Extract to slow free radical damage and will maintain healthy skin and hair balance.
Watch Dog™ technology is a natural, sustainable effective blend of ingredients to improve and maintain the scalp, skin & hair of pets for improved skin and hair health. This technology improves scalp barrier function, hydrates and helps to slow irritation and provides brighter, softer and more manageable fur and hair. It contains anti-oxidants including Anetholea Anisata Leaf Extract to slow free radical damage and will maintain healthy skin and hair balance.
Watch Dog™ technology is a natural, sustainable effective blend of ingredients to improve and maintain the scalp, skin & hair of pets for improved skin and hair health. This technology improves scalp barrier function, hydrates and helps to slow irritation and provides brighter, softer and more manageable fur and hair. It contains anti-oxidants including Anetholea Anisata Leaf Extract to slow free radical damage and will maintain healthy skin and hair balance.
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Ally™
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"We believe a Sentient Pet has self awareness, the ability to think, and the capacity to experience emotions. They are able to form complex relationships, much like humans,there by experiencing and providing Unconditional Love"
We believe a Sentient Pet hasself awareness, the ability to think, and the capacity to experience emotions. They are able to form complex relationships, much like humans, there by experiencing and providing Unconditional Love
LOFTY PET®
Goshen, NY
loftypet.com
1. 800. 234. 1308
LOFTY PET®
Goshen, NY
loftypet.com
1. 800. 234. 1308
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