{"id":4569,"date":"2021-03-30T16:28:30","date_gmt":"2021-03-30T16:28:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/?p=4569"},"modified":"2023-03-30T13:18:12","modified_gmt":"2023-03-30T13:18:12","slug":"dangers-of-vicks-vaposteam-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/dangers-of-vicks-vaposteam-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dangers of Vicks Vaposteam for Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-14101bc2\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/The-Dangers-of-Vicks-Vaposteam-for-Dogs-featured-image.jpg\" alt=\"dog looking to the side\" class=\"wp-image-4582\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/The-Dangers-of-Vicks-Vaposteam-for-Dogs-featured-image.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/The-Dangers-of-Vicks-Vaposteam-for-Dogs-featured-image-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/The-Dangers-of-Vicks-Vaposteam-for-Dogs-featured-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/The-Dangers-of-Vicks-Vaposteam-for-Dogs-featured-image-705x397.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><span class=\"last\">Home<\/span><\/p><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"post_title_h1 wp-block-heading\" id=\"sc-post-title\">The Dangers of Vicks Vaposteam for Dogs<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"post_info\"><strong><a   class=\"post-author-name\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/author\/alex\/\">Alex Vicente<\/a><\/strong> \u2022 Updated on March 30, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"disclaimers\">\n<li><span class=\"av-icon-char\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-av_icon=\"\ue822\" data-av_iconfont=\"entypo-fontello\"><\/span> This review contains affiliate links. Read more <a href=\"\/affiliate-disclosure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"2605\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"av-icon-char\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-av_icon=\"\uf0fa\" data-av_iconfont=\"fontello\"><\/span> Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You want to do everything you can to take care of your dog, so this might include using Vicks Vaposteam on him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this might be a well-meaning action on your part, it can actually be quite harmful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will want to keep in mind that Vicks is made specifically for humans, so you will want to leave your dog out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vicks Vaposteam contains toxic chemicals that are actually harmful to dogs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>While oils such as camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus are safe for humans in moderation, the same cannot be said for canines. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>As such, Vicks Vaposteam should not be used as a treatment for nasal congestion in your dog.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is only natural to want to do whatever you can for your dog when you know that he is not feeling well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since dogs become our best friends, the line between what works for us and for them is often blurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue reading to learn why Vicks Vaposteam is something best reserved for you and not your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li ><a href=\"#what-is-wrong-with-vicks-vaposteam\">What is Wrong with Vicks Vaposteam?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#why-is-camphor-oil-bad-for-dogs\">Why is Camphor Oil Bad for Dogs?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#what-are-the-harmful-effects-of-vicks-vaposteam-on-dogs\">What Are the Harmful Effects of Vicks Vaposteam on Dogs?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#how-can-you-tell-if-your-dog-has-had-a-reaction\">How Can You Tell if Your Dog Has Had a Reaction?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#do-dogs-even-like-vicks-vaposteam\">Do Dogs Even Like Vicks Vaposteam?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#puppies-are-especially-susceptible-to-the-danger\">Puppies Are Especially Susceptible to the Danger<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#wrap-up\">Wrap-Up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-wrong-with-vicks-vaposteam\">What is Wrong with Vicks Vaposteam?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up2.jpg\" alt=\"dog looking up\" class=\"wp-image-4577\" title=\"dog looking up\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up2.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up2-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up2-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up2-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When talking about humans, there is not really anything wrong with Vicks Vaposteam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, studies are quite clear that the ingredients in this product are quite effective for humans trying to get relief from the flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the key is that it is designed for humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These same ingredients can wreak havoc on your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Vicks Vaposteam can help humans recover quite quickly from congestion, the same is not true for your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There may be some medications in production today that are completely safe for humans and pets, but Vicks Vaposteam is not one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, it is important to understand the danger associated with your dog inhaling Vicks Vaposteam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other resources that you may be interested in:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/best-harness-french-bulldog\/\" data-lasso-id=\"2606\">The Best Harness for a French Bulldog: Everything You Need To Know<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/english-bulldog-pitbull-mix\/\" data-lasso-id=\"2607\">English Bulldog Pitbull Mix: The Ultimate Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-is-camphor-oil-bad-for-dogs\">Why is Camphor Oil Bad for Dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up.jpg\" alt=\"dog looking up\" class=\"wp-image-4576\" title=\"dog looking up\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dog-looking-up-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you will look at the product label, you will notice that the main ingredient that goes into the development of Vicks Vaposteam is camphor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a common compound that is organic and is used in a variety of lotions, ointments, and creams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While camphor oil in Vicks is quite helpful at reducing the congestion in our lungs, the exact opposite is true for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The steam that comes from the humidifier contains toxic agents that can actually make it difficult for a dog to breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it gets into their bloodstream, even more, adverse reactions can occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because camphor oil is so helpful to humans, many pet owners make the mistake of using it with their dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When your dog is hurting, you want to bring about the same type of relief that you get from Vicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, it simply does not work that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-harmful-effects-of-vicks-vaposteam-on-dogs\">What Are the Harmful Effects of Vicks Vaposteam on Dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-not-feeling-well.jpg\" alt=\"dog not feeling well\" class=\"wp-image-4578\" title=\"dog not feeling well\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-not-feeling-well.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-not-feeling-well-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-not-feeling-well-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-not-feeling-well-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are actually quite a few reasons why Vicks Vaposteam can be extremely dangerous for your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It all has to do with the toxicity of various ingredients in the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Toxins are absorbed through the dog\u2019s skin<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 When this happens, the toxins can make their way into the bloodstream. This is very dangerous and must be avoided at all costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Toxins get into the body through scratches on the skin<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Dogs are constantly scratching themselves. Their skin is also susceptible to all types of tears, given their propensity to run outside and encounter trees, bushes, and other items. As a consequence, it is quite easy for the toxins from Vicks Vaposteam to get into those cuts and make their way into the bloodstream once again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dogs may lick the oil from Vicks<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 If you haven\u2019t noticed, dogs will lick and attempt to eat just about anything. Before you can tell them to stop, the damage will already be done.