Using neosporin on dogs

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.

Just like their owners, dogs are susceptible to minor injuries and are not immune to getting cuts, scrapes, or burns. But before you go ahead and start applying Neosporin, there are a few things to take into consideration. With abrasions scrapes and scratches , you should first clean and flush the wound with soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Your veterinarian should see all puncture or penetrating wounds, including dog bites, as soon as possible. Neosporin is comprised of three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. Together, they work to kill bacteria on the skin and prevent topical infection. Rachel Barrack , a licensed veterinarian, certified in both veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbology with Animal Acupuncture in New York City, points out that Neosporin has been formulated for people and is not necessarily safe for use on dogs.

Using neosporin on dogs

If your dog has a scrape, scratch, or other external wound that you'd like to treat, you may be wondering if a product like Neosporin would do the job. Since it works so well on humans, would it work on your pup? Find out if this common cream or gel is okay to use on your dog. Neosporin is the brand name for a common topical antibacterial ointment that consists of neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin which are different types of antibiotics. This is an over-the-counter medication, which means it does not require a prescription. This medication is meant to prevent and treat minor skin infections caused by small cuts, scrapes, or burns. It has no effect on infections caused by other foreign agents, such as a fungus or a virus. Neosporin is often used to treat minor cuts or skin infections in humans, which is often why dog owners think to grab it for their dog. As a general rule, it is best to not use medications on your dog without first consulting with your veterinarian. While Neosporin is considered safe for minor cuts and scrapes, it is not the best treatment option. These products will be more dog-friendly than human triple antibiotic. As mentioned before, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian first before giving any medications. When using Neosporin on dogs with a veterinarian's permission, remember to:.

This is especially true when your dog licks an ointment off and swallows it.

What is neosporin? Can you use neosporin on dogs? Is neosporin safe for dogs? Potential risks of using neosporin on your dog. This ointment, armed with antimicrobial prowess, can help shield against infections. Can it do the same for our four-legged friends? Join us on a journey through the unexplored realms of canine care to learn how Neosporin can help with doggy well-being.

This topical antibiotic can help treat minor wounds, but it's not always the best choice for dogs. She is the founder and owner of JPen Communications, a medical communications company that specializes in educating pet parents about pet health and pet care. Pendergrass is passionate about closing the gap between what the veterinarian says and what the pet parent understands. Through her writing, she empowers pet parents with the medical information they need to make good health decisions for their pets. In her spare time, Dr. Pendergrass enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, and being a bona fide science nerd. If you get a cut or scrape, it's normal to reach for a tube of Neosporin to help you heal. This may lead you to do the same if your dog has a minor wound. But is Neosporin safe for dogs?

Using neosporin on dogs

Your Dog Advisor. Can You Use Neosporin on Dogs? And like every careful and concerned dog owner, you get alarmed at even the minor cuts. And your first intuition — grabbing the first aid box.

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Potential risks of using Neosporin on your dog. Sucralfate for dogs. Protective Skin Bacteria When the skin bacteria are balanced, they protect against infection on the skin. These are serious side effects! He has trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi in his gastrointestinal tract. Consider these antibiotic ointment alternatives: Bactroban Mupirocin : Renowned for combating bacterial infections and particularly effective for skin issues related to Staph infections. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Certain variations of the product may also include a local analgesic pain reliever called pramoxine. Rhaysa Feliciano, DVM. If your dog gets a small cut or scrape, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, then pat the area dry with a clean towel. It can be difficult to determine the extent of the injury or what needs to be done to handle it. Vet Recommended. Activate My Web Access. There's just one problem with using Neosporin on dogs. Ingesting Neosporin can be problematic.

Dogs can get into some sticky situations that end with them bounding away from their fun with little cuts and scrapes. While the injuries may not be anywhere close to life threatening, they can still result in infections, like any other wound. I had to look into this issue when I brought my dog Maggie home with me over the holidays.

With abrasions scrapes and scratches , you should first clean and flush the wound with soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. The answer is maybe—it really depends on a few factors. Sign up for exclusive deals, curated pet tips from veterinarians, and product launches! Email address. There are known cases of neomycin causing loss of hearing. Newsletter Sign Up. This combination is a particularly valuable tool for pet owners navigating the realm of minor injuries. Grimmett points out that not all dogs tolerate bandaging, and the same desire to lick something off their skin will most likely prompt them to chew, as well. Be sure to prevent your dog from licking the area. Share icon An curved arrow pointing right. Log in to leave a comment.