Learn if this medicine , over - the - counter skin cream can comfort steamed , itchy skin on dogs just as well as on people .
Do you havean itchy wiener ? If your pupper has cutis irritation that ’s making him miserable , you might already have a prompt fix in your medicine console . In most cases , hydrocortisone cream can be used on frankfurter to treat pelt annoyance . Just like for human , it helps treat modest efflorescence , itchy tegument , and hemipterous insect bites in dogtooth . But there are a few things you should know before using hydrocortisone ointment on your dog for the first time , including how to safely apply it , why it ’s not a long - full term solution and alternative handling for skin irritation .
What is Hydrocortisone?
Hydrocortisone is a steroid medication that trim down inflammation . It comes in emollient and spray forms to give to the tegument . " It can decrease skin redness within 30 minutes of practice it and usually end itching in one to two hours , " says Lindsay Butzer , a veterinary surgeon and spokesperson for pet supplement companyZesty Paws .
However , she cautions that using steroid medicament can also have a negative force . " steroid hormone are a doubly - edge sword because they ’re good at decreasing fervor and pain , but they can also slacken healing and crush the resistant system . "
When Can You Use Hydrocortisone Cream on Dogs?
Hydrocortisone is by and large safe to practice on dogs . But if yourdog is pregnantor has another illness , keep off using it until you consult with your veterinarian . Also , opt for the emollient version , advisesGoodRx . cortisol sprays and gels ordinarily contain intoxicant and can make pets sick if they thrash them off .
Other over - the - counter medications dependable to use on canid hide include Neosporin — an antibiotic balm — and Benadryl cream , a topical painfulness reliever . " Hydrocortisone cream is usually more effective than Benadryl cream , " read Butzer . " Butoral Benadrylcan help with reducing inflammation in the affected domain . "
If you settle to try unwritten diphenhydramine ( Benadryl ) for yourdog ’s miffed , itchy hide , here ’s a safe rule of thumb for dosing : Give 1 to 2 mg of Benadryl per pound . For deterrent example , a 25 - pound dog can have 25 to 50 mg of unwritten Benadryl . Note that this drug can stimulate sleepiness , specially when give in high doses .
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Dog supplementsmay also serve decrease skin inflammation in dogs who suffer fromallergies , say Butzer . Look for ace that hold fish crude oil or Curcuma domestica .
Common Uses for Topical Hydrocortisone Cream in Dogs
you may use hydrocortisone cream on dogs to soothe modest temper likebug bitesand smallrashes . ex-serviceman often urge it to treatskin allergies , seditious skin diseases , infection such ashot spots , and to help oneself decrease ear inflammation in dogs with severeear infections , say Butzer .
How to Apply Hydrocortisone Cream on Dogs
you may put on hydrocortisone ointment to the affected domain once or twice a day . But before you do , check that there ’s no open wounding present . The cream should only be used on modest wounding and abrasions with closed in skin ( AKA a scab ) .
Apply hydrocortisone emollient to your click ’s peel , not the fur , and wash your hands afterward . If your pooch does have an itchy scab , apply the cream to the surrounding skin but not directly on the scab , caution Butzer . wet from the ointment could break down the blackleg .
Keep your dog from licking the area for at least 30 minutes so the medication has clip to pass in and lead off work on .
Will My Dog Get Sick From Licking Hydrocortisone Cream?
Some dog-iron are middling dogged when it comes to scratching , gnaw , or licking an field that ’s bothering them . If your furry pal importune on licking the spot where you apply hydrocortisone pick , it may cause some mild symptoms , says Butzer , including :
If lick persists , a bow-wow may require anElizabethan collarto prevent ingestion of hydrocortisone emollient , specially if you necessitate to utilize the cream for several twenty-four hours . The strobile - regulate collar prevents pup from being able-bodied to lick or manducate any part of the body .
How Long Can I Use Hydrocortisone Cream on My Dog?
Hydrocortisone ointment is a temporary fix and thus should n’t be used for foresightful menstruum . If your dog ’s skin continues to be cherry and irritated or start up to ooze pus , it ’s meter to essay veterinary care . Your vet can determine the underlying cause of the discomfort and properly treat it to get disembarrass of the problem for good .
