Main veterinary medical uses:
 
1. For the treatment of constipation and intestinal obstructions
in cattle, horses, goats, sheep and even dogs and cats.
Liquid paraffin oil is administered orally or by gavage → creates lubrication in the intestine, softens the stool and aids in its passage.
Especially common in the treatment of colic (abdominal pain/constipation) in horses.
 
2. Poisoning or ingestion of toxic substances
In cases of ingestion of oily substances or irritants, paraffin is given to coat the stomach and intestinal lining and reduce absorption.
Important: Not suitable for every case → The veterinarian decides according to the poison ingested.
 
3. Hairball blockages (Bezoars / Hairballs)
In cats and dogs: given in small amounts to help expel hairballs through the feces.
 
4. External use on skin and fur
As an emollient for dry, cracked or irritated skin.
As part of skin protection ointments.
For external treatment of fleas/lice (less common today – replaced by dedicated products).
 
5. Use of medical devices
As a lubricant during insertion of devices (e.g. thermometer, probe).
 
Important warnings:
 
Liquid paraffin should not be administered to animals that are at risk of aspiration (entering the lungs), such as weakened animals or those with swallowing problems → may cause severe pneumonia.
Prolonged use of internal paraffin may cause a decrease in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
The dosage varies greatly between species (horse ≠ dog ≠ calf), so it should always be given under the guidance of a veterinarian.
 
Verbal breakdown of the common uses and dosages of paraffin oil in animals (Note: Always under the guidance of a veterinarian, as the dosage varies according to weight, health condition, and severity of the problem):
 
Horses
Main use: Treatment of constipation, colic or mild intestinal obstruction.
Administration: Via gavage directly into the stomach (never in a bottle/mouthpiece → risk of oil aspiration into the lungs).
Acceptable dosage: 2–4 liters per adult horse (depending on the severity of the condition), sometimes repeated after 12–24 hours.
 
Cattle (cows, calves)
Main use: constipation, intestinal obstruction, certain poisonings.
Administration: oral/gavage.
Dosage:
Adult cow: approximately 1–3 liters.
Calves: 50–150 ml, depending on age and weight.
 
Sheep and Goats
Main Use: Constipation, intestinal obstruction, poisoning.
Administration: Orally using a small bottle/tube.
Dosage: 30–100 ml, depending on the size of the animal.
 
Dogs
Uses:
Constipation.
Partial intestinal obstructions.
Treatment of hairballs or small bones.
Recommended dosage: 1–5 ml/kg, usually no more than 20–30 ml for a small and medium-sized dog.
Warning: Do not forcefully administer into the mouth – risk of aspiration into the lungs. Preferably using an oral syringe or in wet food.
 
Cats
Uses:
Hairballs.
Mild constipation.
Dosage: Usually 2–5 ml, once or twice a day for several days.
Sometimes mixed with food to make swallowing easier.
Today, it is sometimes replaced with special pastes for dissolving hair, but paraffin is still useful and inexpensive.
 
Poultry (chickens, ducks, etc.)
Use: Mainly in rare cases of constipation or obstructions in the digestive tract.
Dosage: A few drops up to 1–2 ml, depending on the size of the chicken.
 
Important points
Always administer with caution – the main danger is aspiration into the lungs.
Do not use chronically – may impair absorption of essential vitamins.
Intended for symptomatic relief, not as a solution to the initial problem (for example – colic in a horse can be dangerous and requires immediate diagnosis).
 
Safe methods of administering paraffin oil to animals, by type of animal:
 
Horses
How to give: Always via a gastric tube inserted through the nose into the esophagus.
Why: Do not give directly into the mouth → the horse may inhale it into the lungs (very dangerous).
Who does it: Only a veterinarian or a trained handler, because inserting a tube into a horse requires experience.
 
Cattle (cows, calves)
How to give:
For adult cows – using a drench bottle or a gavage.
For calves – usually using a special suction bottle or a large oral syringe.
Important: Hold the head at the correct angle to prevent aspiration into the lungs.
 
Sheep and goats
How to give:
A large oral syringe (without a needle).
A small bottle with a narrow mouth is also possible.
Tip: Sometimes the animal is wrapped so that it does not move and emit the substance.
 
Dogs
How to give:
Oral syringe (without needle) in the side of the mouth.
Can be mixed with a small amount of wet food/tuna to improve palatability.
Do not: pour forcefully down the throat → risk of aspiration (entering the lungs).
 
Cats
How to give:
Usually mix in a small amount of wet food or sweet pasta (easier to swallow).
You can also use a small syringe on the side of the mouth, very carefully.
Tip: Sometimes it's easier to apply a little paraffin oil to the foot - the cat licks itself while cleaning.
 
Poultry (chickens, ducks, etc.)
How to give:
Using a dropper or small syringe on the side of the beak.
Only small amounts (drops up to 1–2 ml).
Caution: Do not pour directly down the throat – there is a very high risk of entering the lungs.
 
Important rules for everyone:
Give slowly, in small amounts, and wait for the animal to swallow.
If the animal strongly resists – stop and seek veterinary help.
It is always better to give via gavage or appropriate equipment in large animals (horses, cows).