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Just like their owners, dogs are susceptible to minor injuries and are not immune to getting cuts, scrapes, or burns. But can you use Neosporin® on dogs? The answer isn’t completely straightforward. In some instances, applying the topical, antibiotic ointment can help heal your dog’s wound, but there are situations when it is not advisable or necessary to use it on your canine companion.
Since most people immediately reach for some type of ointment when an incident occurs, it’s not unusual that your first instinct might be to do the same for your dog. But before you go ahead and start applying Neosporin, there are a few things to take into consideration.
Can You Put Neosporin on a Dog?
When used properly, its generally considered safe to put Neosporin on dogs, and the same goes for generic triple antibiotic topicals. But there are a few caveats.
Any topical applied to a dog will encourage that dog to lick the area. So, applying Neosporin means your dog will likely lick off the medication and ingest it.
Ingesting Neosporin can be problematic. In fact, injectable neomycin has been linked to hearing loss in dogs. Although licking a small amount of the drug may not be enough to cause any issues, it also might not be worth the risk. Additionally, ingesting antibiotics can upset the natural balance of microorganisms in the dogs gut—called the microbiome—potentially leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. The amount of active ingredients in Neosporin is low, so licking a little bit is unlikely to harm your dog. However, regular use can lead to GI upset.
Licking wounds can also cause irritation and introduce bacteria into the wound, which delays healing and can lead to infection. Licking can be prevented with an Elizabethan collar, commonly called a cone.
Its also possible for your dog to have an allergic reaction to Neosporin and similar products. The dogs may develop a rash, hives, or facial swelling. Anaphylaxis is a rare reaction, but its serious and requires immediate veterinary attention.
The general consensus is that dogs dont really benefit from topicals like Neosporin for minor injuries. Many vets find that minor wounds heal fine without topical medications (as long as the dog doesnt lick the area). Its best to clean the wound and call your veterinarian for advice, and avoid applying products like Neosporin unless your vet advises it.
Can You Use Neosporin on Your Dog?
Neosporin can be used topically to treat minor cuts and scrapes in dogs, just like in humans. However, it is best to check with your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter medication intended for humans on your dog. Applying a light layer to the affected area may help prevent infection and encourage faster wound healing. However, it’s only for use on the dog’s skin where he can’t lick it off. Neosporin is not safe for dogs to consume, and can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects if ingested. Since you can’t completely prevent your dog from licking it off, you may want to consider an alternative to Neosporin for dogs. Never use Neosporin in the ears, eyes, or mouth.
Neosporin may be good to have on hand in a pinch. Still, it’s not designed for pets and should not be used often. More appropriate products exist specifically for pets. It should not be used to treat large or deep wounds or applied to large areas of the body. If your pet’s cut or scrape is swollen, red, painful, or has discharge, then your dog should be seen by a veterinarian rather than being treated at home. You should also seek veterinary care if your pet’s cut does not improve within a few days after using Neosporin.
The ointment contains three antibiotics: neomycin sulfate, polymixin B sulfate, and bacitracin zinc, typically in a petroleum base. These antibiotics make the ointment effective against many common bacteria. However, they will not treat other infectious agents such as viruses, fungi, or parasites. Because Neosporin is an over-the-counter product, the FDA does not review or regulate it.
Is Neosporin Safe for Dogs? How to Heal a Basic Wound on your Dog?
Whether your pup was roughhousing with another dog at the park, got stung by a bee, or stepped on something sharp, every dog owner dreads seeing their furry friend in pain. Dogs can get cuts, scrapes, and scratches just the way humans can — and if left untreated, they can quickly lead to infection and cause pain and additional medical complications.
The second you see a scratch on your dog, your first instinct might be to reach for the Neosporin, or any other antibiotic ointment. This topical over-the-counter medication contains antibiotics like neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin, and is commonly used to treat and prevent skin infections in humans. But is it safe to use on your dog?