Since the 1950s, when Neosporin was created, mothers have been applying it to their children’s grazed knees and elbows. Therefore, you might consider using it for your dog if he sustains a minor cut or scrape.
It’s just a little bit of ointment to prevent the wound from becoming infected, so what could possibly go wrong?
It turns out that Neosporin is much worse than you’d think after researching its ingredients.
Neosporin should never be applied to dogs. Numerous issues may arise, not only for the planet but also for your dog!
So, given below are some details on why you should refrain from giving Neosporin to your dog, along with some natural, risk-free alternatives.
Note: Polysporin, a comparable product, is no longer available in the US. It’s available in other countries (including Canada). We’ll mention that as well where it’s relevant.
Neosporin is a triple antibiotic first aid ointment. It aids in the prevention of infection in minor skin burns, scrapes, and cuts. Since it only combats bacteria, it is ineffective against viral or fungus infections.
Neosporin has three main ingredients. Each of them has some unsettling side effects that I want to discuss with you.
Neomycin is a topical and oral antibiotic. It functions orally by preventing the development of bacteria in the intestines.
There are known cases of neomycin causing loss of hearing. Neomycin can also damage the kidneys. Regular testing of kidney, nerve, and muscle function is required for people taking the oral medication.
Other frequent side effects include mouth and rectal soreness or irritability. And there’s a long list of more unusual side effects. These include digestive issues, weakness, difficulty breathing,.
Therefore, why bring up the adverse effects of an oral medication when we’re discussing a topical remedy?
Well, we’re talking about dogs here. Additionally, if you apply Neosporin cream to a dog, he will probably lick it. What was previously a topical medication for him now becomes an oral one. The oral side effects are more severe than those from the topical medication.
And the topical medicine can also be harmful. Wound irrigation with neomycin can cause kidney failure. And topical neomycin can also cause hearing loss. These are serious side effects!.
Neomycin can also harm unborn fetuses in pregnancy. And it’s not safe to use with some other drugs.
It’s best known as an injectable antibiotic. It treats meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis and urinary tract infections.
It can cause serious kidney and nerve problems. And it can interact badly with many other drugs. Those include neomycin and bacitracin, the other ingredients in Neosporin!.
However, there’s always a chance that your dog could lick the medication off of his skin. Once more, these are issues with the internal medication.
Using it topically can result in allergic contact dermatitis, which is characterized by burning, redness, skin irritability, and “hair bumps” (foliculitis).
Additionally, just like neomycin, another component of Neosporin, the topical medication can impair balance and cause hearing loss. You wouldn’t anticipate these side effects from applying a little cream to your skin, but they do occur!
Long-term polymyxin B use may also result in a fungal infection or another bacterial infection.
This is another injectable drug. It treats staph infections and pneumonia in infants. Because it is harmful to the kidneys, babies taking this medication must have daily kidney function tests.
In fact, the FDA requested that all manufacturers remove their products from the market in February 2020 because this drug is so dangerous. The ban doesn’t include topical or ophthalmic products with bacitracin. Licking Bacitracin could seriously harm your dog, but what if he licks Neosporin off his skin?
The use of topical bacitracin is prohibited near the mouth, nose, and eyes, as well as when administered topically. That’s not surprising, considering the injectable drug is so risky.
However, even topical application can have fatal consequences. One study of contact dermatitis from bacitracin concluded:
Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction that can cause death. Anaphylactic shock was immediately experienced by a patient after applying bacitracin ointment to his foot, according to one case study. Five minutes later, the EMTs found him unconscious and without a pulse. (He survived after being resuscitated at the hospital. ).
And there are numerous additional instances of anaphylaxis caused by bacitracin. Other minor side effects include rash or other allergic reactions, as well as skin irritation.
The ingredients in Neosporin (and Polysporin) have frightening side effects. You should definitely think twice before using it on your dog in light of them. or yourself, for that matter.
Your veterinarian may have advised you to use Neosporin on your dog occasionally and sparingly. But other veterinarians (even traditional ones) caution that the medication is only authorized for use in humans, not dogs.
The relationship between Neosporin and hearing loss should be avoided. Additionally, veterinarians caution that licking it could have more serious side effects. In addition to the previously mentioned dangers, it might harm the gut flora of your dog.
If you nonetheless believe that applying this ointment to your dog is of no consequence, keep reading for some more serious issues.
