DermaPaw Question…

Hey Kelly – What do you think of the product called “DermaPaw?”  Here is the website:  www.dermapaw.com.      -Kasey S.Z.-

Hey Kasey… I’ve actually never heard of the product, DermaPaw, but did go to their website to find out more about.  It appears to be a a decent product based on the ingredients provided as follows from their website:        DermaPaw Contains: 

• Cod liver oil – a natural source of vitamin A, and vitamin D and has been clinically proven to nourish skin and hair. It is often used in the treatment of burns to prevent blistering and scarring.
• Lavender oil - works as an antiseptic, itch and pain reliever. The scent has a calming effect which may aid in relaxation and the reduction of anxiety.
• Chamomile oil – an effective antiseptic, which has also been shown to speed wound healing.
• Evening primrose oil - contains gamma linolenic acid, used to nourish and build new skin cells. GLA is a fatty acid that helps to heal skin but does not itch.
• Vitamin E – an anti-oxidant used to promote skin healing.
• Sage oil - anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine to reduce swelling, itching and symptoms of dog skin allergies.
• Beeswax – provides a protective layer that covers the skin and helps prevent further cell damage from licking.
• Petrolatum – moisturizes and protects skin.

DermaPaw (Source: www.DermaPaw.com)

DermaPaw also  states, “All ingredients have been approved by numerous veterinarians as completely safe for your dog.  Additionally, we have tested DermaPaw on ourselves to see what it felt like on abrasions, scratches, insect bites, scabs, heel cracks, small cuts and rashes.  We have also tested it in our own eyes by rubbing DermaPaw directly in them and on our eyelids. There was absolutely no sting, irritation, dryness, redness or any unpleasant feeling.  The only side effect we could determine is that now Scott barks when the doorbell rings.”

I must say I don’t necessarily agree with all of the negative claims that DermaPaw made on their website regarding Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus, Clove Oil, and Coconut Oil as some of the claims can also apply to the ingredients used in their products.  These ingredients have been used in topical products for pets for many years with positive benefits.  I, along with thousands of other pet owners, have used all of these ingredients for my dog (now 12) with no negative impacts or side affects.  That said, it is important for pet owners to protect their pets from ingesting ANY products that are not intended to be ingested to prevent any minor or serious issues.  And, know your particular dog and their sensitivities to avoid unnecessary reactions.

All of the ingredients contained in DermaPaw, with the exception of the Petrolatum (obtained from Petroleum), have different natural benefits for healing skin and preventing infections that typically follow.  The petrolatum is used as the base to hold all of the other ingredients, but not sure about the petrolatum honestly.  I checked the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for petrolatum to check for any toxicity issues, particularly if a dog were to ingest a jar of the product… which we all know can happen in a split second.  As I’m not a chemist it’s hard to determine which petrolatum is used (white petrolatum jelly, Vaseline petrolatum jelly, petrolatum ether, etc.) as the company does not specify in the ingredients listing.  Perhaps you should inquire into which particular petrolatum is used to get a better comfort level.

Per the  MSDS TOXICOLOGICAL Information:  Petrolatum Ether can be hazardous if ingested … can cause damage to skin, eyes, central nervous system.  On the other hand, White Petroleum Jelly is unlikely to have any toxic effects, but the product may act as an intestinal lubricant and result in diarrhea and frequent loose stools if ingested…and if vomiting occurs, aspiration may cause pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonia.  I have to assume that DermaPaw uses the White Petroleum Jelly, and the product is safe as the company suggests, but I always like to be thorough in my research about any new product.  To be safe, make sure not to leave the this product where one of “those dogs” who loves to eat everything and anything can get into it.

Stay Put Socks (Source: www.DermaPaw.com)

I have to say the  DermaPaw’s Stay Put Socks seem interesting to me because most of the boots sold for dogs are too heavy or too thick to use for preventing a dog from licking a salve or medication off.  Not to mention, the feet/legs need air to “breathe” and heal and the heavy boots are not appropriate for this use.  I have recommended inexpensive toddler or baby socks to many people looking for lightweight protective boots many times over the years.  Although I have never seen or used the Stay Put Socks, I think they would be worth a try for the fairly low cost of $7.95 for a set of four boots that stay put via an elastic “harness” type mechanism.  The website even has a video to show people how to “do it yourself”…just shows they really do care.

NOTE:  Just for comparison, I took a survey of three topical balm type products intended for use on paws that I use for my dog, Lumino’s Canine Nose & Paw Moisturizing Butter, Petaromatic’s Paw Pleaser and Halo Cloud Nine’s Herbal Healing Salve and not one of them uses petrolatum… Instead I see several of the same ingredients used in each of my three natural balms like, Shea & Cocoa Butters, Beeswax, Palm wax, and Candelilla Wax.  None of the ingredients I have listed here pose any hazardous toxicological effects on humans per the MSDS sheets.  Perhaps the petrolatum is a less expensive more available ingredient then the ingredients I have just mentioned.

To sum it up, I think that DermaPaw looks to be a good product, along with their Stay Put Socks.  And, with any product that is used topically on your dog, it is very important to keep it stored safely away from your dog to avoid any accidental large quantity ingestion which could result in a sick dog.  NOTE:  If you have any cats in your home, some ingredients can be highly toxic to cats, but not to dogs… make sure to check all ingredients in case your cat were to groom your dog or have incidental contact.