Can my pet get hurt from licking sunscreen off my face?

Have you ever completed your skincare routine, only to find that your dog or cat finds the smell of your products enticing enough to try to lick? Or worse, came home and found a half-eaten tube of your favorite skincare product?

While some products are not likely a concern if licked off your skin, some can pose health hazards to your dogs and cats. These three skincare products can be particularly problematic for your furry friends.

SUNSCREEN

Both mineral and chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that could be harmful to pets. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient in many physical sunscreens and can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large amounts. Depending on the size of your pet, smaller amounts may also cause vomiting, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Oxybenzone is the active ingredient in many chemical sunscreens and can also be harmful if ingested by your pet. If you are using a sunscreen to protect hairless parts of your pet, be sure to use a product that is designed specifically for use on animals.

RETINOIDS

Retinoids like retinol, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin and adapalene can be toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested and may cause vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite and dry eyes. Retinoids can also cause birth defects in animals, so use extra caution if you have a pregnant pet at home.

MEDICATED SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Other topical medications such as steroid creams,

NSAIDs, hair growth creams and prescription medications should be kept away from pets. Do not let dogs or cats lick your skin after applying any topical medication, as even small amounts of ingested medication could have adverse effects.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR PET INGESTS SKINCARE PRODUCTS?

If you know your pet has licked or eaten some of your skincare products, be on the lookout for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Call your veterinarian immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Moisturizers are usually safe, especially if your pet has only licked a small amount from your skin.

My pets chase me around after I apply Zerafite Body Cream — I don’t know if it is the rich ingredients or the woodsy smell that attracts them to it.

However, if your dog or cat gets hold of the plastic packaging of your skincare products, this could create a blockage in the digestive tract. Contact your vet immediately if you think your pet has eaten a significant amount of plastic or any type of skincare product.