Can you use neosporin on dogs

You may have already used this product for cuts and scrapes on your human family members and wondered whether Neosporin for dogs is safe and effective. Using a small amount of Neosporin on your dog may be OK if your veterinarian recommends it, but there are a few important caveats. Before you break out a new tube for that minor injury, make sure you know the potential risks of using Neosporin on a dog and are aware of alternatives to Neosporin that may be better options for your pet first aid kit.

Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment that is available over the counter at most human pharmacies. The ointment contains three antibiotics: neomycin sulfate, polymixin B sulfate, and bacitracin zinc, typically in a petroleum base. These antibiotics make the ointment effective against many common bacteria, but it will not treat other infectious agents such as viruses, fungi, or parasites.

However, increased bacterial resistance is a growing concern with widespread use of topical antibiotics 1. Some studies also show that long-term use of neomycin can lead to hearing loss 2. Because it is an over-the-counter product, Neosporin is not reviewed or regulated by the FDA. Neosporin can be used topically to treat minor cuts and scrapes in dogs, just like in humans. As we stated earlier, it is not safe for your pet to ingest Neosporin. Topical antibiotics can affect the healthy bacteria balance in their gut, leading to digestive upsets like diarrhea, flatulence, and poor digestion.

In addition to the antibiotics posing an issue, non-active ingredients like white petroleum that give the ointment its lotion-like texture can also contribute to tummy woes. Neosporin is fine in a pinch but considers stocking your pet's first aid kit with something made for pets, or at least something that has fewer risks.

Before we talk about pet-friendly alternatives to Neosporin, you should consider the easiest option of all, which is to do nothing. Not every wound requires treatment. Have you ever gotten a paper cut, rinsed away the blood, and went on with your day? Of course, you have. A minor abrasion like that is unlikely to become infected and will heal on its own, but we err on the side of over-protection when it comes to our pets, just like we do with kids. Sometimes, less is more. They heal better and faster than you do, so many minor scrapes or cuts will heal just fine without your interference.

Nature usually knows best. One of the reasons that dogs heal so well is because of their instinct to clean the wound by licking it. Their saliva contains some bactericidal properties that can help to control bacteria on the wound site. Though this is limited, it could be enough to manage minor abrasions. Their soft tongues can also remove debris from the wound.

Be cautious of how much they lick though. The healing powers of saliva can easily be trumped by the over-grooming process. Here are the proper steps to making sure your dog's wound stays clean:. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes. Back To General Health. Can You Use Neosporin on Dogs?