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Unlike any other animals, dogs are also vulnerable to cuts, burns, and injuries. So, it is obvious for you to search, is Neosporin good for dogs? Well, in some cases, you can use the antibiotic ointment to help your crawling beast heal, but it is sometimes not advisable. As ointment is something your instinct might tell you to use for your dog, you must know a few things about it, particularly about Neosporin.
Minor cuts and scrapes on your dog can be caused by factors such as rooting through dense brush, stepping on a sharp stone, or being whacked by the family cat. When humans get minor scrapes, we use Neosporin to prevent infection. Neosporin is a brand-name antibiotic ointment found in almost every home, and it is entirely safe for humans. Is Neosporin, however, safe for dogs?
If your dog has a minor wound on its body or face, you might consider reaching for the Neosporin tube and dabbing some on the wound. Nonetheless, before you do, there are a few things you should think about. Remember that Neosporin is a human product, not a dog product. Is Neosporin good for dogs? Continue reading for a closer look at Neosporin and its components.
Overview of Neosporin
- Type of medication: Antibiotic
- Form: Topical
- Requirement of prescription: No
- Approved by FDA: No
- Common name: Triple antibiotic ointment
- Dosages: Includes 3.5 g Neomycin, 400 IU Bacitracin, 5000 IU Polymixin B per gram
- Expiry: Long shelf life
What is Neosporin?
As you want to know whether Neosporin is good for dogs, you must know first what it is. Neosporin is the topical antibacterial ointment and the brand name that contains the antibiotics neomycin, polysporin, and bacitracin. This is an over-the-counter medication, so no prescription is required. This medicine is intended to prevent and treat minor skin infections caused by minor cuts, scrapes, or burns. It is ineffective against infections caused by other foreign agents, such as fungi or viruses.
Know about the ingredients in Neosporin
Is Neosporin good for dogs? You should learn about the ingredients used to make this ointment.
Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin are the three antibiotics combined together to produce Neosporin. These antibacterial agents work together to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin, preventing infection when we have minor cuts and scrapes. It also forms a physical barrier on the skin to keep bacteria out of the wound.
Those antibiotics do the same thing for your dog: they kill bacteria before they have a chance to grow and create a barrier that prevents much of the bacteria from growing. Know more about the components that Neosporin has below.
- Bacitracin
Bacitracin is approved for use on animals, so it’s an entirely risk-free option for your dog. In a 1989 study, dogs who had received the antibiotic after surgery were compared to those who had not. Bacitracin-treated dogs had far fewer infections and positive bacteria cultures. As a result, this medication was effective in treating dogs.
- Neomycin
Although neomycin is effective for treating infections in dogs, it may cause side effects. When used intravenously, the antibiotic has been linked to hearing loss ranging from muffled hearing to total deafness. Those hearing changes were permanent in all of the dogs who experienced them.
Is it possible that a small dab of Neosporin applied to your dog’s skin will cause hearing loss? No way, that’s essentially impossible. However, it is something that should cause dog owners to think twice before administering a human-made medication to their doggy.
- Polymyxin B
Bacillus polymyxa is the component from which Polymyxin B is derived. It is generally regarded as a safe antibiotic option for dogs. It is included in Neosporin as a “back-up” antibiotic, which is used in addition to other antibiotics if they are ineffective.
Pramoxine is a fourth ingredient found in some Neosporin and other brands of antibiotic ointments. It’s a topical pain reliever that helps to numb the wound site while also preventing itchiness and irritation. Pramoxine is also considered safe for dogs and is frequently used in anti-itch sprays for animals.
When can you use Neosporin on your doggo?
While taking care of the wounds of your four-legged friend, you should know the ideal times for the usages of Neosporin.
The ingredients in Neosporin are generally regarded as safe for dogs. Does this mean you should use Neosporin every time your dog gets a minor cut or wound?
A small portion of Neosporin applied to a minor cut or wound will not be harmful. However, it is not necessary to use the ointment for every minor wound that your dog suffers. It’s unlikely to harm your dog and may help prevent infection and make your dog more comfortable, but it’s not required.
Remember that your doggo might simply lick the Neosporin off the wound site after it has been applied. As a result, applying the ointment may be a waste of time. Furthermore, you don’t want your dog ingesting large amounts of Neosporin – while a small amount is unlikely to cause harm, you don’t want to take any chances.
It’s also necessary to keep in mind that some dogs may be allergic to Neosporin or one of its active ingredients. If you intend to use Neosporin on your dog’s skin in the future, dab a small amount on a test area first, then keep an eye on it to see if inflammation, redness, or a rash develops. If it does, you’ll know your dog is allergic to it, and you should stop using it right away.
How is Neosporin good for dogs?