There are some other compelling reasons not to use any type of topical antibiotic on your dog, just in case the dangers of the Neosporin ingredients aren’t enough to deter you.
Your dog’s gut microbiome may be familiar to you. His digestive tract contains trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The immune system and general health of your dog are significantly influenced by the gut microbiome. Because of this, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced and healthy gut microbiome in your dog.
The skin is the largest organ, but did you know that your dog also has a microbiome on his skin? Through the digestive, immune, nervous, and immune systems as well as the organs (such as the kidney and liver), it communicates with the rest of the body.
The skin’s main role is obvious. It creates a barrier between your dog’s other internal organs and environmental factors. The skin serves as a barrier to keep the body free from parasites, pollution, and infections.
But it’s not just a physical barrier. A big part of its function is invisible. The skin is home to both good and bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi, similar to the gut. Additionally, these microbes provide your dog with an additional layer of defense.
When skin bacteria are in balance, they guard against skin infections. Similar to how gut bacteria defend the internal organs from pathogens Good bacteria on the skin help heal wounds, combat allergens. They even slow the aging (oxidation) process.
Neosporin, an antibiotic ointment, kills these skin bacteria in the same way that oral antibiotics do in the gut.
Antibiotics kill bacteria indiscriminately. They destroy the good bacteria along with the bad. Consequently, your dog’s natural defense mechanism against infection is destroyed. And sometimes that destruction is permanent.
Therefore, any temporary benefits of Neosporin in preventing wound infection could eventually lead to the destruction of your dog’s skin microbiome. That implies that in the future, your dog will be more prone to skin infections.
Through overuse of antibiotics, we’re developing antibiotic-resistant bugs. And this isn’t just about oral antibiotic medications. According to research, topical antibiotics are also starting to lose their effectiveness against multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).
Ointments like Neosporin and Polysporin may play a role in the development of the extremely dangerous MRSA strain USA300, according to a 2011 study.
A MRSA strain called USA300 is very prevalent in the US. It not only produces deep, pus-filled sores but is also resistant to all antibiotics. This infection can spread to the blood, lungs, and other organs, making it extremely dangerous. Additionally, it prevents the body from producing white blood cells, which fight infections. Hospitalizations for USA300 strains tripled between 2004 and 2008.
Drug companies aren’t creating new antibiotics, and the number of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics is continuously rising. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria don’t respond to treatment. And that means serious infections can’t be healed.
Never use antibiotics carelessly, that is, never use antibiotics if there is a better option available. And there are many natural alternatives to Neosporin.
Well … millions of people rely on it. However, one study discovered that Polymyxin and Bacitracin, two of its ingredients, did not eliminate Staphylococcus aureus and E coli bacteria in vitro.
UC Davis professor Patrick S. Romano, MD, commented on the study (mentioned above) that suggested Neosporin and Polysporin may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Romano explained that moisture helps cuts and scrapes heal faster. This suggests that other topicals that aren’t antibiotics might work just as well. (Read on for a few suggestions. ).
But first, the Neosporin brand covers a variety of products. So here are a few Neosporin “relatives. ”.
Neosporin antibiotic cream has some cousins you should also avoid. Here are a few of them, along with links to articles that offer natural substitutes for these items.
With the addition of pramoxine, the same ingredients found in Neosporin are combined with pain relief. Pramoxine is a numbing/anesthetic medicine. Its side effects include local burning, stinging, pain and redness.
One 22 year-old man used this product on his leg. He immediately developed severe flushing, itching and lip swelling. He was discovered by EMS with a rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure. He needed epinephrine at the hospital before he recovered. He had previously used regular Neosporin without experiencing any side effects, so pramoxine was probably to blame.
Neosporin Anti-Itch This cream contains 1% hydrocortisone. A steroidal cream called hydrocortisone is used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. But it’s best to keep your dog away from any steroid products. Steroids work by suppressing your dog’s immune system. So they can cause long-lasting damage to your dog’s health. The negative side effects of this product are numerous, and include skin rashes and other issues, hair loss, high blood sugar, cataracts of the eyes, glaucoma, headaches, skin ulcers, and adrenal issues like Cushing’s disease.
Neosporin Ophthalmic This medicine treats eye infections like conjunctivitis. It contains neomycin and polymyxin B as well as gramicidin. Gramicidin is a potent antibiotic. Due to its hemolytic effects, which result in the destruction of red blood cells and anemia, it should only be applied topically. Eye pain, redness, itching, crusting, drainage, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are examples of side effects.
