Is Neosporin the Same Thing as Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment?
No. Neosporin is not the same as triple antibiotic ophthalmic ointment and should never be used in your pet’s eyes. Ophthalmic problems can worsen quickly. If your pet is having eye issues, see your veterinarian right away rather than trying to treat the problem at home.
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.
Clubs Offering:
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.
Is Neosporin Safe for My Dog and Cat? Other Pets?
When you have pets—especially ones that are prone trouble—keeping your first aid kit stocked is a must. One of the staples of every home first aid kit is triple antibiotic ointment, also known as Neosporin. You may have already used this over-the-counter topical ointment for cuts and scrapes on your human family members. But is Neosporin for dogs safe and effective?
Using a small amount of Neosporin on your dog may be OK if your veterinarian recommends it. However, there are a few important caveats. Before you break out a new tube for that minor injury, make sure you know the potential risks of using Neosporin on a dog. Alternatives to Neosporin may be better options for your pet first aid kit.
