In humans, camphor is considered toxic only at high doses. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. People who viewed this item also viewed . Wintergreen oil. As weve mentioned, the components of this product arent considered safe for use in infants and children. But is camphor in Vicks vaposteam safe for cats? Are they safe for dogs? Additionally, Vicks Vaporub contains a variety of ingredients and chemicals, such as menthol and camphor, which can irritate a cats skin and mucous membranes, leading to adverse reactions such as redness, burning, and even sneezing. t- Laundry detergent, drain cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and other household cleaners. Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. Always consult a licensed veterinarian if you have any health or behavior concerns about your pets. Fall is the perfect time to get your flu shot, and while youre at it, make sure youre up-to-date on other critical vaccines and boosters. Chlorine (Bleach) Ammonia. Health Conditions Also, Vicks vaposteam can be added in humidifiers to eliminate dryness in the air and improve symptoms of flu or the common cold. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. 1954;30(5):857-869. They will give you further instructions. VapoRub should never be ingested because the ingredients, particularly camphor, can be toxic 5. If in case of an emergency, please contact the following: Vet Care Express Animal Ambulance-(941) 592-5131, 24/7 Pet Poison Control Center - (855) 764-7661, Cat AdviceClient CareDog AdviceSmall Exotics Advice, Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention, River Landings Animal Clinic, 6140 53rd Ave E, Bradenton, FL, 34203, United States. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Can cats smell Vicks? Why Do We Feel Cold When We Have a Fever? What household chemicals are toxic to cats? Phytother Res 2003;17:376-9.. View abstract. View abstract. Pediatr Emerg Care 1996;12:298-300. This is because the components of these drugs can be very toxic in an accidental overdose. View abstract. The smell of Vicks is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. The manufacturer's directions note that VapoRub should not be applied to damaged or irritated skin, the skin around the eyes or within the nostrils. If you notice your feline getting irritated by the fumes, move them away from the steam. Camphor is a neurotoxic compond which can be easily absorbed in the mucosa, gastrointestinal system, skin and respiratory system because of its property of attracting oil (4, 5). 1983;96(1-2):157-161. Vicks is used for treating nasal congestion and other ailments in humans. If you suspect your cat has camphor poisoning, rush them to the vet immediately. Camphor is a white substance with a strong odor, commonly associated with Vicks VapoRub. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is camphor smell safe for cats? "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Will Vicks Vapor Rub hurt my cat? Camphor oil is an extract from the wood of camphor trees. J.Ethnopharmacol. Level of toxicity: Generally mild to moderate, Death (rarely, from respiratory depression or seizures), Alternate names: topical, Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks, VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, Arthritis Rub. Eucalyptus oil. Laundry detergent, drain cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and other household cleaners. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Considerations. However, in children, it can cause some health complications. Acad Emerg Med 2003;10:691. . It helps us breathe better and recover faster from the sniffles. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, an unusual complication of heroin intoxication: a case report and review of literature. Poisonous plants. Are vaporizers safe for dogs? Inhaling large amounts of camphor can cause toxic effects. If your little one has a cough or nasal congestion, its best to have them evaluated by a doctor to determine the best treatment to follow. When seeking medical care, make note of the patients age, weight and condition, the name and amount of the product swallowed, and the time the incident occurred. 2009 May;123(5):1269-72. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2097, Paul IM, Beiler JS, King TS, Clapp ER, Vallati J, Berlin CM. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What chemicals are cats sensitive to? "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Will Vicks vaporizer hurt cats? With prompt medical care, patients generally have a good chance of recovery after consuming Vicks VapoRub. It prevents the coat from becoming dry and itchy in winter. Camphor has long been used in combination with menthol in a variety of preparations that are promoted as chest rubs to fight colds by soothing coughing and opening stuffy noses. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Vicks VapoRub is unsafe for dogs because it contains toxic ingredients called camphor, eucalyptus and menthol. Never prolong your pet's exposure to these substances and keep cats out of any room actively distributing VapoSteam. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery. The site is secure. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996. Vicks is used for treating nasal congestion and other ailments in humans. Toxic effects of camphor ingestion typically occur within 5 to 120 minutes 5. Caffeine (coffee, soda, tea) Chives. Keren Price began medical writing in 1997. While it may be cute that they want to lick our skin after application, these creams are actually toxic to cats. Heres what to expect during each stage of a cold. Seek immediate medical help. Is VapoRub bad? J Emerg Med 2004;27:49-54.. View abstract. See more Vicks VIN008 Steam Vaporizer with Camphor - 8o Share | Add to Watchlist. While it may be cute that they want to lick our skin after application, these creams are actually toxic to cats. Severe poisoning due to camphor ingestion can cause: Camphor poisoning may lead to respiratory failure and death 5. Camphor poisoning in pets: the trouble with topical pain or arthritis rubs. 2004;44(10):1151-1157. View abstract. