Introduction
Many dog owners have a tube of Neosporin in their medicine cabinet. Neosporin is an over-the-counter topical antibiotic cream marketed for treating minor cuts, burns, and scrapes in humans. It contains three antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin), which help fight off infection caused by bacteria.
Dog owners may be inclined to reach for the Neosporin when their canine companion suffers a minor wound like a cut paw pad or scrape. Using a product they already have on hand seems easier than calling the veterinarian for an appointment. However, is it safe to use Neosporin on dogs? The short answer is yes, but there are some caveats and precautions to consider.
What is Neosporin?
Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment produced by Neosporin that contains three antibiotic ingredients – Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B. It is an over-the-counter topical ointment commonly used to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. The ointment works by preventing bacterial growth in the wound and protecting against possible infections. Neosporin helps keep the wound moist and promotes healing. It was originally developed in the 1950s and has become a popular first-aid antibiotic ointment to treat minor wounds. Neosporin is available in first-aid sections of most pharmacies and retail stores without a prescription.
Is Neosporin Safe for Dogs?
Neosporin is generally safe to use on dogs in small amounts and for minor cuts and abrasions. However, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of when using Neosporin on your dog:
Allergic Reactions – Some dogs may be allergic to Neosporin, especially if they have sensitivities to certain ingredients like neomycin or bacitracin. Reactions can include redness, itching, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Ingestion and Poisoning – If dogs lick and ingest Neosporin it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach. In large amounts it may also cause neurological issues like ataxia, paralysis or seizures. Make sure to limit licking.
Skin Irritation – Neosporin and other antibacterial ointments keep wounds moist, which helps healing. However, leaving it on for too long or applying too much can lead to itching, redness, rashes or chemical burns.
Delayed Healing – The petroleum base in Neosporin can clog pores and hair follicles if used excessively or for long periods. This can potentially lead to infections and delayed healing.
Using small amounts of Neosporin for minor cuts or scrapes is usually fine, but avoid using it excessively or for larger, deeper or heavily contaminated wounds. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about using Neosporin on your dog.
Alternatives to Neosporin for Dogs
While Neosporin is generally safe for dogs, there are some alternatives that can be used as well. Here are some ointments that are formulated specifically for dogs and safe to use:
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Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Gel – This antibiotic, steroid-free ointment can be used on dogs for wound care. It contains hypochlorous acid which cleans wounds and promotes healing.
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Animax Ointment – Contains antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory ingredients to treat skin infections, hot spots, ringworm, scratches, and itchy skin on dogs.
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genesis Topical Spray – This hypoallergenic spray can be used to clean and treat minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and skin irritation on dogs.
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Triple Antibiotic Ointment – Some pet-safe triple antibiotic ointments are available which contain two antibiotics (neomycin and polymyxin B) along with bacitracin to prevent infections.
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Bag Balm – Contains lanolin and petroleum jelly to soothe minor skin irritations, dry skin, cracked paws, and surface wounds on dogs.
Always check with your veterinarian before using any new medication or ointment on your dog. Monitor your dog closely with any topical medication to ensure they do not lick or ingest it.
When to Use Neosporin on Dogs
Neosporin can be used on dogs for minor cuts, scrapes, or abrasions when recommended by your veterinarian. Vets typically advise using Neosporin on dogs in the following cases:
– Minor cuts and scrapes on your dog’s skin to prevent infection and promote healing. Apply a small amount of Neosporin directly to the wound.
– Minor abrasions or road rash caused by activities like running or hiking. The antibiotic ointment helps prevent infection in scraped or raw skin.
– Superficial wounds like punctures or lacerations. Apply Neosporin to the cleaned wound to keep it free of bacteria.
– Areas of broken skin or hot spots prone to infection. Consult your vet first and limit use to only a few days.
– Burns, either thermal or chemical. The ointment provides a protective barrier against dirt and germs.
– Post-surgical incisions or spay/neuter wounds. Use minimally and only under veterinary guidance.
In most cases, Neosporin should only be used for a maximum of 5 days on small wounds. Seek veterinary care if the wound doesn’t start healing within a few days. Never apply Neosporin to an open wound without checking with your vet first.
How to Apply Neosporin to Dogs
When applying Neosporin to minor cuts, scrapes or hot spots on your dog, it’s important to follow some basic guidelines to ensure proper dosage and application.
