There are several skin products available in the market, and cocoa butter is one of them. But can you use cocoa butter on dogs safely?
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Cocoa butter is one of the favorite skin-moisturizing products for humans, but can it be applied to dogs? Well, the debate has been ongoing for years with no clear answer, not yet.
Anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests It can be hazardous for your dog. Due to the presence of theobromine, even in a tiny amount, it can be pretty toxic to your dog if it ingests any of the cocoa butter by mistake, such as in the form of white chocolate.
Thus, consulting a professional is essential before you decide to try this on your pup’s precious skin. Read on to learn more about the application and effects of cocoa butter on dogs.
Can I Put Cocoa Butter on my Dog?
It depends on the quantity and the size of the dog.
There is no simple answer to the question, and it can be both yes and no, depending on the usage of cocoa butter and the size of your furry friend. Typically, cocoa butter or any product made from chocolate should be avoided on dogs.
Still, many a time, dog owners fall for the idea and want to apply some cocoa butter to moisturize areas like the nose and paws of their furball. So, how should they know whether it is a good idea to put cocoa butter on their dogs?
We have tried to explain below.
Is cocoa butter harmful to dogs?
According to this news, Sarah Brown, a dog owner, applied cocoa butter moisturizer on her dog, Kangal Shephard, Blondie, before bed. However, she was soon terrified of the consequences of witnessing her dog having a violent seizure. Her dog likely reacted to cocoa butter, which she stroked on its face.
While Sarah’s dog Blondie survived, her case depicts the possible hazards of using this commonplace thing on your dog’s skin.
So, what was it that made Sarah’s dog fret in seizure and turned its skin almost ‘glowing pink?’ The compound called theobromine, which is very similar to caffeine, is found in cocoa butter and can be toxic and, thus, very dangerous to dogs.
What is theobromine, you must be wondering?
Theobromine is a compound found in a variety of chocolates, and chocolate contains significantly more theobromine than caffeine. You should also know that theobromine and chocolate are closely related when comparing their chemical structures.
White chocolate is essentially made from cocoa butter if you are wondering what the link between these two products is.
While theobromine is a mild stimulant for humans, it can be highly toxic for dogs and other animals. However, it entirely depends on the dosage of the compound taken by the dog that decides whether it is dangerous for them or not.
It is difficult to assess the amount since there have been no studies on the dosage simply because it might end up killing many dogs. However, the table below shall help you determine the ideal or safe dosage for your furry friend if you decide to give them some.
| Chocolate Type | Toxic Dosage as per dog weight |
| Baking chocolate | 1 oz (1 square) per 9 pounds of dog |
| Semisweet chocolate | 1 oz (1 square) per 3 pounds of dog |
| Milk chocolate | 1 oz per 1 pound of dog |
You should discuss the dosage with your vet or a professional in the field and buy from good brands that have a history of excellent and authentic reviews.
Can You Use Cocoa Butter on Dogs?
It depends on how much cocoa butter you are using, and on what size of the dog.
You should know that cocoa butter isn’t the same as chocolate, and it is a fatty extract that comes from roasted cocoa beans and is used to moisturize the skin. In every sense, Chocolate is toxic for dogs due to the high presence of theobromine, but cocoa butter is less dangerous for your furry pal since it contains it only in fractional amounts.
Symptoms of Theobromine Poisoning.
However, you must keep a check on your pup after the application of cocoa butter on its paws, nose, or anywhere else, especially the first time. Immediately take it to the vet in case any of the following side-effects show up –
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Seizure
- Itching
- Skin turning pink or reddish
- Loss of appetite, etc.
Can Dogs Eat Shea Butter?
Yes, shea butter is different from cocoa butter and is safe.
Shea butter is the fat extracted from the trees of the same name found in Africa and surrounding regions. It is a natural plant butter used for skin moisturization in both dogs and humans.
So, yes, shea butter is entirely safe to use on your dog’s skin, paws, or nose. Shea butter treats problems like cracked paws, itchy skin, minor cuts, irritation, scaly and dry skin, red bumps, and more in dogs. It is also a natural way to chase away the fleas and kill them! Shea butter thus, keeps your dog’s skin moisturized, hydrated, and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put cocoa butter on my dog’s skin?
In minimal amounts, yes.
You can put cocoa butter on your dog’s skin, but we cannot be entirely sure that it is safe for application on animals. It is recommended to talk to a professional about it and then go ahead with a brand that has a good reputation.
If applied in high dosage, it can be toxic for your furry friend. On the other hand, it might not have a single negative effect on their skin as well, and thus, the answer to the question is maybe, you can apply it on your dog, in case there are no side effects after its application.
Is cocoa buttercream toxic to dogs?
In small amounts, it may not be toxic.
It is not entirely true that cocoa buttercream is toxic to dogs – it may or may not be, depending on your pup’s dosage and skin sensitivity. You can start with a small application on the paws and see any side effects.
In case there isn’t, you may continue with it. However, we suggest replacing it with shea buttercream since it is pretty natural and completely safe to apply to your little friend.
Is coconut oil toxic for dogs?
Is coconut oil toxic for dogs?
Not immediately, but in the long term, it can lead to obesity.
Many dog owners and veterinarians have reckoned that using coconut oil on the skin of the dogs helps in not only moisturization but in the treatment of eczema and improving the appearance of your dog’s fur. It can also help kill or remove fleas from your puppy’s fur. However, there is always a risk of an allergic reaction if you apply it to your dog first.
Studies also say that if your dog gains weight quickly, coconut oil is not a good idea for them since it can cause high cholesterol in dogs and even create plaques in their arteries – that is, however, if your pup is consuming it. The topical application of coconut oil seems safe for dogs, but you must first talk to your vet about it.
What can I give my dog for itchy red skin?
Baking soda and water.
There are several home remedies to treat the itchy red skin of your dog. You can apply aloe vera, a mixture of baking soda and water, chamomile and green tea soak, coconut oil, etc., on the affected area to see the difference in a few days. Also, feed your dog plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and healthy carbohydrates to get rid of the itchiness.
What can I give my dog orally for itchy skin?
Fatty fish diet.
Make sure to include plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in your pup’s diet. Fish-based food and sweet potatoes, healthy carbohydrates, etc., help in reducing inflammation and thus, promotes healthy skin.
Wrapping up
Every dog reacts differently to cocoa butter. It is a safe application for some, but for many, it can be toxic. So, we recommend you find an alternative for cocoa butter to treat your pup’s skin, and
Shea butter is an excellent replacement for it. Even though the small dosage of cocoa butter does not harm a dog’s skin, why take the risk of it all? Thank you for reading, we hope you got all the answers you were looking for.
You might also like to read about other common household things that are dangerous for dogs such as raisins and key lime pie.
