Using neosporin on dogs

What is neosporin? Can you use neosporin on dogs? Is neosporin safe for dogs?

Just like their owners, dogs are susceptible to minor injuries and are not immune to getting cuts, scrapes, or burns. But before you go ahead and start applying Neosporin, there are a few things to take into consideration. With abrasions scrapes and scratches , you should first clean and flush the wound with soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Your veterinarian should see all puncture or penetrating wounds, including dog bites, as soon as possible. Neosporin is comprised of three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B.

Using neosporin on dogs

So If your dog gets a minor scrape or cut, you might think about using it for him too. What could be the harm, right? It can cause a lot of problems … not just for your dog, but for the planet! Note: A similar product called Polysporin is no longer sold in the US. Neosporin is a triple antibiotic first aid ointment. It helps prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes or burns on the skin. Neosporin has three main ingredients. Each one of them comes with some worrying side effects I want to tell you about. Neomycin is a topical and oral antibiotic. Orally, it works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the intestines. There are known cases of neomycin causing loss of hearing. Neomycin can also damage the kidneys.

So … what was a topical medication becomes an oral one for him. If dogs ingest Neosporin, ingredients like neomycin in the formula can cause health issues. Certain variations of the product may also include a local analgesic pain reliever called pramoxine.

Whether your pup was roughhousing with another dog at the park, got stung by a bee, or stepped on something sharp, every dog owner dreads seeing their furry friend in pain. Dogs can get cuts, scrapes, and scratches just the way humans can — and if left untreated, they can quickly lead to infection and cause pain and additional medical complications. The second you see a scratch on your dog, your first instinct might be to reach for the Neosporin, or any other antibiotic ointment. This topical over-the-counter medication contains antibiotics like neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin, and is commonly used to treat and prevent skin infections in humans. But is it safe to use on your dog? Before you treat your pup with any type of medicine, especially one that is meant for humans, we strongly advise consulting your veterinarian. According to veterinary experts , while bacitracin and polymyxin B are deemed safe for dogs, some have seen hearing loss occur in reaction to neomycin, particularly when given intravenously.

Your Dog Advisor. Can You Use Neosporin on Dogs? And like every careful and concerned dog owner, you get alarmed at even the minor cuts. And your first intuition — grabbing the first aid box. Your first aid box comes with a triple antibiotic ointment called Neosporin. You might have used it on your family members for minor scratches or bleeding, but this drug is different for dogs.

Using neosporin on dogs

Neosporin is a triple antibiotic ointment, made up of bactracin, neomycin and polymyxin B. Antibiotics work to kill bacteria on the skin, thereby preventing or curing a brewing infection. This allows Neosporin on dogs to effectively prevent infections in minor wounds , such as cuts or scrapes. Many types of Neosporin also contain a topical painkiller called Pramoxine. This medication works to slightly numb the site when applied, helping to relieve pain. However, this topical antibiotic is sold for human use, not canine. While bactracin and polymyxin B are probably safe for use on dogs, there is a question mark hanging over the neomycin ingredient. Or perhaps your pup slid across the carpet a little too hard and now has a stomach covered in carpet-burn. Or maybe your pooch was out roaming in the woods and was scraped by some thorns. Can you use Neosporin on dogs?

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You can use it topically as well as internally. However, your vet's office can tell you if the wound requires veterinary attention. Copy Link. Back To General Health. Table of Contents Whether your pup was roughhousing with another dog at the park, got stung by a bee, or stepped on something sharp, every dog owner dreads seeing their furry friend in pain. Falagas, M. Using it as an antibiotic ointment for dogs in minor first aid applications is fine, however, moderation is key. Neomycin Neomycin is a topical and oral antibiotic. Is Neosporin safe for dogs? Pet Health Conditions. Crit Care 10, R27 Read preview. So If your dog gets a minor scrape or cut, you might think about using it for him too. These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

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Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Other instances when Neosporin would not be beneficial to your dog are if he is bleeding heavily, the wound is deep, or appears to be severe. Other minor side effects include skin irritation, rash or other allergic reactions. It can cause a lot of problems … not just for your dog, but for the planet! With abrasions scrapes and scratches , you should first clean and flush the wound with soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Low Protein Dog Food. When applied topically, common side effects can include redness, irritation, and itching at the application site. And topical neomycin can also cause hearing loss. Neosporin is a triple antibiotic first aid ointment. Alternatives to using Neosporin on dogs. Any topical applied to a dog will encourage that dog to lick the area. In her spare time, Dr. When it comes to Neosporin on dogs, application can be tricky. Your vet can spot potential signs of infection and determine if your dog needs additional treatment, like stitches, Wystrach says.