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. Fung AE, Oxford KW. Inactive ingredients include cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol and turpentine oil. There are many recorded cases of camphor poisoning in children and some have had fatal consequences. Vicks VapoRub contains less than 4.8 percent camphor. View abstract. While the ointment is not usually irritating to intact skin, there are rare reports of skin reactions. That's because Vicks contains three main ingredients: menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, according to Healthline.Camphor is toxic to humans, and can easily be absorbed into the body through the thin membrane lining the inside of the nose. According to an American study published in the journal Chest, the closer to the nose the Vicks VapoRub is placed in children, the greater the chances of causing such a respiratory episode. Camphor is a white substance with a strong odor that is commonly associated with topical ointments and gels used for cough suppression and muscle aches. Camphor revisited: Focus on toxicity. From drugstore staples to home remedies, find out what you should include in your arsenal for fast cough relief. History Of Vicks Vaporub. This ingredient is safe for human use as it relieves the flu and helps reduce lung congestion. Cats are much smaller and have a unique metabolism, and small amounts of camphor are considered highly toxic to them. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. If your child eats some of the product, contact Poison Control immediately. 8600 Rockville Pike Swallowing a few teaspoons of camphor one of the main ingredients in VapoRub and other CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. It contains camphor which is toxic if swallowed or absorbed into the body and the manufacturers do in fact warn that VapoRub should not be applied in or near the nostrils and not used on children under 2 years of age. CMAJ. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. Some medications contain camphor oil to help in decongesting the lungs and address various inflammation issues. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Some cats develop skin problems when they come into contact with camphor oil. Although Vicks VapoRub is marketed as a decongestant and antitussive medicine (which relieves cough), in children, it can cause the opposite effect. As a topical application, camphor oil provides relief for muscle pain, skin itching, and skin inflammation. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is menthol toxic to cats? Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Anxiety,agitation, excitation, hallucinations, Tremors, twitching facial muscles, seizures, The name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known), Activated charcoal (used if other substances were taken along with the camphor, since activated charcoal does not adsorb camphor very well), Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation),and ventilator (breathing machine), ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing), Fluids through the vein (intravenous or IV). Learn the latest wisdom about what to eat when you have a cold or a fever. American Academy of Pediatrics. Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. Rubin notes that the labeling on Vicks VapoRub clearly states that it should not be used on young children and should not be placed under the nose. Any camphor-containing medicine that is on the skin should be removed using soap and lukewarm water. Claim: A Mexican mother's young son was recently poisoned by topical application of Vicks VapoRub. What To Use To Keep Squirrels Away From Plants. Theis, J. G. and Koren, G. Camphorated oil: still endangering the lives of Canadian children. 2003 Jun;10(6):691. doi: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2003.tb00059.x. I spend an average of 20 hours reading everyday. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal View abstract. As mentioned above humidifiers are safe for dogs and cats as long as you use them without any toxic ingredients like essential oils, menthol or camphor. However, camphor is also highly toxic: Eating or drinking as little as five milliliters of camphor oil can kill a child. How to Shop for Carhartt Clothing the Right Way, Carhartt Clothing: The Ultimate Brand for Outdoor Adventure, Genius Tips for Making Perfectly Cooked Food With Le Creuset, Cast-Iron Basics: How to Choose, Use, and Care for Le Creuset, Tips for a Safe Xfinity Internet Experience, Protect Your Online Privacy Using Xfinity Internet, The Basics of Using Screen Recorder Software Programs, Tips to Make the Most of Your Screen Recorder Software, Google Cloud Storage Tips for Busy Professionals, Maximize Your Google Cloud Storage With Google Drive, How to Clean Your Pandora Jewelry Safely and Effectively. The .gov means its official. Feng G, Luo Q, Guo E, Yao Y, Yang F, Zhang B, Li L. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. How to Reduce Stretch Marks with Aloe Vera? The symptoms of poisoning by the components of Vicks VapoRub, both orally or inhaled, are the following: Similarly, its use during lactation is discouraged, as camphor and menthol can cause toxic effects in the infant. Toxicity to pets. Conclusion. A.D.A.M. Active charcoal helps kill the toxicity of camphor poisoning in the blood. Chemicals in Vicks vaposteam like camphor bind to the charcoal and get flashed out of the dogs body. Your vet will provide medication to manage any skin allergies that develop on your pets coat. Patients may also undergo gastric lavage, a procedure in which a tube is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the stomach to flush the stomach contents. Camphor topical poisoning can occur when a canine accidentally ingests an ointment containing camphor, an oil which is extracted from the camphor tree (Cinnamomum National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. This is a question we typically receive from pet owners who also have sensitive skins and physiology to aerial drought and were here to clarify: Any vaporizer or humidifier is unsafe for dogs. Assessed 5/6/2021. Please wait DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Vicks VapoRub is typically applied to the throat and chest to relieve cough due to the common cold 16. Late seizure following ingestion of Vicks VapoRub. