Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog keeps licking irritated paws. Is Manuka Honey safe to use?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 10.6 lbs

My dog was recently groomed, and without realizing I let her play outside for a little too long. Her back paws kind of got a little irritated because her hair had just been cut down. She has been licking them on and off constantly since then. A vet on here suggested to use Vaseline but I didn’t want to risk her ingesting it. Instead I opted for ResQ Organics Skin Treatment with Manuka Honey. Is this a safer option?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 26th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Vaseline is safe to use but if you want something more natural then the ResQ skin treatment is all natural and would be fine to use to apply to the paw pads until resolved. If the paw pads begin to look swollen or show any signs of infection (pus, etc.) then I would recommend having Snowball examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog licked Vaseline from dry paws. Is he sick? What's safe?

Sawyer may develop a bit of diarrhea and/or vomiting but it should resolve quickly. You can buy protective booties to use on walks or you can use a paw cream such as Musher's Secret. It is a safe cream for pets and works great. You can order it online or buy it at most pet stores.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is it safe to put petroleum jelly on my dog's dry or cracked paws?

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, you can use petroleum jelly on paw pads. This can help to moisturize the paw pads if they are dry or callused. Some dogs try to lick it off, however, so I would recommend being conservative with it and only apply a very thin amount. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's paws are dry from snow. Can I use Vaseline to soften them?

Vaseline is ok to use in limited amounts. We don’t want him licking and consuming much. If you choose to use it please apply a small amount and then feed him or otherwise entertain him until it soaks in. Also be aware that he will have some greasy foot prints which may cause a problem on carpet so be careful! Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is Vaseline safe and effective for my dog's dry or cracked paws?

Hello, thank you for your question about Dahlia. Vaseline is non-toxic to dogs and can help moisturize their feet/paw pads. If Dahlia has cuts or has traumatized her paw pads I would recommend having her seen by a veterinarian to ensure that they do not require more aggressive treatment with antibiotics. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What can I use to treat my dog's dry and cracked paw pads at home?

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Paris. To help with her dry and cracked paws I would recommend applying a small amount of Vaseline or similar product. Although this is quite safe, I would recommend trying to prevent Paris from licking at the Vaseline. It will also be helpful to discourage licking in general. It may also be helpful to try and keep Paris away from rough surfaces such as gravel. You could try to purchase protective booties while these injuries heal. If at any point in time you notice a discharge or odor from the paws, please have Paris seen by a veterinarian. Hope this helps, good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is Vaseline safe for dog paws in winter, or is Invisible Boot better?

The problem with vaseline is that if Tasha licks it off, it will cause GI upset in the form of vomiting and diarrhea. Due to that, I would not recommend using it, and instead would use the Invisible Boot cream.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's paw is red and he won't stop licking it. What can I do?

Hi there and thanks for posting! While using Vagisil on inflamed paw pads is certainly a unconventional treatment, I'm happy to hear his paw had gotten better and not bothering it. If you notice the paw worsens or the redness comes back, I would recommend he sees his veterinarian as he may need to be on antibiotics if an infection is present. Best wishes to you and BoDeen!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share