Neosporin Wound Cleanser his contains benzalkonium chloride. This product comes with a ton of warnings, so I wouldn’t even consider using it. It’s not safe while pregnant or nursing. Aside from that, it can result in allergic reactions like hives, peeling skin, itching, swelling, blistering, difficulty breathing or swallowing, as well as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Ugh!.
The antibiotic ointment is the most common Neosporin product. However, there are a lot of better options available for your dog’s minor injuries or abrasions. All of these are natural, and if your dog licks them, none of them will hurt him.
Calendula tea or tincture can be used to clean cuts or treat hot spots. To help with itching, pain, and healing, dab the liquid on the wound or irritated area with a cotton ball several times each day.
Cuts, scrapes, burns, or insect bites can be soothed and healed with calendula cream, ointment, or salve. Apply it regularly (just like you would use Neosporin!).
You can buy calendula products at health stores. Or you can make your own salve using this recipe.
Manuka honey has proven antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. In fact, studies indicate that it can even help to control MRSA, one of those bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. That makes Manuka honey a powerful and safe natural substance!.
Spread Manuka honey on scrapes, cuts and puncture wounds. Manuka honey and other healing ingredients can be found in wound care products.
Because it grows everywhere, plantain is a very helpful herb to use for minor skin injuries. So it’s great for emergency wound care. If your dog sustains a cut or scrape while hiking, look for it!
Chew up some plantain leaves and apply them to your dog’s wound. Simple as that!.
You already know that feeding your dog garlic has many health benefits. But it can also be an effective over-the-counter treatment for scrapes and cuts.
To use it, simply take one or two raw cloves of garlic. Chop or crush it to release the allicin. That’s the healing substance in garlic. Place it in a jar with a few tablespoons of virgin olive oil after letting it stand for a few minutes. Apply the solution with a cotton ball after giving it a vigorous shake.
Keep the mixture refrigerated and make a new batch daily. The allicin won’t be effective after 8-12 hours.
Apply tincture to a cotton ball or washcloth and dab it on bites, cuts, and grazes to disinfect them. Apply it directly to the area 3 times a day.
There are numerous therapeutic uses for ozone-infused olive oil (or other oils). Research shows wounds heal faster with topical O3 oil.
It’s available at many health stores as well as online. Buy an O3 salve in a dark glass jar. Apply to the affected area 2-3 times a day. Rubbing the oil into the skin helps with absorption.
There are numerous organic herbal salves that promote wound healing. You can find many other effective herbal salves at health stores, and a full spectrum hemp salve can help heal many different types of wounds and sores, even tumors. In case your dog licks the product you purchase, make sure it is safe for dogs.
Follow the label’s instructions, but generally speaking, you can apply these salves two to three times daily to hasten healing.
Clay comes in a variety of forms that can aid in healing. These include Bentonite, Montmorillonite, Illite or Redmond clays. Clay can help stop bleeding and prevent scabs from forming. It will aid in healing an oozy wound, ward off infection, and stop itching.
You can sprinkle dry clay directly on a wound. Every day or as needed, gently wash the powder off and reapply a fresh coating.
If none of these remedies are in your medicine cabinets, sugar is almost certainly present. And that’s great for emergency first aid. Yes, good old granulated table sugar!.
Research shows sugar has some amazing anti-bacterial effects. A study even revealed that topical sugar prevented the growth of MRSA/Staphylococcus bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
Most likely, you should use a sugar-coated bandage to prevent your dog from licking it. Sugar isn’t really a healthy snack, even though it probably won’t hurt him!
To use, apply some granulated sugar to the wound and cover it with a bandage. The granules soak up moisture and stop bacteria from growing.
So, now that you are aware of all the natural substitutes, you can discard the Neosporin. You don’t need it, and I’m sure you’ll agree that the risk to your family or dog isn’t worth it.
Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity after irrigation of wounds with neomycin, according to Manuel MA et al Can J Surg. 1979 May;22(3):274-7.
Vattimo Mde F et al. Polymyxin B Nephrotoxicity: From Organ to Cell Damage. PLoS One. 2016 Aug 17;11(8):e0161057.
Falagas, M. E. et al. A systematic review of the data from both historical and recent studies on the toxicity of polymyxins Crit Care 10, R27 (2006).
