This common hair growth product is toxic to cats and dogs. Therefore, you need to choose something more important to you: a pet or a head full of hair.
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There is a long list of what you need to help avoid pets so they don’t get sick. Some are easier to live than others. Among the restricted items are fresh flowers that are toxic to cats, chocolates that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, and, now, surprisingly, minoxidil.
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil, most commonly known as Rogaine, is one of two FDA-approved treatments for hereditary hair loss (regardless of gender).
Solutions are generally applied to the scalp in the form of cream or foam, but there is also an oral version.
It often requires consistent use for 2-4 months. It has been reported. Once a person stops using it, the regrowed hair may fall within three months of the last application.
What does hair growth medicine have to do with my pet?
In a viral video with over 7.1 million views, content creator Zeina (@Zeina_win1) shared a little-known fact that she can save her pets in the long run.
To eat up your hair removal, Zeina applies foam minoxidil to your scalp every night, with a toothbrush and a lot of patience.
In the clip, Zeina explains that neither she nor the people she lives with can have pets as long as she is using topical medication.
“It’s scary to know that you can’t keep pets because of minoxidil. Zeina writes in a text overlay.
In the caption, she added that she is craving pets but actively avoiding them for treatment.
“I really want a little puppy. I have a dachshund in my Moscow home, can I play again? A scary feeling!” she wrote.
How bad is minoxidil for cats and dogs?
It’s really bad, especially for cats.
Many doctors warn Rogaine if you’re pregnant or are about to get pregnant, but it’s not so common to warn about the dangers of posing for your pet.
This is because research into the toxicity of hair growth products to pets was not published until 2019. Allure reported.
In this study, 211 cats and dogs were exposed to minoxidil, with toxicity in 87 cases (41%) ranging from vomiting to heart failure.
Cats are at the highest risk. Nearly 13% of people who developed symptoms died.
How does Rogaine ride a pet?
You will not place substances on your pet, but they can ingest it through what your scalp touches, like the skin of your hands or pillowcases. Some cats are also known to care for humans, and can literally lick their scalp.
Dogs are usually exposed by “exploratory behaviors” like digging into garbage.
Oral minoxidil may be a safer option as it is not excreted from the skin, but no specific research has been done yet.
“I’m a veterinarian technician and I didn’t know this.”
“Mom, why can’t you have a puppy: (”bc sweetie moms need sweet hair,” said the person.
“Literally, the kids were always raised without pets. They don’t miss it. They get some when they grow up. And this comes from people who grew up with Hera Pets,” another added.
“I am a veterinary technician and I didn’t know this. Sorry, but I hate you. At the end of the day, you protect your animals by making good decisions.
“idk yall. She does the safest thing and doesn’t want to stop using minoxidil, and I think that’s the most responsible choice,” another wrote.
Daily Dot contacted Zeina for comments via Instagram and Tiktok Direct messages and contacted Rogaine by email.
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