First, always check the expiration date and make sure you are using Neosporin designed for use on dogs. Human antibiotic ointments like regular Neosporin are not recommended.
Before applying the ointment, clean the affected area thoroughly with a gentle pet-safe cleanser and pat dry. This removes dirt or debris that could cause further infection.
Apply a very thin layer of Neosporin using your finger or a cotton swab. Do not slather it on. Using too much can lead to the dog licking off excess ointment, potentially causing an upset stomach.
Dosage depends on the size of the wound and your dog’s body weight. For small cuts, a pea-sized amount is usually adequate. Monitor the wound after application and reapply sparingly if needed.
Do not apply Neosporin to an open wound more than 3 times a day. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for proper dosage instructions.
Always keep the ointment out of your dog’s reach to prevent ingestion. Also monitor your dog closely after application to ensure they do not lick off the ointment.
Contact your vet if the wound does not seem to be healing properly or gets worse.
Signs of Neosporin Poisoning
Neosporin is generally safe to use on dogs in small amounts. However, some dogs may experience side effects or toxicity if they ingest moderate to large amounts of Neosporin. Some signs that may indicate Neosporin poisoning in dogs include:
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Incoordination or unsteadiness
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
These symptoms tend to occur within a few hours of a dog ingesting a toxic amount of Neosporin. The most common ingredient in Neosporin that causes issues is neomycin sulfate, an antibiotic that can cause gastrointestinal and neurological side effects at high doses. If you notice any of these signs after your dog ingests Neosporin, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control right away.
What to Do if Your Dog Ingests Neosporin
If your dog ingests Neosporin, it should be treated as a medical emergency. Neosporin contains the compounds neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin B. These ingredients can be toxic to dogs if consumed orally and absorbed in large enough quantities. Immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice.
Your veterinarian may advise you to induce vomiting at home by giving your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide based on his weight. Recommended dosages are 1 teaspoon per 5-10 pounds of body weight given orally with a syringe or turkey baster. Never induce vomiting without consulting a vet first.
Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible, even if he seems fine. He may need additional treatments like activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins or IV fluids to help flush out his system. Your vet can also run bloodwork to check for signs of kidney or liver damage from the Neosporin.
Be prepared to provide details about the type and amount of Neosporin ingested and when it happened. Bring the Neosporin tube with you to the vet. The sooner the ingestion is treated, the better the prognosis for your dog.
With prompt veterinary care, most dogs fully recover from Neosporin poisoning, but only if it’s addressed quickly. Never wait and see if your dog seems OK after ingesting Neosporin. The toxins can build up in his system and cause severe, delayed reactions. Always contact your vet or poison control right away.
Preventing Dogs from Licking Neosporin
While Neosporin is generally safe for dogs, you’ll want to take precautions to prevent your dog from excessively licking the ointment.
Here are some tips to stop dogs from licking Neosporin:
- Use a cone collar or donut collar to prevent licking. This is the most effective way to stop your dog from licking any area treated with Neosporin.
- Apply a bad taste deterrent over the Neosporin. There are commercial bitter apple sprays or you can use cayenne pepper powder.
- Distract your dog with toys, treats or activities while the Neosporin is drying.
- Put socks over your dog’s feet if the ointment is applied to the paws.
- Monitor your dog closely until the Neosporin is fully dried and absorbed into the skin.
- Ask your vet about using an Elizabethan collar if your dog is obsessed with licking the ointment.
- Reward and praise your dog when they leave the Neosporin alone.
Consult with your veterinarian if your dog continues to excessively lick areas treated with Neosporin. They can help determine if there’s an underlying issue causing the behavior.
Conclusion
While Neosporin can potentially be safe to use on dogs’ skin, it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a veterinarian. Use pet-safe alternatives when possible, like veterinary wound sprays or ointments. Only apply small amounts of Neosporin to superficial wounds, never let your dog ingest it, and always monitor for adverse reactions. You should wash off the Neosporin once the area has begun healing to prevent your dog from licking it. Neosporin can help treat minor cuts and abrasions in dogs, but only when used properly. If ingested, Neosporin can cause poisoning and may require immediate veterinary treatment. Overall, use care when deciding whether to apply Neosporin to your dog, and consult your vet if you have any concerns.