Just Because You Can Doesnt Mean You Should
We dont deny that Neosporin on dogs is effective and generally regarded as safe in treating small wounds and scrapes, but there are risks to using a product designed for humans on your pet.
Firstly, your dog can have an adverse reaction to one or more of the ingredients in Neosporin. Mild reactions may present in the form of rashes, inflammation, or itchiness. This will be counterproductive to the healing process.
Its best to conduct a small patch test on another area of the skin to determine if Neosporin is right for your pet. Can you use triple antibiotic ointment on dogs?
Another consideration is ingestion. As we stated earlier, it is not safe for your pet to ingest Neosporin. Topical antibiotics can affect the healthy bacteria balance in their gut, leading to digestive upsets like diarrhea, flatulence, and poor digestion.
In addition to the antibiotics posing an issue, non-active ingredients like white petroleum that give the ointment its lotion-like texture can also contribute to tummy woes.
Knowing the risks, its time to consider if Neosporin is the best option for your dogs wound and infection care. Neosporin on dogs is fine in a pinch but considers stocking your pet’s first aid kit with something made for pets, or at least something that has fewer risks.
The Ingredients In Neosporin
Neosporin is made up of three different antibiotics: Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. These antibacterial agents work together to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin, preventing an infection from developing when we experience small cuts and scrapes. It also creates a physical barrier on the skin to prevent bacteria from entering the wound.
Those antibiotics do the exact same thing for your dog kill off bacteria before they have a chance to grow and create a barrier to block much of the bacteria at the same time. But are the components of Neosporin safe for dogs?
More Serious Wound Care For Dogs
Its a nightmare scenario for any dog parent: Their beloved canine companion limps back inside, bleeding heavily from a visible wound. What do you do when your dog suffers a more serious wound?
Examples of serious wounds include things like:
- Any open wounds that are bleeding profusely
- Puncture wounds
- Broken bones
- Burns
The first step is to remain calm. Its easier said than done, but becoming hysterical wont help anyone, your pooch least of all.
If your dog is bleeding profusely, grab a towel and compress the wound area with it to help stop the blood flow. Next, call your veterinarian right away to let them know what the situation is and that youre coming in for emergency treatment. Carefully load your dog in the car, do your best to maintain compression on the wound, and drive your pooch to the vets office for help.
You May Like: Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics Treat
Using Neosporin On Dogs For Wound Care
Like most over-the-counter medications, humans probably use Neosporin as a force of habit, and without any real necessity. Should this knowledge impact how we approach putting Neosporin on dogs on dogs? For dogs, this is the primary use: minor scrapes and abrasions, and only after youve cleaned it beforehand with either warm water or a very simple saline solution.
Unless you have your veterinarians approval, avoid extra-strength varieties or ones with added active ingredients for pain relief. If your dog has anything more intense or involved, like a major gash, open wound, a bite from a strange dog or any other forest creature, clean the wound and seek veterinary attention. Where small wound care in dogs is concerned, Neosporin is one of the human medications that is most-frequently recommended by veterinarians as safe for use on dogs. What about other scenarios? If you notice redness, itching, or broken skin in more troubling, hard to reach or delicate spots on your dogs body, is Neosporin still safe to use?
Help My Dog Ingested Neosporin
Used as its meant to be, it is very unlikely that youll live through a disaster film plot when your dog starts licking the pea-sized drop you used. If applied in a place where a dogs tongue can easily lick it, its also unlikely to do your dog any good. In its regular-strength formula, even if a dog should somehow manage to squeeze out and ingest an entire tube, the worst youre likely to experience is temporary vomiting or diarrhea. If youre very concerned, and have $50 on you, you should call the Pet Poison Helpline.
Don’t Miss: Are There Antibiotics For Bronchitis
How To Use Neosporin On Dogs
Neosporin Alternatives For Dogs
Other topical antibacterial treatments available over the counter include silver sulfadiazine ointment, bacitracin ointment, and polysporin ointment. However, there are topical antibacterial products specifically formulated for dogs, such as Silver Honey, Vetricyn, and Sulfodene, that can be purchased over the counter at pet stores or your veterinary clinic.
These products should only be used externally on small areas of the skin and should not be used on large or deep wounds. If the scrape or cut you are treating does not improve within 24-48 hours, see your veterinarian for further care.
Over-the-counter topical products should not be used for significant injuries and are not substitutes for appropriate veterinary care. If your pet has a large or deep wound, or a skin infection over a large area of the body, then it is best to see your veterinarian.
