Is It Safe to Use Vaseline on a Dog’s Nose? Here’s Why I Don’t.

According to Google this question gets asked a lot.

'Is it safe to use Vaseline on my dog’s nose?'

The answer? There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there, and it can be really confusing. I'm not a vet, and I’m definitely not a canine dermatologist so I’m not here to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do.

But I can tell you why I wouldn’t use Vaseline on my own dogs nose, or paws for that matter – and what I use instead.

Why I’m Not a Fan of Vaseline

When I put something on my dog – especially on their nose or paws, where they’re likely to lick it off I want to know exactly what’s in it.

Vaseline is, at the end of the day a form of petroleum jelly. A product that’s derived from crude oil.

Yes, I understand it goes through purification processes. Yes, I’ve used it on myself in the past (though I wouldn’t now). And no, it’s probably not going to do any harm.

But it’s just not something I want my dogs ingesting even in small amounts, and not when there is an alternative. 

What I Use Instead (and Why)

That’s why I make, use and sell my own Nose & Paw Balm. Full transparency, I have never had a dog with a dry and crusty nose, so I haven't used it for that, but I have and do use it for elbow calluses and dry, cracked paws. 

I know exactly what’s in it and every single ingredient is not only natural and nourishing, but safe enough to eat (not that I’d recommend it as a treat!).

It’s made with

Beeswax

Shea butter

Olive oil

Sweet almond oil

Vitamin E

That’s it. Nothing you don't understand the name of, no mystery ingredients, no synthetics, no petroleum. Just plant based butters and oils (and wax courtesy of the bees).

So… Is Vaseline Safe?

It depends on where on the internet you look. As always - you can find information that leans towards what you want to hear. For what it is worth, my opinion is that yes, it probably is safe, but I wouldn't want to try it and there really is no need. Plus it is quite soft and I don't think it has a lot of staying power. A really good nose and paw balm balanced with the right ingredients will be far more efficient.

If you’re looking for something that actually works and feels good to use, my Nose & Paw Balm is made with love, tested by my own dogs, and trusted by customers who care just as much as I do.

Click here to shop the balm and give your dog a little pot of paw-sitive goodness.