Are human anti-itch creams safe for dogs?
Some human anti-itch creams are safe for dogs with the most commonly used possibly being hydrocortisone cream. Some other creams containing dexamethasone and betamethasone are also safe to use on your pooch.
These tend to be stronger concentrations, and I wouldn’t advise their use without prior discussion with your DVM.
Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Most commonly found in creams as 1% hydrocortisone acetate. It helps to calm inflamed and irritated skin.
These creams are formulated to break the “itch-scratch cycle” associated with allergies, infections, bug bites, and stings. It’s important to remember that hydrocortisone creams haven’t been FDA-approved, although canine formulations exist in other countries.
Small amounts of topical hydrocortisone are generally considered safe in our canine companions once you ensure they don’t lick it off as it can cause side effects like upset tummies.
There have long been investigations into the efficacy and safety of hydrocortisone in dogs, and in recent years more investigations have been performed.
Hydrocortisone aceponate was studied by one group and found that it rapidly relieves the signs of pruritis (itchiness) and can even be used in combination with pro-active therapies such as oclacitinib (Apoquel) even further to prevent itchy episodes.
Hydrocortisone acetate itself has not been extensively studied in canines. However, its safety and efficacy have long been understood in humans.
Wash hands before application
To help fight off the risk of infection and further complications, always thoroughly wash your hands before touching or inspecting your dog’s inflamed skin, and of course, wash them off completely afterward, too.
Some of the signs to look out for with your pooch include constant licking and scratching in a particular area. If you do notice this, you should check the skin under their coat to see if there are signs of redness, inflammation, and rawness. If so, you can apply some hydrocortisone cream directly to the affected area.
Make sure you apply it to the skin rather than the coat of the dog otherwise it will not prove effective and your dog may simply lick it off. It is important that your pet cannot get to or lick at the cream because this could cause a range of side effects.
However, dogs are also prone to skin problems including inflammation and itching, and using this cream on your dog could help to provide some relief. It is best to check with your vet before you use the cream, in case there are any issues, and you should avoid putting it on open wounds.
There are also some other signs your dog may be feeling unwell due to a skin problem. For instance, they may not have the same appetite as usual or they may show little interest in playing or going for walks. In addition, they may come across as having no energy due to less movement than usual, but this is often due to the discomfort that is experienced while moving.
It is also important to remember that, as in humans, hydrocortisone does not sort out all skin issues, so if the problem persists after you have applied the cream to your pooch, it is advisable to make an appointment at the vet’s to get it checked out. This will enable the root cause of the problem to be identified and then your dog can get the proper treatment to provide relief.
Over the Counter Itch Relief for Pets! ( Zymox with Hydrocortisone) | Veterinary Approved
Hydrocortisone is a medicinal substance found in many human-grade topical products. Its main utilization is in treating inflammation or allergic reactions, particularly if they involve skin rash flare-ups.
Recently, hydrocortisone is becoming used in veterinary products, and one of the more commonly bought items is hydrocortisone cream for dogs.
Glucocorticoids were the most commonly used type of treatment for various dog skin conditions (1).
However, after recent studies discovered their lack of skin penetration and potential side effects for dogs, making the risk-to-reward ratio not worth it, veterinary dermatologists stopped using.
Companies developed new and better products thanks to esterification to a hydrocortisone template molecule, and studies showed them to be effective and safer for dogs (4, 5, 6, 7).
This ‘hydrocortisone for dogs products include creams and sprays, and companies tested them for efficacy on several canine skin problems, including dermatitis, allergies, pruritus, and more.
In particular, a large 2012 study focused on testing the safety and efficacy of hydrocortisone for dogs found it to be without adverse effects.
The majority of dogs achieved a 50% or more reduction in skin inflammation and related skin problems.