He or she may prescribe oral antibiotics, medicated shampoos, a stronger topical ointment, or other targeted treatments to help your dog heal more quickly. For extensive or severe skin infections and wounds, a topical therapy could be used in combination with oral antibiotics.
Editorial credit for featured image: ZikG / Shutterstock.com
Read Also: What Antibiotics Do You Take For An Ear Infection
What To Do If Your Dog Licks Neosporin
If you applied a topical like Neosporin and your dog is licking it, clean the area and contact your veterinarian. Fortunately, licking Neosporin is unlikely to cause toxicity in dogs. However, your vet’s office can tell you if the wound requires veterinary attention. They can also advise you on what to do if your dog experiences GI effects from ingesting the Neosporin.
If your dog eats a large amount of Neosporin immediately contact your local vet, a pet emergency center, or a pet poison control service like ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at 764-7661. Your dog may need treatment at a veterinary hospital.
Neosporin Side Effects And Precautions In Dogs
With every medication, there is a small risk of side effects, and this includes creams too. Since Neosporin is used topically, the most common adverse reactions affect the skin and include local swelling, rashes, and hives.
Rarely, if used inadequately or irresponsibly, Neosporin can cause more severe side effects:
- Stomach upset if ingested or licked off.
- Eye irritations and infections if accidentally applied to the dogs eyes.
- Ear infections or even hearing loss if applied inside the dogs ears.
- Antibiotic-resistant infections if used too frequently.
With the side effects covered, it is time we discuss some other Neosporin products available on the market and their level of dog friendliness:
- Neosporin & Pain Relief. In addition to the triple-antibiotic formula, some Neosporin products feature an additional active ingredient for additional pain relief. It is not advisable to use such products unless instructed by the vet.
- Neosporin Spray. This product contains the same active ingredients as the cream, meaning it is safe for dogs. In fact, many pet owners find it more convenient it is easier to apply and absorbs much faster, leaving no time for accidental ingestions.
Read Also: Antibiotics That Start With C For Tooth Infection
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program
Pippa’s online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website
Watch Out For Pain Relievers In The Ointment
It is advised to use the ointment over the cream because the cream has more additives. NEVER use any type that contains painkillers as these can be similar to human NSAIDs , which can cause your pet to get sick.
Overall, Neosporin or any first aid ointment is beneficial to the superficial wounds your pet may endure but anything bigger, or certainly something looking infected should be inspected by your veterinarian. Definitely do not use any first aid ointment on suture sites UNLESS directed by your veterinarian.
For more information on how to recognize infections or other issues with your pets, take a pet first aid & CPR course, it will help teach you how to find issues with your pets and how to apply the appropriate aid.
I hope this sheds some light, it is a popular query. According to , Can you put Neosporin on a dog? ranked #8!
Jack Daniel, modeling first aid ointment Starkraven Boxers
As for a personal reference, while Neosporin is a well know brand, finding a petroleum-free wound healing alternative is always good too. I like to use Microcyn, sovereign silver or colloidal silver. They provide similar antibacterial protection and healing without the use of a petroleum base.
Read Also: How Soon Should Antibiotics Work For Uti
Can You Put Antibiotic Ointment On A Dog
Just like their owners, dogs are susceptible to minor injuries and are not immune to getting cuts, scrapes, or burns. In some instances, applying the topical, antibiotic ointment can help heal your dogs wound, but there are situations when it is not advisable or necessary to use it on your canine companion.
Can I Use Triple Antibiotic Ointment On My Dog
Triple antibiotic ointment can be used on a dog to treat and prevent mild skin infections caused by small wounds, scrapes, or burns. It is available for self-medication without a prescription. However, it is not ideal to use this product on broad wounds on the body.
Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B are the three antibiotics that make up Neosporin. They are generally safe and therapeutic when used in small amounts on pets. These antibiotics work together to eliminate bacteria on the skin and prevent infection on the surface of wounds. Neosporin has the advantage of killing any live germs on the surface and preventing them from growing. When applied to the skin, it aids in the creation of a physical barrier against bacteria, preventing them from entering the wound and thereby providing protection against infection.
Recommended: Can I Use Polysporin Eye drops For My Dog?
If your dog has a wound on any part of her body, the most important thing is to maintain cleanliness in that region. You have to wash the area and apply a small amount of Hydrogen Peroxide or chlorhexidine to it on a daily basis.
Triple antibiotic ointment is very handy especially if the wound is a small one. The main issue lies in the fact that the dog would want to lick off the triple antibiotic ointment from her boy. To clean a sore, an animals inclination is to lick it. Of course, their saliva isnt ideal for a sore but what do they know?. Its up to you to find a way to tackle the injury.