Goswami K, et al. No Benefit for Bacterial Killing in Vitro Is Provided by Polymyxin and Bacitracin in the Irrigation Solution J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2019 Sep 18;101(18):1689-1697.
Jacob SE, James WD. From road rash to top allergen in a flash: bacitracin. Dermatol Surg. 2004 Apr;30(4 Pt 1):521-4.
Lin FL et al. Near-fatal anaphylaxis to topical bacitracin ointment. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Vol 101,Jan 1998.
Alice N. Neely, PhD et al. Journal of Burn Care & Research, Volume 30, Issue 1, January-February 2009, Pages 19-29, “Are Topical Antimicrobials Effective Against Bacteria That are Highly Resistant to Systemic Antibiotics?”
Jenkins R et al. Manuka honey inhibits cell division in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2011 Nov;66(11):2536-42.
Kim HS et al. Topical ozone application has therapeutic effects on the healing of acute cutaneous wounds. J Korean Med Sci. 2009;24(3):368-374.
Murandu M et al. A pilot study on the use of granulated sugar therapy for the treatment of sloughy or necrotic wounds J Wound Care. 2011 May;20(5):206, 208, 210.
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Is Neosporin safe for dogs’ eyes, ears or paws?
For instance, what if you spot some green mucus gathering in the corner of your dog’s eye, the telling sign of an eye infection? Reach for plain saline solution and a cotton ball first, not the Neosporin. Many dog eye infections are caused by irritants that get trapped in the corner of the eye or under an eyelid. In dogs, medicated cream can be both an irritant and an allergen; using it can make your dog’s eyes worse. Do not use your topical antibiotic in or on your dog’s eyes unless you have your vet’s approval!
Environmental allergens, such as plant sensitivity or parasite bites, an excessive amount of hair in a dog’s ear canal, or trapped water are the usual causes of dog ear infections. Prior to attempting to treat any secondary bruising or infection that results, you must first treat the underlying cause. Dogster provides excellent guidance on how to clean your dog’s ears without using any complicated human medication.
The paw pads on a dog’s feet are different from the skin on the rest of their body because they are made of collagen, keratin, and adipose. Like a dog’s ears, before applying salve to a wound or injury, you must determine whether it has an external cause, such as a splinter. Even a thin coat of Neosporin will require several steps because dog tongues frequently come into contact with any problematic areas they can access, including routine washing and bandaging.
First, what is Neosporin? How does it work?
In its standard, regular-strength formula, Neosporin is the brand-name for a common over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment. Why “triple” as a descriptor? Because it contains three antibiotic agents: Bacitracin, Neomycin and Polymyxin B. All three of these antibiotics are touted for their ability to prevent infection caused specifically by bacteria. Since it was first sold in the 1950s, the brand itself has become a byword where small injuries are concerned.
As a topical cream, Neosporin is meant to prevent minor cuts, scrapes and wounds on the skin from being exacerbated by bacterial infection. It is also supposed to speed healing in broken skin. Studies have shown that, as an antibacterial agent, there is actually very little difference in infection prevention or healing speed if an abrasion is cleaned immediately than when it is treated with Neosporin. It also has no effect on infections caused by other foreign agents, such as a fungus or a virus.
Will a dog eye infection go away on its own?
In many instances, an eye infection in your dog won’t go away without treatment. Additionally, it might be hurting them, which is something no dog owner wants for their pet.
FAQ
What can I put on my dog’s irritated eye?
You can use saline eye drops to effectively remove any irritants from a dog’s eye. These drops won’t hurt and might offer your dog’s inflamed eye some momentary relief. You can get saline eye drops from a pharmacy, online, or a pet store, and you should gently squirt them into your dog’s eye.
Can I use triple antibiotic ointment on my dog’s eye?
The FDA has approved Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic for use in dogs and cats. It is a sterile eye ointment that can only be obtained with a prescription. Three to four times a day, a thin film of the sterile ointment is typically applied to the eye.
What eye ointment is safe for dogs?
A prescription antibiotic eye ointment called erythromycin is used to treat various bacterial eye infections and conditions in dogs and cats.
Can Neosporin be used for eye infections?
An antibiotic eye drop called Neosporin Ophthalmic Solution is used to treat eye infections like pink eye or eyelid inflammation. It is typically used several times daily for seven to ten days, and occasionally it can cause eye irritation or redness.