If your dog has been facing sore skin, scratches, and itchiness and you are confused about whether you can use Sudocrem to treat your dog or not, you are in the right place.
Sudocrem is an OTC medicated cream to treat eczema, sunburn, surface wounds, and nappy rashes in kids. But dog parents also use them to treat several skin-related conditions in their dogs.
So, if you are planning to use Sudocrem to treat your dog’s itchiness, skin allergies, and minor wounds, keep reading this post to get rid of the confusion about Sudocrem.
There could be many home-based treatments for your dog’s itchiness, and Sudocrem is one of them. In this guide, you will specifically learn all the facts about Sudocrem.
Never use Sudocrem in or around your dogs:
Depending on the external area you want to apply the Sudocrem to, choose only from the “can use safely list above”. You only want to use a small amount and work it in if possible. If the area is too sore, then dab the area gently with Sudocrem. Don’t put loads and loads on as it will only temp your dog to lick it off. Be aware it’s pretty greasy, and you may not want to let your dog up on the sofa or in your bed when applying it. The oily texture is known to leave marks on furnishing. However, after a short time though it should soak into the skin.
What Are the Ingredients in Sudocrem?
If you plan to use Sudocrem on dogs, you should read and understand the information on the label. This will help you use it appropriately and understand any potential safeguards you should practice when applying this cream on your dogs.
One interesting fact about Sudocrem is that its formula has never changed. This formula remains exactly the same as it was the day they started selling the product in 1931. The formula was designed to be both soothing and healing.
The primary ingredients in Sudocrem are:
Let’s break these down further to understand how these ingredients may affect your dog.
In Sudocrem, Benzyl alcohol is used as a local anesthetic as well as an antiseptic. The idea is to cleanse any wound and reduce discomfort related to the irritation. Sudocrem not only does this for humans but also dogs.
Benzyl alcohol is mild. It has very low toxicity and a low vapor pressure measurement. In fact, Benzyl alcohol can be found naturally in plants and is commonly found in various fruits and teas as well. You see Benzyl alcohol used in health care on a routine basis for IVs, cosmetics, and topical drugs.
Benzyl alcohol is commonly used in topical creams, soaps, cleansers, shampoos, and more because of its antibacterial and antifungal benefits. It is considered a relatively safe ingredient for dogs. However, dogs should not be ingesting high amounts of Benzyl Alcohol.
Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin is used in the Sudocrem formula as an emollient. An emollient is something that soothes and softens irritated skin. Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin helps form an oily layer on the top of the skin to retain moisture. This both soothes and softens your dog’s skin while reducing any itching or flaking caused by the irritation.
Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin is often included in medications and is used to moisturize, treat, and even prevent itchy skin and other irritations. For dogs, the lanolin in Sudocrem helps to reduce the amount of itchy skin. The lanolin in Sudocrem is considered safe for dogs.
Zinc oxide is another topical ingredient. It’s commonly used in topical treatments for treating diaper rash and skin irritations like burns and cuts. This ingredient works to form a barrier on the skin. This barrier protects the skin from whatever might be irritating, as well as moisture.
Zinc oxide is perhaps the ingredient that brings the most pause and concern for using Sudocrem on dogs. There is a concern for zinc toxicosis if a dog consumes it in large quantities. However, if used appropriately, a dog should be perfectly fine. We have some tips for the administration below.
It is very important that this is used only on the skin for dogs. It’s not meant for ingestion, which is perhaps where the concern comes for dogs since they lick themselves often. You also may not want to use it if the irritated area is infected.
We mentioned earlier that the ingredient to be most concerned about is Zinc oxide. It’s common knowledge that dogs should not lick zinc as it can have detrimental effects. This is true of Sudocrem for dogs. This is why we caution you to be very careful with the application.
Zinc toxicosis is a toxicity caused by the over-consumption of zinc. Dogs are not supposed to lick zinc, which can lead to this side effect. This is the only known side effect of using Sudocrem on dogs.
Here are some of the signs of zinc toxicosis:
These are a few of the most prominent signs you can watch for if you suspect your dog has ingested too much zinc due to using Sudocrem.
Losing your dog from zinc toxins sickness is possible if it is not caught and treated. However, treatment is available, and most dogs will fully recover. Ultimately, zinc toxicosis is considered to have relatively good prognosis results if it is caught and treated promptly. This is the only worry for using Sudocrem on dogs.
Sudocrem is considered non-toxic. Of course, that label is designed for humans. Humans don’t commonly lick themselves to bathe or clean. This is the primary difference between using Sudocrem for dogs and humans.
As discussed above, if your dog licks and ingests a large amount of Sudocrem, it could come down with zinc toxicosis. This could have dangerous results and worsen the situation.
Sudocrem is considered safe for dogs, but you should be careful how you use it. Many veterinarians recommend this product for use. We would assume that they also provide instructions on how to use it safely for dogs. If they don’t, ask.
You want to ensure that your dog will not be able to lick large amounts of Sudocrem off when you apply it. How you accomplish this may vary. Whether you apply it very lightly and cover it, only apply it to areas they don’t often lick, or make them wear a cone could depend on your preferences.
An Elizabethan collar (a.k.a., the cone of shame) is the most surefire way to prevent your dog from licking off the Sudocrem. You may try putting the cone on your dog for the first 15-20 minutes after you apply the Sudocrem to allow it time to absorb into the skin.
When you rub Sudocrem on dogs, rub it in well. This will also make a difference in your dog’s ability to lick it off in large amounts.
Never put Sudocrem on sensitive areas of your dog. These include: near or in the eyes, near or in the mouth, on the nose, or in the ears.
Ultimately, be cautious of how much you apply, where you apply, and how well you rub it in to ensure that your dog is safe. Make sure you are home and available to monitor your dog after Sudocrem is applied.
So, Can I Put Sudocrem on My Dog? The Final Verdict
Overall, using Sudocrem for dogs is perfectly acceptable and safe if you are very careful with your application. You will find that it is commonly recommended by veterinarians to treat skin irritations because it truly works.
There are risks with any topical treatment or medication. You must be aware of those risks and know how to work around them to protect your dog. Sudocrem is considered primarily safe for use on dogs. Keep in mind the tips for application to prevent negative side effects.
Sudocrem is extremely effective and reliable in treating skin irritations for both humans and dogs. So, in answer to our question, “Is Sudocrem on Dogs Safe?” We say yes, it is typically safe. Just be mindful and cautious when applying, and watch your dog be sure they are not licking it off after you apply it.
Put Sudocrem to the test on your dog’s skin irritation, and we think you will see the skin clear up in no time. At the very least, your dog’s irritation will be soothed and comforted rather than them staying miserable. And finally, remember that Sudocrem is for short-term use only.
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