At MedCart Australia, we understand that pets are part of the family—and keeping them safe is just as important as looking after ourselves. One product that has made its way from bathroom cabinets to pet care kits is paw paw ointment, especially the well-known Lucas’ Papaw Ointment. Originally developed in the early 1900s by Brisbane-based Dr. Thomas Pennington Lucas to treat human skin conditions, the ointment quickly gained popularity due to its soothing and healing effects.
Over time, Australian pet owners began applying this trusted remedy to their dogs’ dry paws, minor wounds, and itchy skin, noticing how effective and gentle it was. Today, it’s not uncommon to see this red tub in both households and pet care routines. But the question remains: Is paw paw ointment actually safe for dogs?
In this blog, we explore the safety, benefits, and risks of using paw paw ointment on dogs. Let’s dig into what makes this product so loved—and how to use it wisely on your furry companion.
What Is Paw Paw Ointment?
Paw paw ointment is a topical balm made primarily with extracts from the fruit of the paw paw (Carica papaya). It is generally used to soothe, protect, and moisturise the skin, and may also support minor wound healing, dry skin, chafing, and nappy rash.
While the papaya extract is the key active ingredient, the base formula often includes emollients like petroleum jelly, waxes, or natural oils to help create a smooth, protective barrier on the skin. The exact formulation can vary between brands—some use traditional ingredients like fermented papaya and soft paraffin, while others opt for natural or organic bases.
Today, multiple brands produce paw paw ointments, but they all share the common feature of using papaya extract as a main component for skin relief and hydration.
Lucas’ Papaw Ointment is the original and most recognised brand in Australia, created by Dr. Thomas Lucas in the early 1900s.
Because of its long-standing history and widespread use, many Australians use “paw paw ointment” as a generic term for this specific brand, even though it’s technically a branded product. It’s similar to how people use “Band-Aid” to mean any adhesive bandage. Several other skincare companies have launched their own versions of paw paw ointment
What is Paw Paw in ointment?
“Pawpaw" is a term frequently used in Australia to refer to the Carica papaya fruit, particularly the variety with yellow flesh. Many parts of the tree (e.g., fruit, leaves, seeds and bark) have been used in pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
One of which is its use for its potential healing properties on treating wounds. Lucas' Papaw Ointment is a well-known example of a product that uses fermented papaya as its primary active ingredient.
What is Paw Paw ointment used for?
The paw paw ointment is a topical skin application ideally used to decrease, reduce or relieve symptoms such as skin dryness, peeling/cracking, chafing,rashes, mild skin burns/sunburns, insect bite or sting; and minor skin wounds such as cuts, scratches and abrasions.
Aside from treating minor skin issues in humans, paw paw ointment has increasingly found its place in animal care—particularly for domestic pets like dogs and even native wildlife. Over time, both pet owners and animal care professionals have explored its benefits in soothing dry, irritated skin and supporting the healing of minor wounds.
There are documented uses and recommendations from experts, including veterinarians. For instance, in a guide Ten Tips for Wildlife Carers by Dr. Sarah Brett, a veterinary doctor at Kimberley Wildlife Rescue Inc., she highlights the effectiveness of paw paw ointment in animal wound care, especially for wildlife. She notes that wound care is one of the most challenging aspects of treating wildlife, and paw paw ointment is one of her tips as she found it softens and moisturizes dry wounds; greatly assisting in healing.
Additionally, practical guides and pet care providers, such as Dog Zone Australia, acknowledges that it may be applied to dogs under specific conditions such as dryness or cracking, minor wounds and Itchiness and irritation, provided caution is exercised before using paw paw ointment on animals such as:
- Avoid products with added fragrances or chemicals.
- Prevent dog from excessively licking the ointment, as large ingestions may cause stomach upset.
- Consult a vet before use, especially for anything more than minor skin concerns.
What’s in Paw Paw Ointment?
One important thing to note is that there is no single, standardised formulation for "paw paw ointment". The term generally refers to topical products that contain some form of Carica papaya (paw paw) extract as an active ingredient. Different brands use different supporting ingredients, depending on their formulation goals.
For the purpose of this article, we will focus on Lucas' Papaw Ointment, which is the original and most well-known brand in Australia, with a long-standing presence in households and first-aid kits. Because of its reputation and widespread use, many other commercial paw paw ointments have adopted similar formulations—typically using a combination of petroleum-based ingredients and preservatives to stabilise the product and enhance skin protection. While each brand may differ slightly, they tend to follow a similar ingredient profile.
Lucas’ Paw paw ointment is made from a few key ingredients that work together to soothe and heal the skin. Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside based on the TGA Public Summary and the official product website.
According to the TGA Public Summary, the ingredients in Lucas’ paw paw ointment are:
- Active Ingredient: Fresh Carica papaya fruit.
