Would you prefer to lose your hair or lose your pet?
A doctor is sounding the alarm over the dangers of the topical version of hair-loss medication minoxidil, saying residue on your hands could prove deadly to your dog or cat.
Dr Joe Whittington, who boasts more than 2 million followers on TikTok, made a video PSA about the potentially perilous product — and it’s alarming viewers around the world.
Minoxidil is an active ingredient in topical products, including Rogain, applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
Foams and liquid solutions of the drug are wildly popular with both men and women and products featuring 5% of minoxidil or less are available over the counter for under $30.
“It’s so toxic that even the smallest exposure can be life-threatening, especially to cats, because their bodies don’t have the ability to metabolize it,” Whittington revealed in viral video, viewed 790,000 times.
“Just walking across the residue or licking it off your skin can cause severe toxicity,” the doc further declared.
“Protect your furry friends by washing your hands, cleaning spills, and storing it out of reach. Your hair journey doesn’t have to put their lives at risk.”
Many viewers were left floored by the news, with one writing: “This household item is so toxic it could kill your pet with just one lick: ‘I had no idea.’”
“I’m getting a lot of bald patches in my head and was thinking of buying minoxidil but now I’m hesitant since my car is clingy and always sleeps next to me,” another chimed in.
Meanwhile, others left comments alerting viewers to the possible danger of letting a pet park up on your pillow.
“Don’t let them sleep on your pillow. Reside can get on their fur and when they clean themselves, they can ingest it!” they explained.
Minoxidil is also available in an oral form, with some commenters saying it was safer and easier to use that way.
“Just get it as a pill,” one implored.”It’s not worth the risk
