Can You Use Neosporin on Dogs? When humans cut their finger or scrape their knee, it is cleaned out and an antibiotic ointment is applied to prevent infection. Dogs are just as susceptible to getting wounds such as cuts, scrapes, and abrasions. Is it safe for you to use Neosporin on dogs to prevent infection?
One common brand of antibiotic ointment that is sold in grocery stores and drug stores is Neosporin. In this article, the focus is on the safety of specific topical antibiotics that are combined in this brand of first aid ointment.
Can you use Neosporin on dogs? Although the main topic will specifically answer the question, is it safe to use Neosporin on dogs, it is also beneficial to know basic wound care for your canine companion.
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What is Neosporin?
Neosporin is a brand name known for their topical triple antibiotic first aid ointment. It is a common ointment found in household first aid supplies. Can you use Neosporin on dogs? Neosporin products do not require a prescription from a doctor and can be purchased over the counter. Their products are specifically formulated and marketed to be use on humans.
Can you use Neosporin on dogs? The Neosporin first aid ointment consists of three specific types of antibiotics; bacitracin, polymyxin B, and neomycin. One of the antibiotics used in the ointment can have side effects in dogs including the loss of hearing. The triple antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria that could lead to infections from cuts and scrapes on the skin.
Neosporin would not be effective for wounds that involve foreign objects, viruses, or fungi. It is intended to be used in small quantities on cuts and applied frequently to prevent mild infections.
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Can You Use Neosporin on Dogs?
It is important to keep a canine first aid kit on hand in your home and vehicle, especially if you travel with your dog. People that hike with their dog like to pack along a kit that is specifically designed for their canine hiking partner. Should they include Neosporin?
Before using any topical ointments on your dog, always ask your veterinarian. It might be okay to use if there is no chance of your dog ingesting any of the ointment. However, it is not considered the safest or best first aid ointment to use on dog wounds.
Can you use Neosporin on dogs? Though Neosporin is safe for humans, the manufacturer does not state anywhere on their website that it is suitable to use on dogs.
Before using, consult the phone number on the back of the box.
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Canine First Aid – Basic Wound Care
Should dog owners use Neosporin on dogs? We know that is okay to use this ointment but not the safest product to use on dog wounds such as cuts and scrapes. Dog owners know it is possible for active dogs to get minor cuts, scrapes, or even puncture wounds.
Dog owners can take a basic canine first aid course to know how to care for their dog in an emergency. The American Red Cross offers a First Aid Course for Dog Owners. When necessary, you can confidently care for your dog’s minor wounds.
5 Steps for Canine Wound Care:
Stay calm and when possible, have someone assist you with wound care. One person can focus on keeping the dog calm and still while the other person tends to the wound.
Step #1: Stop Bleeding. If your dog is bleeding, the first step is to apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. Direct pressure can be applied with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Gently but firmly hold the cloth or gauze on the wound for approximately 5-10 minutes.
If the blood soaks the first cloth or gauze, apply another directly on top, while keeping pressure on the wound.
Step #2: Clean the Wound. It is important to gently clean the wound with slightly warm water or warm saline solution. Remove any dirt and debris from the wound. Dog first aid kits include large needle-less syringes to make cleaning the wound more effective.
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Step #3. Elevate. Your dog’s wound will be less painful and reduce inflammation if you are able to elevate the injured area. Sitting with your dog to keep them still while elevating the wound works best.
Step #4. Rest. Allow your dog to rest and heal. Use an inflatable collar if needed, to keep them from constantly licking open their wound.
Step #5. Keep Clean & Monitor. Daily clean the wound with warm water or saline. Monitor your dog for unusual behavior and the wound for signs of infection.
Can you use Neosporin on dogs? What about bandaging the wound? It is best if bandages are only applied under the guidance of your veterinarian. Bandages that are applied too tightly can cause excessive pressure, damage to the area, and inhibit circulation to the wound.
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Call your veterinarian immediately for an appointment for any of the following:
- your dog is aggressive, and you are unable to treat them
- when the wound will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes
- damaged arteries and pulsating blood
- significant swelling, redness, or pain
- smelly or discolored discharge coming from the wound
Veterinarians can evaluate the severity of the injury and when necessary, surgically close deep wounds. They will prescribe any antibiotics or pain medication that might be necessary.
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Can you use Neosporin on dogs when they get bitten by another dog? When it comes to puncture wounds and dog bites, it is best to consult with your local veterinarian right away with how to best clean and care for your dog’s wound.
According to Northeastern Veterinarian Referral Hospital: It supports the instructions above, but it goes further to advise that you use Neosporin initially and continue to reapply it.
Cleaning the Bite Wound
- Gently wash the bite wound with soap and water and pat dry with a clean dry gauze pad.
- Dab the wound with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidene or betadine to help kill germs.
- Use a gauze pad to apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin.
The importance of keeping the wound clean cannot be overstated! Clean your dog’s bite wound 3 – 4 times daily with soap and water, and reapply antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.
Can you use Neosporin on dogs? Neosporin Safety and Using it on Dogs
We’ve made it clear, that if possible, before applying Neosporin on dogs, talk with your local veterinarian.
If they recommend you use the ointment on your dog, know how to use and monitor them. The areas that can be harmful if using Neosporin on dogs is their eyes, ears, and ingesting it.
Can you use Neosporin on dogs? Check and monitor for Allergic Reaction. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to Neosporin. It’s best to apply a small amount of ointment to monitor your dog for an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction could be redness, itching, rashes, hives, or in severe cases difficulty breathing.
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Can you use Neosporin on dogs? Keep Out of Reach. Dogs are not intended to ingest Neosporin. It can cause loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset. Ingesting Neosporin can negatively impact the dog’s gut flora resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
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Protect the wound from your dog licking it. If you are unable to locate a Victorian dog collar, you might try a more convenient alternative like this inflatable dog collar.
Not for Heavy Bleeding. When your dog’s wound will not stop bleeding, bring them to a professional veterinarian for care. Can you use Neosporin on dogs? Neosporin on dogs is not intended to be applied for wounds that are bleeding heavily.
Neomycin Warning. Severe allergic reactions to this particular antibiotic can result in hearing loss in your canine.
Use Regular Strength Ointment. Can you use Neosporin on dogs? Neosporin comes in many forms from extra strength ointment to first aid foaming sprays and medicated bandages. Avoid using these Neosporin products on your dog.
Can you use Neosporin on dogs? Use small amounts of this triple antibiotic ointment only if you have instructions from your veterinarian. It can be alright to use but it is not the best way to keep a wound from becoming infected.
Side effects are more likely to appear if used in large quantities and applied to a wound for more than seven days. Always monitor for increased redness or hives in the wound area.
For minor wounds, clean with warm water or saline and let your dog rest.
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