Enjoys the smell:
Just as your dog might enjoy the taste, they may enjoy the smell. Dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell. Lotion attracts dogs because they have a smell that is unusual for dogs. Dogs seem especially eager to have a lick if the lotion has a yummy scent like vanilla, peanut butter, or coconut oil.
Is It Okay for My Dog to Lick Lotion?
Unfortunately, this apparently cute and harmless habit in dogs can be a cause for concern depending on what you have put on your skin.
The majority of the lotions and other cosmetic products contain potentially toxic chemicals.
Ingestion of large amounts of moisturizing lotions can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. These lotions can contain lots of chemicals and compounds that can cause GI upset.
These are steroid-based lotion formulations that are used to control itching. If your dog ingests a lotion containing hydrocortisone, it can cause increased thirst, urination, panting, vomiting, or diarrhea.
“Triple-antibiotic” lotions are applied to cuts, scrapes, scratches, and other types of breaks in the skin. If ingested by your dog, they can cause stomach upset.
Antifungal lotions are used to treat athlete’s feet, yeast infections, and nail fungus. They can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested by your dog.
These lotions are used to treat poison ivy. Zinc oxide can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. If there is bloody vomit or diarrhea, you should call your vet, since it indicates the zinc oxide has damaged your dog’s Gastrointestinal tract, potentially requiring treatment.
These are typically prescribed for itchy skin conditions when over-the-counter creams aren’t working. If ingested, these lotions can cause increased thirst and urination, panting, vomiting, and diarrhea.
As worrisome as the OTC products can be, prescription lotions and creams can be much more dangerous than their grocery and drugstore counterparts.
These products are often viewed as innocuous because they can be purchased without a prescription at your local supermarket or pharmacy. Many products approved for use in people, however, are not meant for use in pets. Though most topical, over-the-counter lotions and creams are not likely to cause serious problems for your pet, there are a few types that can be problematic. In most cases a lick or two is not likely to cause an issue, but the behavior should be discouraged. Keep in mind that veterinarians frequently also recommend some of the more innocuous products in this group — steroid creams, triple-antibiotic ointments and salves — to treat pets. When used under the direction of your veterinarian, these products are safe, but carefully follow your vet’s instructions regarding application and discourage licking behavior. Some examples and their unintended consequences:
Why does my dog lick me after I apply lotion? It’s a common question veterinarians are asked. Many dogs and cats appear to like the taste of lotions (especially if the lotions are infused with enticing scents) as well as other topical products, such as over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Let’s take a look at some of the potential concerns for each group.
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If your pet briefly licks you after you apply an everyday moisturizing lotion, he should be fine, but the behavior should be discouraged. Other over-the-counter products may cause mild or severe problems. Never apply a topical product meant for people to pets without first consulting with your veterinarian. After using any topical hormone, steroid, anti-inflammatory or other prescription product, people should thoroughly wash their hands before handling food, children or pets; store such products safely out of reach, so that accidental ingestion cannot occur. Allow all topical products, whether prescription or over the counter, to dry completely or cover the area of application before coming into contact with pets. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet may have come in contact with a topical substance. More on Vetstreet.com: