Dog homeowners baffled as pets go ‘completely loopy’ for 1 unusual merchandise

Dog owners have taken to social media to share their pets’ strange obsession with one common item, with one owner saying their pooch ‘cries and pleads’ for it, while not being bothered by regular food.

View Image

Dogs can sometimes display some peculiar behaviours – just ask any owner. Whether it’s a passion for a specific human food they shouldn’t consume, a determination to remain beside their owner constantly – even in the loo – or an inexplicable hatred of the postman, they all have their individual quirks.

One puzzled dog owner shared on Reddit that their pet goes “absolutely apes***” over one particular common household item. “I put a little tiny bit on her feet at night and she goes absolutely crazy over it,” they explained.

The item in question? Vaseline. The owner went on: “(She) cries and pleads for more (I don’t cave because she might get sick). This is a dog that makes me jump through hoops to get her to eat her meal and she could take or leave treats. Not food motivated at all.

“She’s staring at the cabinet where I keep the Vaseline as I write this. Weirdo, I love her so much. Oh, she will gobble down a toast crust with butter on it too. Is she just a grease freak or am I missing something here?”

Fellow dog owners chimed in with their thoughts. One revealed: “My basset hound ate a jar of Vaseline that my roommate left out on a low coffee table. She was fine, but her butt fur was stained yellow for a little bit. She even managed to look sadder than basset hounds usually do. I think she learned her lesson though.”

Another commented: “I’ve had several dogs who go absolutely bananas over Vaseline and other ointments. No idea why.

“Have to lock myself in the bathroom to apply my psoriasis creams and make sure the area is fully covered by clothing before going back out to the dogs. Just took the top of the Vaseline pot to apply to my lips and one of the little monsters woke from a deep sleep and came running.”

Another person revealed: “I have to lock mine out of the room when I put any kind of lotion on. Doesn’t matter what brand he tries to lick it off.”

The original poster responded: “Thanks all. Glad to know that my dog is just weird among weirdos.”

Who do dogs love vaseline?

One specialist offered a potential explanation for this peculiar behaviour, reports the Mirror. Writing on justanswer.com, ‘dog specialist’ NancyH explained: “Dogs are drawn to Vaseline because they are attracted to fats, and Vaseline is composed of fat-type molecules known as hydrocarbons. Its scent resembles food, which is why dogs may consume it.”

Vaseline is a form of petroleum jelly, primarily used for dry skin and lips. It can also be utilised to lubricate hinges and electrical equipment. It is non-toxic and therefore safe for dogs to consume in small quantities, though larger amounts can lead to stomach upsets, vomiting, and diarrhoea, according to dog food supplier Marley Bones.

The company states that Vaseline can be applied to minor patches of dry skin, paw pads, dry noses, and small cuts, but there are more effective alternatives available, including coconut oil, aloe vera gel, olive oil, and Vitamin E oil. Balms, creams, and ointments formulated specifically for dogs are also obtainable.

The statement reads: “Vaseline is a household staple for dry skin and small cuts in humans. It’s made from petrolatum, a purified by-product of petroleum refining, which creates a protective barrier on the skin.

“For people, it’s considered non-toxic and safe. But dogs aren’t people (as much as we treat them like family). The challenge is that dogs lick. Anything you apply to their nose, paw pads or coat could quickly end up in their stomach.”