Having this common hair growth product in your home can put your pet at serious risk.
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In a TikTok with over 846,000 views, ER physician and media personality Dr. Joe (@drjoe_md) is raising awareness about the deadly dangers this standard hair restoration treatment poses to household pets.
“There may be one item in your home that is extremely dangerous to your pet. Just one lick can be deadly. You probably didn’t know,” Dr. Joe says. started talking.
Dr. Joe says minoxidil, which is in the bathroom cabinets of many Americans, is highly toxic and “even the smallest exposure” can be life-threatening to pets.
Why is minoxidil toxic to pets?
According to Dr. Joe, animals cannot metabolize minoxidil. For this reason, the presence of this chemical is extremely dangerous for domestic animals, especially cats.
“Just walking through a spill or licking the residue on your skin can cause severe toxicity,” he says.
Dr. Joe recommends taking precautions such as keeping the minoxidil bottle closed, washing your hands thoroughly after use, and cleaning up any spills immediately.
“Your hair care routine shouldn’t come at the expense of your furry friends’ lives,” he concludes.
Viewers also give their opinions
In the comments, users reacted to information about the dangers of minoxidil to pets.
“Wow, I have 3 kittens and I use minoxidil and I had no idea!” Thank you so much! “One grateful person wrote:
“Oh my god! I didn’t get it. How bad could that be for us?!” a second person wondered.
“I didn’t know minoxidil could be so dangerous to pets. Thank you for the heads up. Please lock it up and be extra careful,” came another reply.
“There should be a warning on the label!” someone else argued.
How does minoxidil treat hair growth?
Minoxidil is a drug used to treat hair loss in adults. It can be taken orally or topically applied directly to the scalp. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you use minoxidil regularly, it can take two to four months for improvement to become noticeable.
What happens if my pet ingests minoxidil?
Minoxidil is inherently toxic to dogs and cats. When our furry friends ingest this chemical, Toxicosis. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, low blood pressure, and tachypnea (fast, shallow breathing).
Are there alternatives to topical minoxidil?
To avoid the risk of exposure to pets, users can choose to purchase oral minoxidil instead of topical creams. actual, 2022 Dermatology Survey Oral minoxidil was found to be more effective than the topical version.
Another advantage of oral minoxidil That said, users can avoid the side effects that can come with topical cream versions: new hair growth with a dry, brittle texture. Topical users also report scalp irritation as a side effect, but this can also be avoided with oral medications.
Oral minoxidil eliminates the risk of residual exposure to household pets. Users can treat alopecia without fear of putting their beloved animals at risk.
As the comment below Dr. Joe’s video says, “Just getting it as a medicine is not worth the risk.”
More advice from Dr. Joe
In an exclusive statement to the Daily Dot, Dr. Joe offered further advice on common household hazards for pets.
“Many pet owners are unaware of the hidden dangers in their homes. Products such as minoxidil, salt lamps, and even certain foods can be surprisingly harmful to pets, even in small amounts. Possibly.
“Additionally, we believe it is important to educate the public about prevention. Simple actions such as washing hands after handling products and keeping hazardous items out of reach can make a big difference.” “It’s sexual,” he says.
Dr. Joe also emphasizes the importance of acting quickly if your pet shows signs of poisoning.
@drjoe_md 💀 One lick can be fatal! If you are using minoxidil for hair growth, please double check your safety habits. This is incredibly toxic to pets. Dogs and cats are at serious risk from even small exposures. Protect your furry friends by washing your hands, cleaning up spills, and keeping them out of reach. There’s no need to risk their lives on a hair journey. 🐾 #Pet Safety #minoxidil #Pet Parent #hair care tips ♬ Original song – Dr. Joe 🩺
“If your pet has been exposed to toxic substances such as minoxidil or salt, watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, and unusual behavior. Signs vary depending on the toxin. Minoxidil can cause increased heart rate and fluid buildup in the lungs, and salt toxicity can cause excessive thirst and seizures.
“If you notice any of these, act immediately. Call your veterinarian or poison control hotline and bring a package of products that can help with treatment. Early intervention can save your pet’s life. You can.”
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