Minoxidil, one of only two clinically proven treatments for hair loss in humans, might be good for your hair. But for our little furry friends, Minoxidil is less kind.
Even a tiny amount can be toxic, so it's important to keep your pets far away from any traces of the product, and be extremely cautious about where you’re leaving them. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a licensed hair loss treatment that has been around since the 1990s. It increases blood flow to the scalp, providing hair follicles with vital nutrients and oxygen. This nourishment allows damaged follicles to recover from the damage caused by male pattern hair loss. If successful, consistent Minoxidil consumption could deliver results in between 6-12 months.
Understanding the danger
Minoxidil is highly toxic to cats and dogs when ingested or absorbed through the skin. Unlike in humans, where it is generally considered safe for topical use, pets lack the necessary metabolic pathways to process the drug effectively. As a result, exposure can lead to acute toxicity, which may manifest in severe clinical symptoms.
What do the studies say about Minoxidil and pets
As it’s not an all too frequent occurrence, there aren’t too many studies or case reports on Minoxidil and pets. The most well known was published by the American Animal Hospital Association in 2021, and found that only 211 dog and cat cases with topical minoxidil exposure were identified between 2001 and 2019 in the US (no such study was found in the UK).
In pets that developed clinical signs, most developed moderate or major illness (56.0% dogs, 59.7% cats), and death only occurred in 12.9% of cases for cats.
Unintentional delivery, especially while pet owners applied Minoxidil for their own hair loss (like when a pet might lick its owner's skin or pillowcase), was the most common cat exposure circumstance, while exploratory behaviour (like searching through trash) was the most common dog exposure circumstance.
There is no established “safe” quantity of Minoxidil for pets. Even a small amount of the substance, whether applied topically or accidentally ingested, can be harmful.
Symptoms of Minoxidil toxicity in pets
If a pet is exposed to Minoxidil, symptoms may appear rapidly and can include:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Cardiovascular complications, including rapid heart rate and low blood pressure
Preventing accidental exposure of Minoxidil to your pets
To protect pets from accidental exposure, owners should take the following precautions:
- Restrict access: Keep pets away from areas where Minoxidil is applied.
- Avoid contaminated surfaces: Prevent cats and dogs from coming into contact with bed linens, clothing, or furniture that may have been exposed to Minoxidil.
- Be cautious with loose hair: Any hair that has been treated with Minoxidil should be disposed of properly to prevent ingestion or contact. Prevent your dog or cat from licking your hair or scalp after you have used Minoxidil.
- Practice thorough hygiene: Wash hands after applying the product and avoid touching pets immediately after use.
What to do if exposure occurs
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to Minoxidil, seek veterinary assistance immediately. Time is critical, as early intervention can improve the chances of successful treatment.
Conclusion
Minoxidil works great for hair loss in humans, but it's seriously dangerous for pets. Even a small amount can be toxic, so pet owners need to be extra careful. Keep your pets away from any surfaces that might have Minoxidil on them, and make sure to wash your hands well after using it. If your pet does get exposed, don’t wait — get them to a vet right away.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
