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Dog licked sunscreen in pool. Should I worry about zinc poisoning?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 25 days old | 7 lbs

My dog go into a pool, that was getting cloudy because the sunscreen was starting to come off of the kids(Babyganteics; I think that's how you spell it). Anyways, when my dog got in, his snout went into the water, for a second. I think he got a lick of it, before and (maybe)after getting out. Now, I'm worried because I know most sunscreen brands has zinc in it. Should I worry about zinc poisoning? Should I get my dog to the vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 26th, 2022

Given that Dexter was in a pool, any sunscreen that was in there would have been diluted by the water. In addition, it sounds like if he ingested any sunscreen, it would have only been a very small amount. At most in this case, you may see some stomach upset but it's not likely. I do not think you need to take him into the vet in this case, and you do not need to worry about zinc poisoning. I hope this helps.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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