If you are wondering if Neosporin is good for dogs, we can say partially yes! Neosporin is safe to use on your doggo for minor cuts and scrapes because it can help prevent bacterial infections and keep your dog from scratching, licking, or biting the wound while it heals. Make sure your pup doesn’t lick the ointment off after you’ve applied it, and they should be fine.
Keep in mind that your dog may be allergic to Neosporin or one of its ingredients. Other types of skin problems, such as hot spots, rashes, or skin infections, should not be treated with Neosporin. Finally, Neosporin is a product designed for humans, not dogs, so it is unnecessary to use it on your canine companion.
Contact your veterinarian if your dog sustains a more severe wound than a minor scrape or cut. It is not good to be sorry, but always good to be safe.
If your veterinarian gives you the go-ahead signal to use Neosporin on your doggo, keep in mind that it must only be applied topically on your pet’s skin and might not be reliable if used incorrectly. It should not be used in the ear canal because it can harm the eardrum and exacerbate existing ear infections.
It’s also worth noting that Neosporin is not the same as a triple antibiotic ophthalmic ointment, and it should never be used in your pet’s eyes. Because ophthalmic problems can worsen quickly, it is best to see your veterinarian as soon as possible rather than attempting to treat the problem at home.
If you are thinking to give Neosporin orally, we can say that Neosporin should not be given to your dog orally. This is not only ineffective, but it may also cause digestive upset in your dog if given in large amounts. When using Neosporin topically, only apply it to areas where your dog cannot reach.
Conversely, you can delicately cover the area with a T-shirt or sock or use an Elizabethan collar or a substitute to a dog cone to prevent your dog from licking the area. Not only will licking the area allow your dog to consume the ointment, but it may also aggravate the cut or scrape you are treating by introducing bacteria and moisture from your dog’s mouth to the area.
Also Read: Is It Safe To Use Benadryl For Dogs? 10 Queries Answered
Some tips on using Neosporin
As mentioned earlier, it is better to consult with your veterinarian before administering any medications. While using Neosporin on dogs with the permission of a veterinarian, remember to:
- To rule out any allergic reactions, test a small area first: A possible allergic reaction can cause redness, hives, and itching in the affected area. More serious side effects, which are uncommon, include difficulty breathing and facial swelling.
- Only use fewer amounts: Neosporin is not safe for your dog to consume, and it can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite if ingested.
- Use regular strength: Always choose regular strength over extra-strength varieties or those with added active ingredients for pain relief. Avoid using it in your ears, eyes, or internally.
Side effects of Neosporin on Dogs
If you are worried about the use of Neosporin, you must know about the side effects. When using Neosporin, it is critical to keep an eye out for potential side effects such as allergic reactions or contact dermatitis. An allergic reaction can cause red, scaly, or itchy skin. More serious side effects are uncommon, but they may include:
- If ingested, this may result in vomiting or diarrhea.
- If used in the eyes, it can cause irritation.
- If used in the ears, it can cause hearing loss, infection, and irritation.
- The emergence of resistant infections
Unless and otherwise directed by your veterinarian, do not use Neosporin in conjunction with other topical medications. Because Neosporin is only used externally, there is little chance that it will interact with any medications your pet is taking orally.
Alternatives of Neosporin for Dogs
If you are sceptical about Neosporin, you must know about its alternatives. Other antibacterial treatments other than Neosporin include silver sulfadiazine (SSD) ointment, bacitracin ointment, and polysporin ointment. However, topical antibacterial products designed specifically for dogs, such as Silver Honey, Vetricyn, and Sulfodene, are obtainable at pet stores or your veterinarian’s clinic.
These products should only be used on minor skin irritations and should not be used on large or deep wounds. If the scrape or cut you’re treating doesn’t heal within 24-48 hours, consult your veterinarian.
Topical products should not be used for severe injuries and should never be used in place of proper vet care. If your pet seems to have a large or deep wound or a skin infection that covers a huge area of the body, you should take them to the veterinarian.
To help your dog heal faster, the vet may prescribe oral antibiotics, medicated shampoos, a stronger topical ointment, or other targeted treatments. In conjunction with oral antibiotics, topical therapy could be used to treat extensive or severe skin infections and wounds.
While most superficial scrapes and abrasions do not require extensive treatment and may benefit from the application of Neosporin, more severe injuries frequently necessitate veterinary care. Although puppies frequently get into mischief and come away with scrapes, Neosporin may not be a good choice for use in them. As tempting as it is to cure these minor injuries, your pup will most likely lick off any Neosporin you apply, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset. Listen to what your vet says before trying any home remedies to prevent infection, no matter what scrapes your pup gets into. Your inquisitive canine may require more care to avoid infection than you can provide at home.
