Can you put neosporin on a dog

This tends to be true for any substance toxic to canines — larger dogs can usually get away with ingesting small accidental amounts of toxic foods without suffering serious issues, while smaller dogs can easily end up consuming a dangerous dose. Accordingly, many vets instruct the owners to limit its use to a few days. Many vets still find that the benefits of Neosporin and similar products outweigh the risks. The anti-bacterial medications in the ointment will help to keep the wound from becoming infected, and potentially help it heal quicker.

This is not an insignificant benefit, as even minor infections can lead to serious, systemic illness. Additionally, triple-antibiotic ointments provide a small measure of protection for the wound , by shielding it from dirt and debris. They may even help to keep flies and other insects from visiting the wound and spreading bacteria or parasites. For example, if your dog is suffering from a wounded snout, triple-antibiotics may not be a great idea, as your dog will likely lick the medication as fast as you can apply it.

Wounds in other locations may present the same problem, as dogs are able to access most of their body surface with their mouths, and that gooey Neosporin can be quite appealing to licky dogs.

Your veterinarian may advise you to cover the wound with a clean dressing while it heals, which may prohibit your dog from accessing the wound and medicine with his tongue. A poorly placed bandage can be worse than no bandage at all. Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment designed to treat minor external wounds. It contains three different topical antibiotics that kill bacteria and help wounds heal quickly:. Together these antibiotics are very effective at defending against a variety of bacteria, preventing infection, and soothing discomfort.

Neosporin is a great product to have in your first aid kit in case of emergencies. Firstly, your dog can have an adverse reaction to one or more of the ingredients in Neosporin. Mild reactions may present in the form of rashes, inflammation, or itchiness.

This will be counterproductive to the healing process. Another consideration is ingestion. 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. An injured dog with a cast on at the vet. Can You Put Neosporin on Dogs?

Can you put Neosporin on dogs to treat a minor wound, cut, or scrape? Can you put Neosporin on dogs' stitches or sutures? What happens if a dog licked or ingested Neosporin? Let's answer some common questions about Neosporin for dogs here. Share on facebook Facebook.

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Mary Tan. Eyes on Peas in Grain-Free Diets. Jackie Brown. One of the staples of every home first aid kit is triple antibiotic ointment, also known as Neosporin. 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.