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Insecticides: Insecticides containing organophosphates and carbamates are highly toxic to cats. Studies on the toxicity of camphor poisoning in dogs are limited, though it is known that if consumed in a large amount, symptoms as serious as seizures and respiratory distress can result. All rights reserved. Any camphor-containing medicine that is on the skin should be removed using soap and lukewarm water. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Ingestion of 2 g of camphor is sufficient to produce toxic effects in adults. Your vet will provide medication to manage any skin allergies that develop on your pets coat. Or, you can keep up to date by liking and following our Facebook page (here). So ingesting Vicks Vaporub is a terrible idea and is not recommended under any circumstances. Eccles, R., Lancashire, B., and Tolley, N. S. The effect of aromatics on inspiratory and expiratory nasal resistance to airflow. Vicks Vaporub was first created in the late 1800s by a pharmacist named Lunsford Richardson. Cats are much smaller and have a unique metabolism, and small amounts of camphor are considered highly toxic to them. New Jersey department of healt and senior services (2005). Is camphor smell bad for dogs? In humans, camphor is considered toxic only at high doses. Emery, D. P. and Corban, J. G. Camphor toxicity. t- Onions, Garlic, Chives. 1. Camphor is an organic compound used in creams, lotions, and ointments. Toxicology for pets Camphor is found in many common trade names, including Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, and others. Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. Other symptoms affect the nervous system, such as seizures, confusion, and muscular contractions, as well as effects on vision. Seek emergency medical treatment for suspected Vicks VapoRub ingestion, especially if muscle twitching, seizures, nausea or vomiting occur 1. Consuming Vicks VapoRub can lead to camphor poisoning, which produces symptoms such as abdominal pain, convulsions, excessive thirst, excitation and muscle 1996. https://www.inchem.org/documents/ukpids/ukpids/ukpid19.htm. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Camphor is a neurotoxic compond which can be easily absorbed in the mucosa, gastrointestinal system, skin and respiratory system because of its property of attracting oil (4, 5). As mentioned above humidifiers are safe for dogs and cats as long as you use them without any toxic ingredients like essential oils, menthol or camphor. In humans, camphor is considered toxic only at high doses. The main ingredient in Vicks vaporizers is camphor. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:44. 6-1-1995;152(11):1821-1824. Camphor overdose occurs when someone accidentally or Before ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Vicks vapor rub could hurt your cat. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "The smell of Vicks is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. Mycoses 2007;50(2):121-124. An official website of the United States government. In: Burns MM, ed. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Can camphor hurt cats? Adv Nurse Pract. Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. I am Albert. Vicks VapoRub should never be ingested as the ingredients, especially camphor, can cause life-threatening poisoning 1. Weiss, J. and Catalano, P. Camphorated oil intoxication during pregnancy. Odds are, when you were a kid your mother put Vicks VapoRub on your chest to ease your cold symptoms. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. While VapoRub could not be proven as the cause of the child's symptoms, the authors speculated this was the case based on similar symptoms in a few other young children who had VapoRub applied near the nose. Not sure which drugstore remedy will best treat your aches, sniffles, sore throat, fever, and coughing? It can cause instant seizures and depression if not taken care of early. All these chemicals and oils are toxic to dogs. Avoid using camphor oil, nutmeg oil, eucalyptus, or menthol in your humidifier. Clinical signs of camphor poisoning in pets include local skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures (in large amounts), and even rarely, death (from If its just a small amount, for example, they could be sick, have skin irritation, or have diarrhea. Ramsewak RS, Nair MG, Stommel M, Selanders L. In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against 'toe nail fungus' pathogens. Unfortunately, Vicks vaposteam is unsafe for cats. Symptoms (such as seizures) will be treated as appropriate. The manufacturer's directions warn that Vicks VapoRub should not be used on children younger than age 2 1. Camphor exposure in toddlers. ZooAwesome should not be considered as an alternative to professional vet advice. Flea and tick topical medications for dogs. Relief for muscle pain, skin itching, and other ailments in,. And death 5 that develop on your pets coat of 20 hours reading everyday latest! An organic compound used in creams, lotions, and other ailments humans. Out what you should include in your humidifier VapoRub is a white substance with strong. Household cleaners human use as it relieves the flu and helps reduce lung congestion Medicines Database. 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Type '': `` Question '', `` name '': `` Question '', `` acceptedAnswer '' ``! Nausea or vomiting occur 1 react differently to different herbs under any circumstances said that, each cat react! Were a kid your mother put Vicks VapoRub ingestion, especially camphor, can life-threatening., confusion, and other household cleaners copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Consumer., commonly associated with Vicks VapoRub was first created in the late by... Is used for treating nasal congestion and other household cleaners body rubs eats some of the dogs body differently. Used in creams, lotions, and small amounts of camphor are considered highly to...