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Any of these three things can cause great harm to your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While humans know the limitations of Vicks, dogs do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can keep ourselves from ingesting the harmful toxins or putting it on our broken skin, but dogs have no such knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, we must do our part to keep them safe by minimizing their contact with products such as Vicks Vaposteam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-can-you-tell-if-your-dog-has-had-a-reaction\">How Can You Tell if Your Dog Has Had a Reaction?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-itching.jpg\" alt=\"dog itching\" class=\"wp-image-4575\" title=\"dog itching\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-itching.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-itching-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-itching-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-itching-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It is essential to recognize the signs of toxic poisoning in your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can happen when the chemicals do one of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Come into contact with the skin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are ingested<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are smelled too frequently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You might notice your dog suffering mildly or strongly from the effects of oils contained in Vicks Vaposteam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the symptoms are mild, the following might be evident:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Bouts of nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noticeable fits of vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Much more diarrhea than would be considered normal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some dogs will also develop severe skin reactions when placed in contact with the various oils contained in Vicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why you might want to look at other options if the humans in your house are suffering from congestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of your dog, you might notice the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Itching far more than before<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The skin turning red<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your dog pawing at its skin on an almost constant basis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eyes tearing up when anywhere near Vicks Vaposteam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constant licking of the skin in an attempt to provide soothing relief<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are just a few of the symptoms of a reaction to the agent contained in Vicks Vaposteam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of them is serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In severe cases, your dog can have deadly seizures as a result of exposure to this medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, if you have dogs in the house, you will want to be cautious about using it yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-dogs-even-like-vicks-vaposteam\">Do Dogs Even Like Vicks Vaposteam?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-laying-down.jpg\" alt=\"dog laying down\" class=\"wp-image-4584\" title=\"dog laying down\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-laying-down.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-laying-down-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-laying-down-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-laying-down-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Something that we think might be good for our dog is actually something that they do not like in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While dogs are naturally curious, you will likely notice them backing away from Vicks once they have had their first whiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some very good reasons for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs have very sensitive noses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When they smell Vicks, they will quickly become overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are so repelled by this smell that some savvy owners have actually used it as a deterrent to keep their pets out of certain areas of the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, you should know that your dog senses there is something wrong with Vicks Vaposteam, to begin with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"puppies-are-especially-susceptible-to-the-danger\">Puppies Are Especially Susceptible to the Danger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/puppys-relaxing-outdoors.jpg\" alt=\"puppys relaxing outdoors\" class=\"wp-image-4580\" title=\"puppys relaxing outdoors\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/puppys-relaxing-outdoors.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/puppys-relaxing-outdoors-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/puppys-relaxing-outdoors-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/puppys-relaxing-outdoors-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Because they are so curious, puppies are who you really need to be concerned about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They tend to be more adventurous than mature dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means that they are more willing to experience new smells and they don\u2019t mind tasting things that are better left alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Until they grow out of this stage, you will want to do your best to keep them away from Vick Vaposteam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly enough, dogs are used to the smells that humans despise the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are used to dust, pollens, and other types of agents that make us uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you put unnatural chemicals in the mix, such as those found in Vicks, dogs tend to shy away in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is reason enough to keep this product out of their reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wrap-up\">Wrap-Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-relaxing-in-sofa.jpg\" alt=\"dog relaxing in sofa\" class=\"wp-image-4579\" title=\"dog relaxing in sofa\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-relaxing-in-sofa.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-relaxing-in-sofa-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-relaxing-in-sofa-768x473.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dog-relaxing-in-sofa-705x434.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you understand the dangers of Vicks Vaposteam, it is important to do your part to keep your dog safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will want to consider other alternatives, both for yourself and your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These toxins are simply too harmful to allow them to get anywhere close to your best friend, so keep that in mind.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find out what the dangers Vicks Vaposteam are for your dog, its effects, how you can tell if your dog&#8217;s having a reaction, and also&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4582,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4569"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4569"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4569\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4582"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4569"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4569"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pawsinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4569"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}