- Other Ingredients:
- Hard paraffin
- Yellow soft paraffin
- Peru Balsam
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
On the official Lucas' Papaw Ointment website, the ingredients are described as:
- Carica Papaya: 39mg/g of fresh, fermented papaya fruit.
- Preservative: 0.1mg/g of Potassium Sorbate.
- Base: Petroleum jelly and wax.
- Soothing Agent: Refined Gum Balsam Peru (tree sap).
Both the TGA summary and product website highlight the Carica papaya as the primary active ingredient, and potassium sorbate as additional ingredient acting most likely as a preservative.
While the TGA summary lists it as general Peru Balsam, the website refers to it specifically as Refined Gum Balsam Peru (a processed or purified version of the raw Peru balsam), which is likely descriptive reference to the same substance.
Interestingly, the TGA lists hard paraffin and yellow soft paraffin, while the website describes these more generally as wax and petroleum jelly.
Note: Hard paraffin also known as paraffin wax. Yellow Soft paraffin is also known as petroleum jelly.
Are Pawpaw Ingredients Safe on Dogs?
While Papaw Ointment is widely known and used for human skin care, many pet owners have asked whether it is also safe to use on pets—particularly dogs. This concern is valid, as the product was originally formulated for human use and not specifically tested or marketed for veterinary purposes.
Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and see how they might affect dogs.
1.Carica papaya
As a fruit, Papayafruit is generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation, as dogs are omnivores and can consume a variety of fruits, including papaya. The Animal Poison Control ASPCA does not list papaya as poisonous to dogs.
However, there are a few considerations when it comes to the properties of papaya that could potentially cause harm:
- Seed: Papaya seeds should not be ingested. According to CitizinCanine, papaya seeds can cause intestinal blockages and contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful in larger quantities.
- Sap: Papaya latex, the sap found in unripe papayas, can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs, especially if they have a latex sensitivity. This could result in symptoms like itching, swelling, or more severe reactions, depending on the dog's sensitivity.
- Papaya Leaves: Papaya leaf, especially its extract is generally considered safe for dogs, and may even offer some health benefits, especially when used to manage certain conditions.
Papaya leaf extract has been tested on dogs with low platelet counts from diseases like Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis. In these cases, the dogs showed higher platelet counts and started to recover more quickly.
Some studies on animals other than dogs have also been done. For example, one study gave papaya leaf extract to a type of fish called African catfish. Even at high doses, the fish didn’t show harmful effects and stayed healthy.
As an ingredient of a or as a product, there aren’t many studies that look just at how Carica papaya (pawpaw) works in ointments for dogs. But some research has looked at parts of the papaya plant, like an enzyme called papain, and how it affects animals, including dogs.
In one small case study, three dogs were given a papain gel mixed with sunflower oil to help with infected wounds. The report said the wounds healed faster, dead skin came off more easily, and healthy tissue grew back. Because this study only included three dogs, the results are limited and may not be the same for all dogs.
Other research has studied what happens when papain is added to dog food. These studies found that dogs were able to digest their food better and there were no harmful side effects seen during the research period.
2. Paraffin wax
“Paraffin wax”, also known as hard paraffin, is a white or colorless solid mixture of saturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It is commonly used to stiffen pharmaceutical preparations and as a coating for capsules and tablets. Soft paraffins, including white and yellow soft paraffin, are semi-solid forms of paraffin used primarily as emollients and ointment bases. These soft paraffins are also referred to as petroleum jelly, petrolatum, or Vaseline.
There aren't many studies on the specific effects of paraffin wax on dogs. However, there are studies that explore its effects on other mammals.
A clinical study investigating the toxicological effects of paraffin wax on lab animals, such as rabbits and rats, provides some useful insights. These findings show that paraffin wax did not cause significant toxicity when administered orally or applied topically. In rats, no clinical signs of toxicity were observed after being exposed to paraffin wax, and growth rates remained normal. In rabbits, some mild irritation was seen in skin patch tests, but the effects were short-lived.
While these results suggest that paraffin wax is generally safe for mammals, it's important to note that dogs may respond differently. As paraffin wax is typically used in human-formulated products, its safety on dogs, especially for topical use, should still be approached with caution.
3. Gum Balsam Peru
Gum Balsam Peru is a fragrant, sticky resin from trees native to Central America, often used in perfumes and cosmetics; it's called "gum" because of its sticky texture, "balsam" for its aromatic properties, and "Peru" because it was originally exported from Peru, even though it's mostly sourced from El Salvador today.
Gum Balsam Peru (PB) is generally considered safe for dogs, with a low risk of causing significant skin reactions. A study showed that PB has a mild irritative effect, with most dogs experiencing negligible skin irritation. Only a small number of dogs exhibited mild reactions (up to 2+ grade) in patch tests, which decreased over time.
