Minor cuts and scrapes on your dog could result from a variety of situations, including sifting through thick brush, stepping on a sharp stone, or getting smacked by the household cat. Humans typically use Neosporin to prevent infection from minor scrapes. Nearly every home contains the brand-name antibiotic ointment Neosporin, which is completely safe for use on people. But is Neosporin safe for dogs?.
You might consider using that Neosporin tube to apply a little to the area of your dog’s minor wound on its body or face. However, it’s important to think about a few things first. Remember: Neosporin is a product made for humans, not dogs.
Continue reading to learn more about Neosporin and its components, including whether it is safe to use on your dog.
Can You Use Neosporin on Your Dog?
Like humans, dogs can also use neosporin topically to treat minor cuts and scrapes. However, it is best to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter drugs meant for humans. A thin layer applied to the affected area may aid in the prevention of infection and promote quicker wound healing. It can’t be used anywhere else on the dog’s body where he can lick it off. Dogs shouldn’t eat neosporin because it can have unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects if they do. Since you can’t completely stop your dog from licking it off, you might want to think about a substitute for dog Neosporin. Never use Neosporin in the ears, eyes, or mouth.
In an emergency, neosporin may be useful to have on hand. However, it shouldn’t be used frequently and is not intended for pets. More appropriate products exist specifically for pets. It shouldn’t be applied to large areas of the body or used to treat large or deep wounds. In contrast to being treated at home, your dog should be seen by a veterinarian if the cut or scrape is swollen, red, painful, or has discharge. Additionally, if your pet’s cut does not heal after using Neosporin for a few days, you should consult a veterinarian.
Three antibiotics—neomycin sulfate, polymixin B sulfate, and bacitracin zinc—are present in the ointment, which is typically made of a petroleum base. These antibiotics make the ointment effective against many common bacteria. However, they won’t deal with other infectious diseases like parasites, fungi, or viruses. Neosporin is an over-the-counter medication, so the FDA does not examine or control it.
Can You Put Neosporin on a Dog?
Neosporin is generally regarded as safe to use on dogs when applied properly, and the same is true of topical triple antibiotic medications in general. But there are a few caveats.
Any topical that is put on a dog will make it lick the area. So, if you give your dog Neosporin, it’s likely that they will lick the medication off and ingest it.
Ingesting Neosporin can be problematic. In fact, dogs’ hearing loss has been linked to injectable neomycin. Even though licking a tiny bit of the drug might not be harmful, it might not be worth the risk. Additionally, taking antibiotics may disturb the microbiome, or the balance of bacteria in the dog’s gut, which may result in diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems. Neosporin has a small amount of active ingredients, so your dog won’t likely get hurt if they lick some of it. However, regular use can lead to GI upset.
Licking wounds can irritate them and introduce bacteria, which slows healing and increases the risk of infection. A cone-shaped Elizabethan collar, also known as an Elizabethan collar, can stop licking.
Your dog may also experience an allergic reaction to products like Neosporin. The dogs may develop a rash, hives, or facial swelling. Although anaphylaxis is a rare reaction, it is serious and necessitates prompt veterinary care.
The general consensus is that topical medications like Neosporin don’t really help dogs with minor wounds. As long as the dog doesn’t lick the area, many veterinarians find that minor wounds heal without the need for topical medications. Instead of using products like Neosporin unless your veterinarian specifically advises it, it is best to clean the wound and call your veterinarian for advice.
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Dog infections can also be effectively treated with neomycin, but it has potential side effects. When administered intravenously, the antibiotic has been linked to hearing loss that can range from muddled hearing to total deafness. These hearing changes in the dogs affected by them were all long-lasting.
No, it would be virtually impossible for your dog to lose their hearing from having a small dab of Neosporin applied to their skin. However, it should still cause dog owners to pause before administering a human medication to their canine companions.
FAQ
Does human antibiotic cream work on dogs?
Neosporin typically has a petroleum base and contains three antibiotics: neomycin sulfate, polymixin B sulfate, and bacitracin zinc. When applied to people, these antibiotics can aid in the prevention of infections and quicken the healing process. The same holds true for dog scratches and cuts.
Can I use triple antibiotic ointment on my dog?
Triple Antibiotic is a great ointment. You can use it on your pets. It’s safe. It’s a great way to clean and protect the wound.
Can you use human wound cream on dogs?
For very minor cuts and scrapes, Neosporin is safe to use on your dog. It can help prevent bacterial infections and stop your dog from licking, biting, or scratching the wound area while it heals. Your dog should be fine as long as you watch out for licking after you apply the ointment.
What wound cream can I use on my dog?
Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound. There are numerous options for triple antibiotic ointments that contain bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. AVOID any product that contains a corticosteroid like hydrocortisone.