All of us have witnessed our dogs sliding their butts across the carpet (typically when we have visitors). Although it may be embarrassing for us, our dogs find it upsetting and painful. It’s expected that the majority of people will presume the dog has hemorrhoids and wonder whether it’s safe to apply hemorrhoid cream to a dog.
But before you do that, keep in mind that it’s possible your dog has another condition. It might just be a persistent itch or swollen anal glands. Applying the wrong treatment without a diagnosis could be harmful to your dog’s health.
I do not advise using hemorrhoid cream on a dog due to that risk and the fact that human medications should never be administered to canines. Your dog might lick it, or it might aggravate them further.
Not all hemorrhoid creams are made equal. While some are made of organic components and won’t harm your dog in small doses, others are made of inorganic components and may cause digestive issues.
How do I treat my dog’s hemorrhoids?
Given time, haemorrhoids may go away on their own. The main goal is to keep your dog from straining due to constipation. Drinking lots of water and including more fiber in your diet will help. Any additional medications must be taken as prescribed by a veterinarian. These medications may include anti-inflammatories. Haemorrhoids may occasionally need to be surgically removed, but this is uncommon.
But is Preparation H safe for dogs?
The standard treatment for hemorrhoids in humans is preparation H, but how does it fare when applied to our canine friends? Is it toxic to them?
The short answer is that preparation is safe to use on dogs and can do so in the same way that it is safe to use on humans.
To begin with, Dolores Animal Hospital approves its use on dogs by listing it as one of the human medications that work for both humans and pets.
Secondly, some versions of Preparation H use hydrocortisone as their main active ingredient, and Drugs.com approves the use of hydrocortisone on dogs, cats, and horses.
South Bay Veterinary Clinic also supports the use of Preparation H on dogs. According to this article published on their site, these vets say that “if your pet has really irritated himself and her rectal area is reddened or inflamed, you can always opt for Preparation H to soothe the area allowing the animal to be more comfortable.”
Is Preparation H safe for dogs?
Dogs: 2-4 tsp per 5 lb every 6 hours. Cats: 1/2-1 tsp once a day. Preparation H — For sore anal area. Dogs: Apply up to 4 times daily.
FAQ
What can you use for hemorrhoids on a dog?
Adding 1 to 3 tablespoons of canned pumpkin might help, or you could switch your dog to a therapeutic diet designed with extra fiber for this condition. Talk with your veterinarian about product recommendations.
Can you use hemorrhoid medicine on dogs?
Most of the time, you can apply hydrocortisone cream to your dog. Like in people, it helps treat canine bug bites, mild rashes, and itchy skin.
Can human hydrocortisone cream be used on dogs?
You can apply a variety of creams to a dog’s sore bum. These include topical ointments that can be used to treat itchy bottoms in dogs, such as zinc cream, castor oil cream, Neosporin, hydrocortisone cream, or Sudocrem.