You May Like: Can You Take More Than One Antibiotic At A Time
Dosage Of Neosporin For Dogs
As always, you should consult your veterinarian for proper dosage and instructions before giving your dog medication, including Neosporin.
Even though globbing the ointment on your dogs cut might seem like a good idea, stick to a thin layer of the medication one to three times a day.
If your dog is prone to licking wounds, you can wrap the cut in a bandage after applying the ointment. If your dogs abrasion becomes red, itchy, or looks infected after application, then contact your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Is Neosporin Safe For Pets
Yes, it is OK to use Neosporin on your dog with veterinarian approval, but we do not recommend using it on cats.
After receiving some veterinarian feedback, we have restricted our recommendation to dogs only, as there have been reports of cats having life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to the antibiotic ingredients in Neosporin . For that reason, we do not recommend using Neosporin on a cat.
Read Also: Best Antibiotic For Kidney Stones
Is Neosporin Safe For Dogs Minor Wound Care For Your Pup
Plenty of things might cause minor cuts and scrapes on your dog: Rooting through dense brush, stepping on a sharp stone, or getting whacked by the family cat, for example. When humans experience minor scrapes, we tend to use Neosporin to prevent infection. Neosporin is a brand-name antibiotic ointment that is found in almost every household, and its perfectly safe for humans. But is Neosporin safe for dogs?
When your dog has a minor wound on its body or face, you might think of reaching for that Neosporin tube and applying a bit to the wound site. Its important to make a few considerations before you do, though. Remember: Neosporin is a product made for humans, not dogs.
Is Neosporin safe to use on your pup? Read on for a closer look at Neosporin and its ingredients.
Applying Triple Antibiotic Ointment
After you have removed the pressure dressing, cleanse the area around the wound with a surgical scrub solution such as Betadine or Nolvasan. Because both solutions are very irritating to tissues, please do not allow the solution to get into the wound. You must dilute the Betadine solution to a weak tea color and the Nolvasan should be diluted to a pale blue color. You should also clip the hairs around the wound to prevent them from sticking to it after the antibiotic has been administered. The best triple antibiotic to use is the topical antibiotic ointment called triple antibiotic.
According to product manufacturers, Triple Antibiotic Ointment is a combination of three antibiotic medicines including Bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B. It is used to treat bacterial infections caused by cuts as well as scrapes and burns on the skin of cats and dogs. Other common antibiotics for wounds on dogs include a mixture of chlorhexidine and Betadine, Furacin and 1 percent Silvadene cream.
After you have applied the triple antibiotic ointment or other antibiotic, you may leave the wound open or bandaged depending on the location and other factors. Head and upper body wounds are typically left open to help facilitate treatment. These wounds are tougher to bandage as well, so they do not benefit greatly from being covered. Wounds of the extremities are typically covered to protect them from dirt and contaminants. Covering wounds of the extremities also:
- Restricts movement
Also Check: How Much Do Antibiotics Cost For Uti
Uses Of Neosporin For Dogs
Many people have a tube of Neosporin in their medicine cabinets for their own minor cuts and burns, which is why it makes sense that many dog parents wonder if they can use the same ointment for their pups.
As long as your dogs cut, scrape, or burn is minor, meaning it doesnt require stitches or a compress to stop bleeding, a thin layer of Neosporin can act as a barricade and help keep your dogs wound from becoming infected by bacteria.
Like with humans, Neosporin should only be used as a topical medication for dogs. Avoid your dogs eyes, the inside of their ears, and mouth area when applying the ointment to prevent irritation.
You can buy Neosporin here, but as mentioned, you must ask your vet before applying it to your dog.
Microcynah Wound And Skin Care Hydrogel
The spray gel formula is made for easy application and bacterial control on minor abrasions, irritations, hot spots, and cuts. It claims to reduce healing times by up to 60%.
Its free of alcohol, steroids, and antibiotics, so its even safe to use on post-surgical sites, and will not be harmful if your dog licks the wound after application. Furthermore, it is pH neutral, so it does not sting on an open wound.
Don’t Miss: How Have Antibiotics Changed Society
How To Properly Apply Triple Antibiotic Ointment
If your vet gives the go-ahead, you need to clean the wounded area. You can use warm water or a saline solution and pat the area dry. Then, apply a thin layer of the ointment. To avoid him licking the medicine, you can use a bandage. Just be careful that its placed correctly. A poorly placed tourniquet can restrict blood flow and can be harmful. If youre unsure, you can use an e-collar. Dont worry he wont be wearing it for a long time.