PB from high-quality sources tends to have fewer skin reactions, as it contains higher amounts of saponification value, ester content, and essential oils, which seem to minimize irritation. This suggests that PB from reputable, well-regulated sources is less likely to cause adverse reactions in dogs compared to raw or lower-quality variants.
Note: Luca’s Paw Paw Ointment contains refined Gum Balsam Peru (PB), which is processed to remove impurities, making it safer and less likely to cause irritation compared to raw PB.
Although the risk of severe allergic reactions is low, dogs with pre-existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, may be more prone to irritation. Some compounds in PB, like trans-nerolidol, caused weak sensitization in a few dogs, but overall, PB from high-quality sources is not likely to cause major issues.
In conclusion, PB is safe for most dogs, but it may cause mild irritation in sensitive animals. It’s important to monitor dogs for any adverse reactions, especially those with sensitive skin or existing dermatological conditions.
Note: These findings are based on topical patch skin testing only. There is no available safety data on the effects of PB if ingested by dogs. Caution should be exercised to prevent oral exposure until ingestion safety is verified.
4. Potassium sorbate
Potassium sorbate is aAhemical preservative commonly used in food, skin care, cosmetics, and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold.
It is considered generally safe for humans by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EFSA.
When it comes to topical use on dogs, such as in paw paw ointment, there are no specific studies on the effects of potassium sorbate to dogs. However, it’s important to note that potassium sorbate is an eye and skin irritant, so caution is advised when using products containing it on the skin.
Regarding dogs and ingestion, while there are no direct studies on the effects of potassium sorbate in ointments when dogs accidentally ingest them, there have been clinical trials on rats. In these trials, small doses of potassium sorbate (up to 300 mg per day) did not show any adverse effects.
Additionally, potassium sorbate has been studied for its potential use as a preservative in semi-moist pet foods, including those for dogs and cats. This suggests that in small, regulated amounts, it is likely safe, though these findings indicate potential rather than being based on extensive clinical trials in dogs.
In conclusion, while potassium sorbate in small amounts may not pose significant risk to dogs, it’s still important to be cautious. There is limited data on its effects, so if your dog accidentally ingests a product containing potassium sorbate, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for advice.
Here’s a summary break down on the common ingredients found in paw paw ointment and their potential impact on dogs:
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is a summary compiled by the author from multiple veterinary and scientific sources. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before applying any human-formulated product to your pet.
Other Things to Consider aside from Ingredients
When it comes to paw paw ointment, many consumers are drawn to its natural image and healing properties.
However, a revealing blog post by Our Permaculture Life highlights a significant concern: a lot of paw paw ointments actually contain mostly petroleum jelly, not papaya. This can be surprising because the product is often marketed as natural and healing.
The primary function of petroleum jelly is to create a barrier that locks in moisture. While this can be beneficial for human skin, the implications for dogs are less clear. Dogs are more likely to lick and ingest topical applications, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues or other health concerns.
Moreover, the presence of petroleum jelly in paw paw ointment may not align with the natural and organic expectations many pet owners have when choosing products for their animals.
Why Ingredient Ratios Matter
The blog helps us understand that many products don’t always tell you exactly how much of each ingredient is in them. Ingredients are listed in order, but the actual amount of the main ingredient, like papaya extract, might be much lower than you expect. This can make it harder to trust what the product is really made of.
What Can You Do?
If you want a more natural ointment, it might be a good idea to look for ones with more papaya extract or even try making your own at home. Our Permaculture Life suggests you could grow your own papaya and make your own ointment, so you know exactly what’s in it.
Final Thoughts
Paw paw ointment—has long been a staple in Australian households for soothing minor skin irritations. While it wasn’t originally developed for pets, many dog owners and even wildlife carers have found it helpful for treating dry skin and minor wounds in animals. The key ingredients, such as fermented papaya, paraffin wax, and Gum Balsam Peru, appear to pose minimal risk when used appropriately and in small amounts.
However, just because a product is natural or gentle for humans doesn't guarantee it's completely safe for pets. Every dog is different, and individual sensitivities may vary.
If you choose to use paw paw ointment on your dog, always check the ingredient list for added fragrances or irritants, prevent your pet from licking the area excessively, and consult your veterinarian before use—especially for anything more than a minor skin issue. And after application, remember to monitor your dog and check if there is any reaction (skin patch testing is recommended before application). There is also a proper way to apply paw paw ointment on dogs, please refer to your vet doctor for more information.
it's also important to consider the ratio of active ingredients to fillers like petroleum jelly. As highlighted by Our Permaculture Life, many popular products, such as Lucas’ Papaw Ointment, contain up to 96% petroleum jelly, which raises questions about their true effectiveness.
In short, paw paw ointment can be a safe and effective option for mild canine skin concerns—if used wisely and with professional guidance.
